Today’s Readings:
Ezekiel 2:8-3:4
Psalm 119:14,24,72,103,111,131
Matthew 18:1-5,10,12-14
A friend recently said, “Jude, praise God if someone can still talk to you and you listen”. Most people no longer listen and when they do, they do not take your words to heart. We are all trying to make sense of life. We are trying to make a living and find our place in the world. It can be difficult to listen to other people’s opinion of what you should be doing. Life is a journey with others. They are not all your enemies; and not every friendly person is a friend. But we need a road map to navigate our journey.
Here are five things to bear in mind today as you journey to greatness in God:
Feed on God’s word daily — God’s words is a lamp for your feet and a light for your path (Psalm 119:105). It contains words that will cause you to lament over injustice, weep for your sins and cry out against the problems in the world and do something to change them.
Listen hard to those leading you to God — You may not like how they convey their message. But you cheat yourself if you refuse to listen for the truth in their words.
Pray for courage to cut off from people who only show up for fun and laughter and are markedly absent when you are going through trials and tribulations. There is a thin line between fun and falling. They are not your friends.
Beware of “Careerism” —Many times, your desire to build a career might be a trap you have set for yourself because you are afraid of being alone or unloved. Do whatever you do with the intention of making the lives of others better, not just yourself.
Pray for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit — From the moment you wake up until you retire for the night, invite the Holy Spirit to take control of your day and guide you. Without the Holy Spirit, you cannot begin anything good, or sustain it and you will never be able to accomplish anything good. Every seeming good you accomplish is only paving the path for destruction (Proverbs 14:12). May this not be your portion. Amen.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, give me a heart that listens.
Lord, give me a heart filled with sorrow for my sins.
Lord, deliver me from fear of being hurt.
Lord, deliver me from seeking my own good at the expense of others.
Lord, deliver me from the fear of being looked down upon.
Lord, help me to see that you have my best interest at heart.
Lord, help me to seek the best interest of others.
Lord, keep me close to You. May I never be separated from You in life or in death. Amen.
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