Today’s Readings:
1 Corinthians 4:6-15
Psalm 145:17-21
Luke 6:1-5
God has brought us safely to another weekend. For this we are grateful. We have survived despite the rising cost of living. And if you are in Nigeria, you have survived another week of astronomical transportation rates due to fuel scarcity. I know that God who continues to provide for us despite the challenges, will not abandon or forsake us in our situation. May God continue to provide for you, meet your needs and open your heart in generosity to others through Christ our Lord. Amen. I want to emphasise that you are alive purely out of the mercy of God. Some did not make it through this week alive. There is no reason to brag or be inflated about your accomplishments. St Paul reminds us: “What do you have that was not given to you? And if it was given, how can you boast as though it were not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). We are stewards of God’s blessings; we have not done anything to merit them.
What are some things we are tempted to brag about?
Our money
Our good looks
Family and connections
Business and career
Relationships and marriage
Some even brag about their closeness to God (to the altar).
All that you have is a gift from God and you should return thanks to Him. 1 Peter 5:5 says, ‘All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.’
So, never look down on anyone. Do not take it upon yourself to play God in deciding who deserves God’s favour and who should be kicked out. The Pharisees were tailing Jesus and his disciples and they caught then picking ears of corn and eating them on the Sabbath, an act that was forbidden. And before they could accuse Jesus for allowing his disciples commit sin, Jesus reminds them that David and his men ate the show-bread from the temple that was meant for the priest alone and did not incur a curse. God takes delight in blessing us and not punishing us. We should not make it our business to judge whom God should bless or curse. Jesus also reminded them that, ‘The Son of Man is master of the sabbath.’ God has given you this new day as a blessing and wants you to be a blessing to others. He is in control, so you have nothing to fear. May God’s blessings enrich you and carry you through each day. Extend the same mercy and blessings to others—we are in life’s situations together and only by working and walking together shall we find grace and attain eternal happiness.
May God put a smile on your face and joy in your heart with these words. Brag about God's mercy despite your unworthiness. God has heard my cry and He has come to save me. Share this healing declaration with others.
Peace be with you.
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, thank you for the gift of life.
Lord, thank you for your provision.
Lord, thank you for blessing me despite my shortcomings.
Lord, I know that you are taking care of my worries.
Lord, I know that I am blessed beyond any curse.
Lord, bless everyone I am associated with.
Lord, let your blessings always locate me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Lord, help me to see that you are blessing me and providing my needs despite my unworthiness. I rejoice in Your mercy.
Let Your abundance flow into my life today, and always, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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