Today’s Readings:
Isaiah 48:17-19
Psalm 1:1-4,6
Matthew 11:16-19
What gets you into a relationship? Is it the attractiveness of the other person? Is it what they have to offer financially, emotionally or in some cases, sexually? Well, we are attracted to different things in different people. But all these should have their roots in a prime and fundamental relationship. And this relationship is the one we have with God. If you lack a solid relationship with God, you will find it difficult to have a profitable relationship with anyone. The terms and conditions of our relationship with God ought to be His commandments. What are these commandments? They are divided into two: love of God above everything and love of neighbour as yourself. Our relationship with God is not divorced from our relationship with people, and our relationship with people is not divorced from our relationship with God.
In Isaiah’s prophecy, God makes it clear: ‘If only you had been alert to my commandments, your happiness would have been like a river, your integrity like the waves of the sea. Your children would have been numbered like the sand, your descendants as many as its grains. Never would your name have been cut off or blotted out before me’ (Isaiah 48:18,19). God must be first and at the top of our day. This is why I call those who read this daily reflection “Toppers”. God does not want a part of you; He wants all of you. Does God truly hold the first place in your life? Or is He just there to serve your main ambition? Those who follow God’s commands always seek wisdom and common sense. Wise people are often those who keep God’s commands and encourage others to do the same. It is common sense to love the one who loves you unconditionally. Such people will never celebrate sin. When you start mingling with people who feel no qualms about sinning either with you or for you, you are on a path of foolishness and the relationship has no future.
So, if I keep God’s commands, will I become wealthy? No. What if I become a child of God and avoid sin, will I enjoy a stress-free life? No. Evil people prosper as well as good people (Matthew 5:45). If you work hard, position yourself right and pray, you will find your daily bread. But make no mistake, no material thing can satisfy the longing in our hearts for God. The purest relationship is to seek God for himself (Matthew 6:33). Do you have God in your life? If you don’t, ask yourself, what is keeping me away from God? Why am I dwelling in rebellion and unrighteousness?
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 meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
May you drink from the well of wisdom and commonsense and realise that there is nothing in this world that you will take with you when you leave.
May God grant you a spirit of prayer and the grace to read His word.
May God bless your family and close friends bring you all closer and keep you by His side
May God grant you the special gifts of power in virginity, gracefulness in modesty; a sacrifice on the altar of chastity and faithfulness shall save you from evil and shame in Jesus' name.
May the heavens rain down blessings upon you and your loved one.
May the grace of God go before you, speak for you, protect you, heal you, deliver you and enlarge your coast as you make Christ known and loved by your actions in Jesus' name. Amen.
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