Today’s Readings:
Acts 12:24-13:5
Psalm 67
John 12:44-50
The opening words of the first reading of today, taken from Acts 12:24 says, “The word of God continued to spread and to gain followers.” These words are very powerful. It is impossible to encounter God’s word and not be transformed because it is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God (the Logos) is Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Blessed Trinity. An encounter with God is transformative. The first place we go to encounter God is in His word, spoken and written for us in the Scriptures. There is no way in which you will encounter this Word without being shaped by it.
What are those aspects of our lives which God’s Word must shape?
Family—described as the basic unit of the Church. When the word of God forms the foundation of your heart, it informs how you love your wife and how you respect your husband (Read Ephesians 5). It also informs how together they raise a family that pleases God—to love and serve God.
Religion—This is the faith that a person practices. Your faith must be born out of genuine love of God and love of your neighbour just as you love yourself. This is the summary of the Christian faith. May God give you the courage and grace to love others the way you wish to be loved and respected.
Education—This should be geared towards making the world better by transforming the way you think (Episteme), empowering you to create things which are wholesome and useful (Teche) and helping you to apply your knowledge in a way that creates value for everyone (Phrenesis).
Media—The content that you share with others just be truthful and wholesome, not coloured by prejudice against other people’s moral, political or social values. Much of the content we consume these days is either vulgar or violent and you should have not part in it.
Entertainment—This should fill us with joy and draw us closer to God who is the source of joy and author of all good things. Entertainment that is anchored on immorality and violence is an abuse of God’s creative gift in art.
Business—The exchange of goods and services should serve to grow everyone. When we speak of profit-making, it is not to take advantage of an unsuspecting customer but to give people the best value for their money.
Government—This is a share in God’s authority. Persons in authority are exercising God’s reign over the world. They should ensure that everyone from the least to the greatest is safe and offered an enabling environment to grow and achieve their fullest potential. If a government fails to protect the interest of the weak and vulnerable, it has failed and is acting contrary to the mind of God.
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:
May God help us today, so that as God’s word makes its way into our hearts and minds, we may be transformed and dwell in the light of God’s grace, safe from the grips of the works of darkness. May we be truly God’s children in this world and the next? Amen.
Lord, let your Word find a home in my life. Let it chase away the darkness of sin, depression and fear. Extend your power and influence into every aspect of my life and transform the world through me in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.