Today’s Readings:
Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,9
Mark 9:2-10
We all want a life-changing experience. We want to be like Daniel who caught a glimpse of divine majesty. We want to be like Peter, James and John who experienced Christ’s transfiguration. We want something to snatch sin away from our hearts and cleanse us magically. This is not realistic. We can, however, experience much needed growth (spiritually and otherwise) in our lives by detoxifying in 10 steps:
Admit your obsessions — You cannot detoxify if you keep telling yourself that you are okay when you are clearly out of control.
Go to counselling — Speak to someone who can pray with you, guide you and become your accountability partner. It has to be a professional who is unbiased.
Live don’t cope — You were not built to cope with situations. You have to live life to the fullest, which means live in holiness, peace and joy every day of your life. Sin and selfishness make you live below your capacity.
What do you want? Do not allow anyone or anything occupy the space you ought to reserve for what you are looking for. Be clear about what you want and God will grant it to you if it is truly good. Work hard towards it and do not settle for ‘Tokunbo’ versions.
Solve the Problem of the Heart — Sometimes our hearts are attached to things we know are unhealthy for us. Read Psalm 51:10 and receive your deliverance (yes, open your Bible and read).
Change routine, route and reality — You cannot walk near fire and not expect to smell like smoke. If you want things to change, change the things you can control.
Pray, Pray, Pray — In prayer, you step into the purifying Presence of God where wounds, traumas, addictions and obsessions are healed permanently.
Hand it to God — Mention the things you are struggling with. God wants to step in and save you because you have neither the will nor grace to save yourself. Hand that problem or situation to Him.
Distance is Needed — Sometimes, you need a clean break from people, places and things that are stealing you away from God. If they need to go, let them go so that you can find what you truly need.
Be patient — Transformation is not overnight. You will stumble and fall from time to time. But refuse to quit; winners don’t quit.
Follow Christ with all speed, yearn for the heavenly vision that will give you a share in his radiance, renew your spiritual nature and transform You into his own likeness and fill you with Glory. 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, help me to overcome my challenges.
Lord, transform me.
Lord, renew me in Your grace.
Lord, lead me to the right people, places and situations.
Lord, help me to change the things I can.
Lord, help me to choose You above all else and bless me always. Amen.
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