Today’s Reading:
Jonah 3:1-10
Psalm 51:3-4,12-13,18-19
Luke 11:29-32
Avoid extremes at all costs. The extremes in our spiritual life are presumptions and despair. Presumption says, "God will always forgive my sins no matter what". Be careful, it might be too late when you decide to repent. Despair says to God, "You cannot save me. My sins are bigger than your mercy." This is not true. To avoid both extremes, do what the Ninevites did. Jonah set foot in their land and prophesied that their sins were too great and they would suffer God's wrath in 40 days if they did not repent. They took actionable steps to turn away from sin:
They proclaimed a fast.
They put on sackcloth (clothes that suggested mourning)
Everyone was involved from the greatest to the least. Beasts, flocks and herds were not exempted.
They called on God with all their might (prayer)
They renounced their evil behaviour and wickedness.
God takes note of our efforts. We suffer today as a people because we have drifted too far from righteousness and justice. We have forgotten that "Righteousness exalts a nation and sin is a reproach" (Proverbs 14:34). As a people, we have all gone astray (like sheep), each turning his or her way (Isaiah 53:6). We must return to our senses like the Prodigal Son, renounce our sins and begin the long journey home to the Merciful Father through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. He wants to see your effort to repent.
Just as Jonah spoke to the Ninevites and they repented, if today we repent, go to confession, fast and atone for our sins, reconcile with those who have wronged us and live completely for God, He will certainly take notice and heal our land.
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 believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart, keep me from all evil, and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord!
If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest, as the case may be.
Prayer:
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I have sinned.
Look with favour on my prayers, fasting and works of mercy, draw me closer to Yourself and fill me with every good and perfect gift to the glory of Your name. Amen.
Lord, open my eyes today to see and serve You in the least of my brothers and sisters. Cleanse me of my selfishness and fill me with compassion and love. Amen.
As I keep prayer close to my lips at all times and I am set for life, Oh God bless me always through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen
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