Today’s Readings:
Acts 5:34-42;
Psalm 27:1,4,13-14;
John 6:1-15
JESUS IS NEITHER A FREEDOM FIGHTER NOR A BREAD KING. Gamaliel testified that there had been freedom fighters like Theudas and Judas the Galilean. But as soon as they were killed, their followers dispersed. Jesus is different in the fact that His death and resurrection proved that He is God and His followers gained courage from this. Yet, not everyone who followed Jesus from the onset remained. Those who came to him simply for bread, quickly dispersed. Jesus himself testified, “A person shall not live on bread alone but on every word, which proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
PHYSICAL BREAD NOURISHES THE BODY. Spiritual food nourishes the soul and God provides them both to those who trust in Him. Through material provisions, God wants to turn your gaze upwards to the things that never pass away. He says that, “Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard, and it has not entered the mind of man what God has in store for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Are you still worried about your finances and your next meal? Are you suffering under the burden of your health condition? Do you feel as though God is delaying in sending you help or putting an end to your suffering? God knows these needs and He will far exceed your expectations. However, there is a lesson for you. EARTHLY SUFFERING IS FOR A TIME and it serves its purpose. It is not a sign that God has abandoned you. Far from it. It is a mark of his approval over you. Saint Paul reminds us that: “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17-18).
NOTHING WE GO THROUGH ON EARTH IS MEANT TO CRUSH US. We are like gold being refined in fire, only better. God is purifying your soul so that you are not worldly-minded, and you are not fixated on your version of happiness and joy. Even as you endure pain, God is your strength in weakness, your consolation in times of suffering and your peace in the storm. God has a plan for your happiness that is far greater than anything you can possibly plan for yourself. Allow God to open your eyes to the bigger reality He has in store for you. His plan for your life will neither be derailed nor destroyed.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handywork.
I will love You O Lord, my strength. the Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
May the Holy Spirit grant me insight, divine assistance in all that I go through today, and afford me consolation for my pains, in Jesus’ name.
Lord open my eyes that I may behold wonderous things out of your laws, in Jesus name.
Lord, grant that I walk with You in victory and liberty of body, soul, and spirit, in Jesus name.
Father visit Christian homes with Your mercy and Your power; mend relationships, in Jesus name.
Lord by Yourself, train our children, the teenagers, the youths and young adults to love You and Your path of righteousness, in Jesus name.
Lord, grant that Your Church may preach the Gospel of truth about Jesus in love, with boldness and courage, in Jesus name.
Lord, chose for our nation, God-fearing leaders, let there be peace and harmony of purpose, in Jesus name.
O Lord visit the nations of the world with Your mercy and healing power, in Jesus name. Amen.
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