Today’s Readings:
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Psalm 1:1-4,6
Luke 9:22-25
Our choices determine our happiness. What we choose to think, say, do or refrain from doing is directly connected to what is currently happening to us or what will eventually happen to us. The signs of success are always present in the things we choose. The signs of failure are also present in the choices we make but we choose to ignore them. During this season, God wants to bless us. But we need to choose with sense. God cannot choose for us. He will only present us with our choices. And our choices are very clear—life and prosperity or death and disaster?
The life path is simple:
Obey God’s commands (the Ten Commandments )
Love God and honour your relationship with Him.
Shape your life with Christian values, teachings and customs.
The implications of these injunctions cover your personal life, your spirituality, your relationship choices, your marriage and family life, your business and career decisions and so on.
The path to death and disaster is also simple:
Let your heart stray from God.
Refuse to listen to God’s commands.
Worship false gods (persons or material things).
Associate with people who only lead you into sin and make them your role models.
The end of all this is a short and painful life. May this not be our portion in Jesus’ name.
How do you avoid making wrong choices?
Follow the teachings of the Church (for more insights, consult your priest/pastor)
Steer clear of bad influences (friends and social media influences that are contrary to God’s law).
Be rooted in the right set of values (faith, love, family, compassion, service, truth, justice, forgiveness and hope).
Saturate your mind with the words of Scripture.
Do not make any decision in haste.
Bear the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23 - charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity).
Carry your cross faithfully- the natural consequences of your decision to do things God’s way.
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:
May God be pleased with my choices and decisions, in Jesus' name.
May God be glorified by my relationships, in Jesus' name.
May God be pleased with my work ethic and how I choose to discharge my duties, in Jesus' name.
May God be honoured in my home and my marriage, in Jesus' name.
May God keep away every evil influence and destructive friendship from me, in Jesus' name.
May God’s grace transform my life and fill me with grace and every material and spiritual blessing through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Dear Lord, be the beginning and end of everything I do and say today, and always, in Jesus' name.
Prompt my actions with Your grace, and perfect them with Your all-powerful help in Jesus' name. Amen.
Comments