Today’s Readings:
1 Kings 3:4-13
Psalm 119:9-14
Mark 6:30-34
I saw a video on social media where a mother was teaching her toddler to speak the Igbo language with a set of flash cards. Not only did the flash cards convey elements of the Igbo language — they also conveyed truths about the human person. Before I share the words that the little girl had to learn in her native tongue, I want you to remember that the single most important thing in the world is to know yourself along with your virtues and vices. This self-knowledge should lead you into a relationship with God, just as it led King Solomon to ask God for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9) and led the people who went after Jesus as sheep in need of a shepherd (Mark 6:34). We all need guidance (God’s guidance) to achieve our God-given purpose on earth.
Remembering who you are will help you rely on God’s grace and He will bless you:
I know who I am – I am a child of God (John 1:12).
I am strong—I am strengthened by the grace of God (Philippians 4:13).
I am intelligent—I have in me the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).
I am good—God created me in His image and said that I am very good (Genesis 1:31)
I am beautiful—because I am God’s work of art and I reflect His glory (Ephesians 2:10).
I am courageous—There is no place for fear in my life; only faith (Matthew 17:20-21).
I am confident—Nothing can intimidate me because God has my back (Jeremiah 20:11).
I am kind-hearted to others—I see God reflected in the weak and poor (Matthew 25:40).
I am capable—God’s divine power has given me all I need to succeed in all I do (2 Peter 1:3).
I am special—I am the apple of God’s eye (Psalm 17:8).
I am enough—Since God dwells in me as His Temple, I am more than enough (1 Corinthians 6:19).
I am blessed—In Christ, I have received every blessing that heaven has to offer (Ephesians 1:3).
I am unique and that is my strength—I am a one-of-a-kind creation and I will never conform to the fake and immoral life of the world (Romans 12:2).
I am funny—I put a smile on everyone’s face.
I am humble— I no dey do pass myself (Luke 1:38).
I am curious—I long to know what God wants from me, so that I may do it with all my heart (1 Samuel 3:8; Psalm 39:9).
I want you to say these words of affirmation in your native tongue or any other language you know. Personalise it and make it a prayer, so that even if you still struggle to believe in God’s goodness to you, His grace will supply for your inadequacies.
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 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.
Prayer:
May the joy and peace of Christ fill your heart and strengthen you always. Amen.
Lord, may the light of your grace shine through me. May nothing dim this light or put it out. Give me the wisdom to flee the occasions of sin and remain in your holy presence always through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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