Today’s Readings:
Isaiah 56:1-3,6-8; Psalm 67:2-3,5,7-8; John 5:33-36
We know people who claim that their work is just work and not a reflection of their lives. This is not the way of Christ. For Christ Himself says: John 5:36 – “The works my Father has given me to carry out, these same works of mine testify that the Father has sent me.” It is Christ’s works that validate His claim to divinity. As followers of Christ, it is our work that shows that we belong to him. When our works run contrary to our words, we are standing against Him.
He says about us: Matthew 7:16-17 – “By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit…” What happens when a person is asked to do something that they do not believe in? They say “No”. What happens when a person is paid to do something, they are neither interested in nor passionate about? They refuse. So, when a person accepts pay or chooses to do things that are contrary to their beliefs or convictions, it is because they either share those beliefs and conviction. or maybe they are just interested in the money. This raises a question of both faith and personal values. Uppermost in our value scale are the words of our Master:
Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” What should you do? Do what Christ asks you to do. Be a Christian through and through. Choose good and reject evil always. The next time someone offers you money in exchange for your dignity, tell them that your soul is worth much more than any quantity of silver and gold.
Do not compromise out of fear or desperation. Difficult times prove our faithfulness to God. God will reward abundantly those who remain faithful to the end: Isaiah 56:6,7 – “All who observe the sabbath...and cling to my covenant – these I will bring to my holy mountain. I will make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their holocausts and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar…”
JUDE-MARY OWOH
PRAYER POINT:
Father, thank You for Your mighty power to save to the uttermost, for Your power to deliver from any form of bondage, in Jesus name.
My Father, keep me faithful in the face of temptations and tests, and reward my faithfulness with countless favours, in Jesus name.
Let every rebellion flee from my heart, in Jesus name.
My Father, re-align every satanic straying in my life, in Jesus name.
Father Lord, reposition Your Church to align with Your plan for her at this season, in Jesus name.
Father uproot everything You have not planted in Your Church, and revive Your Pentecostal power and fire, in Jesus name.
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