Today’s Readings:
Acts 16:1-10
Psalm 100
John 15:18-21
If people hate you, let it be for the right reasons. Jeremiah Gyang released his debut album (“Na Ba Ka”) to critical acclaim. Once he was invited to a government function to make a performance. One of the songs he performed was ‘Kasi Tala’ in his native Birom dialect. He invited the crowd (composed of the elites in society) to join in by clapping. The lyrics of his song loosely translate to, “On the last day, everyone will give an account of himself”. You do not need a prophet to tell you what he was doing. Over a decade later, Asa would sing, “There is fire on the mountain” at the rebranding ceremony for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). As Christians, our life has to be prophetic. It has to be set on the right foundation and be lived out in a way that robs off on everyone you encounter.
Here are some principles that you should hold and never lose as a Christian:
Character—guard and cherish your good name and do your work to perfection.
Faith—Invest in a relationship with God by imitating the life of Christ.
Human Dignity—Your body is God’s temple; preserve it from sin and tendencies to self-harm through substance abuse even for recreational purposes.
Self-control—Control what you think, say and do. You will render account for every idle word and action before God.
Peer Pressure—your associations are either leading you to God or away from Him. Who are the people you hang with?
Sexual Purity—Sex is a good to be enjoyed in marriage between a married man and his wife. Actions which simulate the act or encourage it outside of marriage are sinful.
Bragging Right—If you must boast about anything, let it be about the progress you are making in the spiritual life. Blush and be ashamed of your sinful past and never call it to mind as a reason to brag.
Truth—A thing cannot be right and wrong at the same time. Seek the truth always and do away with mere opinions or “personal truths”.
Service—Your gifts of time, talent and treasure serve the high purpose of leading people to God and not away from Him. You will render an account for everyone you mislead by the way you live your life.
If people hate you, let it be for the right reasons; because you are a follower of Christ and truly so. You are on earth to do God’s will. By so doing, you will find joy and peace, you will prosper and generation after generation of your lineage shall reap the fruits of your good deeds. May this be your portion in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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 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 prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is your desire to grant us every divine blessing. Let your name be always in my heart and on my lips. Let nothing ever separate me from your will. I am all yours, my King and my God. Amen.
Lord Jesus, reign in my heart and let Your name always be on my lips. Fulfil your promise to me and meet me at every point of my needs. Amen.
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