Today’s Readings:
Ephesians 6:10; Psalm 144:1,2,9-10; Luke 13:31-35
Living in the world today, you cannot help but feel powerless. There are floods, mental challenges and economic tsunamis, swallowing every piece of our hope and courage. And naturally there is hunger and pursuit for power and protection. We just want to hold on to something in order to feel safe. Saint Paul tells us to “Grow strong in the Lord, with the strength of his power”. And this is because all power belongs to God (Psalm 22:28). The Psalmist says that, “The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). God is pleased to share His power with His sons and daughters. St John tells us that for, “As many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons (and daughters) of God, even to them that believe on His name” (John 1:12).
Power comes through faith in Christ Jesus. Saint Paul describes this power as an armour that we must put on. It is the power to fight off evil and be established in holiness, goodness and peace:
Ephesians 6:12 – “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
There are two principles at work in the world, the power of good and the power of evil. These powers operate through human persons. You are either filled with the power of God in the Holy Spirit, or you are possessed by evil powers. Are you conscious of the power working through you? Can a person be possessed by evil powers and be unaware of it? The simple answer is yes. But you need to watch the things you do and the things you involve yourself in so that you do not become the devil’s hired hands. One of the clearest signs that you are standing with the evil one is that you reject the teachings of Christ, whether some of it or all of it. The Pharisees did not know they were carrying out the devil’s mandate when they asked Jesus to leave Jerusalem. Sometimes, we are like them, trying to discourage those we see to be living out their faith boldly. We accuse them of doing “too much”. We tell them that they would lose friends or relevance if they are perceived as churchy, rigid, conservative or old-fashioned.
You have to take a clear stance with regard to your faith. You are either known for your relationship with Christ or you are carrying out the devil’s agenda. But if you refuse the latter, here is what Saint Paul suggests that you do consciously: Ephesians 6:13 – “Therefore, put on the armour of God, so that you will be able to hold fast on the evil day and to hold your ground with all your strength.”
What are the components of this armour?
The belt of TRUTH (filter everything before you allow it into your mind especially ENTER-tainment);
The breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS (flee from the occasions of sin);
ZEAL to proclaim the gospel of peace (read and share this post and other things that remind us of God);
The shield of FAITH (grow your faith daily);
The helmet of SALVATION (be at peace with God all the time);
The sword of the Spirit, which is THE WORD OF GOD (when was the last time you picked up your Bible and read it?);
PRAY always in the Spirit (be aware that God is in you, with you and for you);
Keep alert and always PERSEVERE in supplication for all the saints (pray for others and not just yourself).
You need these spiritual armour-pieces to face the sources of powerlessness you encounter each day. You cannot be powerless and then find true power and refuse to use it. Real power is having God in your life and placing your life and all your cares in His hands.
In the first letter of Saint Peter, it says:
1 Peter 5:6,7 – “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares about you.”
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
Father, deliver me from sin and every evil, in Jesus’ name.
Father, let Your grace and Your power flowing from the Cross free me from every evil yoke preventing me from attaining Your perfect plan for my life, in Jesus’ name.
Father, give me the power to rise and overcome every challenge and obstacle, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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