Today's Readings:
Jeremiah 20:10-13
Psalm 18:2-7
John 10:31-42
A lot of people have fallen into dubious traps by so-called “prophets” and “preachers” who warn them of the enemies of their progress and the need to fortify themselves. And definitely, money must change hands. Do you have enemies? Yes, you do. But do you know who your enemies are? That is the question.
The enemies of your salvation are threefold:
The devil and his angels— “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8).
Your sinful desires— "Temptation occurs when someone is attracted and seduced by his desire” (James 1:14).
The world and its sinful trends— "I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” (John 16:33).
What should you do when your enemies are on the prowl?
Resist the devil and his agents by grounding yourself in the Scriptures, the sacraments and a life of prayer. Where we are too lazy to pray, we create room for temptations. When we do not read the Scriptures, we lack the needed weapons of faith to fight back. And without the sacraments of the Church (Eucharist and penance), you are a slave to sins and your desires. Ephesians 6:11-13 says, “Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness in this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. May God deliver you from the works of the evil one in Jesus’ name.
Discipline yourself—You have all that you need to overcome the sins of the flesh. A potent weapon for self-discipline is fasting. You can fast food to tame your sexual desires. You can fast from social media to tame pride and greed. You can fast from loud music and mindless chatter to help you gain control over your tongue. Proverbs 13:3 says, “Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.” May God deliver you from the evil that you bring upon yourself by your untamed actions through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The third is the world and its sinful ways. The advices and counsels of the world are often contrary to the words and admonitions of scriptures. Once you open your mouth to speak, it is easy to detect if your words flow from the fountain of God’s word or if they are influenced by the philosophies of this world. The remedy for this is to consume less worldly content and fill your mind more with scriptures and scripture-based literature, music and entertainment. You cannot hang around the fire of evil and not expect to be burnt. Also, get a spiritual director, someone you can trust and be open with. If you wish to grow rapidly in your faith, this is the way forward.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: Father, thank you for Jesus Christ. Forgive my sins, take control of my heart and lead me in your righteous path by the power of Your Holy Spirit. 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:
May God deliver you from the tricks and traps of false ideas and teachings and fill you with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit which transforms lives forever in Jesus’ name. Amen.
May the presence and power of the Holy Spirit deliver me from the influence of the devil, the lustful desires of my flesh and the temptations of the world and her ways. I am all yours, Lord, my King and my God in Jesus’ name. Amen.
May the Holy Spirit fill us with a new realisation of the depth of God's love, Christ's self-giving sacrifice and the Spirit's presence in our situation that leads to conversion, healing and transformation through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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