Today’s Readings: 1 Kings 11:29-32,12:19; Psalm 81:10-15; Mark 7:31-37
Without proper preparation, a blessing can become a curse. Jeroboam received the kingship over ten cities in Israel because of Solomon’s unfaithfulness to God but he was not prepared and he subsequently plunged the Northern kingdom into extinction at the hands of the Assyrians. When you pray for God’s blessings of any kind, also pray for the grace to be prepared for what you are asking for. If God seems to delay, trust Him and know that it is for your own good.
The waiting period is not a time to ask silly existential questions about how God seems to be unfair to you. It is a time to look around in your life for the areas where you need improvement. Once a blessing comes, it will not ask if you are ready to receive it. May God grant us the grace to trust in God’s timing and never blackmail God in prayer because it will not end well.
Be receptive like the deaf mute who was brought to Jesus. Jesus took him aside, away from the crowd of societal expectations and unhealthy comparisons. He touched the man’s ears and touch his tongue with spittle, a symbol that he is being reborn in Christ’s image and likeness. His ears will only be used to hear God’s word and his tongue will only confess goodness. In baptism, your ears and tongue have been similarly opened. When you read and listen to Scripture, you are enriching yourself and preparing for God’s blessings and mission. Let your lips only produce truth, not confusion and lies. Let your ears itch for God’s word instead of gossip and let your life bear testimony to God’s goodness and mercy.
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 righteous. 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 your day be filled with good news and may God dispose you to work on yourself in preparation for what you have prayed for. And may God grant your good heart’s desires better than you prayed for in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
Heavenly Father, give me grace to do all things well, to avoid thoughts, speech and actions which bring shame to Your holy name and deprives me of Your blessings. I offer up my day to You through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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