Today’s Readings:
Colossians 1:21-23
Psalm 54:3-4,6,8
Luke 6:1-5
SUCCESS IN ANY FIELD REQUIRES CONSISTENCY. Once you are able to establish a discipline in your consistent delivery of good, services and set of values, it is only a matter of time before the world is at your feet. But if I am being honest, this world is not enough. Saint Paul says that we have been called to a higher responsibility with higher stakes. We have been reconciled with God, snatched away from a sinful life and placed on a path of righteousness. We now stand on the shoulders of Christ who redeemed us by His death and resurrection. And as such, we ought to live by a corresponding code of life:
🧠 Good thinking – (Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”);
😇 Good actions or Holiness of life (The content of your mind should be evident in the words that proceed from your lips, the way you live your life and the things you do for others).
If you are true to your faith, others will see it. And when they question you, you will have a ready answer. Christ had a ready answer for the Pharisees who tailed him in order to catch him in the act of breaking the sabbath law against work. Rather than deny their accusation, he showed them that the law is not meant to enslave but to set free. True freedom consists in walking consistently in Christ’s footsteps and asking constantly, ‘What will Jesus do in this situation?’ This is what Saint Peter Claver did in his time.
In the sixteenth century, slave trade was commonplace, and the church authorities turned a blind eye in order not to offend the rich who made a lot of money from the business of selling slaves. Saint Peter Claver (1581 - 1654), a Spanish priest, took it upon himself to bring food to the slaves, trained people to catechize them in their respective languages, provided medical care for them and defended them against their cruel masters. He even brought many of these slaves into the church and this made many of the rich very uncomfortable. He did this faithfully for 33 years. One person’s effort may seem insignificant but for those who benefitted from his generosity, one person’s effort made a world of difference. This is how Jesus wants us to live. Consistency in serving Him will set the world ablaze with the fire of love. This can begin with you.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
I will extol thee, my God, O king, and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
Every day will I bless thee, and I will praise thy name forever and forever, in Jesus name.
Lord Jesus, fill me with divine wisdom to see that Your plans for me are better than mine can ever be.
Help me to walk in Your footsteps, guide me by the inspiration and power of the Holy Spirit and bring all my works and purpose to a good end.
Lord, give me the grace to forgive others as You have forgiven me and help me heal the injuries, I have inflicted on others without knowing through Christ our Lord.
Father, we commit our children, youths, and young adults to Your fatherly care; teach them to love You, thirst and hunger for Your word, in Jesus name.
By the power in the blood of Jesus, let all wickedness, ungodliness, idolatry and vices cease in our land, in Jesus name.
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