Today’s Readings:
Isaiah 50:4-9;
Psalm 69:8-10,21-22,31,33-34;
Matthew 26:14-25
EVERYONE WANTS SOMETHING, for which you are willing to trade what we have. God knows it and the devil knows too. Some people want a decent job and a home. Others want children to call them “mommy” and “daddy”. Still others want a life partner; someone they can come home to at the end of every day. Some just want power and money (lots of it!). There is nothing wrong in desiring these things. The only question that needs to be answered is, “At what cost?” Whatever you desire will come at a cost. What are you willing to give up in order to get what you desire?
THINK ABOUT THIS. For the sake of our salvation from sin and to give us eternal happiness, God gave up his only-begotten Son. Jesus gave up His life to do the Father’s will. What you give up ought to be precious. But what is gained should be far more valuable, even priceless. News flash: you have the most valuable of gifts in the death and Resurrection of Christ for you. You are loved beyond measure. The blood of Christ sanctifies and protects you. Every good thing will be yours according to God's will for your life. The things you do not currently have will come at the right time; don't let the evil one tell you otherwise.
This verse from a popular Lenten hymn says it well: "Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ, my Lord; All the vain things that harm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood." WE ARE PRICELESS TO GOD. Do not trade God's love for things that are far less than Him in value. For 30 pieces of silver, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, the Lord of heaven and earth. We too are quick to give up what we have (peace of mind, a thriving career, the love of a spouse, good friends etc.) for things we believe will make us feel better. Your desire for the things of this world should not lead you to sell your birth right as Esau did. Desire good things in so far as they unite with your God. When you pray, be careful to add: "Let it be as you want it, O Lord" because God knows best.
Pray to God for a spirit of gratitude for the things you currently possess and for the grace of discernment and good judgement for the things you are still looking forward to.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
Lord, take control of my life. Be the inspiration of the thoughts in my mind, the words I speak and the desires of my heart.
Father, thank You for Your concern, care, love, mercy, protection and daily provision, in Jesus name.
May Your name be the last word I speak every night and the first word I say every day.
O Lord, that I may know You and the power of Your resurrection, in Jesus name.
By Your love and mercy, O Lord, redirect the body of Christ to Your old path way of obedience, in Jesus name.
Father we commit the body of Christ into Your hands for safekeeping, encourage us and strengthen us to face challenges and still stand, in Jesus’ name.
Father thank You for the institution of marriage. By Your love and mercy, let Your Holy Spirit take control, save, heal, deliver, transform and teach forgiveness to the glory of Your name, in Jesus name.
Father we commit our children, teenage youths and young adults into Your care. Teach them Your way of righteousness, to love You and to fear You, in Jesus’ name.
O Lord, let Your Church be a model of what You fashion her to be, in Jesus name.
O Lord, put in our leaders’ heart Your love, the fear of You and heal our land, in Jesus name.
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