Readings:
Isaiah 7:1-9
Psalm 48:2-8
Matthew 11:20-24
Every relationship that starts well is destined to go the distance. Some relationships break down along the way and both parties go their separate ways. The problems which end a relationship are not from outside. External factors can contribute to breaking a relationship. But the real deal-breaker is elements within the relationship itself. The Prophet Isaiah was sent with a message to King Ahaz about an impending war outside his city walls. Although there seems to be trouble from the outside, it will not compromise the integrity of his city. You wan try?
What is he expected to do?
Stand with God.
Be fearless.
Be faithful.
Trust God.
Listen to God.
Repentance.
When a person fails to stand with God by observing these precepts, they have opened the door to the different possibilities of attack, both human and spiritual. These rules apply to our human relationships. The elements that destroy any relationship are:
Lack of faith in the relationship.
Lack of trust in your partner.
Making disparaging remarks to your partner.
Failure to listen to your partner.
Failure to support your partner.
But once you believe in your relationship, in the love you have for each other, cooperate with the graces which God gives you to be faithful to your marital vows, to keep encouraging each other, and work daily to make your marriage and your home more homely, you will find grace, blessings, renewed strength and healing.
Do not squander the grace which you have received like the cities where Jesus worked most of His miracles (Capernaum, Bethsaida and Chorazin). They showed no sign of faith and kept taking him for granted. A relationship begins to die the moment you take the other person for granted. How many relationship opportunities have you killed because you took the people who loved you for granted? God abhors waste. Do not waste the opportunities you have received because of carelessness.
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 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 righteousness. 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:
Lord, uproot fear from my life.
Lord, help me to stand with You and be faithful to You.
Lord, I trust in You.
Lord, I repent of my sins and I promise to cooperate with Your grace.
Lord, I am sorry for taking your blessings and favours for granted.
Lord, make my words sweet and kind.
Lord, I am sorry for wasting the many opportunities You have placed in my life.
Lord, heal my broken relationships and forgive my carelessness.
Lord, heal those I have hurt knowingly or unknowingly.
Lord, I am grateful for your blessings. Amen.
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). O God continue to bless and strengthen me to give honour to His name always.
O God take pride and glory in my life today and always, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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