Heavenly Father, we give You glory for this day. In our lives be Thou exalted and glorified we pray in The Name of Jesus, Amen. We confess all our shortcomings. Wash us clean with The blood of Jesus and fill us to overflow with Your Spirit, Amen.
The Holy Spirit….
NB
Many of Jesus’ disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” (John 6:60)
Gospel: John 6:60-69
Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?
It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.”
As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”
+ + + + + + +
Reflection:
How is your faith in Jesus right now? Is it still solid as a rock or feeble as a sand castle?
After extensively telling His followers that He is the Bread of Life and anyone that drinks His blood and eats His bread would never anymore thirst or hunger. It was now time to weigh up the disciples faith on Jesus. Unfortunately many did not believe the Bread of Life discourse of Jesus. So they went back to their old lives, therefore they disconnected themselves from actively following Jesus.
If we are made to choose between Jesus and the trappings of this world. Many of us would also choose to be with this world rather than to be with Jesus. Why? What does this world offer us that we love it more than we love our God? This world offers us temporal power, wealth, influence and the like.
Why is it that many of us have chosen to embrace worldliness? Perhaps we have not yet experienced the power of Jesus in our lives. Otherwise if we have already felt the power of God in our lives. We would surely leave behind all forms of worldliness and sin for God.
Would it be possible to have the best of both sides (We follow God and we follow also this world). No, we have to choose which one we want to embrace. It’s either we embrace this temporal world or we embrace our infinite God. The righteous choice is always to be with God and never to be with this world.
What would it benefit you if you gain all the power and riches of this temporal world but you don’t have God? Nothing except emptiness and more emptiness.
God, is my EVERYTHING, Amen.
Jeremiah 17:12-18
NIV
A glorious throne, exalted from the beginning, is the place of our sanctuary. Lord, you are the hope of Israel; all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water. Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. They keep saying to me, “Where is the word of the Lord? Let it now be fulfilled!” I have not run away from being your shepherd; you know I have not desired the day of despair. What passes my lips is open before you. Do not be a terror to me; you are my refuge in the day of disaster. Let my persecutors be put to shame, but keep me from shame; let them be terrified, but keep me from terror. Bring on them the day of disaster; destroy them with double destruction.
The prophet acknowledges the favor of God in setting up religion. There is fullness of comfort in God, overflowing, ever-flowing fulness, like a fountain. It is always fresh and clear, like spring-water, while the pleasures of sin are puddle-waters. He prays to God for healing, saving mercy. He appeals to God concerning his faithful discharge of the office to which he was called. He humbly begs that God would own and protect him in the work to which he had plainly called him. Whatever wounds or diseases we find to be in our hearts and consciences, let us apply to the Lord to heal us, to save us, that our souls may praise his name. His hands can bind up the troubled conscience and heal the broken heart; He can cure the worst diseases of our nature. God is SUPERNATURAL.
And we pray
Prayer 🙏🏾
God, we come to You in prayer, lifting all those who are facing silent battles in their lives. We know that many people struggle with challenges that are not visible to others, and we ask that You be with them in these times of need.
We pray for those who are battling mental health issues and feeling alone and helpless. May You provide them with comfort, strength, and the support they need.
We pray for those who are experiencing financial difficulties and struggling to provide for themselves and their families. Please provide them with the resources they need and guide them toward the help, and assistance required.
We also pray for all those dealing with relationship issues, feeling lost and uncertain in their connections with others. May You bring them clarity, and understanding, and guide them toward healing and reconciliation.
We pray for all those who are fighting silent battles, and we ask that You grant them the courage and strength to face their challenges with faith and perseverance. May Your light shine upon them, and Your love fill their hearts, lifting them out of their struggles. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
God be with you, Amen.
God will never withhold a single good thing from his children – those who choose to walk with Him. He is the source of your peace and He is your protector. He will keep you to the very end. As you live your daily Christian life, be encouraged to know that your needs have been met and God is always with you and that will never change.
And we pray:
Dear God, thank You for Your Love that allows me to find everything I need in You. My mind is at rest because I know that You are with me and You will never leave me or forsake me. In Jesus’ Name, I give You praise and I pray. Amen.
NB
Psalms 119:160
“The entirety of Your Word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.”
Love The LORD with ALL your heart…
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
No advice is more dear to my existence…
Meaning? Everything, all of me. God is my all. My beginning, my end.