His Master's Servant Ministries

His Master's Servant Ministries A Social and Gospel Crusader with special interest on Youth, Family and Media ministries;
Religious

03/07/2024

*MY DAILY BREAD 🍞 DEVOTIONAL*
WEDNESDAY JULY 3, 2024
*CONVICTION BEFORE CONVERSION; REFLECTIONS ON APOSTLE THOMAS*
(READ 👉 Ephesians 2:19-22; Psalms 117; John 20:24-29).
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*"You have believed because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe"* (Jn. 20:29).

*FEAST OF ST THOMAS, Apostle*

Apostle Thomas is often called 'doubting Thomas' due to his reaction when he heard that the crucified Jesus appeared to his colleagues. He doubted their report and insisted on seeing things himself. Then eight days later, Jesus appeared again, and this time, Thomas was there. *"Jesus came and stood among them, and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing”* Thomas answered him, *“My Lord and my God!”* (Jn. 20:26-29). By this account, it is clear that Thomas was the first person to explicitly recognize and affirm the divinity of Jesus Christ. Thus he was converted after being convinced.

*But where went Thomas?* We can recall how the apostles were disillusioned after the death of Jesus, and how their dreams were shattered. Peter decided to return to his former trade as a fisherman, and some others,, including Thomas, opted to join him (Jn. 21: 3). But when others returned, he stayed away until the story of the Resurrection filtered into his ears. But while Thomas was away, the Lord came amongst others, and he missed the blessings and the impartation, all because he stayed away from his brethren. It is dangerous for brethren to stay apart for a long time. Wild animals are easily hunted down when they stray from the brotherhood. The writer to the Hebrews admonishes Christian Believers not to give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing.*"Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer”* (Heb. 10:25).

But what could make a Christian to stop fellowshipping with others? It could be offence. Either the priest or the pastor, or a church leader has offended you by word or action; then you decide to *"leave the Church for them.”* Perhaps you’ve lost confidence in what goes on in the Church; the Church no longer offers you what you expect of her; there are so much immorality, scandal, indecency and lack of accountability in the Church; then you decide to stay away. Like Thomas, you would be the looser, not the others. The period of your absence may be the period of the Lord’s visitation. Remember, *"You (also) must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him”* (Matt. 24:44; Lk. 12:40,46).

*But Thomas returned:* Many straying Christians today, unlike Thomas, are not ready to return to the fold after abandoning their faith. Many Catholics have wandered away from the faith for various reasons. But, if Apostle Thomas could return to the fold, the grace of God is still available (Titus 2:11) for the return of all straying Catholic Christians. But, while some of such brethren are actually convinced and convicted of their apostasy, they’re in dilemma as to what step to take. We commend them to the direction of the Holy Spirit.

*Thomas; Conversion after Conviction:* Many of us only talk of the ‘doubt’ of Thomas, but say little or nothing about his faith. Thomas was a man of faith. His devotion to Jesus was unwavering. When Jesus sets out for Judea, where the Jews have threatened to stone him, Thomas suggested, *“Let us also go, that we may die with him”* (Jn. 11:15-16). During this resurrection episode, the reason of his absence notwithstanding, Thomas was careful not to believe in any hearsay, but the truth; he wanted to be personally convinced. This position of Thomas does not necessarily imply that he didn’t believe that Jesus could rise from the dead.

In our time when there is commotion and confusion in the Christendom; when churches have turned to camps of doctrinal variation, and each preacher clinging to a personal, even erroneous opinions; Christians should beware of who speaks into their lives. While you can listen to any preacher, it’s not every message that is acceptable. When Jesus came back eight days later, and Thomas was there, he imparted him shalom, and showed him his pieced hands and side and charged him to *“Stop doubting and believe;”* and that was it. Thomas was convinced and was converted, and became a great believer, and gave a most theological acclamation of all times: *“My Lord and my God"* (Jn. 20:27-28), by which he recognized and affirmed the divinity of Jesus Christ.

*Thomas was a pacesetter:* He has set a pace for us, not in doubting, but in expressing great faith in the divinity of Jesus. He is a pacesetter because he has taught us not to remain away from those with whom we share common faith. He has taught us to be discreet in our belief, not giving in to every wind of doctrine.
As the Church, the bride of Christ, matches to eternity, may the risen Lord strengthen our faith in order to bear witness for him to the ends of the earth. Amen 🙏

Happy Feast of St. Thomas!

*We begin this New Day in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.*
-----------------------------------------------------------
(C) His Master's Servant
*Evang. Jeremiah I. Onwukaobi*
_Chat:_+2348081083718
_Call:_ 08069453866
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02/07/2024

*MY DAILY BREAD 🍞 DEVOTIONAL*
TUESDAY JULY 2, 2024
*FEAR INCREASES WHERE FAITH DECLINES*
(READ 👉 Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12; Psalms 5; Matthew 8:23-27).
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*"Do two walk together, unless they have made an appointment?"* (Amos 3:3).

In our first reading today, God spoke through prophet Amos in a tone of disappointment. God wasn't satisfied with His people at all. The people He brought out of Egypt hasn't lived up to expectations. They didn't walk with God, and He wasn't pleased with them. God has called us out of darkness into His own light; called us out of Egypt of slavery to a marvelous freedom in Christ. He has established a relationship with us and has invited us to share His kingdom. But, by our actions, we don't seem to be interested. Hence, God asks: *"Do two walk together unless they have made an appointment?"* Our relationship with God isn't a one-way traffic. *It takes two to tango.* God desires a robust relationship, a deep communion with His people. But since they fall below expectations, He threatened to punish them.

*"Surely the Lord God does nothing, without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets:"* When we accept God's invitation and enter into a relationship of communion with Him, we gain access into His Secret Place. God is a mystery, yet He shares this mystery with His servants, the prophets. Who are the prophets? You and I, when we agree to walk with Him in faith, love and communion. What a great privilege to have a foreknowledge of what God intends to do, to be privy to His plans. But those who reject God's invitation, decides to remain in the darkness of sin and ignorance. God concludes His warning to His people today thus: *“Because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God."* We can only adequately prepare to meet God when we have built our faith and amended our relationship with Him, else we meet with His indignation.

*Save us, Lord; we are perishing:"* This was the cry of the apostles as a great storm threatened their boat and their lives on the sea, while Jesus slept. There's nothing wrong to cry out to God for help, but we should do so more out of faith than of fear. The apostles were with Jesus in the boat, but yet were overtaken by fear. Fear rises where faith declines. We can't be with Jesus and be consumed by the troubles of life. Though tribulations, storms and tempests may arise against us, but because Jesus is with us in the boat of life, we would surely come out triumphant. We only need to remain prayerful, steadfast and faithful. Our God is constantly awake. Our Keeper neither sleeps nor slumbers (cf. Psa. 122:3-4).

*“Why are you afraid, O men of little faith?:"* Jesus asks us the same question today. Why are we actually afraid? Is it because we are ignorant of God's presence with us or that we think that our problem is bigger than Him? Why do we fear? Is it that aren't sure that God is bigger than our challenges or that we think we are alone? It is all about faith; the absent of faith makes the presence of fear. When faced with dangerous situations, to fear is to admit defeat. We must ask God to increase our faith as we live in this difficult times. We may need every other things else, but we need faith more in order to hold unto God and not give up on Him. Jesus *"arose and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm."* May He arise in our various ugly situations, and bring about great calm and peace. Amen.

*PRAYER:* Jesus my Lord and my God, may I not be consumed by the storms of life; but being assured of Your constant presence, may I call upon You in faith and assurance. Amen 🙏

*We begin this New Month in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.*
-----------------------------------------------------------
(C) His Master's Servant
*Evang. Jeremiah I. Onwukaobi*
_Chat:_+2348081083718
_Call:_ 08069453866
✓https://www.facebook.com/jeremiah.onwukaobi?mibextid=ZbWKwL
✓https://www.instagram.com/crusader_jerry?igsh=NjRyN2YwcWg3dXQ5

-Please share to other persons and platforms as a way of evangelism- Shalom!

30/06/2024

*MY DAILY BREAD 🍞 DEVOTIONAL*
SUNDAY JUNE 30, 2024
*JESUS WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD*
(READ 👉 Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24; Psalms 30; 2 Corinthians 8:7-9.13-15; Mark 5:21-43)
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*"My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” And he went with him"* (Mark 5: 23-24).

*"God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him"* (Acts 10:38). This scripture summarizes our Gospel reading today, as Jesus heals the woman with issue of blood, and raises a dead little girl. This is the mission and ministry of Jesus; to restore mankind to its original state where there's no sin, sickness or death, all of which were not part of God's plan for mankind. The first reading from the book of Wisdom tells us that *"God did not make death, and he does not delight in the death of the living."* God made mankind in His own image, making them incorruptible, indestructible and immortal.

*But through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his party experience it:"* The Devil planned it and our first parents fell for it. *"Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned"* (Rom. 5:12). Today, all mankind must experience physical death which is the annihilation of the flesh, but only those who reject the redemptive plan of God would experience another death, an eternal death in the fires of hell. Sin is the cause of our suffering and death, but Jesus is the eternal cure; the only Name given unto us for our salvation.

*The necessity of Faith:* Let's reflect on the necessity of faith, without which no one can receive anything from the Lord. The Gospel narrative presents us with two stories in which Jesus performed awesome miracles. The leader of the synagogue was a non-Jew who, out of faith, persisted in following Jesus till he received what he sought. The woman with issue of blood wouldn't allow the crowd to deprive her from receiving her miracle. She made up her mind from home to do the unthinkable, since it might be her last chance, having exhausted all other avenues for a cure. in both stories, the two were hopeless and would have remained so if they didn't meet Jesus.

Our second reading exhorts us to be kind and generous, following the footsteps of Christ: *"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich."* Generous sharing of what we have with those who have less would result to reducing their poverty and ensure equality, *"As it is written, 'He who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack.'"* Poverty would be reduce amongst us when we lend helping hands to those around us, and all who are in need. This is the very reason why we are entrusted with material blessings, namely; to reach out to others and reduce their poverty.

We appreciate God for the gift of another Sunday, the Day of the Lord. It's also the last day of the month of June, and the last day of the mid-year. We appreciate Him for preserving us through the first half of the year, and we trust His mercies to see us through to the end. We also ask for His grace to remain in His love and mercy. May He renew us in His love, and strengthen us by His grace. Year 2024 has been a tough year for our country men and women. But God has been so faithful to us. May His light continue to shine on our path, and may His divine Providence continue to be the source of our provision. When others say that there's casting down, may we always say that there's lifting up for us, because we serve a living God. Amen and Amen.

Happy Sunday.
Do ensure you attend Mass or Service in your Church to worship with other brethren.
Amen 🙏

*We begin this new day in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.*
-----------------------------------------------------------
(C) His Master's Servant
*Evang. Jeremiah I. Onwukaobi*
_Chat:_+2348081083718
_Call:_ 08069453866

-Please share to other persons and platforms as a way of evangelism- Shalom!

29/06/2024

*MY DAILY BREAD 🍞 DEVOTIONAL*
SATURDAY JUNE 29, 2024
*PETER AND PAUL; CELEBRATING THE TWO CARDINALS AND CHAMPIONS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH*
(READ 👉 Acts 12: 1-11; Psalms 34; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; Matthew 16:13-19).
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*"From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing"* (2 Tim. 4:8).

*SOLEMNITY OF THE APOSTLES PETER AND PAUL*

To carry out His ministry effectively and to make great impart in the world, Jesus Christ chose some men to cooperate and collaborate with; these He called Apostles. Foremost amongst them was Simon Peter; a timid fisherman, uneducated and unlettered, but upon whom He entrusted the Church to lead, guide, tend and feed. Peter would latter become *The Apostle to the Jews.* After His resurrection, and having built His Church upon the Rock that was Peter, the glorified Jesus chose Paul, formerly Saul, a zealous Jew and a persecutor of the faith. Jesus arrested Paul and made him *The Apostle to the Gentiles.* These two became the Cardinals, the hinges upon which the New Testament Church hung and by whom it survived. These two Princes of the Church died during the great persecution in Rome in the hands of the infamous King Nero during the first century. Today, we recall their labours and sacrifices for the faith, and celebrate their birth into the kingdom of God.

Being called to collaborate with Jesus didn't spare the Apostles, especially Peter and Paul, from persecution and eventual painful death. Instead, they were happy to suffer for their faith and to lay their lives for the love of the Master. In today's first reading, we hear how King Herod waged war against the early Christians; how he killed Apostle James, then arrested and imprisoned Apostle Peter. But the Church prayed earnestly for Peter until he was miraculously released. One of the missions of the Church in the world is to intercession. We must continue to intercede for those who labour for the faith, especially in mission territories; that the Lord would protect, preserve and deliver them from the enemies of the faith. In our second reading, Paul expressed his readiness to lay down his life, having accomplished the mission entrusted into his hands. In his words: *"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."* The life of Paul is a case study for all who desire to finish strong. How many of us could safely claim to be fighting the good fight and to be keeping the faith? How many of us would be courageous to say, on the last day: *I have finished the race, and from now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness?*

From the lives and ministries of Apostles Peter and Paul, we are reminded again that God doesn't call people because they're perfect. Infact, the duo were bundles of imperfections. Some of us will never choose people like Peter and Paul to manage our enterprise, but that's because we're human and limited in knowledge and foresight. We see the outward only, but God sees beyond the physical, knows the potentials, and is able to make sinners into saints. Looking at our two saints today, we are also encouraged that *"Every saint had a sinful past, and every sinner is a potential saint."* All we need to do is to love the Lord, to be zealous in His service, and to desire to see His appearing on the Last Day. Our Apostles allowed Jesus to change them, and to use them to His glory. If we dispose ourselves, Jesus is still willing to make use of us despite our imperfections. We only need to be available and usable. May the lives of Apostles Peter and Paul continue to inspire us to remain faithful to the Lord. Amen.
Have a blessed weekend!

*PRAYER:* Lord Jesus, make me zealous for Your service, and keep me faithful till the end. Amen 🙏

*We begin this new day in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.*
-----------------------------------------------------------
(C) His Master's Servant
*Evang. Jeremiah I. Onwukaobi*
_Chat:_+2348081083718
_Call:_ 08069453866

-Please share to other persons and platforms as a way of evangelism- Shalom!

28/06/2024

*MY DAILY BREAD 🍞 DEVOTIONAL*
FRIDAY JUNE 28, 2024
*BEWARE, SIN IS LEPROSY OF THE SOUL!*
(READ 👉 2 Kings 25:1-12; Psalms 137; Matthew 8: 1-4)
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*"A l***r came to Jesus and knelt before him, saying, 'Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.' And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, 'I will; be clean.' And immediately his leprosy was cleansed"* (Matt. 8:2-3).

Leprosy was almost a death sentence in the Old Testament, even up to the time of Jesus. The law of Moses was clear on the severe treatment metted out to the l***r. The priest must pronounce him unclean. He shall wear only torn clothes and shall not shave his hair. He shall cover his upper lip and cry out, "Unclean, unclean." He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He shall live alone outside the camp, and shall not mingle with the people. No one shall touch him, as anyone who does also becomes unclean, and he shall not touch anyone, and so on and so forth. (cf. Lev. 13: 40-50). A l***r was a living dead. Thus you could understand what happened in today's great narrative. Firstly the l***r became disenchanted with his condition and sought solution outside the camp. He had to come into the city against the law, just to meet Jesus in whom he had faith and hope. He said to Him, *"Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”* This means that he believed that Jesus could heal him, and he expressed faith in Him by addressing Him as Lord.

Leprous disease does to the skin what sin does to the soul. It eats up the fibre of the soul, depriving it of the grace of God. Sin separates us from God and severes the bond of charity between us and the church. Sin makes us unclean before God, and the community of believers, and
until we repent, and seek for mercy from the Lord, we would not repair our relationship with God. Jesus is compassionate to receive returning sinners. When the l***r appealed for His mercy, He touched him and said, *'I will, be clean Him.'* He was not restricted by the law. He touched the l***r to assure us that our case is not beyond His divine touch. His compassionate approach is a divine assurance that He is always ready, willing and available to touch and restore us. Sin has dealt us a great blow. It deprives us a healthy relationship with God and denies us our legitimate right as children of God. But Jesus has come to undo the deeds of sin and to restore us back to God. But we must take a bold step of repentance, just like the l***r. We must leave our comfort zone, and seek for help from the Lord. We must be bold, resolute and intentional.

Our first reading continues with the consequences of sins and unrighteousness. When a person or a people abandon God, they become prey to the enemy. The nation of Israel suffered several invasions by Babylonian and Persian kings each time they sinned. This always repeated itself, showing that they never learned their lessons from the past generations. We ought to learn from those who lived before us, in order not to repeat their mistakes. Sin brought about the fall of giant individuals and nations. The scripture is replete with such stories that we should learn and become wiser. Let's not be comfortable in our sinful state, but seek help immediately. Did you notice that each time Babylonians took captives, they left behind the poorest people of the land? We are called to be poor in the spirit. While the world may not recognize our value. God treasures us greatly.
May the Lord preserve you from every evil and keep you safe from every harm; this weekend and always. Amen.

*PRAYER:* Lord, I come to You, as a l***r to the Healer of my soul. I know You will and You can. Please heal me, cleanse me and restore me to the image and glory of God. Amen 🙏

*We begin this new day in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.*
-----------------------------------------------------------
(C) His Master's Servant
*Evang. Jeremiah I. Onwukaobi*
_Chat:_+2348081083718
_Call:_ 08069453866

-Please share to other persons and platforms as a way of evangelism- Shalom!

27/06/2024

*MY DAILY BREAD 🍞 DEVOTIONAL*
THURSDAY JUNE 27, 2024
*THE WISE AND THE FOOLISH BUILDERS*
(READ 👉 2 Kings 24:8-17; Psalms 79; Matthew 7:21-29)
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*"Jesus said to his disciples, Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the Kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven"* (Matt. 7:21).

It is said that *'He who fetched ant-infested firewood, has invited lizards for a feast'* Whoever abandons the way of the Lord always has self to blame because he/she loses the divine coverage that righteousness guarantees. This is what we find in our first reading today, as Jehoiachin, king of Judah, his mother, and the entire royal household were carried off to Babylon on exile by king Nebuchadnezzar. They plundered the Temple and took away *all the treasures of the house of the Lord, and of the king’s house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold in the temple of the Lord.* This always happened each time the people abandon God for foreign idols. To worship another god is a sign of foolishness, as it tantamounts to building on a mere sand. Life of righteousness provides certain coverage from evil, and it is always wise to serve the true God alone. Many atimes, we fall prey to the devil by abandoning God. He plunders our health and resources, steals our peace, and leaves us empty. May we be wise enough to remain faithful to the ways of the Lord.

*"Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the Kingdom of heaven:"* Of course Christianity is not all about rhetorics and verbal professions; it is more about practical living. There are more people who profess to know and serve God, but their lifestyle and character betray them. If anyone does not do the will of God, then it is useless to call His Name, for God knows those that truly belongs to Him. Having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ is what gives us eternal life. Today, many are in the church, but not in Christ. They engage in the work of the Lord, but do not know the Lord of the work. Many even sing the song of the Lord but do not know the Lord of the song. This is most unfortunate.

*"On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy and cast out demons in your name?"* We must know that the fact that someone performs miracles does not guarantee them eternal life. Jesus tells us today that it is useless to preach and work wonders in His Name while still living the wicked life of sin. The Last Day will be terrible and terrific as the Lord will surely deny all evildoers no matter what they did in His Name on earth. The only guarantee we have on the Last Day is if we have built on the Solid Foundation, which is Christ through holiness and righteous living.

*The foolish and the wise builders"* The analogy of Jesus here is perfect and easily understable: to hear the Word of God and do it is to build on the Solid Foundation; this is a sign of wisdom. The house will stand a test of time. But to ignore the Word of God, and do our own will is a sign of foolishness, and amounts to building upon the sand. This house is always at the mercy of the floods and winds, which would surely bring it down. This is the picture of our life here on earth. It would be terrible to hear *"I do not know you"* on the last day after all our activities here on earth in the Name of Christianity. May God grant us true wisdom, and enable us to live right in order to share His eternal kingdom on the Last Day. Amen.

*PRAYER:* My Savior Jesus Christ, forbid that I would be found wanting on the Last Day. Give me the grace to serve You in Truth and in Spirit. Amen 🙏

*We begin this new day in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.*
-----------------------------------------------------------
(C) His Master's Servant
*Evang. Jeremiah I. Onwukaobi*
_Chat:_+2348081083718
_Call:_ 08069453866

-Please share to other persons and platforms as a way of evangelism- Shalom!

26/06/2024

*MY DAILY BREAD 🍞 DEVOTIONAL*
WEDNESDAY JUNE 26, 2024
*WHEN THE WORD OF GOD DWELLS RICHLY IN US, WE WOULD BEAR POSITIVE FRUITS*
(READ 👉 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23: 1-3; Psalms 119; Matthew 7: 15-20)
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*"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits"* (Matt. 7:19-20).

The Word of God firstly makes an impression in our hearts before making impart. It first convinces before converting us. If we are open and docile to every Word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord, then we would easily be imparted by them, to the extent that other people would notice it in our lives. Bible says that *"The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart"* (Heb. 4:12). The Word of God doesn't just have life; it is life itself. It's a Living Word capable of searching and judging us. It has the power to pe*****te, pierce and cut into our souls and spirits. But we must give it entrance in order to transform us inwardly, and it would be noticed outwardly.

*“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves:* As people who hear and preach God's Word, we must be transformed from within by the same Word, else it would be seen that our lives aren't consistent with the Word we hear and preach. We become false prophets when our lives does not portray what we say or teach, and people are deceived and scandalized when they notice that we don't live what we preach.

*"You will know them by their fruits:* Indeed, it is not by our words only but majorly by our actions that we bear witness to the Gospel. Our Christianity today has been characterized by people who live double lives, which lacks consistency and integrity. We say one thing with our lips, but do something else. This is the scandal rocking Christianity today, and Jesus warns us to repent. Let our lives bear witness to the Gospel that we hear always.

*Every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit:* This is natural. The Word of God is light to our souls, hearts and minds. The Psalmist puts it this way: *"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path"* (Psa. 119:105). It means that we have no business with darkness or ignorance. So when we're sound within, without any darkness in us, we're expected to exude light. The fact that many of us are still in the darkness of sin and ignorance is a pointer that God's Word has not taken root in us. *"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly"* (Col. 3:16).

*Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire:* Elsewhere, the Gospel says a similar thing, that *"Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire"* (Matt. 3:10). This means that there is judgement for unproductivity. We cannot carry God's Word and remain unproductive, and expect God to be happy with us. The Gospel is able to save those who internalize it, and live it out in their lives. But, at the same time, condemns us when we remain only hearers, and not doers of the Word.

In our first reading, Hilkiah the high priest and Shaphan the secretary made concerted efforts to bring God's Word to the people, having discovered the Book of the Law. The contents of the book were read to the people who listened eagerly, and afterwards, the entire people made a covenant of love and faithfulness to God. Pastors of souls should be in the forefront to bring God's Word to the people. But we must also be eager to accept it and live by it. We must befriend our Bibles and become familiar with God's Word in them, and not allow them to gather dust. It is ignorance of God's Word that makes us susceptible to the antics of false prophets, because, as St Jerome once said, *"Ignorance of the Scripture is ignorance of Christ."*
May God enlighten our minds with His Word and keep us safe from the destruction from sin and ignorance. Amen

God bless your midweek!

*We begin this new day in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.*
-----------------------------------------------------------
(C) His Master's Servant
*Evang. Jeremiah I. Onwukaobi*
_Chat:_+2348081083718
_Call:_ 08069453866

-Please share to other persons and platforms as a way of evangelism- Shalom!

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