A WORD FOR TODAY 10 FEBRUARY 2023

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*THE FALL OF MAN, AN ACT OF DISOBEDIENCE*

_"And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden."(Genesis 3:8)_

_*We read today in the first reading about the fall of man, our first parents Adam and Eve. They disobeyed God's instruction and they lost the relationship they had with God.*_

_They were given an instruction by God and when the devil came with deception, telling them that God's instruction was a lie, they let their desire to taste the forbidden fruit block their ears from hearing God's voice in their conscience and they fell._

_*It was simply an act of disobedience and their choice brought about their fall. We must learn from the story that sin is an act of disobedience to God and whenever we abandon God's words (truth) to listen to the devil we will surely fall.*_

_When we sin, we lose the beautiful relationship and friendship we enjoy with God and we become naked. Then the devil will laugh at us and walk away rejoicing. We must strive everyday not to give him the chance to confuse us and bring us down. God can never lie, therefore, whatever He tells us is the truth and we must follow Him, live by the truth and stay away from the devil who is the father of all liers._

_*We must be careful about what our heart desires, because whenever we desire what we should not desire you will expose yourself to the devil who will not waste anytime to bring you down.*_

_The only way to overcome the temptation of the devil and avoid falling into sin is to trust God at all times and do whatever He commands. His instructions are true and for our own good for He will never lead us astray._

_*If you have been held bound by the devil and your ears are blocked from hearing God's word, come to Jesus today and he will open your ears and mouth. So that you will hear His words, keep them and proclaim them zealously everywhere. Jesus alone has done all things well and if you draw closer to Him, you shall experience your own miracle today.*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a great day. May Jesus give you the grace to trust and obey Him always. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Genesis 3:1-8/Psalm 32:1-2,5-7/Mark 7:31-37

*Watch-Word:* Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven

*God is faithful and can never lie, learn to trust in Him and the devil will not deceive you.*

(Friday of the fifth week in the ordinary time. Memorial of St. Scholastica.)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*