A WORD FOR TODAY 13 JANUARY 2022

https://youtu.be/xjh8UG7rCU0

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*LIVE A GOOD LIFE AND GOD WILL STAND WITH YOU IN BATTLE*

_"The Philistines drew up in line against Israel, and when the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who slew about four thousand men on the field of battle."(1 Samuel 4:2)_

_*The story of the first reading of today is one that teaches us a lot about God and His people. The people of Israel went into battle with the Philistines, it was a battle they were supposed to win, but that was not to be the case because all is not well in their camp.*_

_They were mortally defeated and in their retreat they decided to go a step further to bring the Ark of the Covenant into the battle field and the enemy dealt them a grievous blow by capturing the Ark and killing their warriors and priests and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas were also killed._

_*They were defeated because of their sins. God could not stand with them in battle because of their evil deeds. They went into battle unprepared. They thought they could do it by their own strength, but they were very wrong. They disobeyed God's instruction and God did not go with them. The enemy conquered them.*_

_If we intend to win our battles and for God to walk with us, we must strive to keep His commandments and hearken to his voice. We must do His will and let Him reign in our hearts always._

_*If we must have the protection of God's presence everyday, we must live a holy life and detest evil. We must grow in holiness and shine out as the light. We must come to Jesus as the leper did so that He will wash away our sins, forgive us and heal us.*_

_God is ready to walk with us and to win our battles for us, but we must be ready to submit to Him and let Him be in charge of our lives. This is the only way we can be truly victorious over the forces of evil that rises against us._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a splendid day. May the Lord help you to live a good life so that you can stand in His presence. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* 1 Samuel 4:1-11/Psalm 44:10-11,14-15,24-25/Mark 1:40-45

*Watch-Word:* Redeem us, O Lord, with your merciful love!

_*God will walk with us and fight for us, when we change our ways from evil to good.*_

(Thursday of the first week in the ordinary time. Year II)