A WORD FOR TODAY 27 AUGUST 2019

A WORD FOR TODAY

When you make the decision to follow Christ, you set yourself apart from the standard of the world which will always be in contrast to what the Lord wants for you. This means, that for you to represent Christ, it must be seen in your word and actions that you do not compromise your faith or choose the things of this life above the things of God.

Anyone who truly wants to be a disciple of Jesus must be ready to do the things that will bring glory to the name of God. He must live a life worthy of our calling. We must live a holy, humble and spiritual life in such a way that those who come around us will be inspired to come and follow the Lord.

The Authenticity of our Christian practise is something that must not be joked with. We must be different from the world and what it offers. We must not live according to the worldly standard, but according to the standard of heaven which will always come at a cost.

Jesus continues in his chastisement of the Pharisees and Scribes in the gospel reading because of their hypocrisy. They focused on things that does not really matter in the law and very insignificant, but ignore the weathier matters of the law like justice, mercy and faith. We must strive everyday not to ignore the things that are necessary in following Christ. We must live above what the world offers, because we are children of God and we belong to Him.

We must make effort to be clean on the inside and on the outside. We must not be like the pharisees and the Scribes who will be impeccable in their outward appearance, while bitterness, wickedness and other evil acts fill their hearts. The thing that will make us clean is a holy living that is anchored on God's commandment. We must stay true to our calling make sure that God's love reigns supreme in our heart.

Today we celebrate the memorial of saint Monica, the mother of saint Augustine. She is a beautiful example of who a Christian Mother should be. She stayed through to her faith and prayed fervently for the conversion of her husband and Son and God answered her prayers. We must learn from her to always pray with faith and to trust in the Lord to help us in our times of need.

Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you do your work and do have a magnificent day. May God's grace help you to live up to your responsibility in accordance to God's commandment. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Meditation: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8/Psalm 139:16/Matthew 23:23-26

Watch-Word: Speak to please God and not men.

To be a disciple of Jesus you must live according to God's standard and stay true to your christian commitment and values.