Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 Jesus Christ Who Transforms


Romans 12:11-14

Devotion
In a world often shrouded in darkness, the transformative power of Jesus Christ shines on us as a beacon of hope. In Romans 13:11-14, the Blessed Apostle St. Paul urges believers to awaken from spiritual sleep and embrace the imminent arrival of salvation. This awakening isn't merely a call to wake up but a call to transform one’s self.
The transformation that Jesus brings is profound and comprehensive. It's not merely a superficial change in behavior but a deep, inward renewal of the heart and mind. It's a journey from darkness into light, from death into life. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this transformation in every aspect of our lives, especially during this time before the Great Lent of 50 days.
Firstly, this transformation entails a shift in perspective. We are called to recognize the urgency of the times in which we live. The dawn of salvation draws nearer with each passing moment. It is this theme of being prepared that we can see in our church, especially during the Funeral gospel reading for a woman, with The Parable of the Ten Virgins. This realization should stir us from complacency and ignite a desire in our hearts for righteousness. As a church whose theme is “Lighted to Lighten”, and as children of light, we are called to live differently from the world around us. We must reject the sinful patterns of behavior that characterize the darkness and instead embrace the virtues of Christ-likeness.
Transformation requires us to clothe ourselves with Christ. This imagery speaks of an intimate union with Jesus, where His character becomes our own. As we immerse ourselves in His Word, commune with Him in prayer, and walk in obedience to His commands, we are to gradually conform to His image. The transformation through Christ empowers us to resist worldly pleasures. Rather than gratifying our sinful desires, we are called to crucify our worldly desires and live by the Spirit. Through the power of Christ dwelling within us, we can overcome temptation and walk in holiness.
Prayer
Father, Help me to continually live by not my will, but YOUR will, Amen.

Thought for the Day
“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing." - Henry Ford
 
Roshan Varughese
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind who are evil by nature, give good gifts t
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tell a child as to why they’ve been a
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things
Read more