Appointed as watchman

"You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me." (Ezekiel 33: 7 – 9)

What if I know for certain that God has appointed me as watchman over His word in a particular situation today? I would ask God for two critical graces:

• Complete freedom from fear
  
• Plenty of courage
  

Our fears hold us back from our full potential. Freedom from fear and courage are critical requirements of the disciple who desires to serve God unencumbered by the fear of man.

Eternal life begins here

"Lord our God, in you justice and mercy meet. With unparalled love you have saved us from death and drawn us into the circle of your life. Open our eyes to the wonders this life sets before us, that we may serve you free from fear and address you as God our Father…." (Liturgical Prayer)

With incomparable love, God saved us from a life of vicious circle through the sacrifice of Jesus. Even here and now, we experience the wonders of this new life in peace and hope, in joy and consolation. Unfortunately, many eyes are still shut to the wonders of this new life. Eyes that are cast downwards to the transitory and earthy do not perceive what they miss in the new life that comes to us through Jesus Christ.

True Freedom

"God our Father, you redeem us and make us your children in Christ. Look upon us, give us true freedom and bring us to the inheritance you promised……" (Liturgical Prayer)

We delight to call God, Father. He is a total Father. His redemption of us is complete: body and soul. When we ask God to give us true freedom, we ask for what is most critical for our well-being. We need true freedom in order to discern God's will for us. God's will for us is the guarantee of our peace, prosperity, health and success. Fear diminishes our freedom. We pray for true freedom from:

• Fear of tomorrow
  
• Fear of poverty
  
• Fear of ill health
  
• All kinds of fear

New Wine New Skin

"Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be ruined." (Luke 5 : 37)

If Christ is in me, I am a new creation. I am fresh wine in new wineskin. I abandon the things that are old. I pursue new things with Jesus.

The Image

"He is the image of the unseen God, the first-born of all creation." (Colossians 1: 15)

Jesus Christ is the image of the unseen God, not through His physical attributes but through His personality and character. Personality and character form the core of the spiritual being. It is the spirit that gives life. The flesh has nothing to give.

Fishers of men

"Do not be afraid, from now on it is people you will be catching." (Luke 5: 10)

Jesus realized that the call to follow Him might excite fears. Fears of the unknown, fears of detachment from familiar lifestyle are some of the fears that grip the heart at this invitation. But he who created the heart and has the destiny of man in His hands asks us not to be afraid. The challenge is whether to believe Jesus or not.

Jesus said that His sheep hears His voice.