Daily Manna: Between Substance And Shadow

Friday 08, November 2013

TEXT: ACTS 4:1-12

KEY VERSE: “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead...” (Acts 4:8,10).

It is not difficult to find, as you go from one assembly to the other, Christians who profess to have been baptized in the Holy Ghost. What is however very disturbing is that many of these Christians seem not to have any other evidence of the experience other than speaking in tongues. Their lives are empty, dry, fearful and shallow.

Peter and John in our text had been arrested on account of the undeniable and spectacular healing of the lame man at the temple gate. They were questioned as to the authority and power behind the miracle. It is interesting to see Peter who once cringed with fear and couldn’t stand up for Christ even before a maid, now boldly declaring the gospel with boldness. Something had happened to him! The Holy Ghost had come and all fear was gone!

When we truly have the baptism of the Holy Ghost, we will speak in tongues. It will not be a dry, listless and empty gibberish but a divinely inspired language! Far beyond that, we will become more bold and fearless in the preaching of the gospel with greater effectiveness. Our prayers will become more dynamic, refreshing and effectual and our Christian lives will be rid of all dryness, drudgery and flabbiness. We will be on fire for the Lord! This is the experience the Lord promised us.

What then, have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? If not, don’t you think you need Him? Don’t you think you should tarry and pray in faith? Remember, the promise is equally for you. Let’s get the real thing and be made fearless for Christ!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The enduement of power, not theatrics, authenticates real Spirit Baptism.

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Sorry that was a repeat broadcast of Friday here is today`s...



Daily Manna: On Your Guard Please!

Monday 11, November 2013

TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 21:1-8

KEY VERSE: “And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel” (1 Chronicles 21:1).

When an avowed enemy suddenly turns to behave nicely towards you as a friend, you need to be more careful because he definitely has something dangerous up his sleeves! If you become so relaxed as to let down your guards, you won’t know when he will deal the deadly blow on you. One thing Christians must know about life’s battles and our arch enemy, the devil, is that he never gives up easily and that he employs very cunning devices.

David was very close to the end of his life and ministry. He had seen many battles and emerged victorious over them all. But the devil never gave up on him. He cornered him in a very subtle and unsuspecting way. He came up with the idea that David should take the census of the nation. He must have advanced different seemingly convincing reasons to make David do this, such that David turned down the opposition of Joab and his counsellors. Satan’s target was not just David, but the whole nation of Israel. David fell for this carrot and Israel suffered for it.

Now, nothing on the surface is wrong with taking a census. And indeed, this was not the first time this would be done. But then, everything is wrong with whatever idea Satan is suggesting to you. You need to check up your heart very sincerely when an idea comes to you. What is the real motive behind it? It may appear nice, harmless and laudable on the surface but if the hidden motive is to advance pride and selfish interests, then it must be noted that everything is wrong with the idea.

Safeguard yourself from Satan’s cunning onslaught. Close-up the door of your heart to any of his suggestions. Be open to God and the wise counsels of His children so as to overcome all the wicked darts of the devil.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: He who is open to wise counsels will be saved from bitter regrets.

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