Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern - Religion (17) - Nairaland
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| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by enilove(m): 12:44am On Jan 31, 2013 |
OLAADEGBU: Daily Manna It was Jesus that God refered to.The Arabs were not in the midst of the Israelites and no longer brethren with the Israelites.The tribes of Israel are twelve,from Jacob.It is the twelve tribes that are brothers. Geneses 17:12 God told Abraham that his convenant shall be established with Isaac,which Sarah shall born to Abraham. Because God's covenant was from the biginning with Isaac,God told Abraham to send away Ishmael and his mother away , likewise other children from other wives. That is why the two nations are living far apart. The Arabs are a nation and Israel another nation.They are not brothers but different nations.That is why God said in "your midst", Isaac was buried in the same place where his father was buried and also inherited all his fathers properties. Ishmael was not the only son that Abraham had from another woman ,there was Keturah ,the wife that Abraham married ,who also got many sons for Abraham.Geneses 25 :6 says be4 Abraham died he sent all the other children away from Isaac. If Abraham had other children aside Isaac and Ishmael,and Ishmael and others children were sent away from the home and Isaac inherited all the properties, there is no doubt that he was the PROMISE CHILD .The other chidren from Keturah can also say the prophecy was for them too.That was why other children were sent away to avoid confusion. |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 8:51am On Feb 19, 2013 |
enilove: Good observation. May I add that the Abrahamic Covenant was given only to Isaac and to his descendants. It is true that Ishmael and the other sons of Keturah born to Abraham were explicitly excluded by God from having any part of the covenant made with Abraham (Gen 18:18-21). The truth is that Isaac was the only son of Abraham chosen by God to be the heir of the covenant. It was Isaac and not Ishmael that Abraham took up to Mount Moriah to be offered up to God. The Qu'ran got it completely wrong when its states that Ishmael was the son Abraham offered as a sacrifice to God. |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 3:53pm On Feb 19, 2013 |
Daily Manna 15.03.12 Responsible Stewardship TEXT: NUMBERS 18:20–32 "And you shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have heaved from it the best of it: neither shall you pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest you die" (Numbers 18:32). Biblical records reveal that Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah, was the ancestor of the priest of the tabernacle. Jacob was not happy with Levi and Simeon and he pronounced them dispersed among the people of Israel for their violence and cruelty to the men of Shechem. The situation changed later when the tribe of Levi submitted their lives entirely to the service of God. Moses in his farewell speech, praised the tribe of Levi for being faithful to the covenant with God and for teaching the people to obey God. God always rewards faithfulness and responsible stewardship in every generation. Our text today outlines the principle, pattern and portion of the Levites in discharging the duties assigned to them by God. The priests and the Levites were to have no earthly inheritance, for God Himself was their portion and inheritance. They were to be focused and dedicate their ambition, strength and resources for the service of the tabernacle. Levites were to live on the tithes of the children of Israel, while they in turn should pay their heave offerings unto the Lord. It was to be used to support the work of the tabernacle. The Levites must then be very careful and ensure that they handle the things of God with reverence. Neither should they pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, otherwise they die. Giving something back to God in appreciation of what He freely gave us is the responsibility of every heaven-bound pilgrims especially because the principle of tithing is still very much relevant today. Believers must see their time, talent and resources as gifts to be dedicated to God who is the Supreme Giver. Gifts dedicated to God must be treated with respect and reverence. As responsible stewards of God’s resources, Christians must channel their lives and resources as holy and acceptable service unto God. Thought for the day: "Dedicated life unto God is a duty and debt we all owe Him" For Details . . . Numbers 18:21 18:21 for an inheritance. The Levites were not to be given a portion of the land in Canaan, once it had been conquered, such as the other tribes would have, and neither were the priests (Numbers 18:20). However, the Levites were to receive a tithe of all the increase of the other tribes, and they in turn were to render a tithe of their income for the support of the priests (Numbers 18:26-27). |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 1:15pm On Mar 06, 2013 |
Daily Manna 30.01.13 Beware of Deception TEXT: 1 KINGS 13:7-22 "He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him" (1 Kings 13:18) Many people are simply too gullible. They believe everything they hear, and accept whatever anyone says. They do not subject themselves to the rigors of cross-checking whether those things are true, and whether they are the right things to do at a particular time. In the end, they become victims to cheats and fraudsters whose only intent is to deceive, disgrace and drag people down from the path God has chosen for them. The story of the young prophet in our text is very instructive. God had sent him to Bethel with a message of impending judgment. When King Jeroboam pointed at him and ordered his arrest, his hand was instantly dried up. But the young prophet then prayed and God healed the king spectacularly. Impressed, the king invited him home to dinner. The young prophet declined, saying that God had explicitly warned him against eating and drinking in Bethel. And at God’s command, he headed out of town through another route other than the one by which he came. Clearly, God did not want him to be tracked down. Yet, the sons of an old prophet in the town saw him depart and promptly reported to their father. The old prophet then went in pursuit of him and found him resting under a tree. After cleverly introducing himself as "a prophet as thou art," he convinced him that an angel had spoken to him to bring back the young prophet to eat and drink in Bethel. Unaware that it was a lie, the young prophet obliged and returned with him. While they were eating, the Lord surprisingly spoke through the same old prophet and pronounced a death sentence on the young prophet for disobedience. God’s commands to His people are usually as clear as "eat no bread nor drink water". You must not trifle with it because it is that simple. You must ignore all hearsay or seemingly fantastic stories that have only one purpose: to deceive you. Reject whatever anyone says, no matter how highly acclaimed as a prophet, theologian or an intellectual he may be, once it contradicts the word of God. Thought for the day: "When His message comes to you, there’s but one thing to do: just obey" |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 5:28pm On Mar 06, 2013 |
Daily Manna 13.02.13 Fettered By Flatteries TEXT: DANIEL 11:21-35 "And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Daniel 11: 32) It is unfortunate that many people loath the truth; they prefer falsehood. Such people love to be told that things are okay with them when in actual fact they are in a very terrible situation. They shy away from the truth concerning their health, financial condition, families and even their spiritual life. Many people have suddenly slumped because they failed to pay attention to their heart condition or because they had ignored the medical advice they were given regarding their health. Our text today shows how flattery will be one of the weapons that the Antichrist will use in getting many people. The vision of Daniel here has two major applications. First, it revealed how Antiochus Epiphanies, a Greek ruler will conquer and devastate Jerusalem and then desecrate the temple. One of the strategies he will use to get some of the corrupt priests over to himself will be flatteries and deceptions. This prophecy was exactly fulfilled in much detail as described by Daniel in about 168-167 BC. He was able to obtain his rule by flattery. The second application has to do with the coming of the Antichrist. He too will prosper in his craft by the use of flatteries. Many of his victims will be the corrupt, wicked people who do not love the truth but take pleasure in lies and deceptions (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Looking at the religious world today, one can see why the Antichrist will easily acquire many followers. Many so-called Christians leave assemblies where truth of the word of God is preached and go to where they will be told what they would love to hear. Now you can understand why you need to carefully watch over your soul and accept nothing but the truth. The truth may indeed be very bitter and hard to take, but it is rewarding in the long run. Keep to the truth, for it is sure protection from the waiting traps of the devil. Thought for the day: "The truth may taste bitter but it keeps you healthy" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 12:37pm On Mar 07, 2013 |
Daily Manna 07.03.13 The Conquering Christ TEXT: REVELATION 19:11-16 "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war" (Revelation 19:11) When Julius the Apostate, who sought to destroy Christianity, was on the march with his army in the campaign against Persia in the year 363, one of the soldiers of his army satirically asked a Christian who was being maltreated by the army, "where is your Carpenter now?" "He is making a coffin for your emperor" was the reply of the Christian. Few months afterward, Julius received a mortal wound in a battle. Realizing that his death was at hand, Julius scooped blood from his wound and splashed it towards heaven, exclaiming, "thou hast conquered O Galilean." The vision of John the beloved in our passage presents our Lord Jesus as a Warrior on a white horse which symbolized victory. Jesus came first as a Lamb to be a sacrifice for sin, but will return as a Conqueror and King to execute judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). His first coming brought forgiveness: His second coming will bring judgment. At His coming, a retinue of angels and saints will accompany Him. He is the Chief of all the armies of heaven (verse 14). Out of His mouth goes a sword to smite the nations. He will rule the nations with a rod of iron and tread the winepress of the wrath of God. He is irresistible as the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is obvious that God’s anger and judgment will manifest against sin and those who have rejected Christ as their Saviour. Little wonder then the admonition of the Psalmist to "kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little" (Psalm 2:12). Thought for the day: "God’s mercy is for the penitent" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 9:34am On Apr 19, 2013 |
Daily Manna 07.04.13 Testing The Spirits TEXT: 1 JOHN 4:1-6 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1) A group of students from Harvard University once tried to fool a famous professor of zoology, Agassiz. They took parts from a number of different bugs and with great skill, attached them together to make a creation they were sure would baffle their teacher. On the chosen day, they brought it to him and asked that it be identified. As he inspected it with great care, the students grew more and more sure that they had tricked this genius. Finally, Professor Agassiz straightened up and said, "I have identified it." Scarcely able to control their amusement, they asked its name. Agassiz replied, "It is a humbug – something intended to deceive." We live at a time when many insidious influences are leading people astray. The Apostle of love in our text warns Christians not to believe every spirit but test them. He provided one of the yardsticks – if they confess not that Christ came in the flesh, they are not of God. You may not detect false prophets simply by their outward appearance. They may wear a distinctive garb, bear the title: reverend, bishop, etc. Judging on the basis of external indications, we may wrongly assume that they are reliable guides. But we must not evaluate them on such external evidences. False prophets can be detected by their fruits. Good trees produce good fruits, and rotten trees, bad fruits (Matthew 7:20). Secondly, by the effect of their teaching on people. Their 'converts' are unstable and do not live sound biblical lives. Finally, their falsehood is manifested in their own immoral character of pride (2 Peter 2:10), greed (Jeremiah 8:10) and carnality (2 Peter 2:10,12; 3:3). Watch out and beware of false prophets! Thought for the day: "Don't be carried away by outward appearance" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 9:19am On Apr 20, 2013 |
Daily Manna 15.04.13 Trying The Spirits TEXT: 1 JOHN 4:1-6 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1) A Famous British writer, Walter Scott lay on his death bed, life gradually ebbing out of him. He called for his eldest son and ordered: "Give me the book!" The son was perplexed, for he knew the old man had a well-stocked library of books, including his own works. So the young man asked what book the father meant. Scott fired back: "There is but one book which could be called, the Book: The Bible." Similarly, there is but one Spirit, that which confesses Jesus Christ is come in the flesh and that He is the Saviour. When Jesus declared in John 14:6 that "I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me," He was establishing in unmistakable terms that there was no other yardstick to recognize the One from God. The Apostle Peter having learnt a lot from His Master would declare later: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). The beloved Apostle John continues the theme with a warning in today’s passage. He says that the world of his day, as with ours, was inundated with a host of spirits that gave the impression that they were of Christ. We should not believe them, he says, if they do not confess that Jesus is of God. He describes them as "the spirit of antichrist" that has come ahead of the Antichrist that will manifest during the Great Tribulation. To guard against falling into the doctrine of false prophets, the believer is urged to shun teachings that promote worldliness and a departure from holiness and righteousness. He must embrace the totality of Christ’s nature without compromise. Thought for the day: "Jesus is the truth personified" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 12:10pm On Apr 20, 2013 |
Daily Manna 20.04.13 The Accursed Thing TEXT: Joshua 7:10-15 "Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you" (Joshua 7:13) The saying that "one rotten apple ruins the bunch" is said to originate from the experience of ancient mariners who used to carry barrels of apples in their ships. They found that except a bad apple is discovered on time and removed from the rest, it soon affect others. The implication of this lesson does not only pertain to corruptible influence, but also of collective punishment occasioned by the act of one person. This was exactly the case of Achan and the children of Israel after the conquest of Jericho. As Israel suffered a most crushing defeat in the hands of insignificant Ai, Joshua sensed that something had gone wrong, but he could not tell what went wrong. "Israel hath sinned . . . There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee", the Lord told him. As long as the accursed thing remained with them, Israel would continue to suffer defeat and deprivation of God’s presence. Although the offence was regarded as a national one, the search for the culprit was to be narrowed to a tribe, then a family, a household, and eventually an individual. For violating God’s express command concerning accursed things and covering them up, the offender (who turned out to be Achan, the son of Carmi) would suffer death penalty together with his household. The accused therefore shared the same fate with the accursed thing. The existence of an accursed thing (sin) can wreak a great havoc in the life of a Christian, in a family and in a fellowship or church. When sin is not confessed and dealt with, it attracts an embargo of God’s presence, power and protection in our situations. Thought for the day: "Secret sin attracts open consequences" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 8:56pm On Apr 21, 2013 |
Daily Manna 21.04.13 The Law And Its Limits TEXT: ROMANS 7:1-12 "But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter" (Romans 7:6) In line with the perversions that have beset the marriage institution, the Christian marriage vow is being modified today. The most significantly affected part of that vow is "till death do us part." Yet, this clause captures God’s concept of marriage which implies that divorce is not an option. This truth is upheld in today's text that a married woman is bound to her husband while he lives but is discharged from that obligation after her husband’s death. This is also applicable to the man. The text was principally addressed to the Christian Jews who had been "married" to the law of ordinances. According to divine arrangement, the dispensation of the law "died" and made way for the era of grace to be ushered in through Christ. As such, the Jews are no more bound to the law than a woman is to a dead husband. They are free to embrace the gospel of grace without any guilt. What about the law? It was good and served its own purpose. It was useful in disclosing man's inclination to sin and prescribed punishments for it. However, the law provided neither help nor hope for the sinner but subjected him to perpetual guilt and sentence of death. Isn't it a great privilege to be living in the dispensation of grace brought about by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross? By this He "obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises" (Hebrews 8:6). The new covenant not only provides for our pardon and cleansing, it grants us enabling grace to "go and sin no more" and to "bring forth fruits unto God." Thought for the day: "Grace grants us freedom from sin, not freedom to sin" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 3:50pm On Apr 22, 2013 |
Daily Manna 22.04.13 Half Baked Christians TEXT: HOSEA 7:1-10 "Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned" (Hosea 7:10) One of the most cherished moments in a woman's life is when she is praised for a delicious meal prepared by her. A well-cooked food is eaten with relish. On the other hand, a badly cooked food drives away appetite and is eaten with loathsomeness. However, a badly cooked food may be redeemed or managed, but not a half baked cake. It is worthless and irredeemable. When God described the spiritual condition of the ten northern tribes of Israel (sometimes called Ephraim) as "a cake not turned," it was a very serious indictment. The people of that era baked their cake by heating the hearth. The cake is covered with embers and turned every few minutes to achieve even cooking on both sides. If not turned, the cake got burned on one side and remained raw on the other. In the text, Israel persisted in sin in total disregard of God’s efforts to reform them. They became friendly with and copied the ways of heathen nations. Their backsliding was so acute that strangers devoured their strength, and they did not know. This portrays the life of a professing Christian "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." He looks sound in some aspects of Christian commitment but when you turn him around, you will not find the evidence of sanctifying grace. He is worldly-minded, carnal and ignorant. But how we need to pray to be saved from such an awful condition or else our Master will spew us out of His mouth for being "neither cold nor hot." Let’s resolve today to commit to the Lord unreservedly. Thought for the day: "God demands from us, all or nothing" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 6:25pm On Apr 24, 2013 |
Daily Manna 24.04.13 It Is Love! TEXT: 1 JOHN 5:1-12 "Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loves him that begat loves him also that is begotten of him" (1 John 5:1). Sometimes, there are strong controversies over the paternity of a child. To resolve this, tests are conducted and the child is closely observed to see if he shares any trait that runs in the family. And with modern technology, conducting a DNA test easily resolves such issues. Once the controversy is laid to rest, the said child becomes entitled to all the family rights and benefits. There are many people today who claim to be children of God, but a critical look at their lives shows that they do not have the proofs of divine sonship. For the avoidance of doubt, the Apostle John identifies the main proof of divine sonship: love. God is love and everyone that loves is born of God. It is this attribute of love in a child of God that makes him love God unconditionally. He is wholeheartedly devoted to God and finds obeying God a great delight. It is his love for God that makes him want to please the Lord at all times. It is this same divine nature in a child of God that makes him to love every one that is born of God. Love flows in God’s family. This is why in Christ Jesus, there is no distinction of race, gender, age, status, etc. Hate is alien in His family. Christians’ love one for another is the sure proof to the world that they are children of God. It is this same nature of God in the child of God that makes it possible for him to love his enemies, do good to them and pray for those who despitefully use him. As you meditate over this today, there is need to check if indeed you are a child of God or you have been holding on to a false claim. If you are not sure, you can ask God to truly make you His child today and so shed His love abroad in your heart. Thought for the day: "Everyone will know when you have love" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 2:00pm On Apr 25, 2013 |
Daily Manna 25.04.13 Needless Bondage TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 5:18-26 "And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land... And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria... and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto ...and to the river Gozan, unto this day" (1 Chronicles 5:25,26). According to Matthew Henry,"Sin lessens men, thrusts them down from their excellency… leaves indelible stain upon men’s names and families, a reproach which time will not wipe away." The shame, reproach, bondage and oppressions in which many once favoured children of God find themselves today need not be if not for their carelessness and disobedience to the revealed will of God. Think about the Reubenites in our passage today. They had enjoyed the favour of God in the past. In fact, they had victory in battle against their enemies because God fought for them. Beyond victory in battle, they experienced peace, protection and prosperity from the Lord. But they soon turned to idolatry, worshipping the same gods for which God brought judgment upon those nations. The result was that they suffered the same fate. God caused them to be carried away into captivity. This is the terrible effect of sin! They became displaced from where they were first placed. The lesson for us is clear. Sin strips us of all that we have from God. It leaves us weak, vulnerable and helpless. The powers that were once unable to defeat us will now triumph and ride over us. We will find ourselves in a captivity that shouldn’t really have been. Is it not therefore to our own good and profit to resist and fight the urge to sin and disobey God? Is it not for our own good if we readily obey the word of God whatever it may cost us? It will be tragic to allow the same blessings we have received from God to make us turn away from Him to a life of pleasure, sensuality and outright disobedience to His word. Thought for the day: "Sin destroys and damns: beware" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 7:41am On Apr 26, 2013 |
Daily Manna 26.04.13 Glad To Tell TEXT: PSALM 66:8-20 "Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul" (Psalm 66:16). It is not hard to see the joy and excitement in someone who has experienced a great deliverance. The dance, the shout of praise and the testimony, are all noticeable. The psalmist in our text couldn’t hide the joy of what the Lord had done for him as he called upon everyone to join him in praising God. As he sang the praise of God, he mentioned in clear terms what the Lord had done. He sustained them, delivered them from great afflictions, gave them overwhelming victory over the enemies that threatened to swallow them up. He also established them in wealth and abundance. They were thrilled by the fact that God answered their prayers. It was a testimony to the fact that God hears and answers the prayers of the righteous who do not cover up their sins. Are you excited with what God has done for you? Are you quick to share your testimony in the congregation of the righteous? Many believers are not keen to testify of God’s goodness in their lives. It is either they think that such favour is too small or they feel that sharing testimony is meant for new converts and young believers. Sharing testimonies brings glory to God. It encourages others to have faith in God and assures them that God will answer their prayers as well, if they trust Him. In addition, it boosts the faith of the testifier and encourages him to constantly trust God even for greater things. Thought for the day: "Don’t hide God’s goodness in your life" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 8:08pm On Apr 29, 2013 |
Daily Manna 27.04.13 Just As He Said TEXT: LUKE 1:57-66 "Now Elisabeth‘s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son" (Luke 1:57). It is marvelous to see how God brings to pass the things He has promised. As we look at the story before us today, we cannot but wonder how God at times sets aside the laws of nature to bring to pass His promises to His children. Elisabeth and her husband had both given up the thought of ever having a child because they were very old. They were only concerned with faithfully serving the Lord and pleasing Him. It was at such a time when they were not expecting a child that God visited them. How encouraging to know that even if you have forgotten a particular need, God has not forgotten and will surely visit you. However, we must learn to wait patiently for Him. Zachariah first doubted the promise, and for this he remained speechless throughout the time the baby was in the womb. But despite his unbelief, God still accomplished what He had promised. It is better to believe God’s promise than wonder how He would bring them to pass. It is not our business to work out how God will fulfill what He promises. If God sets out to fulfill His purpose, it does not matter who believes or not; for the unbelief of man cannot hold back the hands of God. Finally, when God fulfills His promises to us, then we must stay true to Him. Elisabeth and Zachariah named the baby ‘John’, as God had instructed. We must not allow human traditions and pressures to make us deviate from God’s standard and expectations. He is the One we should seek to please; after all, we owe Him all we are and have. There is no loss in believing and waiting for the Lord; the faithful will prove His faithfulness. Keep on believing! Thought for the day: "God does exactly what He says!" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 8:42pm On Apr 29, 2013 |
Daily Manna 28.04.13 Not One Upright! TEXT: JEREMIAH 5:1-9 "Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon on it" (Jeremiah 5:1). It is very disturbing to observe the rate at which corruption is increasing in the society. There is hardly a sector of the society that you get to today that you will not find this terrible monster. What is most saddening is that some institutions which are supposed to be the preserver of uprightness have also joined the bandwagon. Gone were those days when you introduced yourself as a Christian or pastor and you were looked upon with great respect. The case in our text appears to foreshadow today’s realities. God challenged Jeremiah to search through the streets of Jerusalem to see if he could find one upright man. The inhabitants had a strong show of religion; they swore in the name of the Lord but all were acts of hypocrisy. Jeremiah was more disappointed to find that even the elites that were supposed to know better were worse. Because there was not an upright one in the society, God decided to unleash judgment on them. There is no doubt that the scourge of terrible afflictions being unleashed on the world today are as a result of want of righteousness and justice in our world. Believers are supposed to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, preserving the world from decay and destruction. In a society or community where no believer is, you can imagine the kind of corruption and darkness that will pervade such society. Should the Lord send a “Jeremiah” to your community to search for one upright man, will you be found to be one? Save the world from total collapse. Keep up the righteous standard. Thought for the day: "A true light provides illumination for all!" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 9:01pm On Apr 29, 2013 |
Daily Manna 29.04.13 Favoured For A Purpose TEXT: ESTHER 2:15-23 "Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king‘s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her" (Esther 2:15). If we carefully follow and study the way God works as revealed in the scriptures, we shall observe that all that God does is for a purpose. Nothing happens by chance, accident or mistake in His dealings with man. His works have been carefully thought out, well planned and laid down to achieve a divine design. Esther stood no chance, naturally speaking, of becoming a queen. Looking at her background, nobody would have given her a chance. She was an orphan adopted and raised by her uncle. Secondly, she was a Jewess, a race despised and hated by others; and as if to jeopardize her chances of being selected, she chose not to ask for anything extra to enhance her beauty and boost her chance. In spite of all these, she was the one selected to be queen. God, no doubt, was at work to bring to pass His divine purpose of preserving the Jews from extermination as recorded in the latter part of the book. As a Christian, you need to realize that you are on a divine assignment. You are not just in the world to make up the number. If you look at the various happenings in your life, you will realize that many of the favours you get are not really because you deserve them or are really qualified for them. It is because God wants to achieve a purpose through you. What privilege, opportunity or favour do you have today? Do you know why you have such a favour? Are you using such a privilege to accomplish God’s purpose? If you are not, then you are missing the purpose for which you have been so favoured. Would you not rather make a change and begin to live for the right purpose? There cannot be anything more fulfilling and satisfying than this! Thought for the day: "Always seek to please God with every privilege you have!" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 4:13pm On May 03, 2013 |
Daily Manna 30.04.13 Christ, The Perfect Sacrifice TEXT: LEVITICUS 7:1-10 "And the priest shall burn them upon the altar for an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it is a trespass offering" (Leviticus 7:5). Sacrifices in the Old Testament were symbolic gestures showing the obligation of sinful man to present another life in place of his own. Thus, substitution pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for the remission of the sins of the world. There were various forms of sacrifices in Bible days, namely, burnt offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings and trespass offerings. By these, the offerer expressed his loyalty and devotion to God. However, presenting the blood of animals to God symbolized the offering of the worshipper’s life to God for his sins and pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Whether the sacrifices were of bulls, grains, goats or sheep, the object of sacrifice had to be physically perfect with no defects. The system of sacrifice symbolized the necessity for people to present themselves perfect before God (Romans 12:1). This emphasized the sacredness of an offering set apart unto the Lord. Christ has paid the supreme penalty by yielding His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. This is final and complete as there is no other sacrifice for sin. We are enjoined to "present [our] bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God which is [our] reasonable service." The Lord no longer delights in the abundance of sacrifices but in a contrite and broken spirit. This is the acceptable sacrifice. What sacrifice are you offering to God today? Jesus Christ, the only Son of God is the last sacrifice. Thought for the day: "Outside Christ, all other sacrifices are invalid!" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 4:31pm On May 03, 2013 |
Daily Manna 2.05.13 The Struggle Within TEXT: ROMANS 7:13-25 "For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do" (Romans 7:15,19) By society’s moral standards he was adjudged an upright man. He had won accolades in the university where he worked as the Dean of student affairs. He had rejected offers of bribe times without number. He was that strict until His son failed to obtain the university admission examination cutoff mark by two marks. The Registrar called to inform him and suggested that rather than wait for another year, the boy’s answer script could be amended if only he would consent. Then the struggle began: to consent or not to consent. At last, he did and his son was admitted. Our text deals with the state of the moral but graceless man and the battle he daily fights against sinful pressures. The desire to do good is in him but he has difficulty actualizing this desire. He is set to do what is right and acceptable but he ends up doing the exact opposite. This is the fate of all who attempt to obey God’s commandments without the saving grace of Christ. Our society is full of such persons who have not tasted of the grace of God through Christ. Thus, they remain slaves to evil desires, propensities and sin. As often as they try to do good in self-righteousness, they are brought into captivity to the law of sin. One basic question everyone in this situation asks is: ‘O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death’? If your question is similar to this, throw away your self-righteous garment and come to Christ. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He will gladly deliver you. So, repent and receive Christ as your Lord and Saviour now. Saved, you must abide in Him to continue to enjoy the freedom. Thought for the day: "Christ begins where self-righteousness ends!" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 1:35pm On May 07, 2013 |
Daily Manna 1.05.13 God’s House Or Merchandise? TEXT: JOHN 2:13-21 "And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house a house of merchandise" (John 2:16) Different forms of trading activities go on around most worship centres today. This is most common when there is one form of camp meeting or the other. You have the bookshops where Christian materials, tapes, videos, accessories, etc. are sold. The intention is to facilitate worship by making some helpful materials available for worshippers. However, for greed and love of money, many who engage in such transactions take advantage of the church situation to exploit people and distract the entire worship process. This was exactly the situation in our text for meditation today. The whole essence of worship and the feast of Passover had been turned into money-making business. The Jews in connivance with the priests would not accept any other currency, thus forcing worshippers from other places to change their monies at an exorbitant rate with the money changers. They also charged a fee for inspection of animals brought for sacrifice to be sure that they were without blemish. In most cases, the animals brought were disapproved, forcing the worshippers to buy other ones at a higher price than the market value. The whole temple scene turned to market that Jesus could not bear. He chased them all out and cleansed the temple. Should Jesus visit your church or the temple of your heart during worship, will He have to take up a whip or be glad to pour out a blessing? Let’s cleanse ourselves from all kinds of pollution brought by greed so as to be true worshippers and not temple business men and women. Thought for the day: "Guard His temple jealously!" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 10:53am On May 08, 2013 |
Daily Manna 8.05.13 What Do You See? TEXT: JOSHUA 7:16-26 "When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it" (Joshua 7:21) As long as a man has all its full senses working perfectly, the tendency to desire or ‘lust’ after something good is ever confronting him. The eye gate is particularly one of the most powerful means of reaching the heart of a man. What the eyes see and the heart meditates on, the other senses may process for further actions. The passage narrates the sad story of a valiant young man with a great future. He belonged to the generation of the most fortunate set of people who literally enjoyed the best of divine providence. Having made considerable progress in their journey towards the promised land and reaching the very border of the land that flowed with milk and honey, he surrendered his faculty to the enemy called ‘covetousness’ to rob him and his family of the privilege and joy of partaking in the unending life in Canaan. God had given an express command to the children of Israel not to touch the spoils of war at that particular battle. Achan allowed self-conceit and desire for undue benefits to lure him into ‘seeing, coveting, taking, and hiding’ the accursed materials. Just one moment of self-denial and self-discipline would have saved him and his entire household from the shame and agony of a sudden and shameful death. Before you blame Achan, what do you ‘see’ and meditate on? Our world today is still full of many so-called attractive ‘goodly Babylonish garments and weights of gold’ in one form or the other. We also stand the danger of being tempted if we, when truly converted through Christ’s redemption, do not make a covenant with our eyes like Job or have a purpose of mind like Daniel, never to look on or be defiled by accursed things. Let’s always remember that ‘it is the blessing of the Lord that maketh rich without adding any sorrow’. Thought for the day: "Keep sin at bay!" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 12:11pm On May 11, 2013 |
Daily Manna 9.05.13 Hold It Firm! TEXT: 2 JOHN 1-13 "Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward" (2 John 1:8 ) Wind storms have dealt deadly blows to the career of many sailors. Before modern technology improved maritime transportation, many ships had been destroyed by powerful wind blowing across the ocean. But if there was anything any sailor would like to do whenever troubles started, it was to ensure he held fast and firm the sail. Once he allowed the wind to toss the ship from one part of the sea to another, he stood the danger of having the ship run against a great stone with a possible wreck. Apostle John realises the importance of the truth as the only anchor to stabilize the Christian life. He therefore encourages the Elect Lady and other believers to hold on to the truth they have received. Walking in the truth and in Christ’s commandments makes it easy for believers to also walk in love. The Apostle counsels us not to fall prey to false prophets and teachers that are daily calling for our attention. It takes a firm conviction and unwavering commitment to sound doctrines to hold firm so that we do not lose our crown. It is no wonder the Scripture refers to our present confrontations with Satan and his agents as ‘the good fight of faith.’ We are to put on the whole armour, hold the truth firmly and contend earnestly for it. In these days of compromise and permissiveness, it is essential for heaven-bound Christians to be conscious of their high and holy calling. The Kingdom of God is not about meat and drink but righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Ghost. All believers must flee the doctrine of eternal security that gives false hope to people who are once saved that they are forever saved irrespective of their present compromising lifestyle. That is eternally damning. Thought for the day: "A soul that is truly established in Christ has built a sure bulwark against the wind of errors" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 1:04am On May 13, 2013 |
Daily Manna 10.05.13 Avoid Slothfulness TEXT: PROVERBS 6:1-11 "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise" (Proverbs 6:6) The book of Proverbs contains truths on wise behaviour, righteousness, justice and equity. It contains instructive and timeless lessons for believers. One of the recurring subjects in this book is the counsel on how to avoid things that will hurt our lives and future so as to pursue things that will help us live a happy and fulfilled life here and in eternity. In our passage today, the narrative warns us against slothfulness, the major barrier to progress and prosperity in life. By drawing our attention to the little but wise creatures (the ants), the writer of Proverbs challenges all to a life of diligence, discipline and discretion. We are shown the example of the wisdom and diligence of ants to emulate. The passage opens with a caution against being hasty to be surety for a person. The believer should not enter into any financial obligation that is beyond his/her capacity. The main thrust of today’s lesson centres on the rebuke to the slothful. Poverty, want, suffering and degradation will often be the lots of those who are lazy. To avoid a beggarly and wasted life, the passage encourages us to draw wisdom from the ants. The price for success and prosperity is hard work. So-called believers who waste time fantasizing and building castles in the air will surely court penury and shame in the end. Excellence in life and ministry come through diligence. Those who bank upon a kind of grace and so-called divine favour which gives no room for individual resourcefulness and hardwork will be accorded less honour than ants. Thought for the day: "Diligence is a sure antidote to failure and poverty" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 11:17am On May 13, 2013 |
Daily Manna 11.05.13 True Deliverance TEXT: LUKE 1:67-80 "That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life" (Luke 1:74,75) There exist billboards with screaming invitational information to attend one deliverance or miracle service everywhere now. It appears that modern Christianity is not complete without strong emphasis on deliverance from seen and unseen enemies, household wickedness, generational curse and several foes hunting people daily and stopping them from getting to a defined destiny. The passage today however looks at this issue from a different perspective. As Zechariah yielded to the Holy Spirit to moderate the programme of dedicating his child, John the Baptist, the mind of God for mankind through the instrumentality of this special child was clearly revealed. His entire life and ministry will be directed towards preparing the way for accomplishing the age-long promise of God for mankind - to deliver man from sin, a promise first made in the garden of Eden after the fall of man. The horn of salvation that the Lord has now raised for His people was to ensure the fulfilment of the covenant - through deliverance from the hand of our enemies. And the main purpose of this deliverance was to be free to serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. Whatever other deliverance(s) we seek or have that does not lead to serving God in holiness and righteousness all our days is not complete. But you can seek His face for genuine and complete deliverance today. Your present happiness and eternal joy rests on this unique decision. Thought for the day: "To render acceptable service to God, is to enjoy true deliverance" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 5:37pm On May 15, 2013 |
Daily Manna 12.05.13 The Wages Of Sin TEXT: JOSHUA 7:1-9 "And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water" (Joshua 7:5) The theory of cause and effect is relational to nature. It is the same thing that applies to sowing and reaping. The story in our study today has some relevance to the above. Israel had committed a trespass through the secret sin of one of them which bordered on covetousness and stealing, but without the knowledge of Joshua. Achan allowed his personal desire to becloud his sense of faithfulness. He took some accursed things and brought defeat to the entire Israelites. Israel was defeated by Ai: a humiliating defeat from a smaller nation that Israel had earlier conquered. Jericho, which by the miraculous work of God Israel had just defeated, was several times bigger and stronger than Ai. Many people face defeat in small things today because they neglect God’s warning to them to desist from sin. People who had made great strides in the past and had achieved great feats now suffer failure and defeat in small matters due to disobedience to God’s word. God made His stand clear in Romans 6:23 that, "the wages of sin is death..." Similarly, the Scripture says, "… whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him". Israel broke the hedge through sin, God’s metaphoric serpent bit them as they lost 36 soldiers to their enemies. It is, therefore, important for everyone to engage in self-examination and repent where compromise exists. That was exactly what Joshua did when he rented (tore) his clothes (verses 6-8 ) and said, “O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs against their enemies!” Have you made yourself an adversary of God by your acts of indiscretion? Stop hiding; repent! Thought for the day: "Sow in righteousness to reap in mercy" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 10:32am On May 16, 2013 |
Daily Manna 13.05.13 Gateway To Blessing TEXT: PSALM 67:1-7 "Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah" (Psalm 67:3,4) In The Merchant of Venice,Shakespeare wrote, "The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils; the motions of his spirit are dull as night, and his affections dark as Erebus: let no such man be trusted." The above is Shakespeare’s veneration of music in appreciation and expression of something good. Similarly, our text today stresses the necessity of rendering praise to God. The important use of songs, music and expression of verbal thanks in appreciation of the goodness of God cannot be over-emphasized. More than anything, the psalmist is here drawing a nexus between praise and progress, praise and prosperity, praise and provision, praise and providence, praise and practical favour and praise and precise blessings. In essence, it means that contrary to the general belief by many that we must praise God for all He has done for us, the psalmist believes that it is equally important to praise Him for what He has not done. If we praise Him, He will be merciful unto us; He will save us; He will give us health; He shall judge the people righteously; He will govern the nations upon the earth and shower great blessings upon us. Then will the ends of the earth fear the Lord. Praise unlocks heaven's treasure and those who are given to praising God are also the frequent recipients of His blessings. However, many so-called believers today only praise God for what He has done for them and grumble over the ones they feel He has not done. So, let us praise God, not only for what He has done, but also for what He is yet to do. That's complete praise that God inhabits. Thought for the day: "Praising God in all situations opens the floodgate of heaven for greater blessings" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 1:30pm On May 16, 2013 |
Daily Manna 14.05.13 Avoidable Persecution TEXT: ESTHER 3:1-6 "And all the king‘s servants, that were in the king‘s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence" (Esther 3:2) From our text today, Haman, the Agagite, had been promoted by king Ahasuerus above all the princes that were in Shushan, and commanded that all men should reverence him. While others complied with the king’s order, Mordecai refused. This simply was borne out of the contempt he had for Haman. He neither bowed nor reverenced him. In spite of the persuasion from the king’s servants for Mordecai to obey the royal order, he was adamant, claiming to be a Jew. This rigidity made the servants to inform Haman about Mordecai’s irreverent attitude. As soon as he confirmed that Mordecai would not reverence him, his hatred for the Jews increased which resulted in his rash decision not only to deal with Mordecai but also to destroy all the Jews that were in king Ahasuerus’ kingdom. The three characters involved in our text took some wrong steps we should avoid. What the servant of the king did in reporting Mordecai to Haman was needless and only amounted to back-stabbing, hypocrisy and eye-service. Haman’s decision to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom for a single man’s offence was also a miscarriage of justice. Above all, Mordecai behaved most unwisely by refusing to honour Haman despite the fact that the king commanded it. Believers should be cautious and wise in their relationship with others, particularly the people of the world. Many have attracted avoidable persecution and threat to life. Discretion, it is said, forms the better part of valour. There are crisis and tragedies that can be avoided in life when we choose to be circumspect, drawing from the Saviour’s arsenal of divine wisdom. Thought for the day: "Avoid self-imposed affliction" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 6:34pm On May 17, 2013 |
Daily Manna 15.05.13 Earn Your Own Income TEXT: 2 THESSALONIANS 3:6-18 "For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread" (2 Thessalonians 3:11,12) Robin George Collingwood,philosopher and archaeologist once said, “perfect freedom is reserved for the man who lives by his own work and in that work does what he wants to do”. Apostle Paul, in our text today, told believers in Thessalonica that he had received a report of disorderliness among them. That “…there are some which work among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies”. Instead of working, such people depended on other believers to live. Since they had no work, they became busybodies, going from house to house to discuss issues that bordered on other people. To remedy the situation, the Apostle commanded that with quietness such persons should work and eat their own bread. And if the person refused to obey, he should not eat: the brethren should withdraw from such a brother so that he could be ashamed and start work. When he was physically present with them, he set the tradition of working to earn a living as a tent-maker in spite of his busy schedule. As believers in Christ, God expects us to work and earn a living to keep body and soul together. He does not expect us to be idle. Laziness and idleness will bring deprivation, shame and ridicule, not only to the believer but also to the church and name of Christ. But if we work and earn our own living, we shall experience the “perfect freedom” that Collingwood spoke about. Besides, we will “not be weary in well doing” (verse 13). Thought for the day: "Pursue financial freedom today" For Details . . . |
| Re: Daily Manna — God's Abiding Concern by OLAADEGBU(m): 7:22pm On May 21, 2013 |
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