DCLM Daily Manna
Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Reward That Cannot Be Denied

TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 2:1-7

"So David went up thither, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail Nabal’s wife the Carmelite. And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron" (2 Samuel 2:2,3).

The world is surely a hard road to travel. No wonder the godless are easily swamped and defeated. It’s not so with the godly however, who triumphs over waves of intimidating odds to clinch ultimate victory.

In our text, David received divine authorization to go to Hebron where he was later anointed king over the tribe of Judah, an event that seemed to foretell his coming reign over the whole land of Israel. David, in exile, settled in the cities of Hebron, a land well-watered and renowned for its exquisite green pastures, vines, grains, honey and fruits. It was one of the choicest regions of Canaan. “Eyes hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (2 Corinthians 2:9).

David also never forgot to commend the kindness of the people of Jabeshgilead in giving the body of the slain king Saul a proper burial. David’s sense of appreciation is exemplary, even as his reward giving disposition should excite our hope in the promise of eternal reward which Christ has left for those who serve Him faithfully to the end.

No doubt, there are trials, temptations, rejection, persecution and pains that come with living for Christ. Yet, we must serve Him in spite of the odds we may face, following the footsteps of our Lord who was also rejected and despised by kings and rulers of the world. When He returns as King of kings and Lord of lords, He will richly reward us for all we have done for Him, as He promised. “Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me” (Luke 22:28,29).

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 36 - 38

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "A resilient spirit triumphs in the end"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Flattery Entraps

TEXT: LUKE 4:33-44

"And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ" (Luke 4:41).

There are many ways the enemies engage in battle. But the most subtle and deadly is when the foe suddenly becomes a friend and praise singer of his target. The people who often fall prey are those who love the praise of men and want people to massage their egos.

When the devils realized they were no match to the great power and authority of the Lord Jesus in the text, they tried to use the weapon of flattery. They probably must have thought that the Lord would be impressed by their open and public testimony of who He is. But Jesus cannot be bought by this. He rebuked them and cast them out. He was not interested in their cheap and unsolicited publicity. He knew who He was and what His ministry was and so does not need the devil to tell Him that. Not only did He reject the testimonies of the devil, He also did not allow the success of His ministry in one place to make Him lose focus of the bigger and larger picture of His mandate. This was why He had to withdraw to the desert after such a powerful and successful campaign. And when the people came to persuade Him to remain with them, He told them His mandate; "…I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent" (verse 43).

Those who love the praise of men and desire to be known will easily fall for the flatteries of the enemy and lose focus of their calling to win souls. But those who are discerning will discard cheap publicity and continue to win souls. We must follow Christ closely and learn from Him if we want to make a success of our lives and ministry. The breakthrough and success of a moment must not make us lose sight of the bigger picture and vision. We must constantly keep the vision before us and keep pushing forward until we have made full prove of our ministry.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 39 - 42

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Flattery inflates self but deflates virtue"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Thursday, March 19, 2015

Praying And Looking Up

TEXT: PSALM 5:1-7

"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up" (Psalm 5:3).

When an athlete at a school’s sport programme crossed the finish line just ahead of his closest rival, a spectator observed that the winner’s lips were moving through the last couple of laps. He went to find out what the sportsman was saying. “I was praying,” he said. “I was saying pick (my legs)... up, Lord and I’ll put them down.” The man prayed for God’s help and followed up with faith in God for answered prayer.

That was what the Psalmist, David, did in today’s reading. David persisted in prayer with confidence that God would hear him. He determined that he would not live without prayer. Next, he decided that he would offer quality time to God in prayer. If we figure our lives around God, morning prayers will be the natural thing to do. The dawning of each day calls for a fresh start and renewed dedication to God, fellowship with Him and feeding on His word (Psalm 119:147).

Prayer is a two-way affair. When a believer in Christ prays according to the will of God in the name of Jesus, God expects him to exercise faith by “looking up” to receive. God will always play His part by granting our request but requires us to first pray and thereafter obtain the answers through faith.

This relationship however is not for the unsaved. “The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: Thou hatest all workers of iniquities” (verse 5). A beneficial communication with God can only take place when you repent of sin and invite Jesus Christ, the Son of God to come into your life. There is also need to fully dedicate yourself to living for, loving and serving God. Though the initial experience of knowing God is instantaneous, a lifelong fruitful relationship continues as you abide in His word, righteousness and fellowship with His people till the end.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 43 - 45

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God still answers prayers of His children"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Friday, March 20, 2015

What A Fall!

TEXT: ISAIAH 2:10-22

"Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty" (Isaiah 2:10).

Once, a millionaire attended a party and found himself in the midst of a group of people discussing the subject of prayer. He told them that he did not have to pray to God for anything. "Prayer maybe all right for you," he said, "but I don’t need it. I worked hard for everything I have. I didn’t ask God for anything!". Then a university president responded: "Sir, there is one thing you don’t have that you might pray for." "And what might that be?" asked the man. The educationalist replied: "You could pray for humility".

A grave consequence of human pride since the fall in Eden is that man has separated himself from his Creator, exalting himself in false glory that leads to destruction. Like the millionaire, the entire humanity has lived in the erroneous belief that man does not need God, that we can direct our affairs without God’s guidance. But according to Isaiah, a time of judgment is coming when the haughty men would be brought down. The immediate fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy was the devastation of the individuals and the land they populated. Now there is a larger prophetic perspective: "The day of the LORD" (Isaiah 2:12). At that time, God will hurl down all evil in the earth (Joel 2:31; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Revelation 4-19).

The present evil system that glorifies pride and rebellion against God’s law of righteousness, holiness and humility shall be destroyed along with those who practise and support them. Only those who meekly submit to obtain the salvation of God through Jesus Christ will be saved from the "wrath to come".

The wise who do not want to suffer in eternity will "cease from man" (Isaiah 2:22) and his spiritually unprofitable ways and "enter into the rock" (Isaiah 2:10). Jesus Christ is the Rock.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 46 - 48

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God rejects the haughty but gives grace to the humble"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Saturday, March 21, 2015

The Unexpected Challenge

TEXT: JOHN 2:1,2

"And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage" (John 2:2).

We have here the story of Christ’s miraculous turning of water into wine at a marriage in Cana of Galilee. The honour Christ puts on the ordinance of marriage, not only with His presence but with His first miracle, shows the importance of marriage.

Jesus was a principal Guest at this occasion. It is very desirable, when there is a marriage, to have Christ’s presence. That means that we must invite Him through prayer and faith.

The invitation of Christ and His disciples to this marriage is a clear indication of the fact that Jesus cannot come into any life except He is invited. The reason is, He never forces Himself upon anyone.

The provision at the marriage was much but not sufficient. It was eventually exhausted. You need to invite Him if you realise that the wine of your marriage is getting exhausted with the attendant frequent quarrels and lack of love in your family? He has power over all the forces of evil and darkness that threaten marriages. If we expect Christ’s favour, we must establish a relationship with Him and obey His commands.

Christ does not break in forcefully into people’s life and homes. He said, “Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). If you make up your mind to invite Him into your troubled life and family, He will be faithful to His promise and come in.

What a privilege to have Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords in you and your family. And when He comes, tell Him all your needs and you are sure the miracle will be there. So, invite the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour and Lord. He has the capacity to lift you up when you come to your wits’ end.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 49 - 50

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Christ is the solution to every problem"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Sunday, March 22, 2015

Action Of Faith

TEXT: EXODUS 2:1-10

"And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink" (Exodus 2:3).

The birth of people who make history is generally not often heralded by a tumultuous welcome. In some instances though, there might be some merrymaking and dancing that a child is born. The pomp and mirth heralding the birth of a child does not always determine the type of life he will lead or his achievements in life.

Baby Moses, at birth, was received with mixed feelings of joy and trepidation. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, had given orders that male Hebrew children should no longer be allowed to live. By divine intervention, his mother took the risk of preserving him till the baby was finally picked-up and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter.

Miriam, Moses’ elder sister was readily available to satisfy Pharaoh’s daughter’s quest for a nanny to nurse the baby. She was not afraid to approach the Egyptian princess. And so Moses began, in his true mother’s bosom, his early life in the tradition and beliefs of God’s people before he was brought to Pharaoh’s house.

From the fearless and courageous conduct of Miriam, we should learn to take advantage of God-given opportunities. We should not let fear cause us to miss great opportunities in ministry and our daily life. The almighty God will gladly bring us out of our ‘bulrushes’ even when prevailing circumstances seem impossible, dark and dreary.

God has a desirable destiny in mind for everyone. Salvation through Christ and abiding in Him will bring the full manifestation of that glorious destiny. If you will fully trust God, you will fulfil that destiny, the fearsome challenges of the enemy notwithstanding.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 51 - 52

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Be wise to utilize every opportunity"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Monday, March 23, 2015

Cleansing For Service

TEXT: NUMBERS 8:5-19

"And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean" (Numbers 8:7).

A through the process of lightingfter putting Moses and Aaron the lamps on the altar, God instructed that they separate the Levites for exclusive service in worship and administration. There had been an external act of putting off darkness by the illumination of the lights. In God’s plan of action, there should also be a follow-up: purification of the vessels for service. There must be the cleansing and separation of the Levites to ensure outward and inward holiness.

It is this total holiness that makes service acceptable to God. You cannot worship God or offer gift to Him in unclean state. You cannot give him blemished offering. Nor can you serve Him in a polluted place. He is holy and He demands holiness all around Him. He demands absolute separation from anything that corrupts.

Numbers 8:7 is unmistakably clear about this: “And thus shall thou do unto them (Levites): sprinkle water of purifying upon them and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.”

Obviously, this foreshadows what Jesus our paschal Lamb came to do for the sinner who repents and asks for pardon. Jesus came to this world several centuries after the separation of the Levites. He came to call us out of the world of darkness and sin. He shed His blood at Calvary to wash us from our sin, prepare us for work in the Lord’s vineyard and take us to the mansions He has gone to prepare for us in heaven.

He demands total commitment, obedience and submission to His doctrine as we shun the world with all its false teachings and practices. Only those who do so will be considered fit for Kingdom service and qualify to enjoy a blissful eternity with God, Christ and all the saints.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: MARK 1 - 3

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Unholy life desecrates God’s altar"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Success In Evangelism

TEXT: MATTHEW 4:1-22

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17).

In very rapid succession, quite a lot of events take place after the defeat of Satan by our Lord Jesus Christ during the temptation in the wilderness. First, He hears about the imprisonment of John the Baptist. Then, there is the fulfilment of the prophecy in Isaiah 9:1,2 which spoke about Jesus being the Light that would bring succour to a people under the “shadow of death”.

Next the Bible reveals that “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Then the Lord walked by the sea of Galilee where He won the souls of two brothers Simon Peter and Andrew who “Straightway left their nets and followed Him” (verse 20). More evangelism work was to follow as Jesus preached to other fishermen, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They too “immediately left the ship and their father and followed Him” (verse 22).

These strings of success came after Christ overcame the devil during His temptations. It’s obvious the Christian’s chief foe in evangelism is Satan. And we can overcome him by holy living, faithfulness and obedience to God’s word.

We must be alert to the manifold tricks of the devil as we heed the Lord’s call to evangelize. The accuser of the brethren will seek to throw impediments on our way through seemingly harmless temptations. As he did to our Lord, he will allude to the Scriptures to back his claims. He may sometimes use false brethren and unsuspecting relations and members of the church. We must “be sober and vigilant” putting on “the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: MARK 4 - 6

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Only overcomers are fruitful in soul-winning"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Tuesday, March 31, 2015

[url=http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/search?updated-max=2015-04-03T00:00:00%2B01:00&max-results=7&start=7&by-date=false#.VZGNGPlViko//]Urgent Service[/url]

TEXT: NUMBERS 8:20-26

"And after that went the Levites in to do their service in the tabernacle of the congregation before Aaron, and before his sons: as the LORD had commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so did they unto them" (Numbers 8:22).

God has work for you to do. So urgent is work in the Lord’s vineyard that once you meet up the call-up qualifications, you are required to start doing the work allocated to you immediately. To delay or give excuse when there is call to follow our Lord’s example of sacrificial service can disqualify you.

Jesus said, “No man having put his hands to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). The man whom the Lord addressed primarily here wanted to bid farewell to his people at home. To another who thought burying his father was more demanding than the call to service, the Lord corrected him right on the area of setting priorities: “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:59,60).

Jesus was not doing something strange. He was following the pattern of His Father in the passage we are studying today. Immediately the Levites were purified, they went straight into the business of service to the Lord.

When a person is genuinely born-again, he is instantly qualified to work for God. He is expected to engage selflessly in the urgent service of saving souls. He must be like the Levites after being purified for the work in the tabernacle.

The King’s business is urgent. “Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest Behold I say unto, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already for harvest” (John 4:35).

There is shortage of labourers but excess loafers. And the solution is, “Pray ye therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38). Stop being a loafer; be a labourer in God’s vineyard. He will reward you more than you expect.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: NEHEMIAH 11 - 13

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Only overcomers are fruitful in soul-winning"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Wednesday, April 01, 2015

[url=http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/search?updated-max=2015-04-03T00:00:00%2B01:00&max-results=7&start=7&by-date=false#.VZGNGPlViko//]God's Mercy At Work[/url]

TEXT: GENESIS 3:14-24

"And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel" (Genesis 3:15)).

God is extremely benevolent. It was at the same scene where He made punitive pronouncements on man for his disobedience in heeding Satan’s counsel that the Lord disclosed His plan of redemption from the Fall. He said, “And I will put enmity between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head and thou shall bruise his heel.” That was God’s sentence of judgment on the serpent.

It is a prophecy of the ultimate victory of God over Satan and evil; victory for mankind. This was to happen through spiritual battle between the “Seed” of the woman (the Lord Jesus Christ) and the “seed” of the serpent (Satan and his followers). God’s promise here is that Christ would be born of a woman and would be “bruised” through His crucifixion. But He would rise from the dead to completely destroy Satan, sin and death for the sake of the redemption of the human race.

We are reminded that sin does not go without punishment. We need to depend on God and continue to obey Him since the contrary has its terrible consequences (Genesis 3:16-19). The general picture we are presented in Scripture is that God designed our redemption right from the beginning. The Bible says: “Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways and live? I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves and live ye” (Ezekiel 18:23,32).

The sinner who exhibits godly sorrow, retraces his steps like the prodigal son back to God (Luke 15:11-32) and obtains forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ will not perish. Irrevocable death sentence awaits people who continually reject Christ and die in sin.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 1-10

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God’s punishment for sin on earth is meant to save man from eternal doom"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Thursday, April 02, 2015

[url=http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/search?updated-max=2015-04-10T00:00:00%2B01:00&max-results=7#.VZOqoflViko//]Brevity of Life[/url]

TEXT: JUDGES 12:7-15

"And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead" (Judges 12:7).

For every man, life is short and uncertain. Only the near-approach of death is ever so sure. The great object in the minds of all men therefore, should be to live a life that counts for eternity. We need to endeavour to leave memories of how we lived, served and died in the will of God.

Jephthah was rejected by others but God still drew him nearer to be used. God would use anyone who forsakes sin and draws closer to Him. Through his boldness and faith in the God of Israel, Jephthah obtained great deliverance for Israel against the Ammonites. He was a man of his word, even when those words cost him much pain. His steadfastness is a virtue believers ought to imbibe today.

Although Jephthah died after only six years of his victory over the Ammonites, that victory brought peace that lasted over 31 years to Israel. The three judges that ruled immediately after Jephthah, had no wars to fight for their reigns were peaceful.

However, Israel soon went back to their sinful lifestyle afterwards. The three succeeding judges passed away quickly after their respective short reigns that God might again visit Israel for their sin and backsliding. When iniquity abounds in the land, and righteous leaders become few, it is a sign that evil days are near.

The lessons in today’s passage are many. First, we must realize that life is short. No matter how long we live, it cannot be compared to endless life hereafter in a desirable or undesirable destination. Second, it is unwise to bask endlessly in the joy of any earthly victory or success but direct our gaze to a more serious and solemn consideration of our eternal home and what qualifies us for eternal bliss with God. Third, we must endeavour to make peace between man and God at all times.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 11 - 18

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "The righteous is taken away from the wrath to come"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Friday, April 03, 2015

[url=http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/search?updated-max=2015-04-10T00:00:00%2B01:00&max-results=7#.VZOqoflViko//]The Saviour’s Evangelism Formula[/url]

TEXT: MATTHEW 4:23-25

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people" (Matthew 4:23).

Decapolis was a region made up of ten cities in Syria of Bible times. Considering its mega city structure with enclosed walls that encouraged the people to gather in one place, it offered a very good setting for the delivery of the gospel to many people in one place. The Bible record about where we read today is that shortly after converting Peter, Andrew, James and John, our Lord Jesus Christ went where the multitudes were assembled to preach to them.

According to Matthew 4:25: “And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan”. Earlier, He had gone about all Galilee to preach and teach kingdom truths in their synagogues; He was also prepared to go as far as Syria where people “brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.”

We learn from the Lord that itinerancy is part of the responsibilities of a preacher of the gospel. He must make the entire land his pulpit aside preaching in the church. But he must also go to meet the people wherever they are and satisfy their urgent spiritual need. That is the essence of the gospel project, DAWN – Discovering A Waiting Neighbour.

Jesus did not wait for them to come to Him first; nor did He concentrate on the synagogue. Thereafter, they trooped to Him for divine blessings.

Every believer should follow the Lord’s formula of Discovering A Waiting Neighbour. We must be Christ-like in carrying out the great commission (Matthew 28:19,20).

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 19 - 23

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Effective soul-winning requires leaving your comfort zone"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Saturday, April 04, 2015

[url=http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/search?updated-max=2015-04-10T00:00:00%2B01:00&max-results=7#.VZOqoflViko//]Complete Victory For Complete Rest[/url]

TEXT: ESTHER 9:13-19

"Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows" (Esther 9:13).

The powerful anti-Semitic Haman hatched a malicious plot to exterminate the Jews. Misrepresenting the Jews before the king, he cunningly obtained a royal approval to deal ruthlessly with them. He drafted a terrible decree to kill all the Jews and affixed the king’s seal on it. The decree was circulated to all the Medo-Persian provinces to mobilize executioners. The ethnic cleansing and genocide would have been dastardly if hatched.

The decree was reversed through divine intervention. Haman was hanged in the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Another decree was signed by the king empowering the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies.

On the appointed day, the Jews slew their aggressors in Shushan and all the king’s provinces. In Shushan, 500 men were slain by the Jews. Esther’s request here for a repeat of the exercise in Shushan the following day was not borne out of bloodthirstiness but to forestall a potential mistake.

Following the counter edict from the king, some of the Jews’ enemies went into hiding only to resurface the next day when the edict would have expired. Those murderous men remained a threat to the Jews. On that 2 nd day, 300 of them were killed in Shushan and the bodies of Haman’s sons were publicly hanged upon the gallows to deter others from repeating their evil. Thus did the Jews eliminate all their enemies and had rest.

In our fight against Satan and sin, nothing less than total victory will do. Take nothing for granted. Deal with every present and potential threat to your soul’s well-being.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 24 - 30

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "The sin you spare will never spare you"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Sunday, April 05, 2015

[url=http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/search?updated-max=2015-04-10T00:00:00%2B01:00&max-results=7#.VZOqoflViko//]Beloved, Yet Afflicted[/url]

TEXT: JEREMIAH 8:13-22

"Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered"? (Jeremiah 8:22).

The children of Israel were the apple of God’s own eyes. They were the beloved of God. In love and faithfulness, the Almighty honoured His promises to their fathers from generation to generation. Special favours of God had always been showered upon them; yet, they remained very unstable in their relationship with Him.

In our text, God shows His displeasure over their stiff-neckedness and sinful disposition. God said: “I will surely consume them, saith the LORD: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them” (Jeremiah 8:13). The Almighty so much afflicted them that their health, which they had taken for granted, began to decline.

As His people, the Almighty has made provisions for our good health and other good things of life. But most believers are not enjoying these privileges partly because of disobedience. Many have sat through several revival programmes where other people had their sicknesses healed and other needs of their lives met. Yet, they remain in their troubles because God is not pleased with them.

The children of Israel, in the text, lamented that they “looked for peace but no good came, and for a time of health and behold trouble” (verse 15). According to them, despite the manifestation of God’s healing power and great provisions, they did not see their signs. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended and we are not saved” (verse 20).

To enjoy God’s blessing, we must humbly return to Him , repent of sin and accept His offer of salvation through faith in Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Then shall we be able to enjoy the fullness of His fatherly love.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 31 - 35

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Blessings always flow from a robust relationship with God"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Monday, April 06, 2015

[url=http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/search?updated-max=2015-04-10T00:00:00%2B01:00&max-results=7#.VZOqoflViko//]Away With Merchandise[/url]

TEXT: JOHN 2:14-16

"And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise" (John 2:16).

The palaces of kings and princes are not where the subjects buy and sell. Certainly, it is not a place for common activities. Christ found in God’s temple at Jerusalem that selling of sacrificial animals at exorbitant prices and changing of foreign currency into Jewish money were permitted contrary to His word and will. Christ therefore purged the temple by driving out those who profaned it and overturned the money-changers’ tables. He was displeased with those who misused their religious privileges for worldly gain. It is sacrilegious to buy and sell in the house of God. Today, the premises of some churches have been turned into mini-markets on Sundays or other worship days. This realization should therefore make us walk orderly, humbly, soberly and holy at all times whenever we go to God’s house.

Moreover, if the physical temple was cleansed by Christ, the cleansing of spiritual temples of God which we are is of utmost importance. Any human temple that will be indwelt by God must be free from sin. Freedom from outward and inward sins are obtained through prayer of faith for salvation and sanctification experiences. God has given us promises concerning these spiritual experiences that will free our lives from everything that defiles. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Genuine Christianity is predicated on righteous and holy living and preaching of the sound gospel. A situation whereby the Christian fellowship is subtly turned into a business network, rendezvous or place of merchandise is offensive to the sacredness of the gospel. True saints of God do not condone sin or support its practice.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 36 - 38

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "It is wisdom to shun sin like the proverbial plague"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Tuesday, April 07, 2015

[url=http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/search?updated-max=2015-04-10T00:00:00%2B01:00&max-results=7#.VZOqoflViko//]He Knows[/url]

TEXT: EXODUS 2:23-25; 3:1-10

"And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows" (Exodus 3:7).

“I believe in love even when I don’t feel it. I believe in God even when He is silent” were weighty words found on the wall of a prison cell in Europe. Some sufferers do feel that God does keep silent in trying moments when they think they need Him most. Daniel was imprisoned in the lion’s den for a night and Paul the apostle many times but none of them felt deserted by God.

From the text, the Israelites grew in number after the death of Joseph. The new Pharaoh that emerged at that time conveniently chose to forget Joseph’s contribution to the Egyptian economy and his good legacy. He decided to punish Israel with a view to breaking their will and reducing them to slaves in the process. The Israelites now facing pain and agony under the Egyptian oppressors cried out to God. He responded by assuring them that He has heard and seen their hard bondage and sorrows. He sent Moses as a deliverer on remembrance of His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Many want to know why God allows suffering today. ‘If God is a loving God’, they say, ‘He would not allow natural disasters, floods, famines, earthquakes, mudslides and wars to kill thousands of people. They forget that some mishaps people suffer are the consequences of the sins they had committed. Obtaining divine intervention in such situations will also be hard, for God says in Isaiah 59:1,2 that iniquities separate sinners from Him and prevent His intervention in their lives.

The assurance we have as children of God is that whatever we face today, God sees, hears, knows and understands. He knows the oppressors and the obstacles they put in our paths. God will protect and deliver us from all evil and make everything to work out for our good and His glory as we abide in Him.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 39 - 43

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God is always ready and waiting for you"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Wednesday, April 08, 2015

[url=http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/search?updated-max=2015-04-10T00:00:00%2B01:00&max-results=7#.VZOqoflViko//]Total Dependence On God[/url]

TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 1:1-13

"And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and ... wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head" (1 Samuel 1:11).

Our text reveals the tragedy of polygamy and the reward for total dependence on God. The Lord, from the beginning, made the marriage institution to be one man and one wife. But Elkanah had two wives – Hannah and Peninnah. The trouble that ensued from this mistake was beyond his imagination, as Peninnah, who had children for him, made life unbearable for Hannah.

Although Elkanah loved her, Hannah was always in bitter tears, looking up to God for a day of joy. She knew her help could only come from God and she profusely poured her soul to Him in prayer. Hannah’s stance is unlike those who visit herbalists and other ungodly places to seek children. She would rather pray than seek such help. It was only her lips that moved when she was praying. Eli, the priest, misconstrued her to be drunk. Eli’s situation is a lesson that we should be sure of our facts before drawing any conclusion.

The crisis in Elkanah’s home presents a picture of many polygamous families today, where wives see themselves as rivals and children take sides with their mothers, culminating in unhealthy relationships at home. Some wives would even go the extra length to employ diabolical means to eliminate other wives and their children.

This is partly why polygamy is completely off limits for the people of God. To avoid the pitfall of Elkanah therefore, make sure you marry according to God’s absolute will. As Hannah depended upon God as the only solution to her challenge, make sure you wholeheartedly rely upon Him to give you children and He will see you through.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 44 - 50

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Reward for absolute faith in God is always huge"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Thursday, April 09, 2015

Great Faith For Crumbs

TEXT: MARK 7:24-30

"And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs" (Mark 7:28).

Many Christians pray to God in a commanding and assertive tone that suggests that He has become either their debtor or errand boy in their supposed exercise of faith. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Genuine faith comes with humility, a sense of dependence and calm repose.

When the Syrophenician woman came to the Lord Jesus Christ seeking healing for her sick daughter, she was armed with genuine faith. Indeed, in Matthew’s account of the incident, Christ described her faith as "great". What made her faith great? Christ had just got to the coasts of Tyre and Sidon and checked into a house where He craved privacy. There came this desperate woman whose faith in Christ could not be barred by any human protocol; she sought Jesus out. Even Christ’s seemingly reproof did not dampen her faith. Christ said, "Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs." By this, He meant that the benefits of His ministry was first directed at the Jews and He was not yet done with them. And she was a Gentile and therefore unworthy of such benefit at that time. She accepted her status as a "dog" but unleashed her great faith at securing "the children’s crumbs."

This woman’s faith had humility, a sense of dependence, confidence and importunity. No wonder Christ instantly healed her daughter. She got more than crumbs! If you desire audience at the throne of grace, you must come to God with the same attitude of genuine faith. Yes, as his children, God has given us various promises and privileges, but we must not approach Him rashly or arrogantly. God is neither our debtor nor our messenger. Our faith and prayer must show absolute dependence on Him as our Benefactor and Father.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 51 - 60

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Great faith works with no fanfare"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Friday, April 10, 2015

Invincible Fortress

TEXT: PSALM 46:1-5

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

Man always seeks refuge in physical structures, worldly ideas and projects that have proved unhelpful. For instance, man attempted immortality outside God’s plan, with the ancient alchemists once trying to produce the fabled elixir of life to arrest death and make man live on earth forever. It was, and remains, a futile approach in the face of the challenges the human race has experienced.

The power and ability to confront the fears, uncertainties and adversities of life are found in God. He is the invincible Fortress! God is the true and lasting Refuge from the danger the world has brought on itself through sin. He is the veritable security from the storms of life. He is always on the side of those who trust Him to take care of all their anxieties.

He is “a very present help in trouble”. God is available for His people and wants us to call upon Him in times of need. He does not want His people to run helter-skelter seeking help in gods or philosophies that cannot deliver or comfort. Our God has a “river” that continually flows with His grace, glory and power; water that refreshes the believer and makes him stand when others are falling in trying times.

In the midst of great natural disasters, evil tidings, persecutions, political upheavals, apostasy, economic recessions, violence, conflicts and wars and all other Satan-induced unrest, “will not we fear though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof... the LORD of hosts is with us”.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 61 - 67

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God is always available to help"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Saturday, April 11, 2015

Flee Obstinacy

TEXT: LAMENTATIONS 2:1-10

"The Lord was as an enemy: he hath swallowed up Israel, he hath swallowed up all her palaces: he hath destroyed his strong holds, and hath increased in the daughter of Judah mourning and lamentation" (Lamentations 2:5).

Stubbornness is being unreasonably determined to persevere in a course against good advice. When a man decides to maintain such a disposition towards God and shuns His warnings and entreaties, this standoff will result in his undoing.

For many years, God sent His word through His prophets to Judah that they should repent and turn to Him. Yet, the people resisted not only the prophets but also the entreaties from God.

In our text, God’s justified wrath had come upon the land. All the inhabitants of Judah, men, women, children, princes and rulers languished as the invading enemy army plowed through the land with the sword and their instruments of war to destroy the cities because of their obstinacy against God. The former beauty, glory and pride of Judah suddenly became eclipsed by a cloud of gloom that spread over the whole land. The cities were destroyed; stately-built mansions of the rulers, the palaces, fortresses and defense towers were all pulled down while the king, the princes and the inhabitants of the land were taken as captives by their enemies. Disobedience to the word of God is stubbornness that has grave consequences.

Stubbornness begins when we say. “I will only believe if I receive a miracle” or “I will yield my heart but not now” or “I have a particular goal I want to achieve first”. When we know what God wants and refuse to do it, we demonstrate stubbornness and rebellion. If we continue to harden our hearts, it will develop into hardness of heart that will eventually incur His severe judgment.

Stubbornness will keep you from doing what is best for your soul, and make you invoke unmitigated disaster. Therefore, when God’s message comes to you, there is but one thing to do: just obey.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 68 - 71

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "The stiff-necked can never be innocent"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Sunday, April 12, 2015

Incomparable Covenant

TEXT: HEBREWS 8:10-13

"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people" (Hebrews 8:10).

God’s thoughts towards His people are always thoughts of peace, progress and prosperity, to make us happy here and hereafter. He made covenants with His people under the Old Testament dispensation and gave them the terms and conditions to be fulfilled in order to enjoy the promised blessings.

A covenant is a formal agreement or contract between two or more parties. Definitely, when the conditions attached to the covenant are met, God fulfills the promises.

Unfortunately, the children of Israel were not faithful to God in that they breached the covenant He made with them. Their unbelief, disobedience, rebellion and backsliding made the old covenant not to be fulfilled. Therefore, God promised a new covenant with better promises with His people. This new covenant is faultless and well ordered in all things.

God cannot lie and His promises can never fail. This new and perfect covenant is established upon better promises. All who truly lay hold on it shall always be preserved by the power of God. In this new covenant, we have promises of assistance, acceptance, progress, preservation in grace and holiness, and glory in heaven at last. Every need of your life as a child of God is adequately taken care of by God. He cares for you and promises to “supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. But be sure you are a real child of God because these promises in the new covenant are children’s bread which cannot be handed to strangers.

Do not forget, “The Lord will give (you) grace and glory and no good thing (healing and health, purity and power, provision and prosperity) will He withhold from them that walk uprightly

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 72 - 77

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God’s promises are cast in stone through Christ"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Monday, April 13, 2015

Let The Fire Fall

TEXT: LEVITICUS 9:17-24

"And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces" (Leviticus 9:24).

The mention of “fire” generally elicits scary feelings. Anyone who has witnessed the gutting of a building by fire will definitely feel so. But fire is very vital to our survival. Apart from its primary uses for warming, cooking and lighting, fire plays a fundamental role in the generation of electricity that we use every day. Yet, in God’s economy, fire plays another unique role – it symbolizes God’s presence, power and purity.

Today’s text captures one of those occasions where God manifested His presence through fire. Aaron and his sons had just been consecrated as high priest and priests respectively after seven days of purification. On the eighth day, they, under the instruction of Moses, started their priestly functions by offering various sacrifices for sin offering, burnt offering and peace offerings to the Lord. When Moses and Aaron came out from the temple, they blessed the congregation of Israel.

After this, God manifested His glory before the people and caused fire to consume the sacrifice on the altar, signalling acceptance of their offerings and approval of the whole process as His will. Nothing can be more delightful than to know that your offering to God has been accepted or having His approval in whatever you do. Among other instances, God confirmed the acceptance of Abraham’s sacrifice by a flaming touch, commissioned Moses in a burning bush and answered Elijah by fire. Notice that the fire that consumed the sacrifice here was not contrived by man as obtained in most modern church altars that lack God’s presence, power and purity.

Christ baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire. Beyond this experience, it should be our goal, in every fellowship or sacrificial service rendered in the name of the Lord, to ensure that He is satisfied with us. We must do everything in His own way and with pure motives to receive divine approval.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 78 - 79

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Endeavour to get God’s fire of approval"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Seeking Christ Diligently

TEXT: 1 KINGS 10:1-13

"Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard" (1 Kings 10:7).

Addison Adamu grew up in a strict Muslim family in Ghana. Getting converted to Christianity was like the highest degree of crime. But one day, a friend of his invited him to a Christian healing service and, Adamu, out of curiosity, gave it a serious thought. “I was very curious to go,” he recalled. “Those who came with their crutches started abandoning them and were screaming and shouting, ‘I am healed! I am healed!’ That shook my idea about Jesus Christ that He’s just one of the prophets. That day, I accepted Him as my Lord and my personal Saviour.”

The inquisitiveness and unrelenting effort, which the Queen of Sheba exhibited while seeking Solomon’s fame and how he gave honour to the Lord, as our text discloses, should form the fulcrum of the genuine Christian’s love for Christ. The stories she heard about Solomon’s wisdom and wealth, to her, were not enough. So, she sought a firsthand experience. She travelled a very long distance, notwithstanding the stress and discomfort on the way, to visit Solomon. Eventually, she found out the truth and praised God, who made Solomon king.

On arrival, she presented her gifts to Solomon, who equally gave her great presents. You need to hand your sins of hatred, wickedness, lies, backbiting, gossips, fornication, adultery, and idolatry to the Lord and obtain His gift of forgiveness.

What efforts are you making to fully consecrate, know and serve the Lord better than ever? Has little discomforts lessened your love for God? Christ acknowledges such sacrificial efforts with reference to the Queen of Sheba. “The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” No sacrifice is too much in seeking and receiving the fullness of Christ.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 80 - 84

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "To find God, seek Him diligently with the whole heart"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Jesus Makes The Difference

TEXT: HEBREWS 9:1-10

"The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing" (Hebrews 9:8.)

Today’s reading clearly establishes a world of difference between life without Christ and life with Him as the Dispenser of grace. It is the difference between the old covenant God had with the children of Israel and the new one He has established with those washed by the Blood of Jesus through repentance and faith in His Son.

The first covenant had “ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary... in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make (the priest) that did the service perfect...” (Hebrews 9:1,9). Whereas the high priest was strictly forbidden to enter the holy of holies (the presence of God) except in the yearly Day of Atonement, Christ’s death and resurrection have opened up unimpeded access to the throne of grace.

Why there was restricted access to God then was to prepare the minds of worshippers for the fulfillment of the promise of the better covenant that was to come through our Lord Jesus Christ. This was accomplished when Jesus Christ died as the final Sacrifice for sin. This is the import of the Cross at Calvary which symbolizes the new covenant. The first one was a shadow of what believers in Jesus Christ are enjoying today. Now we have unhindered access to the throne of grace, not because of our work or ability to keep the law to God’s satisfaction but by the great work accomplished by God through Jesus on the tree of Calvary.

The marvel here is this, long before God unveils any programme, He would first cast its shadow so that the discerning followers of His works would have an orderly and perfect understanding of His ways. God is a God of order who does nothing haphazardly. There are no coincidences with Him. He plans and watches over His works for a full and perfect implementation (Jeremiah 1:12).

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 85-88

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "You must have Christ to stand out from the crowd"

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Thursday, April 16, 2015

The All-Powerful God

TEXT: PSALM 46:6-11

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire" (Psalm 46:1, 9).

Matthew Henry, an English nonconformist clergy, who is well known for his exposition of the Old and New Testaments, once stated:

“We have no sufficient strength of our own. All our sufficiency is of God. We should stir up ourselves to resist temptations in reliance upon God’s all-sufficiency and the omnipotence of His might.”

Our text aptly acknowledges the omnipotent attributes of God. The background of this psalm reveals that when other nations threatened the city of Jerusalem, the Israelites remained calm, trusting God for protection.

The psalmist acknowledged God was their Refuge and Strength, pointing out that He had manifested Himself to be so in the course of His providence in time past and that He had promised to continue to protect them.

The psalmist figuratively describes violent natural catastrophes like landslides, earthquakes, ocean storms and floods, commotions, confusion, wars, rebellion and revolution, among others as the heathen’s rage. He informs that in spite of what could happen, Israel was safe and they would continue to trust God for their safety.

Other nations could boast of their security in castles with high walls and iron gates. From previous experiences of how God completely destroyed their enemies and their weapons, it is always wise to trust that He would use His power to stop every adverse situation.

The Psalmist exhorts the Israelites, even believers today, to observe the mighty deeds of God, which brought peace to His people, as He destroyed the enemies’ weapons and put an end to wars. Because of God’s power, providence and gracious presence, His children should never fear. No trouble can affect them fundamentally without God rising up as the reliable Shield, Buckler and Defender in every situation.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 89-91

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God is more dependable than you feel or think"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Friday, April 17, 2015

Sacred Observance

TEXT: NUMBERS 9:1-4

"In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it" (Numbers 9:3).

God’s command in Exodus 12:14 is that the Passover must be a perpetual ordinance. The Passover was the story of how God delivered the children of Israel from hundreds of years of cruel bondage in Egypt. The Lord had told His people to slay a lamb on the eve of the day He would make a way for their departure from Egypt.

They were to sprinkle the blood of the lamb on the two sides and top of the door frames of their homes. God would then despatch the destroyer to pass through the land to kill all the firstborn of Egypt. But the slayer would pass over homes where he found blood, sparing those inside.

That way, by the blood of the slain lamb, the Israelite did not suffer the judgment of death that came upon their oppressors. God used the Passover experience to teach His people the importance of obedience and redemption by the blood. Exactly thirteen months after the institution of Passover in Egypt, as the children of Israel were in the wilderness of Sinai on the way to the Promised Land in Canaan, God instructed Moses His Servant to tell the Israelites to “keep the Passover at his appointed season” (Number 9:3).

The event was a prophetic foreshadow of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29; Revelation 5:6; 1 Peter 1:18,19). Without the Lamb’s blood on the door posts, the Israelites would have been slain by the destroyer as he moved through Egypt that night. Where would the sinner be without Christ’s atoning blood? He would perish.

The Lord’s Supper which Jesus instituted (Luke 22:19) is the New Testament believer’s Passover. We must observe it regularly in obedience to the Lord so we can enjoy the great benefits of fellowship with a God who honours those who obey Him.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 92-100

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "It is Christ’s blood that atones for all sin"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Saturday, April 18, 2015

Can You Bear This Cross?

TEXT: LUKE 23:26-46

"And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus" (Luke 23:26).

Without any pressures to make special sacrifices for the Lord, every believer claims to love and hold Him dearly. In moments to act it out, some believers will begin to drag their feet or simply flee.

The Lord had been condemned to death by Pilate, the Jews having preferred freedom for a murderer than for Jesus, the Giver of life. He was now being marched to die an indescribably painful death through crucifixion at Calvary.

Usually, a condemned person was made to bear his cross to the place of execution. Jesus had been imprisoned for a while, beaten mercilessly, and now made to carry the cross over a distance. He had become so weak that the Roman soldiers realized that He would not be able to make it with the cross to Calvary.

So, as they led Him by the way, they came across one man called Simon, a Cyrenian, who had obviously come to Jerusalem to worship, from somewhere in North Africa. They immediately compelled him to carry the cross, and without resistance, he obliged. Neither the Jews who accused Him nor the soldiers who executed Him were named. Similarly, no one knew the names of the weeping women of Jerusalem, the rulers who derided Him, or the thieves crucified with Him. But Simon had to be named; in fact, a brief history of his life was given, for we are told elsewhere that he was the father of Rufus and Alexander.

He was named because he bore the burden for “the King of the Jews”, and facilitated the accomplishment of God’s plan for man’s salvation, which came to a climax with Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary.

Many of us hoard our talents, skills and resources instead of surrendering them for the Lord’s use. We also spend time on things that have little or no eternal consequence. The truth however is, God is waiting for you. Make up your mind that from today, you will give of your best to the Master.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 101-104

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "You are only remembered by your golden deeds"

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Sunday, April 19, 2015

Worthy Legacies

TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 8:1-13

"Beriah also, and Shema, who were heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath" (1 Chronicles 8:13).

It is an ugly thing to pass through this life without leaving any worthy mark. It is true that everyone does some activities, but mere activities are not enough. The famous American inventor and businessman, Thomas A. Edison, captured this truth thus, "Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing." Genealogical listing such as we have in today’s text hardly has room for detailed account of the lives of the individual characters or families. Here is the family tree of the tribe of Benjamin. These verses made no significant comment on the lives and times of the names listed.

All that we have is a hint of their position in the family tree and names and number of their offspring. But in verses 12 and 13, the Chronicler could not gloss over the worthy legacies of two sets of people. Their deeds got attached to their names.

First were the sons of Elpaal: Eber, Misham and Shamed who built Ono and Lod and their adjoining towns. Next were Beriah and Shema, heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath. Gath was one of the five principal cities of the Philistines, long standing enemies of Israel. It was the home of powerful figures like Goliath.

This is our time. Our history is still in the making. A new chronicle is being compiled. Each of us has an ample chance to make a difference and have a special listing. The good news here is that the measuring scale is no longer about military or any superhuman exploits. It is about being faithful to God and, by His grace, living such a life that impacts positively on the environment where we operate. It is about doing things that promote and expand God’s kingdom here and now. More important, the all-seeing and impartial God is keeping record of our lives and will reward us accordingly.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 105-106

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "To make a difference, be positive and act differently"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Monday, April 20, 2015

Damning Sin Of Pride

TEXT: ISAIAH 3:13-26

"Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go... the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts" (Isaiah 3:16,17).

A lawyer sued a big company for a breach of contract. In the court, he demanded a very large sum of settlement money that outraged the judge who wanted to know why the lawyer asked for so much.

He responded: “I’m doing this for one reason.” With pride and utter contempt for his colleagues, the lawyer declared: “I am, you understand, the best attorney in the world.”

At the end of the case, a friend confronted the lawyer. “Why did you brag about yourself the way you did?” With more vainglory the lawyer said: “There was nothing else I could do. After all, I was speaking under oath. I had to tell the truth.” Obviously, this man was not aware of God’s word in Romans 12:3 that a man should not think of himself more highly than he ought to think but to think soberly.

It was the same problem the daughters of Zion had during the ministry of Isaiah the prophet. "...The daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet” (Isaiah 3:16). What judgment was waiting for them? "Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secrets" (Isaiah 3:17).

Pride is addictive attention to self and an exaggeration of a person’s self-worth. Pride leads to spiritual decline that manifests in immorality, oppression of the poor, materialism and worldliness (Isaiah 3:16-26) which attract divine judgment.

Unless the proud repents and turns to Christ for salvation who alone gives grace for humility, modesty and heaven-mindedness, he will remain rejected by God. No proud person is believer as God resists (rejects) the proud, while He gives grace to the humble.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 107-109

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Pride goeth before destruction"

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DCLM Daily Manna
Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Jesus Is Alive!

TEXT: LUKE 24:1-12

"And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee" (Luke 24:5,6).

Many times, we look for the right things in the wrong places. On the one hand, we express faith in God, but on the other, we act unbelief.

The women at the tomb of Jesus had forgotten that He predicted that He would rise from the dead on the third day. They had only one thought in mind: to embalm His body for a decent burial, something many people crave for today.

But while they came with preparation for the dead, they left with the message from the angels that He is alive! Stunned, they ran back to brief the apostles and other disciples. But no one believed them. Their words sounded like idle tales, the sort some category of women usually told. Even when Peter got to the tomb and met it empty , rather than believe, he became confused, wondering what could have happened.

Yet, here was the greatest event of all times, the singular mark that distinguishes Christianity from other religions: that God came down as man, died for the sins of the world, and rose again in glory. Jesus conquered death so that we too will triumph over death on the last day. He rose with a glorious body, so that we may live henceforth in newness of life. He overcame death so that we can have power to live for Him in this evil world.

The question is, have you met that risen Christ? Has He changed your life? Your life will change the day you allow Jesus to reign in your heart.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 110-118

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "The tomb is empty: He’s risen"

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He's Alive and I'm Forgiven, Heaven's Gates are open wide! by Don Fransisco


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8yQ1I4Wofc

DCLM Daily Manna
Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Obedience Is Key

TEXT: NUMBERS 9:5-27

"At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses" (Numbers 9:23).

Such is the binding necessity of the Passover observance (Lord’s Supper), that God says no matter where we may be, His ordinances must at all times be observed in worship. If we are on a journey away from home or the church, He still requires us to serve Him provided it is unblemished service by a saved and sanctified soul.

In the second year of the wilderness journey of the children of Israel, God asked them to keep the Passover and overlook some traditions such as that of uncleanness by reason of a dead body or being in a journey. He said: “yet shall (ye) keep the Passover unto the LORD” (Numbers 9:10). But there is stern warning that he who is qualified to do His service and refrains from it “shall be cut-off from among his people.” When these Old Testament believers complied with this commandment, they were blessed beyond their own expectations.

They had a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night that served as signs of divine provision, protection and guidance. The cloud and pillar of fire guided them like a compass in an uncharted sea raging with storm. They would not move unless the two signs indicated the direction and time to do so. “At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tent, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses” (Numbers 9:23).

What this clearly teaches is that our body, being the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16) must be kept chaste and undefiled for service to God wherever we find ourselves. The rapture may occur anytime and it must meet us prepared regardless of the place, whether at workplace, home, on the Lord’s Day or any other day. God is interested in the condition of our soul to purge it of all forms of sin by the blood of Jesus. Only believers who have been washed and sanctified will spend eternity with God.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 119: 1-56

Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Now is the time to prepare for the coming of the Lord"

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