Daily Manna
Monday, May 25, 2015

Let Him Lead

TEXT: NUMBERS 10:14-28

"In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab" (Numbers 10:14)

Change is very difficult to manage, whether in the secular or in the spiritual realm. There is a general disposition in man to settle for the status quo rather than venturing into the unknown future because of his limited understanding and peculiarity. Those in military and paramilitary organizations easily and promptly respond to signals, especially from higher authority. God is unchanging, yet He is progressive. He wants us to move forward to the next level in response to His divine signals and directions.

Our text reveals the instruction of God for the children of Israel to move forward two years, after leaving Egypt on their way to the Promised Land. They had stayed for about one year waiting for the next signal or instruction from God to move. The cloud was up, and they took their journey according to the commandment of the Lord. The squadron of Judah moved first with their team leader and others followed according to God’s instruction. After three days, they rested in the wilderness of Paran. The children of Israel constantly responded to God’s signal because His presence was with them.

Moving with God and responding to His divine signal is the beauty of a Christian life. The clear instruction of God to the children of Israel reminds us of His divine ownership of His people, and His readiness to lead and guide them from time to time.

God’s promise to lead Old Testament people still applies to modern-day believers. He will guide us by His Word and Spirit, and direct the paths of people who acknowledge Him. When God leads and we obey, the future is better, brighter and beautiful.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JOEL 1 - 3

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "To be led by Christ is to be led to life and glory"

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Daily Manna
Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Rebuke For The Wicked

TEXT: PSALM 50:16-22

"But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth"? (Psalm 50:16)

In a speech made in 1863, Abraham Lincoln said, “We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.”

From our text, the Lord was talking to people who believe they were in a covenant relationship with Him, since they recite the statutes of the Lord and proclaim His covenant with their lips. Yet, their hypocrisy was very evident to Him. They hated instruction and turned their backs on God’s words. These people consent to the evil deeds of others. When they saw a thief, they consented with him. They joined in with the adulterers. Their mouths were full of evil and their tongues were full of deceit.

Forgetting God has severe consequences. God prosecutes the hypocrites based on their own deeds and the evidence against them is mounting. The image used for divine judgment is that of a lion or similar beast tearing its helpless prey. Further, there will be no one to rescue these people from this judgment. We cannot think that we are God’s covenant people when we are exercising such obvious disobedience.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: AMOS 1 - 5

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "A man’s follies and wickedness will eventually mark him out"

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Daily Manna
Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Leaders Of Tomorrow

TEXT: LUKE 18:15-17

"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God" (Luke 18:16)

Child training begins as soon as the baby is born. Psychologists say that a child’s mind is like a board (tabula rasa) where all manner of things fall on. Even at that tender age, a child hears but may not communicate. It matters what is fed into it at that age. The mistake many parents make is that they think it is too early to begin to teach the child the right values. Even believers think it is too early to teach the child how to pray and worship God.

In our text today, the disciples of Jesus wanted to prevent children from being brought to Him because in their own thinking, Christ was only for adults. This faulty thinking is still being held by many people today. Many parents and even governments of the day pay lip-service to protecting the interest of the child. This is evident in the poor provisions they make for child development in society.

Today, parents expose their children to herbalists and all forms of secret cults. They encourage the sinful habits of those children by over-indulging them. Governments of the day tend to direct them to things that appeal to the flesh as against those things that promote righteousness and sanity. These are manifested through the kind of curricular that are run in schools and the antichrist nature of policies in the educational system.

Sadly, some Christian parents, right from day one when the child is born, do not make any plan for him. We now see children of believing parents joining cult groups and involving themselves in all manner of anti-social behaviours because of poor upbringing. Today, as the world marks the annual Children’s Day, believers must remember the future leaders in prayer and earnestly pray that God should give us children with the fear of God in their heart.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: AMOS 6 - 9

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Train up a child in the way he should go..."

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Daily Manna
Thursday, May 28, 2015

Bring All To Christ

TEXT: NUMBERS 10:29-32

"And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses’ father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel" (Number 10:29)

Charles Spurgeon said: “When Andrew went to find his brother, he little imagined how eminent Simon would become. You may be very deficient in talent yourself, and yet you may be the means of drawing to Christ one who shall become eminent in grace and service.”

Our text reveals Moses’ efforts in bringing his brother-in-law, Hobab, to the land of Canaan through a persuasive approach. Hobab was not an Israelite, but Moses felt that as a relative of his through marriage, he could bring Hobab to enjoy the benefits of God. He pointedly told his in-law that God had promised them good fortune and it would be his pleasure if Hobab with his family agreed to go with them.

Hobab objected to the offer, preferring to go back to his country to be with his own people. But Moses was unrelenting. He pleaded with him, pointing out that apart from his in-law getting the share of the good things which the Lord would give to the Israelites, he could equally be a good resource person in terms of guiding them through the desert since he was familiar with the area, being of the tribes of Midian, who lived in the desert that was next to Canaan.

Today’s lesson is most pertinent. Some Christians, after marriage, feel they have nothing to do with their in-laws, not even in rendering assistance to them or making efforts to bring them to Christ. They fail to realise that marriage is a fusion of two families, which must be nurtured by good relationship. True, in-laws should not unnecessarily interfere in their children, brothers or sisters’ marriages. Notwithstanding, heaven-bound believers must ensure that their in-laws and friends experience the joy of salvation.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: OBADIAH - JONAH

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Be a channel of blessing to others..."

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Daily Manna
Friday, May 29, 2015

Reconnecting To God

TEXT: PSALM 51:1-19

"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit" (Psalm 51:12)

True stories abound of people who went from rags to riches; from "zero to hero" and from nobodies to significant personalities. But every now and then, we also stumble on true riches-to-rags stories – stories about people who, for whatever reason, fell from top of the success ladder to the bottom. It is such a painful experience. However, more painful is the experience of falling from grace – out of favour with God.

David, the great psalmist and king of Israel, once found himself in that ugly position. Our text is a record of David’s prayer seeking reconnection with God. King David had fallen into the sin of adultery. When his attempt to cover it failed, he plotted the death of Bathsheba’s husband. By this, he lost connection with God and forfeited the joy of salvation and blessedness of a pure heart. Although he was still a king and had much power, he experienced the unbearable misery of a backslider.

David fell. But as soon as he got convicted, he repented. He did not rationalize or cover his sins. His penitent prayer in this psalm is an all-time classic, and offers a deep insight into what attitude, prayer and decision that can help to reconnect a backslider to God. This prayer drips deep godly sorrow, repentance and positive resolve. The sinner or backslider returning to God must, like David did, own up his sins – recognizing the wickedness of those sins, ask for pardon, confess the specific sins and resolve to accept God’s pardon, the leading of His Spirit and commit to doing God’s will.

Hanging on to church or ministry work or leaning on social influence and goodwill when you have gone into sin and defiled yourself will not restore the lost joy of salvation. Pretence and self-deception will do more damage. As seen in David’s case, only sincere, contrite and determined "returnees" can reconnect with God.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: MICAH 1-4

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "To fall from grace is terrible; to remain in the fall is tragic"

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Daily Manna
Saturday, May 30, 2015

Key To Happiness

TEXT: MATTHEW 5:7-9

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8.)

We go to great length in pursuit of happiness in life. We spare neither expense nor efforts to obtain what promises to give us lasting joy. We enthusiastically adopt and practice all the formulas recommended by so-called experts. Yet, happiness remains elusive. The preacher in the book of Ecclesiastes summarizes this baffling situation well, when he exclaimed: “Whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them”.

Obviously then, true happiness lies elsewhere. And the Lord Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, finally unveiled the key to genuine and lasting happiness in this life, and in the life after death. He said that real happiness lies in showing mercy to others, for only then can we obtain mercy ourselves. We are happy when we have pure hearts - free from any spot or stain, malice or hatred, animosity or prejudice - for such qualifies us to see God. Peace-making also has the capacity to give us happiness, and rightly earn us recognition as children of God.

As a believer, you should not live to please or satisfy yourself. While you should patiently bear your problems, you must at all times seek to relieve those in misery and need. The greatest expression of this is to show compassion and pity to sinners and do all in your power to bring them to Christ. And it is holiness that enables you to imbibe the attributes of God, to be loving and compassionate, to be happy and heaven-bound.

The realization that one day you will see God, makes everything else pale into insignificance. There is no offence you cannot take; there is no suffering you cannot bear. Your preoccupation is to be a peacemaker, and to truly show that you are a child of God. The question is: have you found this key or are you chasing mere shadows in pursuit of happiness?

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: MICAH 5 - 7

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Holiness unlocks the door of happiness and gives access to heaven"

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Daily Manna
Sunday, May 31, 2015

The Sons Of Ulam

TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 8:33-40

"And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons’ sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin" (1 Chronicles 8:40)

Today, there are traditional and on-line publications that are dedicated to compilation of remarkable people from different walks of life. The world has never come short in supply of such people considered to have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields. Those who make these lists are not necessarily selected because of moral uprightness, but basically for the contributions they have made in leadership, religion, philanthropy, arts, science, social work, military, sports and a host of other human endeavours.

The books of 1st and 2nd Chronicles are basically historic account of the experience of the Israelites over a period of time. 1st Chronicles, in particular, contains a genealogical listing of the various tribes of Israel, from the earliest times to the death of David. Such a huge compilation of names hardly had room for reasonable biographical comments. But in every tribe, there were names that were too remarkable to be listed without comment. In the tribe of Benjamin, the sons of Ulam are one of such. The Chronicler took time to remark that the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour and archers.

This set of people were very courageous and had mastery of one of the major ancient weapons –archery. Bible commentaries noted that ancient archery required great strength and skill as the steel bow was bent by treading with the feet and pulling the string with both hands. The Ulams therefore, earned their honour by being masters in this area. They certainly endeavoured to make the most of their God-given talent.

We may not be skillful in archery or have such earthly attainments that can earn us a place in the Who-Is-Who of this world. But we all have ample opportunities to live a remarkable life. A child of God that makes the most of his God-given resources and gifts by positively touching lives; brightening the corner where he is, thereby glorifying God has booked a place of honour in heavenly chronicles.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: HAGGAI 1 - 2

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Does your life count for God?"

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Daily Manna
Monday, June 01, 2015

A Worthy Legacy

TEXT: GENESIS 25:1-11

"And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac" (Genesis 25:5)

Wildlife conservationists are, more than ever, fighting to save hundreds of animals regarded as endangered species. Their prospect of going into extinction stems from the disruptive activities of humans as well as climate change. So much money and effort are now being spent just to keep them on the face of the earth.

Abraham had a more vital reason to secure a bright future for Isaac, his son. It is true that he made a fatal mistake in his earlier years when he got a child through his housemaid. It is also true that, at old age, he got remarried to Keturah through whom he had many other children. But when it got to taking out a will before his death, he made a significant difference. To his other sons, including Ishmael, he simply but fairly "gave gifts" (settled them). But he "gave all that he had unto Isaac". He also ensured that all the other sons were sent away from Isaac.

Abraham did not only bequeath his vast earthly estate to Isaac, he transferred to him the privileges of the covenant. He did not lose sight of the fact that Isaac was his proper heir and child of promise (Genesis 21:12). It was needful that Abraham’s other sons were put far away from Isaac and that this distinction be made while Abraham was still alive lest there be any rivalry after his death.

Isaac symbolizes the Christian believers who are now the heirs of promise and unto who, are reserved the blessings of a better covenant (Galatians 4:28). In Christ Jesus, we are "a chosen generation… a peculiar people". As such, God has a special portion for us. To others He gives common blessings but to His Isaacs He reserves peculiar temporal and eternal blessings.

Be rest assured today that your heavenly Father knows better and has your interest at heart. Just cling to His promises and at length you will find that "all things are yours".

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 CHRONICLES 1 - 4

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Nothing but your best will please the Master"

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Daily Manna
Tuesday, June 02, 2015

God Can Use You

TEXT: EXODUS 4:1-7

"And Moses answered and said , But, behold they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee. And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod" (Exodus 4:1,2)

We often under-estimate the extent God can go to get the best out of us. We may make excuses for our assumed or obvious inadequacies. Or we may plead for more time to brush up ourselves, so as to become suitable for God’s use in achieving His plans. We momentarily forget the Scripture that says: “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty... That no flesh should glory in his presence” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

Moses was like many of us. His major concern when God called him was the reaction he would get from the Israelites. He thought they would neither believe nor accept his authority. To convince him that he was mistaken, God asked what he had in his hand. He responded that it was a mere shepherd’s staff. God then commanded him to throw it to the ground. He did, and the stick turned to a snake, which when he took by the tail, became a stick again. But God knew that Moses needed further proof. So, He asked him to put his hands under his bosom. He did, and his hand turned leprous. When he repeated the exercise, his hand became normal again. The Lord said that when the Israelites see these signs, they would believe that the God of their fathers had appeared to Moses.

We must never panic over what may go wrong in the task God has given to us. Instead, we must recognize that He does not always call us to the places where the means for success exist, but where we would trust Him to pave the way for us. God does not require special abilities but our willingness and commitment to serve Him. Our inconsequential talents, when put at His disposal, can be used to achieve extraordinary results.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 CHRONICLES 5 - 8

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Give God a chance and He will use you to His glory"

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Daily Manna
Wednesday, June 03, 2015

Suffer For Righteousness

TEXT: MATTHEW 5:10-12

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake" (Matthew 5:11)

Some insurgents, during China’s Boxer Rebellion in 1900, captured 100 students in a mission station and blocked all the gates except one. They placed a cross flat across the gate and ordered the students to file out one after the other. Each was either to trample on the cross underfoot and be set free or refuse to do it and face firing squad.

Terribly frightened, the first seven students trampled on the cross and got freed. But the eighth student, a young girl, refused to commit the sacrilegious act. After praying, she braced up the challenge. Strengthened by her example, the remaining 92 followed her to the firing squad.

From our text, Jesus pointed out that Christians could be persecuted on account of their righteous and godly living. Sometimes, people could order them to worship a false god or compromise their faith through sharp practices. It could be at the work place or during other period. The refusal to yield to any ungodly influence could provoke one form of punishment or the other.

Jesus clearly counsels every believer that persecution might not be out of place. The Scripture also declares that all who desire to live godly in Him will suffer persecution. Following this, the Lord admonished believers to count it a thing of joy to be persecuted for righteousness’ sake, because of the rewards that await them in heaven. A true child of God will take persecutions in his stride. Since our Saviour Himself was persecuted, we must not be under any illusion that we will not suffer persecutions. The values of God’s kingdom are in sharp contrast with earthly dictates; hence, the challenges we suffer. Our comfort and consolation lies in the fact that although weeping may endure for a night, joy will surely come in the resurrection morning.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 CHRONICLES 9 - 11

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Persecution makes believers stronger in faith"

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Daily Manna
Thursday, June 04, 2015

Yes, The Porters Too

TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 9:14-34

"So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the LORD, namely, the house of the tabernacle, by wards" (1 Chronicles 9:23)

In most organizations, when people that matter to the growth and progress of the group are being mentioned, hardly are the porters, guards and lowly-placed officials mentioned. Usually, such offices are mostly reserved for those who appear to be at the lower rung of the social ladder. Nobody seems to attach any importance to them. Unfortunately too, most of these people look down on themselves, having such a low self-esteem.

This scenario is entirely different in God’s setup. Everyone in God’s house and service enjoys a place of unique importance. It is interesting to note the attention given to chronicling the place and roles of these sons of Levi whose duties were to keep watch over the place of worship in our text. God took time to mention each family by name and the place of their service. Because they saw that their assigned portions and duties were given to them by God, there was no record of anyone grudging over the other or envying one another. Rather, each family took pride in their service and gladly rendered faithful service to the Lord. The porters, just like the priests, were important to God.

Certainly, not everyone will have the privilege of the pulpit ministry. We all can’t be preachers and pastors but then, we all can find a place of importance and relevance in God’s service. God needs the porters too and that very much. So, if your calling is not to preach, sing or counsel, but just to watch over the people of God and the place of worship, know that you are very much significant in the entire service. Don’t look down on your calling. Take pride in the duty assigned you and do it with joy.

And if yours is the privilege of oversight of God’s people as pastors and preachers, remember that you need the porters to be able to effectively carry out your ministry. Yes, the porters too are important in God’s service.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 CHRONICLES 12 - 15

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Don’t despise your calling"

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Daily Manna
Friday, June 05, 2015

Waterloo Of The Oppressor

TEXT: PSALM 52:1-9

"Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever" (Psalm 52:3,8 )

Ancient Macedonian leader, Alexander the Great, had overrun much of the known world by the time he was 32 years old. From his base in the Greek city-state, this young adventurer pushed inward into Europe and Persia and captured territory after territory amongst the subjects of the vast Greek Empire. He was in Africa, easily conquered Egypt, and crossed the Euphrates, rampaging Babylon. Alexander planned to move into India, hoping to conquer her. He later added Carthage, Italy and Spain to his spoils.

Alas, his successes inflated his ego. He commanded his subjects to pay him divine honours. Furiously drunk, he killed a man who had saved his life. He also commanded that all those who entered his presence should bend the knee to him and kiss his feet. Alexander died of fever in 323 B.C.

His story is a sad recurring narrative of boastful man who does not recognize God as the Sovereign Lord behind any power. 739 years before Alexander, another man, King Saul of Israel with Doeg his Edomite aide, had constituted himself into a force that did not reckon with the infinitely greater power of God. Saul sought to kill David who was on the run. Doeg reported an encounter with David and the priests at Nob to Saul who promptly killed those servants of God.

In today’s reading, the Psalmist, David, says we who believe in God as the Supreme Lord of the universe should not be afraid of power-drunk men. In Isaiah 51:12, God asks: “who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass”. Who, then, is that strong man bothering your life? Report him to God who promises to punish every oppressor.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 CHRONICLES 16 - 20

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "The wicked and the arrogant will meet their waterloo"

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Daily Manna
Saturday, June 06, 2015

Plain Truth Please

TEXT: JOHN 3:1-3

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).

The great German reformer, Martin Luther, stood his ground when he "saw the light". A former ordained priest of the Catholic church, he was plagued with an inner demand for true righteousness. This brought him at cross-purposes with the powers that be. He denounced everything he had believed in Catholicism. He was denounced in Rome and was accused of heretical hostility to the Pope.

Luther made a show of his new faith by publishing three books, and dramatically severing himself from obedience to the Pope by publicly burning a copy of the papal bulletin. He sincerely believed that faith without works, without any merit, reconciles man to God and makes him good. He believed Paul’s observation to the Romans that, "the just shall live by faith." When summoned to appear before the German Congress at Worms in 1521 to answer charges of heresy, Luther said: "Here I stand! I cannot do otherwise! God help me."

In our text, a well known personality in Israel, Nicodemus, got bothered about his life, and needed to seek help. He wanted to know the truth. He decided to consult Christ under the cover of the night. Jesus told him plainly and simply that he must be born again. There was no sand-papering!

Believers must always defend the truth when convenient and otherwise. Though it may cost some important earthly things, yet it is better to stand one's ground like Luther than to continue in the company of enemies of Christ. You may be given a nickname, but nothing is more fulfilling than being branded for the sake of Christ!

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 CHRONICLES 21 - 24

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "It is wisdom to be unflagging in the pursuit of truth"

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Daily Manna
Sunday, June 07, 2015

Give Thanks To God

TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 2:1-11

"There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God" (1 Samuel 2:2).

Praise is pertinent and edifying. It is an odour of sweet smell. This was what Hannah aptly captures in our text. Her prayer of praise reveals the depth of her appreciative heart. Prior to the dedication of her son, Samuel, to God, Hannah was in misery of barrenness for years, which attracted her ridicules from her husband’s other wife, Peninnah.

While particularly noting that she was ashamed when she could not bear a child, Hannah appreciated God for rescuing her situation. The prayer was more of an ecstasy than anything else, that God could change her circumstances. Yet, she never made her son the centre of her praises, neither did she stage a revenge on Peninnah for speaking against her.

Therefore, Hannah could not only bask herself in holy joy but also regaled in holy triumph. She noted that God gave her courage and made her strong. He could weaken the strong and strengthen the weak; make the rich to be impoverished and the poor to be strangely enriched; and replenish empty families and diminish numerous families.

Hannah’s prayer showed the unquestionable power of God which is still available today. We must build our confidence in God because He can tackle every challenge of life. It was Hannah’s good understanding of God’s attributes and faith in Him that attracted His mercy and favour. If we live out a Christlike lives and have absolute faith in God, we will equally have whatever we ask of Him.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 CHRONICLES 25 - 29

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Praise is a reminder of all that God is able to do"

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Daily Manna
Monday, June 08, 2015

Repercussion Of Sin

TEXT: 1 KINGS 11:26-43

"Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians... and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father" (1 Kings 11:33).

The tragedy of Solomon, David’s son, was appalling. Though he started well, he later allowed strange women to lure his heart away from God. He led Israelites to worship Ashtoreth, goddess of the Zidonians; Chemosh, god of the Moabites; and Milcom, god of the children of Ammon. He completely forsook God and walked in the opposite direction. Keeping God’s statute was no longer attractive to him.

God, out of anger, decided to rend Solomon’s kingdom into two, giving 10 tribes to Jeroboam, son of Nebat, an Ephrathite. He would allow Solomon to control only two tribes because of David, who was God’s faithful servant. Jeroboam, a seemingly impressive and hard-working man, was appointed by Solomon to command the tribes of Joseph, who had to work for the king. Ephraim and Manasseh were Joseph’s sons and they formed two of the largest tribes in Israel. This time, God decided to favour Jeroboam with 10 tribes as punishment for Solomon, who allowed sin to dominate his life.

Jeroboam did not initially know of God’s intention until he met prophet Ahijah, the Shilonite, who gave him the information. Ahijah emphasised that it was because Solomon disobeyed God. The two tribes – Judah and Benjamin – would continue to belong to the family of David, but Jeroboam’s family would only continue to rule over the north if they obeyed God.

Who could have imagined that Solomon would so soon lose the control of the entire nation, which his father strenuously built. Sin and compromise are not only damning, they are deadly. What it took years to build could be destroyed in a fell swoop by sin. Learn from the ignoble example of Solomon and stick to God’s righteousness and ways.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 CHRONICLES 1 - 4

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Sin is deadly"

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Daily Manna
Tuesday, June 09, 2015

Simply God Sent

TEXT: LUKE 5:17-26

"And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him" (Luke 5:18).

The Great Commission makes it the business of every Christian in every place to tell others about Jesus and to do his best to bring others to the Saviour. The bringing of one soul to Jesus is therefore the highest achievement possible to any believer. Those who have answered the Saviour’s call to salvation were brought in many ways. Some were brought by a friend, a neighbour or a colleague. Others were introduced by parents early in life, while some were invited by the voice of an anonymous herald on radio or the city bus service. Yet, some others were brought in through a miracle of healing by a minister. However the invitation came, the channel used is undoubtedly, God-sent.

The men mentioned in our text were God-sent, to introduce the helpless, sick fellow to Jesus for the healing of his diseased soul which was reason for his bodily infirmity. These men knew they had not the power to help their friend in his predicament, but they obviously knew the Saviour and they believed He could heal him. The perseverance with which they carried the sick man in his couch and let him down through the opened roof to the place where Jesus was seated is the evidence of their faith.

Sinners are helpless in the hands of Satan and the flesh. They have no hope of eternal life if somebody does not tell them about Jesus who died to atone for their sins. Every true believer is God sent to go and preach the gospel of salvation to every creature within his reach. And because we are sent to a people weakened, paralyzed and sick with sin, we must be willing to lend ourselves to be used as the hands, arms and feet to lovingly hold, carry and bring sinners to Jesus. Nothing reveals our faith in Him better than perseveringly leading sinners into a lifetime of relationship with Him. There is the promise of reward for every work done faithfully in His name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 CHRONICLES 5 - 8

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Be a channel of blessing to others"

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Daily Manna
Wednesday, June 10, 2015

A God-Denying World

TEXT: PSALM 53:1-6

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good" (Psalm 53:1).

The world has made many attempts to deny the existence of the Living God Who is in charge of the whole universe and to Whom everyone is responsible and accountable. In spite of the very many undeniable evidences of the existence of God, modern-day atheists through their secularism, liberalism and modernism, have refused to acknowledge Him. They have tried, though with no success at all, to disprove all that points to His reality.

Our text reveals that this denial of the existence of God is not new and only describes such people as fools. It further shows the reason for such denial and the obvious outcome of a world and life without God. Those that deny the existence of God do so because they don’t want to be answerable to Him. They are obviously afraid of a God that would hold them accountable for all their deeds and practices. This is an attempt to free their minds from the thought of a possible future judgment where they would have to account for their sinful lifestyle. Denying the existence of God means that man is only accountable to himself and so is at liberty to live whichever way he chooses.

The ever increasing rate of sinful practices today is an evidence of a God-rejecting age. The world may call it "civilization", "liberalism", "enlightenment", or whatever but it is nothing but sheer backwardness and a movement to the primitive age of bondage. What makes this even more sad is that many Christians who seem to profess faith in the existence of God also live as if He does not exist.

As Christians, we need to continue to prove to the world that our God is real and in charge of our lives and universe by making the world see God in us and through us. When we manifest an incorruptible life of holiness and righteousness in the face of the wanton decay and pollution that mark our world, they will come to believe.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 CHRONICLES 9 - 12

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Those who deny the existence of God only do it to their own hurt"

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Daily Manna
Thursday, June 11, 2015

Your Life As A Magnet

TEXT: ISAIAH 18:1,5-7

"In that time shall the present be brought unto the LORD of hosts of a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden under foot, whose land the rivers have spoiled, to the place of the name of the LORD of hosts, the mount Zion" (Isaiah 18:7).

Lying south of Egypt, Ethiopia, at the time of this message from God to Isaiah, was a very powerful nation. Its king was an equally potent monarch who ruled all of Egypt with considerable authority. History says his control stretched over a wide expanse that included territories north of Egypt.

But despite this power and control, a time came when Ethiopia sought Israel’s help in a confederacy to check Assyria, a war-loving nation. To contain Assyria, Ethiopia was said to have sent messengers to Israel asking for an alliance. The king of Ethiopia thought that with Israel, a nation guided by God and His prophets on his side, his force would make easy conquest of the fierce Assyrians.

Now the God of Israel intervened by sending His word to prophet Isaiah. God says He Himself would defeat the Assyrian enemy in His own time. "They shall be left together unto the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth: and the fowls shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them." God determined when He would effect the victory because He says in verse 4, "I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place..."

If we trust in God, His power and presence will be so evident in our lives that the weak and oppressed sinner will be drawn to us, asking for our help on how he can be saved. In the process, God will be exalted and glorified as the Source of our strength. The despairing world will come to know Jesus Christ as the Saviour through us. They will flee from sin and Satan their oppressor and run to Jesus the Son of God Who possesses all power in heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18).

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 CHRONICLES 13 - 17

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Let your life reflect the glory of God"

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Daily Manna
Friday, June 12, 2015

Judgment Is Sure

TEXT: REVELATION 15:1-8

"And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God" (Revelation 15:1).

There is a dominant truth that most people will not readily accept: that God will judge the actions of every man while on earth. We read this story today and conclude that it must have been an insufferable burden for the inhabitants of Egypt and their king to lose all the firstborn children at a go! But a more awesome sentence will come upon the unrepentant at the time of the Great Tribulation when the Church of Jesus Christ, those redeemed by His precious blood would have been raptured, taken out of this sinful world, to live with Him in unspeakable joy in heaven.

Those who reject the gospel message of salvation, work out by God through the substitutionary death of Christ on the cross at Calvary will be left here on earth for an unpleasant encounter with Satan, the Antichrist and the false prophet; all archenemies of God and Christ.

They will insist that the people must take the mark of the beast (Antichrist). Those who refuse will receive fatal punishment.

Added to that will be God’s own overpowering plagues upon the entire world. There will be no room for escape because even a dash for the temple to pray may be impossible. “And no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled” (Revelation 15:8.)

Those who would not experience the torment of that period are those who have embraced the Saviour, those who have settled their ways with God and repented of their sins. They would receive pardon and be given the power and grace to live a holy life. They will be counted worthy of the rapture when the Lord comes in the sky. They will be taken away and spared from the wrath of God both during the tribulation and in eternity.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 CHRONICLES 18 - 21

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "A stitch in time saves manifold challenges"

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Daily Manna
Saturday, June 13, 2015

Folly Of Deception

TEXT: EXODUS 16:1-10

"Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no" (Exodus 16:4).

A certain businessman was accused by his kinsmen of not bringing up the younger generation in his town in his line of business even though he was involved in lots of philanthropic activities that benefited the community. Out of pressure, he decided to take three boys to the city for them to undergo apprenticeship and to be later established. As soon as they got to the city, they began to plot against the businessman and to poison the minds of the young men working in the establishment. One day, they forged his signature to cash huge sums of money from his different accounts. Their plot however did not succeed as the man got wind of it and nipped it in the bud. The young men were evil and scorned all the good deeds of the man to them, to their families and to the entire community. They lost every opportunity to become successful in life because of their ungrateful attitude.

In our text, the children of Israel were a bunch of ungrateful people. They were always murmuring and complaining. A people that cried endlessly over the oppression in Egypt soon forgot their ugly experiences and began to complain about the wilderness (Exodus 16:3). God was not well-pleased with their murmurings and outright rebellion against Moses and Aaron.

We must understand that any blessing obtained from God through desperation is hardly in accordance with His total will. The Almighty decided to "rain bread from heaven" for them just "to prove them", in other words, to test them.

Believers must always allow God to take the best decision for their lives. When God proves man, many fail because of their depraved nature. Israel failed the tests of God because of their hardness of heart and unbelief. Whatever is the situation, desperation is not the option. Believe God totally.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 CHRONICLES 22 - 25

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Self management is the pathway to destruction"

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Daily Manna
Sunday, June 14, 2015

Let The Lord Lead You

TEXT: NUMBERS 10:33-36

"And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days’ journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days’ journey, to search out a resting place for them" (Numbers 10:33).

We often do many things honestly, and with the best of intentions. But good intentions alone are inadequate before God. Sometimes, they tend to lead us away from God’s chosen path for our lives. They also make us repose our trust and confidence in men or things, instead of God. Moses almost fell into this trap. He had, only a moment earlier in our text, sought to convince his father-in-law to go on the journey to Canaan with the Israelites because he was familiar with the route in the otherwise harsh desert terrain. He pleaded with him: "Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes."

But it was God alone who brought them out of Egypt that had the actual compass for their journey. He had given them the Ark of Covenant, a golden rectangular box containing the two stones on which the Ten Commandments were written, a jar containing samples of the manna which He gave them as food, and the rod of Aaron, symbolizing the authority of the priest. The Ark was a symbol of God’s presence and power, reassuring the Israelites that they were not alone in the journey. Those bearing the Ark were to lead the way for the Israelites to follow. Wherever the Ark stopped was to be their resting place. And as they proceeded on the journey, the cloud of the Lord was upon them to shield them from the harsh desert heat. Whenever they moved with the Ark, Moses prayed that the Lord will arise and scatter all enemies on the way, and when the Ark stopped, he asked the Lord to return to the Israelites.

We must therefore, never get to a point when we allow the present harsh realities to draw us away from following God's well mapped out path for our lives. We should not allow men, no matter how well endowed, to take the place of God as we journey through life.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 CHRONICLES 26 - 29

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Those who follow God's leading, live to fulfill God's purpose in life"

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Daily Manna
Monday, June 15, 2015

Voluntary And Obedient Service

TEXT: HEBREWS 10:1-18

"Then said He, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second" (Hebrews 10:9).

The animals killed for sacrifice at the altar in the Old Testament era did not offer themselves voluntarily. The priest dragged them down to the place of atonement for their death to be used for the cleansing or covering of the people’s transgression. The use of blood as sacrifices for iniquity featured prominently in the entire scheme.

The slaying of the animals and the application of their blood were together part of a bigger picture of the future God was unveiling to the Israelites. Although He was operating under the provisions of a particular covenant, He told them through His prophet that some superior everlasting covenant was on the way. In Jeremiah 31:31, God makes it clear that He “will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah.”

Psalm 40:8 reveals a distinct difference between the Old and New Covenants, which our reading today treats. Whereas involuntary animals were used in the Old, the New would present a willing person, Jesus Christ. “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7,9).

Jesus came to die for the sinners of His free will in obedience to the Father’s love for the world. Therein lies a perfect understanding of today’s reading. The New Covenant replaced the Old not because the latter was ill-planned. Nor was the new an after-thought in God’s mind. Rather, God had it in place and that was why He foreshadowed it through the sacrifice of animals to hint that a greater once-and-for all sacrifice would come to deal with sin. The path of the Old Testament pointed to Calvary, when God’s holiness and righteousness would dwell in the believer in Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit. He gives us a new heart to love God and serve Him voluntarily.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 CHRONICLES 30 - 33

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Jesus is the final fulfillment of the law"

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Daily Manna
Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Decision Determines Destiny

TEXT: 1 KINGS 12:1-15

"Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat" (1 Kings 12:15).

Our text gives an insight into the effect of Rehoboam’s decision on the kingdom of Israel, after the death of Solomon. The leaders of the northern tribes of Israel met Rehoboam at Shechem to iron out some issues. Though they were willing to make him their king because they wanted the kingdom to remain united, they were not comfortable with Solomon’s high-handedness and they wanted Rehoboam to review it. Rehoboam asked for time to enable him seek for advice. He ought to have prayed about this and seek for God’s advice, but he never did. He did not even ask a prophet or a priest to advise him. He possibly was afraid that God would tell him something contrary to his plan – not to rule the northern tribes.

The elderly men who served Solomon, with better experience, knew certain things which Rehoboam probably did not know. They had respect for Solomon because of his godly wisdom and fair judgments which they possibly believed Rehoboam did not have. They thus advised him to agree with the people’s demands. But the younger men, whose advice he equally sought, never had any experience on the act of governance. They thought the Israelites could be controlled with strong words. Unfortunately, Rehoboam rejected the advice of those elderly leaders and chose the advice of his peers. This proved disastrous.

He who sows the wind, must reap the whirlwind and whatsoever a man sows, he reaps. Rehoboam sowed utter foolishness and reaped disaster. Those given to impulsive decisions, without mediation and prayers, must be prepared for the dire consequences.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 CHRONICLES 34 - 36

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Eternal values, not temporal ones, should determine a believer’s decisions"

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Daily Manna
Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Importunity In Prayer

TEXT: DANIEL 10:10-21

"Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand... thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me" (Daniel 10:12,13).

Our text aptly captures Daniel’s importunity in prayer. He was majorly concerned about the welfare of Israel and for 21 days, devoted himself to prayer and fasting. An angel of the Lord came to him and intimated him that he was greatly beloved before God, informing him that from the very first day he started praying, God had answered and immediately sent a message to him. Unfortunately, the prince of Persia withstood the angel for 21 days until Michael, one of the chief angels, came to the rescue.

That an angel was particularly dispatched because of Daniel’s prayer revealed that genuine prayer matters before God. Since the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood the angel, it also shows that there is always satanic opposition to believers’ prayers. Satan has his angels who help him to launch evil attacks on Christians. Since Daniel’s victory came on the 21st day, it equally indicates there may be some hindrances to prayers, which some Christians may not know. They may be wondering why answers to their requests are delayed.

It is possible that if Daniel had stopped praying on the 20th day, the answer would not have come. This explains that believers should be importunate in prayer – they should keep on praying until they receive answers to their requests. Of course, God has the power to destroy every satanic opposition, but He probably allowed such a conflict in Daniel’s prayer to use the time of the delay to develop him as a man of persistent prayer.

Persistence in prayer may be necessary to train believers. Daniel’s success should be a reflection on believers’ failures, as it revealed that angelic assistance or insight might not be realized, if there is a lack of persistence and importunity in prayer.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: COLOSSIANS 1 - 4

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Prayer is the link that connects us with God"

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Daily Manna
Thursday, June 18, 2015

Salutation To Living Saints

TEXT: EPHESIANS 1:1-4

"Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love" (Ephesians 1:2,4).

Ephesus was one of the five major cities in the Roman Empire, along with Rome, Corinth, Antioch and Alexandra. It was a commercial, political and religious centre for all of Asia Minor and was also the location of the temple of Diana, the goddess of Athens.

At this time, Paul the apostle had been a Christian for close to thirty years. He had undertaken a trip to Ephesus during his second missionary journey. He wrote to the Ephesians while he was under house arrest. As was usual with him, he warmly saluted them, and desired for them the best spiritual blessing. ”All spiritual blessings in heavenly places” means all the good things God has provided for His followers. These include salvation, the gifts of the Spirit, the power to do His will while here, and the hope of eternal life with Christ hereafter.

God’s choice of saved believers is entirely by His grace. No one takes credit for his salvation. Salvation makes us new creatures in Christ, willing to obey Him and do His will. Our old life was characterized by disobedience, sin, condemnation and death.

But God has graciously shaped our lives and destinies in conformity with His will. Are you one of those the Lord has chosen? Do not spurn God’s invitation; neither drive rough over the sacrifice offered by His Son. Accept His salvation with a grateful heart and you will be glad you did.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 THESSALONIANS 1 - 5

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "To be chosen, you have to willingly surrender your life to Him today"

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Daily Manna
Friday, June 19, 2015

Ever Compassionate

TEXT: EXODUS 16:11-21

"And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat" (Exodus 16:15).

In biblical and contemporary times, recorded are myriads of outstanding testimonies of God’s faithfulness in the lives of men. Indeed, in every life, God must have shown His faithfulness in one way or the other. The testimonies of what He did in time past, should encourage us to trust Him even in our trying times.

If God had looked at the oft-repeated failings of the children of Israel, He would have abandoned them long ago. But in keeping to the promises He made to Abraham, the Almighty had continued to be patient with them. It is strange that the people who had seen the mighty deliverances which God had granted them and the sheer favour they had enjoyed, still continued in their sins.

In spite of the murmurings of the children of Israel, God, by His mercy decided to rain bread from heaven to them. He instructed them, through Moses on the method of gathering the manna. Sadly, many of them did the contrary. But God was still patient with them.

Today, God still forbears and He is ever compassionate. He hears when we cry despite our failings. He daily provides our needs and heals our diseases and infirmities. In fact, He protects our lives from dangerous diseases and pestilences which are ravaging the lives of others. We owe it all to God. Rather than continue in half-hearted obedience and lukewarmness, we must wholly yield our all to Him, laying them upon the altar. We should willingly and obediently follow the Lord so that we can truly eat of the good of the land.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 THESSALONIANS 1 - 3

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Though loving, God is a consuming fire"

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Daily Manna
Saturday, June 20, 2015

Be At Ease

TEXT: PSALM 54:1-7

"Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul" (Psalm 54:4).

In her song titled, 'Victory All the Time', Leila Naylor Morris, scripted, "They who know the Saviour shall in Him be strong, Mighty in the conflict of the right 'gainst wrong; this the blessed promise given in God's word, doing wondrous exploits, they who know the Lord." She encouraged believers to put their trust in the Almighty in all circumstances, for, according to her, victory is sure.

In a world of turmoil, where many people are daily buffeted by all manner of adversities, calamities and deprivations, only those who put their absolute trust in God receive His awesome help for sustenance. While he lived, the Psalmist at various times, tasted the brutality of the wicked. At some points in his life, adversities were his daily companion, but he knew the way to sure solution. He called on the Almighty for assistance. He knew God is the only true source of help, and he was also aware that it was He alone who could judge his enemies and put them to shame.

Our text contains fundamental lessons for every believer in Christ. In times of adversity, God is faithful. During afflictions from the enemy, God is the righteous Judge. When trials and temptations buffet, God is our Refuge and Strength. At all times, we must not be discouraged. We must hold on to our faith till the end.

Believers must realise the source of their problems and learn not to charge God wrongly. Every problem must be taken to God in prayer and the burden must be laid at the feet of Jesus. We need not cringe or fret because He that is with us is more than they that be with our adversaries. Victory is ours.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 TIMOTHY 1 - 6

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "If God be for us, who can be against us?"

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Daily Manna
Sunday, June 21, 2015

He Meets All Needs

TEXT: MARK 8:5-9

"So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets" (Mark 8:8.)

A global increase in population, especially in developing nations with rising prices of goods, is a serious threat to survival. Severe drought in numerous nations of Africa has made many families to go hungry or at least compromised their diets. In the midst of hunger and scarcity, God has always provided for those who trust in His ability to change difficult situations and provide their needs.

The text of today focuses on the compassionate nature of Christ to always find enduring solution to the plight of those who come to Him. The preceding chapter captures different categories of people with diverse ailments and challenges who were healed and delivered. They were astonished beyond measure, "saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak" (Mark 7:37). Christ provided food for the hungry and fainting people, to support them and to sustain the spiritual blessings they had received.

Sometimes, we ignore the physical needs of others in pursuit of the spiritual alone. Yet, the two are necessary. Although the multitude did not complain or tell Jesus of their hunger, He nevertheless, recognized the need and supplied food. Sometimes, we are too slow to recognize people’s needs, and even when we do, nothing is done about it. Are there hungry people in your local church? You may not be able to heal the sick but you can provide something for somebody in your local assembly. Identify a needy person today, and allow the compassion of God to move you to meet their needs and lighten their burden. On that score, you will be a true follower of Christ.

God cares for every minute detail of our lives. He is not too busy with important matters alone; He is also interested in every minor or major areas of our lives. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:17).

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 TIMOTHY 1 - 4

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Christ will supply all your needs, if you trust Him"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Monday, June 22, 2015

Life, Not Religion

TEXT: JEREMIAH 9:1-11

"Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD" (Jeremiah 9:6)

Israel had been a backslidden nation. Several years back, a righteous king, Josiah, had arrived the stage with sweeping reforms to restore righteousness in the land. He enthroned true worship by removing the idolatrous priests who had been burning incense in high places at the instance of the past kings of Judah. He broke in pieces the images of idols and drove away the workers with familiar spirits and wizards to enable the people return to the true God and His worship. Sadly, at the death of King Josiah, the people returned to their old ways.

In our text, Prophet Jeremiah itemized the abominations prevalent in Israel for which God was not pleased. The prophet said that the people were "all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men" (verse 2).

Today, our society is in the same lamentable situation Israel was at that time. There is corruption in high and low places, idolatry of all kinds, and immorality is at its peak. The values that were held sacrosanct years ago have been thrown overboard. Even in unlikely places, worship centres, evils abound. These things that made Jeremiah shed tears are also the concern of genuine men of God today who labour day and night to draw men from the scourge of sin.

The redeemed of the Lord must warn sinners of the imminent judgment of God as did Jeremiah. The purity of one's Christian faith should be seen by doing what is right; loving others and ceasing from sin. So, the practice of the Christian faith must not be limited to a mere church attendance. Our changed lives must be righteous and holy, a sure signpost for others to take after.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: EZRA 1 - 3

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "The reality of man’s religion is evident in his character"

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Daily Manna
Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Infallibility Of God’s Word

TEXT: DANIEL 11:1-4

"And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia" (Daniel 11:2)

Our text today contains things that were revealed to Daniel after his fasting and prayer for twenty-one days. The man, who appeared to him, told him that three kings would emerge in Persia. After them, the fourth king would come up and he would be richer than other kings. And because of his wealth, he would be very powerful. He would rise up against the kingdom called, Greece.

The man also told Daniel that another strong king would emerge who would rule with great power, but he would have a sudden end, which would lead to the break-up of his kingdom into four. Even though his kingdom would be broken to smaller kingdoms, his children and grandchildren would not rule them. Instead, other people would take possession of the kingdoms but their kings would not be powerful.

Some Bible scholars, who examined Daniel’s prophecy in the context of its fulfilment, noted that all the contents of the prophecy were fulfilled with clinical accuracy. These prophecies were from the Lord who cannot lie. Everything he said then, came to pass. And whatever He has said concerning today must also surely come to pass. It will be wise for all discerning minds not to scoff at God’s prophecies. Instead, they should take appropriate steps to ensure that the damning portents are not fulfilled in their lives.

The accuracy of Daniel’s prophecy shows the infallibility of God’s word. As precise as Daniel’s prophecy was, so also will the events of the end of time as detailed in Scripture come to pass. For those who doubt the existence of hell and the consequence of sin, they will be shocked to discover that God’s word is infallible and that His prophecies can NEVER fail. Beware!

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: EZRA 4 - 6

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God’s word is a sure declaration of His mind"

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Daily Manna
Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Let Your Light Shine Before Men

TEXT: MATTHEW 5:13-17

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16)

Jesus Christ, in His sermon on the Mount, taught some cardinal virtues of the Christian faith. He particularly described Christians as salt of the earth. Salt is known to be a flavour, which adds better tastes to food and equally helps to preserve the food from going bad.

By this teaching, Jesus pointed out that Christians, through their conducts and lifestyle, should make the world a happier place. They should live a pure life, which should be according to God’s precept, and become an example to other people. This would make the world easier for people to live in. But when Christians lose their Christ-like virtues, they would become like salt which has lost its proper flavour. Such salt will no longer be useful.

Jesus equally taught that Christians, as the light of the world, should not hide their identities. They should exhibit their Christ-like virtues, which should guard others in the proper and right way. It would be foolish, therefore, for believers not to live out the Christ in them, which could amount to hiding a lamp under a bowl. Christians must allow the light in them to shine to help people avoid taking bad decisions.

This shows that in our offices, schools, markets and other places, we should not hide our Christian identity. We should not compromise our faith through dishonesty, covetousness and corruption. Our relations, friends and colleagues are looking up to us as a guiding light to lead the way for them to follow. They may not initially muster the will to resist temptation, but with our Christ-like action, consecration and commitment, they may be converted to Christ and we would have saved precious souls from going to hell.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: EZRA 7 - 10

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Every act of virtue is an ingredient unto reward"

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Daily Manna
Thursday, June 25, 2015

Betrayed?

TEXT: PSALM 55:1-15

"For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company" (Psalm 55:12-14)

The story of Judas Iscariot is a classic example of what a man is capable of doing when overtaken by greed and inordinate love for material things. Here was a man who had the privilege of working closely with the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Yet, he lost his life for pecuniary reasons. He betrayed his Master.

We live in desperate times when unimaginable things are daily taking place. We hear of ritual killings, betrayals and marriages that were conducted on the altar of God collapsing and being dissolved in law courts. A lot of terrible things are happening. Fathers are killing their children; husbands are gruesomely murdering their wives. The national dailies in many countries are filled with stories of bizarre occurrences.

David experienced such a deep betrayal. He was pained and wondered what was happening. He said if the source of his problem was extraneous, he would not have bothered, but that they were within the circle of his friends, confidants, family and even from those he went to the house of God together.

Look around you today, what are those things that cause you anguish? They may be injuries inflicted on you by trusted allies and brethren or family members. Some people have been duped by those they trusted and least expected they could do such things. Some have suffered various degrees of pains inflicted on them by close allies. And some are not even alive to tell their bitter stories anymore. Whatever is your own case, take it to God in prayer because vengeance belongs to Him. Be assured that He still answers prayers today.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ZECHARIAH 1 - 5

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "You are defeated only when you accept defeat"

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