Daily Manna
Saturday, 26 September, 2015

Cost Of Disobedience

TEXT: JEREMIAH 11:1-14

"Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them" (Jeremiah 11:11).

Whoever wishes to enjoy the best God offers must be ready to trust and obey Him all the way. Our passage today reveals God's heartfelt disappointment over Israelites' broken covenant with Him. Towards this, He wanted Jeremiah to point out their acts of disobedience, which had strained His relationship with them, and that He would put a curse on anyone who did not keep to the covenant.

God had a covenant with their forefathers when He liberated them from the hardships imposed on them by the Egyptians. At that time, the Israelites had promised to listen, not only to God's instructions, but also to completely obey Him. Consequently, they became His special people while He became their God. Unfortunately, the Israelites reneged on keeping to the covenant. They neither listened to, nor obeyed God.

For the people of Judah and Jerusalem, God said He would bring suffering upon them and no one would escape, maintaining that when they begged for help, He would not listen to their prayers. He sternly warned Jeremiah not to plead for them because He would not listen, neither would He answer their prayer. Their sin was so great that God would not defer judgment even though Jeremiah or the people cried out to Him for mercy.

The same appalling situation is playing itself out in our society. People no longer obey God. Evils of kidnappings, ritual killings, corruption and murder, among others, have dominated the land. What is your current relationship with God? You must realise that God will not bestow His blessings upon anyone who persists in wilful disobedience to His commandments, except those who decisively repent of sin and fully turn to Christ. Even so, a practical life of holiness and righteousness, through God's grace, is the only way by which God's goodness and blessings are assured in time and eternity.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JAMES 1-5

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Absolute obedience to God is required to receive the best He freely gives"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Sunday, 27 September, 2015

Be Vigilant

TEXT: MATTHEW 13:24-43

"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way" (Matthew 13:24,25).

A Christian life demands constant vigilance, and believers must always crosscheck their lives to ensure nothing has crept in unaware. It is deceptive to assume that one is insulated from the defilement of the world, when one lives and works in the midst of unbelievers without discretion.

In today's text, Jesus employed many parables during His teaching. He never explained the meaning to the multitudes who listened to Him, but only to His disciples. One of such parables was on tares sown by an enemy among good seeds. He said the owner of the vineyard had done his bit by sowing good seed and had left thereafter. But while he was asleep, the enemy invaded the farm with a strange weed.

The seed was discovered by vigilant servants, who noticed the strange outgrowth among the wheat. The response of the vineyard owner, that the tares should be left alone until harvest time when they would be destroyed, instruct believers about negative influences and how they should be handled with wisdom.

Believers are in a corrupt world; they hear and see terrible things that are capable of choking up their Christian conviction. If believers wilfully refuse to make a difference between righteousness and unrighteousness, virtues and vices, good and bad, right and wrong, and begin to pattern their lives in line with the negative influence of these times, then they are not wise.

Like the servants of the vineyard owner in the text, who were able to detect the tares because they were vigilant, believers must be vigilant so that they will not be swept off their feet unknowingly. A focused and visionary believer must detect and shun evil no matter how strong the influence may be.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 PETER 1 - 5

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "As you watch, apply discretion in tackling any impending danger"

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Daily Manna
Monday, 28 September, 2015

The Most Troublous Years

TEXT: DANIEL 12:5-13

"And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, ...sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished" (DANIEL 12:7).

Both Testaments of the Bible foretold what the end of the present system would be. Daniel is one of the prominent Scriptures in this regard. The last chapter from which today's text is taken, summarizes and concludes the great revelations contained in the book. The earlier verses foretold the eventual deliverance of the Jews from Antiochus that would greatly persecute them. Beyond that, it points to the fate of believers (dead and alive) towards the coming of the Antichrist. They will be raptured to meet the Lord in the air and would be rewarded for their works. Daniel was to seal the Book because its ultimate fulfilment was then a distant time.

Christ's coming at the rapture would principally be to deliver believers from the tyranny and troubles that would be unleashed on the world during the Antichrist's reign. It will particularly be a very trying time for Israel. The concern in today's text was how long the trouble would be. The Bible reveals that the Antichrist will reign for seven years; first three and half, he will deceive the world, gain global acceptance and eventually enter into agreement with Israel. But Israel's real trouble will begin with the last three and a half years when the Antichrist will renege, desecrate their worship and persecute them. Those "time, times, and an half" (three and half years) will be the most troublous years ever in this world. The merciless atrocities of the Antichrist would be mingled with divine judgment and unleashed on those who remain in the world.

As the cloud gathers and the end-time signs become more glaring, God's call becomes more urgent, "Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast" (Isaiah 26:20). Will you tarry in the world or are you ready for the rapture?

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 PETER 1-3

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "To be left behind after rapture will be the greatest miss of all times"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Tuesday, 29 September, 2015

Return Of The Ark

TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 13:1-14

"And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it" (1 Chronicles 13:6).

"One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency" - Arnold H. Glasow. In emergency situations, even the best of leaders resort to panic actions.

The ark, a symbol of God's presence, power and protection had been captured and kept by the Philistines for seven months. It was later returned to Israel and kept at Kirjath-jearim, about ten miles from Jerusalem. But king Saul, throughout his reign, treated the ark with disdain as it lay in obscurity. At Hebron, David had been made king over all Israel (1 Chronicles 12:38-40), and one of his foremost duties was to mobilize the people to bring back the ark to Jerusalem without any delay. And this they did with great pomp, joy and dancing.

No matter how important and noble our work for the Lord might seem, it is a grievous sin to take Him for granted. Uzza learnt the hard way. While the ark was being brought back to Jerusalem, he put forth his hand to hold and prevent it from falling - a forbidden act. He was immediately visited with the wrath of God; he died. Surrounding the entire episode of Uzza's ignoble act was the prize of doing a noble deed in an ignoble manner. The prescription of the law was that the ark should be carried by the sons of Kohath and specifically prohibited the use of a cart; neither should it be touched by a human hand.

As we engage in the work of the Lord, we must ensure we do so, not perfunctorily, but with due diligence, reverence and promptness. This is because God's work is a serious business and we must see it as David regarded it. A carefree and presumptuous attitude to the work of the ministry should be abhorred and avoided.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 JOHN 1 - 5

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Love and reverence, not expediency, must characterize our work for God"

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Daily Manna
Wednesday, 30 September,2015

Foolishness Of Prejudice

TEXT: MARK 11:27-33

"And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things"? (MARK 11:27,28).

There are not many maladies that can so badly impair one's sense of judgment as prejudice (irrational dislike of somebody). Someone once defined prejudice as, "A vagrant opinion without visible means of support". It blindfolds, injures and even kills. Its worst victim is often the person who exercises it.

During Christ’s earthly ministry, the priests, scribes and elders had an obsessive, unfounded hatred for Him. They showed it openly and subtly. Today’s text presents one of such occasions of their antagonism. They had watched Him teach in the temple with a mixture of envy and malice, so they queried Him. The intent of their questions was to ensnare or, at best, ridicule Christ by making Him seem like a usurper or blasphemer.

But wisdom prevailed. Christ responded with another question that exposed their hypocrisy. They knew the truth – that both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ derived their authority from God. Even someone of their rank, Nicodemus, had earlier acknowledged Christ as "a teacher come from God". But here, they would neither openly admit it, lest they should acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah; nor could they discredit John's ministry as a human design lest they be mobbed by commoners. In their face-saving attempt, they refused to answer Christ’s question. His question therefore, took care of theirs.

The gospel has never been so vehemently attacked by people more than men of influence, especially religious people whose interest are threatened by the gospel light. But how vain it is to antagonize the truth! Often times, the same rod of attack eventually proves to be the instrument of its promotion while its peddlers get confounded. As you step out this day, pray not to be blinded or shackled by prejudice against the truth. Rather, let the boldness and wisdom of righteousness be your strength.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 & 3 JOHN

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "A prejudicial mind is a shallow and unproductive mind"

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Daily Manna
Thursday, October 01, 2015

Error Of Omission

TEXT: EXODUS 21:26-36

"But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death" (Exodus 21:29).

The principle of responsibility for wrongs done to others, as explained in the Bible, plainly states that one is liable for the actions of his agents as long as he owes that agent a duty of care and control. In the case of animals, it makes little difference that the owner is not aware of its destructive tendencies.

The Lord had given Moses the laws guiding man's relationship with God and fellow man in the preceding chapter, known as "The Ten Commandments". Underlying the commandments governing man's relationship with one another is the principle of equity: "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". And to underscore God's view of the sanctity of life, an animal which killed a human being was to be killed; the owner himself was to suffer similar fate if he was aware of the animal's destructive traits.

Today, God still highly upholds the sanctity of life. Sins of omission are as serious in the eyes of the Lord as sins of commission. Carelessness or negligence must be avoided by true followers of Christ. The major difference between man and animal is in man's possession of a reasoning faculty. If we have faculties to guide us in our daily life and fail to use them, then we are culpable before the Lord.

The Scripture enjoins us to walk carefully through life to be able to reap the blessings God has graciously provided for His children. We should watch over our domestic animals to keep them from harming people or destroying their properties.

Bible Reading in one Year: JUDE 1

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Acts of omission and commission attract punishment"

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Daily Manna
Friday, 02 October, 2015

Train Up A Child

TEXT: PSALM 78:1-9

"For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children" (Psalm 78:5).

Our topic today is very instructive, especially in the light of negligence of child training by some Christian parents. The psalmist explicitly noted that God gave His law to Jacob's descendants, and mandated them to teach their children so that each new generation would know His law and be able to pass it on to others.

The psalmist gave three major reasons for this. The first was that it would help them to know God, His law and works. Secondly, it would enable them to trust in Him, while the third was that it would make them to be obedient to God. These would make the new generation of Israel to appreciate God unlike their ancestors, who became stubborn, rebellious and unfaithful to Him.

The psalmist equally noted an instance where the Ephraimites exhibited cowardice. They were armed, but when the battle began, they ran away because they were afraid. This act of cowardice could be attributed to lack of faith in God. So, informing their children of God's glorious deeds and mighty miracles would enable them to live right and build their faith in Him.

Sadly, many Christian parents have lost control of their children because of negligence in training them. They allow their children to live unworthy lifestyle to the extent that one could hardly place a difference between children born to Christian parents and unbelievers on the street. Many parents are wallowing in agony and regrets over lack of parental dictates evident in their children's lives. If the cycle of child delinquency is to be broken, we need to apply scriptural principles in bringing up our children in the ways of the Lord. This is the sacred duty of parents which cannot be transferred to anyone else.

Bible Reading in one Year: LUKE 1 - 2

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Children are the reflections of our standing in the faith"

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Daily Manna
Saturday, 03 October, 2015

Irreplaceable Goodly Treasure

TEXT: MATTHEW 13:44-52

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field" (Matthew 13:44).

The Bible is the ultimate and final authority in all matters. Those who look elsewhere for so-called truth, merely deceive themselves and toy with their temporal and eternal destiny.

In our text, the Bible instructs that the kingdom of heaven is a great treasure and that whosoever finds it must guard it jealously. The parable talks about a man who found a treasure in a field and because of the worth of the treasure, sold off everything he had to buy the field.

The knowledge of the kingdom of God is the greatest treasure anyone can find. Stories abound of believers who had sacrificed their lives for the kingdom of God. They received the word and embraced the promise of eternal life. Many of them, for the sake of heaven, were burnt with fire, thrown to lions or sawn asunder with the sword. They chose to die rather than give up the treasure they had found.

Our text explains that the treasure found in the kingdom of God is beyond any other treasure in life. Jesus spoke of goodly pearls, in which a merchant sold all his possession to buy because of its worth. The salvation of our souls is a great treasure that believers must guard jealously. The joy that floods a believer's heart at salvation is of great value and must continue. It is worth more than any acquisition on earth. Do not turn around to the things you've left behind. Do not lose the costly treasure or exchange it for any other thing, for it is, indeed, a costly pearl.

Bible Reading in one Year: LUKE 3 - 4

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Buy the truth and sell it not"

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Daily Manna
Sunday, 04 October, 2015

Watch Your Tongue

TEXT: NUMBERS 12:9-16

"With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses"? (Numbers 12:8.)

Envy and jealousy often arise when people are displeased that others are ahead of them in life. Although they do not openly admit it, they feel humiliated by the success of others, and wished the good things were happening to them. They may go any length to express disdain for those doing better than them in life. Sometimes, those that envy are close to the successful.

For Moses, it must have been a shock that his brother and sister, Aaron and Miriam, were unhappy with his popularity and success in leading the Israelites. Since they could find nothing to complain personally about Moses, whom God called the meekest of men, they found fault with his wife. If Moses knew of their unkind conduct, he did not show it. Instead, it was God that stepped in to deal with the two offenders. He struck Miriam with leprosy; and Aaron, fearing he was next to face judgment, cried out to Moses, calling him "my lord", in recognition of his authority and standing. He couldn't pray to God; he knew God would not hear sinners. So, he pleaded with Moses, who then prayed to God to heal Miriam. God did but insisted that she must be separated from the camp for a while. Unfortunately for the Israelites too, the sin of Miriam delayed their journey for one week.

Sin of any kind is deadly; it separates one from the Lord; it hinders progress and attracts God's judgment. Rather than wait to regret your actions, you should quickly correct your wrong thoughts and motives which lead to sin. If you are still committing sin, do not delay, quickly plead with the Lord for cleansing, forgiveness and pardon. Thereafter, watch over your life that iniquity does not creep in and become your ruin.

Bible Reading in one Year: LUKE 5 - 6

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Though hand joined in hand, the wicked shall not go unpunished"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Monday, 05 October, 2015

Christ For All Nations

TEXT: ISAIAH 19:20-25

"In that day shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land: Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance" (Isaiah 19:25)

There are certain truths that need no emphasis. It is a basic truth that God is the Almighty; that He is the Creator of the heaven and the earth and all the people therein - be they white or black. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing, and He does according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can say to Him 'what doest thou'?

Our text deals with the supremacy of God over all nations and all people. Egypt was noted for her wisdom - a wisdom it attributed to the power of her gods. The nation thus became very idolatrous and questioned the authority and power of the almighty God.

After a time of affliction and chastening, the two chief oppressors of Israel, Egypt and Assyria, according to prophecy, would unite in love, and worship the true God. 'At the mention of the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow.' The knees of people of all the nations of the world would bow on that day. The LORD of host shall say in that day, 'Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance' (verse 25). Known to God are His works from the foundation of the earth.

The Almighty rules in the affairs of men. By this prophecy, all nations of the world would be blessed. In that day, political enemies, nations and peoples that had been miles apart would bow at the feet of Jesus. But let us not wait till that time. Now is the time for us all to know Him and the power of His resurrection. For it is through a reverential knowledge of God that we can discover and enjoy the best He has prepared for us through the all-sufficient merit of His dear Son.

Bible Reading in one Year: LUKE 7 - 8

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "There is but one God and He is the Almighty"

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Daily Manna
Tuesday, 06 October, 2015

Virtue In Self-Abasement

TEXT: LUKE 7:1-10

"Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof" (Luke 7:6)

Humility, as opposed to pride and arrogance, has the potential of opening closed doors. The humble in heart always esteems others better than himself. Some nations have had to fight needless and protracted wars because their leaders held on to vain pride, while their people perished in unnecessary and avoidable conflicts.

In this regard, there is a lesson to learn from our text. It deals with a centurion who had a sick servant. He was a top Roman army officer. Ordinarily, he would not have bothered about his servant's sickness. But he took the matter to Jesus, based on his belief that He came from God. He had recognized the Jews as carriers of God’s redemption message and built a synagogue for them. His faith and humility was particularly amazing as a Gentile, having not been brought up to know the living and true God. He had made it clear. In humility, he disclosed: 'I am not worthy…'.

The centurion knew that Jesus, by far a greater commander than himself, did not need to come to his house for his servant to be healed, just the same way he 'a mere military commander' did not need to be present for his orders to be carried out. Thus he said to Jesus, 'Speak the word only'. Jesus, recognizing that such faith was rare in Israel, immediately spoke the word and his servant was healed. Many people have lost the opportunity of receiving their healing and deliverance at various church programmes because of lack of simple faith and a humble disposition. If such people could exercise the type of the centurion's faith, even as little as 'a grain of mustard seed', they would have received their much needed miracles.

Bible Reading in one Year: LUKE 9 - 10

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Before honour is humility"

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Daily Manna
Wednesday, 07 October, 2015

Unacceptable Sacrifice

TEXT: JEREMIAH 11:15-23

"For the LORD of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke me to anger in offering incense unto Baal" (Jeremiah 11:17)

Elisabeth Elliot, a Christian author, told a story of her brother, Thomas Howard, when they were young. Their mother let him play with paper bags if only he would put them away afterwards. One day, their mother walked into the kitchen and found paper bags strewn all over the floor, but Thomas was with their father at the piano, singing hymns. When she confronted him, he protested, "But Mom, I want to sing". But their father rebuked, "It's no good singing God's praise if you're disobedient".

The people of Judah had yokes of sin hanging on their necks. Instead of repenting of those sins, they went to offer sacrifice to God, as if they could appease Him and get their misconduct quashed. Though they were God's chosen people, He told them that they were not qualified to offer sacrifice because they have not repented of their iniquities. Their sacrifices would not make things right before Him, so they must face His wrath. Although God planted them as a tree, He would destroy them for worshipping Baal.

Instead of making efforts to reconcile with God, the people of Judah plotted to eliminate Prophet Jeremiah who brought the message to them. Even after he was warned, the prophet did not cease to preach because he was committed to God and trusted that He would protect him. He was not only assured of protection, God also threatened to visit them with His anger. Their young men, God said, would die violently while others would die by famine.

No one can battle with the Lord. He has the power to cast the wicked men into hell. Therefore, there is no fortress that can serve as a defence against His power. The enemies can associate themselves yet God will easily break them into pieces. For Him to be your Shield and Buckler, you need to live a life of total purity of heart. It is only then that your sacrifice can be acceptable before Him.

Bible Reading in one Year: LUKE 11 - 12

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "The flame of purest sacrifice burns unseen but not unaccepted"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Thursday, 08 October, 2015

Failed Leaders

TEXT: NUMBERS 13:1-16

"Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them" (Numbers 13:2)

Real leaders are, for the most part, known by the way they handle crises. It is easy to be called or known by the title, "leader", -but what truly marks one out as a leader is how one is able to successfully handle a difficult situation. There are tasks that are meant for leaders. When a supposed leader fails in such task, then he disqualifies himself from being one.

God, in our text, had instructed Moses to send men to spy out the land of promise. He specifically told Moses the kind of people he was to select. They were to be rulers among the people. In effect, they were to be leaders. This is for obvious reasons. Being leaders, they were supposed to possess a measure of maturity which the generality of the people may not have. Their position was also expected to add credibility to their report. It was also expected that they possessed the spiritual maturity and an "eye" of faith to see, understand and interpret God's dealing with them.

The outcome of the expedition showed that all these men, but two, failed in their calling. Instead of being strong and courageous leaders, they turned out to be weaklings and cowards! If they had kept their fear and unbelief to themselves, it would not have been an issue. But they affected the congregation with their evil report. As a result, they caused the children of Israel forty years of wandering in the wilderness leading to the death of all adults that left Egypt except for Joshua and Caleb.

The Church is in dire need of leaders who have faith today. They may not be men of letters but let them be men of the Word! Men who have unshakable faith in the unfailing promises and power of God and are able to lead His people to rout whatever giants may be before them and possess the promised lands. Lord, give us such men today!

Bible Reading in one Year: LUKE 13 - 16

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "When a leader fails, he brings down others also!"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Friday, 09 October, 2015

A Precious Offer

TEXT: JOHN 4:1-26

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24)

Aiden Wilson Tozer, an American Christian pastor, once said: "Salvation is, from our side, a choice; from the divine side, it is a seizing upon, an apprehending, a conquest by the Most High God. Our 'accepting' and 'willing' are reactions rather than actions. The right of determination must always remain with God".

The text, highlighting the challenges of preconceived notions about social and ethnic barriers, particularly between the Samaritans and the Jews, reveals God as the final authority in all things. Prior to this time, the two nations had hated themselves to the extent that the Jews, while going to Galilee, would avoid passing through Samaria, which was a direct route. Instead, they would circumvent Samaria, making their journey twice the normal.

Jesus was not given to such animosity, especially as He came to break such barriers and bring salvation to souls. When He met the Samaritan woman at the well and demanded for water, she expressed shock because she thought Jesus would manifest a life of hatred and unhealthy rivalry, which was the practice between the Samaritans and the Jews. In the course of their conversation, Jesus offered her the free gift of "living water".

The grace of God which brings salvation is available to all men. Believers must work with this mindset to reach every soul for Christ. In Jesus, you cannot trace ethnic, religious or tribal animosity. If it were so, the Samaritan woman would have been lost for ever. The grace of God that brought you into Christ can also reach other sinners if you dare open the bowels of mercy in you to them.

Bible Reading in one Year: LUKE 17 - 19

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God's grace has no artificial frontier; it is available to all"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Saturday, 10 October, 2015

Hostility Towards God

TEXT: PSALMS 78:10-20

"They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law" (Psalm 78:10)

The Israelites, for quite a number of times, displayed hostilities towards God, in spite of what He did for them. They refused to keep His commandments but only interested in what they liked to do. As Ephraim had everything it needed to fight a war but ran away, so also God gave His people everything they needed but they refused to obey Him.

God made a way through the Red Sea for the Israelites to pass through, while the Egyptians were drowned. This miracle was the first of its kind in the world. God also showed them the way through the desert by the means of a special cloud in the day and at night. He supplied water for them in the desert when they thought they would die of thirst. After all these miracles, the people still refused to obey God's laws or keep the covenant.

Surprisingly, there are so-called children of God who are more hostile to God than the Israelites. God has helped them and lifted them beyond measure in their families and society. He gave them wives, husbands, children, promotion and riches. Yet, their hearts are buffeted with pride and arrogance. Some have completely forgotten God, who helped them to overcome their challenges and blessed them with abundant resources. He has healed, comforted and strengthened them. Yet they have refused to reciprocate His kind gesture.

The believer's relationship with God cannot be based solely on what we receive from Him. We are to worship God and appreciate Him, even if His blessings momentarily "cease." It is more than enough that He has saved us and is preparing us for heaven. Whatever else He does for us must be sufficiently appreciated, so that He will always be satisfied and happy with our sacrifices.

Bible Reading in one Year: LUKE 20 - 21

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Sin is a deadly reproach to both man and God"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Sunday, 11 October, 2015

Fierce Judgment

TEXT: JEREMIAH 12:7-17

"I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies" (Jeremiah 12:7)

Frontline evangelist, Billy Graham, many years ago, was arrested for over-speeding. When he was charged to court, he pleaded guilty. The judge, though friendly, embarrassed him for being in his court and fined him ten dollars. Graham noted that if the judge had let him go free, it would have been inconsistent with justice; he had to pay the penalty."

The Israelites, according to our text, attracted the wrath of God upon themselves. They worked against God, blasphemed His name, opposed His authority, became defiant and cried out against Him as a lion in the forest. God's pastors, who were supposed to take care of the people, became uncultured, ravenous and ungovernable. Therefore, God refused to associate with them and His temple there because they had polluted it. He marked them out for ruin and utter desolation.

He equally promised to judge other nations, who had robbed His people of what He had given them. Many of these neighbouring people, He stated, would go into captivity. Among these nations were Egyptians, Assyrians, Edomites, Moabites, Ammonites, Arameans and Babylonians. God would only have compassion on them and bring them back at the end of their captivity, if they repented of their sins, put their trust in Him and worshipped Him. But if they did not repent, He would destroy them again.

God is also warning sinners and backsliders to repent and trust in Him to avoid a similar fate. The repercussion of sinful lifestyle is severe. As He pronounced punishments on Judah and other nations who contravened His commandment, so also He has prepared the lake of fire for unrepentant sinners. The only escape route is total repentance from sin and acceptance of Christ as Lord and personal Saviour.

Bible Reading in one Year: LUKE 22

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God's judgment is without partiality; He never overlooks sin"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Monday, 12 October, 2015

A Ready Witness

TEXT: ACTS 8:26-40

"And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple" (Acts 9:26)

As the age winds to a close, the Lord Jesus is in dire need of those who will faithfully and unconditionally give themselves to soul-winning. One sad thing that has befallen Christendom today is that we have become too busy and preoccupied with many activities that the Lord can hardly get our attention to speak to us and get us do His bidding.

This is where the life of Philip the evangelist comes as a great challenge. Although he was busy and occupied with the revival that the Lord had used him to start in Samaria, he never allowed the euphoria of that success to deafen his ears and make him insensitive to the Spirit of God. He was a ready, willing and available man for God's use. That was why God was able to use him mightily in Samaria in the first place. Now, when the Lord needed a man to witness to the Ethiopian Eunuch, He could count on Philip; he did not fail Him.

Can God get your attention when He needs it? Is it possible for Him to get you out of your busy pursuit and engagements to run errands for Him? Should the Lord need someone to send to a ripened soul waiting to be harvested into the kingdom, will He call on you? Or, are you so buried in your business that you cannot hear the cry of the dying world or the voice of the loving Saviour bidding you to go and help someone understand the way of salvation?

There are many "Eunuchs of Ethiopia" around us today, longing for some "Philips" to help them understand the way of salvation. If we are to be worthy vessels that the Lord can employ for emergency rescue missions, then we must be surrendered, willing, ready and open to the voice of the Spirit of God. Our vessels must be clean at all times and filled up with the Holy Spirit.

Bible Reading in one Year: LUKE 23 - 24

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God will only use a willing and ready heart; are you one?"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Tuesday, 13 October,2015

How To Go Further In Life

TEXT: HEBREWS 11:7-16

"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went" (Hebrews 11:8.)

Many times, we give faith the meaning it does not possess. We think faith means that we can claim anything and receive it. In reality, faith is not reckless adventure, nor is it blind resignation. It does see things, usually invisible things - things that natural wisdom, great talent can never get for you. This is what makes faith compelling and hard to ignore.

Noah had such faith. He knew nothing about rainfall until God told him that a deluge was imminent. He believed that a great downpour was coming, simply because God said so. This faith influenced him to construct the ark with which he preserved the lives of not only his family, but also of God's creatures. Abraham too packed up and commenced a journey to the unknown. He was content to live as a stranger in the land of promise which he was later to inherit. All the time, he kept his eyes on the heavenly city built by God. His wife Sarah, too, had faith that enabled her to conceive and bear a child in old age. She, who was hopelessly considered incapable of having a baby, would later become the mother of multitudes, too numerous to count. All these heroes of faith died before the promises given them could be fulfilled. This apart, they were more preoccupied with the heavenly city which God has prepared for His children whose lives do not bring Him shame.

The promises of God do not always come too soon to children of God. Sometimes, God wants to test our faithfulness to see if we truly trust His ability to solve our problems, to keep His words and perform His promises. We are not to question the veracity of what He has said, but simply take Him at His words. The greatest of those promises is God's desire to take us to heaven. To qualify for such honour, we must never do anything that will drag the name of the Lord in the mud.

Bible Reading in one Year: REVELATION 1 - 3

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Faith and obedience are inseparable twins"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Wednesday, 14 October, 2015

What Do You See?

TEXT: NUMBERS 13:17-33

"And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it" (Numbers 13:30).

All through the ages, the wrong use of the eyes has constituted a serious problem for many. It has ruined lives and many individuals are now in hell lamenting over the damaging use of their eyes! Many have also lost great opportunities for seeing insurmountable challenges where opportunities abound. The Bible expressly warns about the lust of the eyes. Achan got into trouble because he "saw" the goodly Babylonian garments and coveted them. David got into series of sin because he saw a nude woman taking her bath.

Moses saw the need to send some leaders to spy out the land of Canaan. The terms of reference included: finding out what kind of people lived there, determining whether the city was fortified or not, discovering whether the dwellers were strong or weak, ascertaining whether the land was good or bad, judging whether it was a walled city or not and observing whether the people lived in tents or strongholds. While Caleb admonished the people to arise and conquer the land, the evil report of majority of the spies, based on what they saw, caused confusion in the camp.

The days in which we live are evil and too many things are happening that are capable of discouraging those who operate carnally. Today, there is fear within and without; there are crises, hunger, pestilences and wars. This was the situation with majority of the spies. They reported what they saw with their eyes, but Caleb saw differently even though he knew that giants inhabited the land.

What you see influences your utterances and actions. Do you see hope in the midst of hopelessness? Or, are you like the 10 spies that said it was impossible to go against the Canaanites? Cast off your doubts and go in this might of yours to take the land, for you are well able under the guidance of the Most High.

Bible Reading in one Year: REVELATION 4 - 6

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Dare to be different and seize the bull by the horn"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Thursday, 15 October, 2015

The Untamed Beast

TEXT: JAMES 3:1-18

"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell" (James 3:6).

A Mongolian story was told of two geese which were about to embark on their annual autumn migration southward, when they were entreated by a frog to take him with them. The geese expressed their willingness to do so if a means of conveyance could be devised. The frog then produced a long stalk of grass, got the two geese to take it one by each end while he clung to it by his mouth in the middle. In this manner, the three were making their journey when they were noticed from below by some men. The men loudly expressed their admiration for the device and wondered who had been clever enough to discover it. Whereupon the vainglorious frog opened his mouth to say, "It was I", lost his hold, fell to the earth, and was dashed to pieces. Such is the ruin of the untamed tongue with its damning portents.

The size of the tongue in relation to the whole body is illustrated with bits in the horse's mouth. Though it is so small, yet it is powerful enough to control the whole movements of the horse. Our tongue is a little member in the body, but has the potential and capacity to determine our immediate and future destiny.

The untamed tongue of the unregenerate is filled with unsavoury words, emanating from a perverted heart. Boastful words, arrogant words, gossip, backbiting, angry words, despiteful words, curses, abuses, words of deception, lies, evil speaking, and such like, are products of the untamed tongue, which could lead the carrier to untimely physical and eternal death in hell, if not repented of.

On the other hand, a tamed tongue, washed and purged with the blood of Jesus Christ is used for the benefit of the carrier and people around him. A tamed tongue preaches and wins souls for the kingdom of God. Out of the tamed tongue issues kind and loving words. Say, which tongue do you possess?

Bible Reading in one Year: REVELATION 7 - 8

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Your tongue is a spiritual thermometer; use it wisely"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Friday, 16 October, 2015

Great Tribulation? Not For Me

TEXT: REVELATION 17:15-18

"And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the LovePeddler, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire" (Revelation 17:16).

Encountering the symbolic scenes the devil would establish during the Great Tribulation, as seen in our text, should make true followers to take a firm decision never to be part of that awful age. The prostitute sitting upon the waters (verse 15) indicates that there would be a centralised global religious system in the first part of the tribulation. This religion would be integrated into the system of the Antichrist when he captures political control.

Yet, as verse 16 reveals, the prostitute, representing the religious (apostate Christianity) wing of the union will fall out with the Antichrist (the political arm), with the prostitute and her institutions losing out. They would be crushed. It is God's will. It is God's judgment against the fallen world's religious order and its leaders who rejected God's truth in Jesus Christ. This will leave the scene for the trio of the devil, Antichrist and the false prophet to be in full control of the world.

The joy of the believer reading this prophecy is that eventually "the Lamb (our Lord Jesus Christ) shall overcome them for he is Lord of lords and King of kings" (verse 14). The knowledge of this should encourage us to show more appreciation to our Lord for saving us and assuring us of eternity in His Kingdom by doing more evangelism and remaining faithful to Him in holiness.

Believers need to strive for the truth that sets free. Many a believer, out of desperation for getting transient problems solved are being unwittingly shackled and manacled as it were to mere religious persuasions that manifest token signs and wonders, which are really from the pit of hell. The end of all religions as the book of Revelation exposes should make believers look beyond pretended signs and wonders to seeking the truth that can stand the tests of time and eternity.

Bible Reading in one Year: REVELATION 9 - 11

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Live daily for Christ and avoid the grim reality of the Great Tribulation"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Saturday, 17 October, 2015

Courting God's Mercy

TEXT: REVELATION 12 - 14

"How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?" (Psalms 89:46).

George Washington, the first President of United States of America, in his inaugural prayer for the nation, prayed: "Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection for one another and for their fellow citizens at large. And, finally, that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy and to demean ourselves with charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind."

The psalmist made a special prayer full of complaints that, in spite of God's promises to establish the kingdom of David forever, the royal family had faced some crises and was nearly ruined. After the complaints, he turned into prayer, seeking God's mercy. He had not lost confidence in Him. He noted that their afflictions came because God hid Himself from the people, which could be because of their sins. He had high hopes that God would forgive and show them His favourable countenance. He pointed out the brevity of human life, which, if they did not receive any taste of the divine goodness, would imply they were created in vain. He drew God's attention to His previous mercy towards their forefathers, and how other people now ridiculed them because He had abandoned them.

Many Christians today are accusing God of leaving them in the lurch. They fail to find out the cause of their affliction. God is never the cause of any problem; man is. Where there is sin to be repented of, do so without delay to avoid its retributive justice. If the challenge is from Satan, then utilise the weapons of our warfare to defeat him and his agents. In all things, refrain from charging God foolishly; plead for His mercy always.

Bible Reading in one Year: REVELATION 12 - 14

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "To reject mercy here is to face judgment in eternity"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Sunday, 18 October, 2015

Draw Others To Christ

TEXT: JOHN 4:27-42

"Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work" (John 4:34).

Dale Rasmussen, in his testimony of salvation, described how he got involved in criminal activities at a tender age of nine. He started with stealing small things like bottles of pop and candy bars. This led him to steal bigger items and break into houses. At age 16, he was caught and sent to reformation home. Later, his criminal activities became nauseating and started reflecting on the lives of his sisters and others who had Christ. He could now see the deep love of Christ. Eventually, he gave up the bad behaviour and embraced Christ.

When Christ's disciples saw Jesus having a conversation with the Samaritan woman, they were surprised, but none asked him anything about it. Jesus has no penchant to obey rules set by men, except they are in consonance with God's commandment. This should be a lesson to all. Rules set by men can only be obeyed if they are not for vain deceit, in compliance with the tradition of men and the rudiments of the world.

After Jesus had told the woman things about her life, she hurriedly went to town to inform others about Him. Her words convinced them because she started with her life experience, which they knew perfectly well. We can learn from this. When we tell others about Jesus, we should try to tell our personal experience of Him, which is not merely agreeing to follow the rules of a religion.

Unfortunately today, many Christians have not taken God's work seriously as their necessary food. Jesus never forgot His special assignment from God. Sadly, many of us have abandoned the great commission. It shows we do not have the same vision with Christ. The harvest is ready but there are few labourers. We need to quickly mount the chariot of the gospel, like Philip the evangelist, to continually preach the everlasting good news to all.

Bible Reading in one Year: REVELATION 15 - 17

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Be a channel of blessing, not a medium of confusion"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Monday, 19 October, 2015

Submission To Higher Powers

TEXT: ROMANS 13:1-7

"Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour" (Romans 13:7).

The world is filled with Satan's inspired ego; the ego that rebels against constituted authorities and promotes anarchy and disorder in the society.

At the time of writing the book of Romans, the civilized world was under the colonial rule of the Roman empire. Nationalists, zealots and patriots in many countries viewed the Roman authorities as occupiers, strangers and robbers of their nations' wealth. So, they decided to antagonize and possibly fight off the Romans.

Paul the apostle exhorted Christians in all the occupied countries to have a different view of authorities. Firstly, "all the powers that be, are ordained of God". Nobody seizes power behind God. Secondly, authorities are put in place to avoid anarchy and to ensure the well-being of citizens. Paul then cautioned against rebellion by Christians as it is synonymous with rebelling against God.

Paul's counsel resonates accurately today as many Christians, ignorantly and for tribal or ethnic reasons, will readily join in antagonizing people in governments. Christians are to pray to correct any anomaly observed in constituted authorities. We are the light and salt of the world. Christians are not human right activists. They are agents of the Prince of peace.

Believers must shun recourse to disobey constituted authorities whom unbelievers wantonly disdain. There is no power on earth that is ordained that does not have God's tacit knowledge. Our stance therefore, is not to align with the bandwagon of evil doers and politicians. As the light of the world, believers must distinguish themselves through obedience to lawful dictates of government.

Bible Reading in one Year: REVELATION 18 - 20

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Submit yourself to constituted authorities"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Tuesday, 20 October,2015

Quiet Please!

TEXT: NUMBERS 14:1-10

"And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!" (Numbers 14:2).

A song writer scripted: "Quiet please, too much has already been said, just let it be and learn to listen instead, for sometimes thro' the silence, big problems become small and if you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all".

In our text today, the genesis of the murmurings of the children of Israel was the faithless report of the ten out of twelve spies that Moses sent out to spy out the land of Canaan. After they had told the congregation about the presence of the descendants of the Anaks in the land and frantically insisted it would be suicidal for Israel to attempt to go against the giants, the people's heart sank. Even then, the people's reactions worsened the situation. Whereas they could have kept quiet and urged their leader Moses to seek the intervention of God, they began to talk about their desire to die in the open wilderness.

Believers must be cautious in responding to any information, however unfavourable. Rather than pass comments that may injure the faith of others, we must learn to keep quiet in desperate moments. Believers must live a life of few words, reacting to situations by absolutely trusting in the Lord. In the days we live, there are heart-rending pieces of information that fly about. We must learn to talk less but pray more.

Today, people die of heart-related challenges because of the dysfunctional information they received. People are depressed, and many are lying critically ill in hospitals nursing avoidable health crisis because of words spoken unadvisedly which they allowed to clog their minds.
As believers, how we respond to unfavourable news differentiates us from unbelievers who have no trust in God. If we fret and fear the same way those who have not known Christ do, where then lies the faith we profess. Quiet please!

Bible Reading in one Year: REVELATION 21 - 22

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "The Lord knows the way through the wilderness; just silently follow"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Wednesday, 21 October, 2015

Duty To The Society

TEXT: MATTHEW 17:22-27

"Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee" (Matthew 17:27).

There are some Christian sects who misunderstand the doctrine of believers' separation from the world. They think this has to do with having nothing to do with the laws that govern their nation. They consider it idolatrous and worldly to sing the National Anthem or take part in any civic duty expected of the citizens of the country. Since Christians are not of the world, then they must not have anything to do with the world, they think.

Yet, the example of Christ in our text today shows us that as Christians, we must be responsible citizens of our country. Though He had right not to pay the temple tax, still, He went ahead to pay, demonstrating to us that we must be law-abiding and peace-loving. As Christians, we have the duty to positively influence our land and community with the gospel as "salts" and "lights." We must be careful that we do not make our gospel unsavoury and detestable to the people through our unfriendly and repulsive lifestyle. If we are to win the world, then we must be good citizens.

The life and examples of the Lord Jesus demonstrate to us how we ought to live as Christians. Those who look away from Christ always fall into the error of extremism, fanaticism and hypocrisy. Christians should take the lead in performing their necessary civic responsibilities. They should not dodge tax or duties or present false information concerning their earnings in order to pay less tax on their income. It is not ideal to present false documents so as to pay less duty on importations. It is our duty to protect public properties from being vandalized and ensure we conduct ourselves peacefully always. Nothing must be done to reproach the gospel or the name of Christ.

Bible Reading in one Year: PROVERBS 1 - 3

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Failure to perform civic responsibilities is a mark of shallow spiritual life"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Thursday, 22 October, 2015

Genuine Faith

TEXT: JOHN 4:43-54

"Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way" (John 4:50).

Abraham Kuyper, said: "When principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then battle is your calling, and peace has become sin. You must, at the price of dearest peace, lay your convictions bare before friend and enemy, with all the fire of your faith."

Though our text x-rays the unquestionable authority of Jesus over every situation, it significantly noted the genuine faith of an official of the king in Capernaum. When Jesus left Samaria, He went to Galilee, a region where He grew up, and performed His first miracle of turning water into wine at Cana. He knew the mind of the people and told them, without mincing words, that a prophet must have respect, except in his own country.

When the king's official in Capernaum heard that Jesus had arrived Galilee from Judea and that He was in Cana, he made efforts to see Him. He didn't consider the distance from Capernaum to Cana, a distance of about 32 kilometres (20 miles), as a barrier because he desperately wanted Jesus to heal his son who was at the point of death. Jesus did not go to Capernaum with the official. Instead, He told the man that his son would live. The man sincerely believed because he trusted Jesus completely.

Some people in our contemporary time have little regard for Christ. They make themselves more important than Him; they have wavering faith towards Him. Some even seek only miracles and not Christ.

The official's son was about 32 kilometres away from where Jesus was, yet He was able to cure him through the authority of His word. This shows that distance is not a barrier to receiving answers to prayers. So trust in Jesus; you will receive answers to your prayers.

Bible Reading in one Year: PROVERBS 4 - 6

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God answers prayers"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Friday, 23 October, 2015

The Secret Place Of The Most High

TEXT: PSALM 91:1-16

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1).

A child is never more confident than when he is in his father's arms. To him, the father is a superman – no matter how frail the father might be in reality. When threatened by any bully, he runs into those arms and his fear disappears like a shooting star. If there is a rampage, the child looks up to the father and trusts that he is up to any task.

The secret place of the Most High and the shadow of the Almighty offers a surer ground of confidence for a child of God than any mortal father can provide. Psalm 91, sums up the invaluable benefits that accrue to those who dwell in God's secret place. The secret place of the Almighty is not a physical structure. It is a spiritual state of being in which the faith and life of a believer align with God's holiness and by that, draws down His power and presence. It is a life of intimate communion with God – a life "within the veil." Only those who dwell in this state can abide under the shadow of the Almighty. That shadow depicts God's nearness to His children.

It is not enough to memorize, recite or claim the content of this psalm, one have to be sure that he actually resides in the secret place, where God's power and presence is seen in his life. There can be no better place to be in this troublous world. Dwellers in God's secret place are here promised peculiar and comprehensive packages of blessings. The blessings include: protection, preservation, privileges, provision, power, promotion and permanence (longevity).

Dwelling in God's secret place is not another expression for belonging to a "living church" or being actively involved with religion. It entails walking through the veil that Christ's shed blood has ripped open into God's holiness. If you are still outside that realm, go to God with penitence and faith in Christ. Get cleansed and consecrated to God.

Bible Reading in one Year: PROVERBS 7 - 8

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "If you are not experiencing God's power in your life, then He is not there"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Saturday, 24 October, 2015

Publish It Everywhere

TEXT: LUKE 7:19-30

"Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached" (Luke 7:22).

Years ago, a woman became distraught because she had no opportunity to serve the Lord the way she wanted. She claimed she could not work in the church because most of her time was used to take care of her large family. But the Holy Spirit let her know that she could testify of Christ to the people who made deliveries to her home. She did exactly so.

It proved a great relief as the word of God was ministered to many who received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Thereafter, she found immense joy in the Lord. Our Lord Jesus Christ led the way in showing that the good news of salvation should not be hindered by any means. Wherever He found Himself and under any circumstances, He preached the gospel.

In the text today, He seized the opportunity of a visit of the emissaries from John the Baptist to declare the constituents of the gospel. John was in prison for standing for the truth and holiness. He sent to know if Jesus was the promised Messiah. "…Tell John," Jesus replied, "what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached". Jesus used John's enquiry at a difficult time for the followers of John the Baptist to preach. This is the sum of the purpose of Jesus' ministry on earth. Every occasion and place was fertile ground for preaching the word of God.

Preaching is not to be undertaken only in the church or on meeting days. It must be done everywhere. "Therefore, they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8:4). God assures believers who obey the great commission that they shall return not only with signs and wonders, but also with a great harvest of saved souls.

Bible Reading in one Year: PROVERBS 9 - 11

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Genuine believers use every moment for evangelism"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Sunday, 25 October, 2015

What A Great Change!

TEXT: ACTS 9:23-31

"And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him" (Acts 9:23).

When someone becomes truly born-again, the evidence are very clear. Apart from the changed lifestyle and conduct, there is also a dramatic change in virtually every other sphere of life.

As we look at our text today, this is what we see. Paul, who was once an admired champion of the Jews, suddenly became a target of their assassination plot. He had previously championed the persecution of Christians. He masterminded the killing and imprisonment of many of them. It was even while he was on the way for the same mission that he had the unforgettable encounter with Christ. Now that he was born again, he switched loyalty. He was no longer loyal to the cause of the Jews but had become a bond slave of Christ. He now preached the gospel he once denounced and sought the fellowship of the Christians he once despised. The change that took place in his life left no doubt in any one that he had truly encountered Christ. What a great change!

When someone becomes truly born-again, the changes cannot be hidden. It is not only his life and conduct that will change, his associates and friends too will. His focus and pursuit, ambitions and goals will all become turned around. Paul now has only one goal, which is to do whatever the Lord wants. As heaven rejoices over his conversion, so does hell roar in anger.

Are you newly converted and wonder why those who once loved you now turn their backs on you? Does it make you feel you have taken a wrong decision? Not at all! You are just on the right track. The changes that you see in you and the oppositions they now attract are enough evidence to show you are now a new creature. Like Paul, you don't have to be discouraged or ashamed of your new found faith. Seek out and fellowship with the people of God.

Bible Reading in one Year: PROVERBS 12 - 14

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "It is difficult to hide a life that is truly changed"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Monday, 26 October, 2015

Discovering God's Voice

TEXT: ISAIAH 20:1-6

"At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot" (Isaiah 20:2).

It is futile to add to God's Word as adequately catalogued in the Bible. The Book is full, faultless and fortified with power.

Isaiah was told by God to appear in public, stripped of his clothes for three years. He was to walk barefooted. This was a sign of humiliation and shame to an average man. Isaiah readily obeyed God, and carried out this divine assignment single-mindedly, not minding the social embarrassment associated with it. History has it that Isaiah freely moved in the court and advised kings and the nobles. He equally identified with the poor, the lowly, the oppressed, the widows and victims of injustice and exploitation. God spoke through him to Judah and Jerusalem in the days of many backslidden kings and emperors.

The revelation of God in the Scriptures is not only for believers alone, it applies to both saints and sinners. God spoke through Isaiah to demonstrate the fierce and terrible humiliation and shame that Egypt and Ethiopia would suffer at the hands of the Assyrians. This message was equally applicable to Judah as a nation, that put her trust in other nations for help rather than in the God of their fathers.

The lesson for today can be summarised in the words of Apostle Paul, thus: "whatsoever things are written aforetime were written for our learning..." (Romans 15:4). God speaks to us through His Word to regulate our lives. Believers must always be ready to hear and obey Him even in matters that may seemingly bring shame, humiliation and persecution. God's word can only be received and truly acted upon by those who are renewed. They are empowered to hear Him whenever He speaks and enjoy His manifold blessings.

Bible Reading in one Year: PROVERBS 15 - 17

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "When His message comes to you, there is but only one thing to do, just obey"

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Daily Manna
Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Christ's Healing Power

TEXT: JOHN 5:1-16

"Jesus said unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the Sabbath" (John 5:8,9).

Our text sufficiently reveals the power of Christ to heal any deformity. Jesus never isolated Himself from people, except from sin. He fellowshipped with them on a regular basis, at the temple, and also celebrated the Passover with them.

On a particular occasion, when He went to worship at Jerusalem, He met a man who had an infirmity sitting at a pool called Bethesda. It was generally believed then that an angel would come on a certain season to stir the pool and anyone who first stepped into it would be instantly healed. But this man had been sitting by the pool for thirty-eight years, hoping to receive his healing.

When Jesus got there, this man became a cynosure of interest to Him. He asked the man if he would appreciate being healed. The question possibly looked strange. Jesus possibly wanted the man to look at Him to be able to make his faith come alive. The man gladly accepted the offer and was cured immediately, to the surprise of many people. But the Jewish leaders, who ought to have appreciated the wonderful act of God became bitter, hinging their anger on non-observance of the Sabbath. When Jesus later saw the man in the temple, He warned him to desist from sin, which probably suggested that there was a connection between his illness and sin.

Clearly, sin is a barrier to receiving God's blessings. Faith is equally important; without it, it is impossible to obtain anything from Him. The reaction of the Jews indicates that it's not everybody that would like to rejoice with you at the moment of your miracle. The man, in spite of the Jewish leaders' attitude, did not hold it against them. This is equally instructive, that we should not have ill feeling towards anybody. Jesus is our Refuge and Strength; a very present Help in trouble who will always remember those who trust in Him.

Bible Reading in one Year: PROVERBS 18 - 20

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Jesus is our Helper and Healer"

See more HERE: