Daily Manna
Wednesday 25, November, 2015

No Variance With God

TEXT: NUMBERS 15:1-16

"One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, and ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD" (Numbers 15:15).

The "tribe" of human rights advocates has greatly expanded in the last couple of decades. At the heart of these movements and campaigns is the vexed issue of equality. These movements seek to address specific situations they consider biased and unfair in societies. They seek equal rights in certain social and economic contexts, and the removal of legally enforced discrimination that are based on such conditions as gender, religion, race, age, health, etc. Much good has come from these efforts. When abused, however, it has the potential of dragging societies along terribly permissive lanes.

In today's text, God recommended the principle of equality in the instructions He gave Israel concerning offerings and sacrifices. The nation had just recovered from an episode of rebellion and had been forgiven, after Moses interceded. As they stood at the verge of the Promised Land, Moses reiterated the instructions and guidelines they were expected to observe when they settle in the land.

Our interest here is the instruction concerning equal treatment for the Israelites and the strangers (Gentiles) among them. This law applied to both responsibilities and benefits. It implies that in sacrificing to God and in receiving blessings, no difference would be made between the Jews and the Gentiles who have joined them to worship God. This law forestalled adulteration of worship and helped to foster unity and love among the people. It was also a pointer to the era of grace where "there is neither Jew nor Greek...bond nor free...male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus".

In the same manner, God expects all His worshippers to uphold the same standard and be holy, irrespective of their gender, social status, cultural background and denominational affiliation.

Bible Reading in one Year: ECCLESIASTES 4 - 7

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God is not partial"

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Daily Manna
Thursday 26, November, 2015

Work For Everyone

TEXT: ACTS 13:1-7

"As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them" (Acts 13:2).

"A man willing to work and unable to find work, is perhaps the saddest sight… under the sun", remarked Thomas Carlyle, Scottish historian and writer. It is not the will of God that man should be idle, doing nothing. He has work for each one of His creatures to do. The various creations He made on the earth lend credence to the fact that even the minutest creature has its own place, its own work and its fitness to do it. The birds, though without hands, make intricate nests for their abode; the spider spins its webs to trap its prey for daily bread; the ant is ever busy working in its season to shame the idle man. We are made to render service unto God and humanity.

In our text, God, by the Holy Spirit, declares that He had work for Paul and Barnabas, for they were called to dedicate themselves, their time and talents. In secular life as well as in ministry, we do not all have to look the same direction or copy the other man in the service he renders. There is a work assigned for every man. Every man is endowed with relevant abilities and is brought to the place he finds himself at a particular time to achieve divine purpose.

God could not have raised a man and endowed him merely for his own sake; for He said: "This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise" (Isaiah 43:21). God has called us for Himself that we may share in the glory that is in His son Jesus Christ. He has left the great privilege of accomplishing the great commission to us, to tell the world the wonderful story of the love of Jesus.

Let us, therefore, ponder on this eternal purpose; that God has put us in the place where we are to do His will. When there is any opportunity to serve God and our generation by proclaiming the gospel message, we must take care not to let it slip.

Bible Reading in one Year: ECCLESIASTES 8 - 12

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "A worthy son serves sacrificially in his father's vineyard"

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Daily Manna
Friday 27, November, 2015

The True Heroes

TEXT: HEBREWS 11:30-40

"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions" (Hebrews 11:32,33).

In a museum in Scotland resides the sword of famous Scotsman Wallace, who was a hero and patriot. A visitor once said, "I do not see how it could win such victories". "Ah sir, you do not see the arm that wielded it," came the reply.

Hebrews chapter eleven is truly a chronology of heroes of faith. Our text summarized the exploits of several ordinary people from the Old Testament who did extraordinary exploits through faith. Gideon defeated a great host of the Medianites through a small army of 300 wielding touches and earthen vessels, while David killed the giant Goliath with a sling and a stone. Others, including Daniel and his colleagues, were said to have obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions and miraculously escaped the fiery furnace. The list includes women who through faith, had their children raised from the dead and ended with those who endured great persecutions and suffering even unto death in order to defend the convictions they held very dear to their hearts. All are said to have obtained a good report.

Today, many look up to sport stars and athletes, movie stars and musicians as heroes. They are seen as heroes because in many ways, they do things that most people can not do. We often overlook their moral failings and bad examples while we focus on their incredible exploits. But God's heroes in the Bible were not men and women of extraordinary ability or talent but men and women of extraordinary faith. They were ordinary people with little abilities who had their lives transformed by grace after a very poor beginning.

You can be a hero of faith today, not by focusing on your strength or ability, but by relying on God's grace which is freely available to all who ask for it. The first step to becoming a true hero of faith is submitting to the will of God, believing and living by His Word.

Bible Reading in one Year: SONGS OF SOLOMON 1 - 4

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God makes heroes out of zeroes"

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Daily Manna
Saturday 28, November, 2015

The Limits Of Oppressors

TEXT: PSALM 94:1-11

"LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?" (Psalm 94:3).

Today, there are many international, government and non-governmental organisations that campaign or fight against injustice and oppression. Many of them are genuinely concerned about the atrocities going on in the world. Unfortunately, despite these political, legal and social solutions, injustice still prevails. This is because the problem of injustice and oppression lies beyond these solutions. Ironically, some of the anti-oppression crusaders themselves engage in oppressive activities.

The prevalence and promotion of evil in the world often causes the righteous to employ the kind of petition found in today's text. The preceding verses acknowledge God as the Source of retributive justice and mercy, and appeal to Him as the great Judge of the earth, for redress. Notice the familiar observations about the wicked: they are exultant because of their worldly success. They oppress and exploit the helpless with impunity. They have atheistic orientation and a wrong notion of God.

It is dangerous to emulate ungodly, oppressive and proud people of this world. They have no regard for God's holy standard or judgment because they wilfully deny His involvement in the affairs of men or even His existence. They do not understand that the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment. They need to understand that not only does "he that teacheth man knowledge" know all things and understand the vain thoughts of men, but will judge them at last.

Believers need not despair for these things nor get discouraged by the persecution from arrogant oppressors. Oppression has limited time. This is a golden time to prayerfully reach them with the only means of salvation – the gospel of Christ.

Bible Reading in one Year: SONGS OF SOLOMON 5 - 8

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Atheism is a pretence that only exist on earth; not in hell"

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Daily Manna
Sunday 29, November, 2015

Mighty In God's Hands

TEXT: ROMANS 16:1-16

"That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also" (Romans 16:2).

God is at His best when He uses things we view as commonplace to accomplish extraordinary feats. For instance, He took the inarticulate and hesitant Moses to free millions of Israelites from centuries of bondage.

Today's Scripture reading shows a display of divine attention on saved women who served in God's kingdom. As Apostle Paul ends his epistle to the Church in Rome, the Holy Spirit led him to reveal the simple people God raised to support His Work. Only the couple - Aquilla and Priscilla, appear to be well known; others are silent workers. Among them are no less than eight women. Despite their social status as "weaker vessels", God used them to render special services to the Church and the kingdom of heaven. Paul did not hide his commendation for their work.

In the case of Phebe, who delivered the letter to the Romans from Corinth, Paul asked for unique hospitality for her. Describing Phebe as "our sister", he urges the church in Rome to "receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of; for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also" (verse 1,2).

Phebe and other saints, including women may have been in the background. They may not have been numbered among the regular apostles. But they did not just make up the crowds. They worked tirelessly in the church to make God notice them for a mention in the Bible. They were committed to God's work and evangelism.

The exemplary service they rendered should challenge us to seek to please God and not expect the applause of men. We are not to operate by man's standards. It is God who gives us the unction; we must meekly function by His laws. There should also be no competitive spirit in our midst if our goal is heaven.

Bible Reading in one Year: HOSEA 1 - 4

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "God is looking for ordinary people He would use to do the extraordinary"

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Daily Manna
Monday 30, November, 2015

The Great Banquet

TEXT: REVELATION 19:6-10

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God" (Revelation 19:7,9).

He had scrupulously hatched a plot to have a group of people completely exterminated. He must have felt convinced that the plot was woven in iron-cast secrecy. Then there was this banquet to which he was invited as a special guest. While the wining and dinning was in full swing, Haman's plot to exterminate the Jews was exposed. The banquet turned out to be his waterloo.

Earthly banquets at best serve carnal purposes. Both in the Old and New Testaments, most banquets had been used as occasions for vicious acts. King Herod used the occasion of the birthday party he organized for his lords to behead John the Baptist. Queen Esther's banquet was to expose Haman's plot against the Jews. But there is a great and unique banquet that is to hold at the end of time, different from the banquets of the world. It is a Messianic banquet, the marriage supper of the Lamb, during which the patriarch and all the righteous will be guests.

The bride is the Church (the body of believers). The event would be the culmination of human history. The bride's clothing would be the righteousness of the saints standing in sharp contrast to the filthy clothing of the great LovePeddler (Revelation 17:4; 18:16). At rapture, the church will be taken away to meet with the Lord in the air to celebrate at the marriage supper of the Lamb. It will be a magnificent banquet that the finite mind of man cannot comprehend now. It will unveil the Saviour as the full and central focus of God's revelation and His saints as partakers of His eternal glory.

We are saved not by works but by grace. Even today, grace is available to the sincere seeker. As you read this, make a lifetime decision to surrender your life to Jesus and live a consistent Christian life to be qualified to be a guest at the awe-inspiring great banquet.

Bible Reading in one Year: HOSEA 5 - 9

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Labour not for the bread which perisheth"

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Daily Manna
Tuesday 1, December, 2015

A Privileged Offering

TEXT: EXODUS 25:1-22

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering" (Exodus 25:2).

Man, by nature, is full of absurdities. He always likes to receive good things. In spite of God's benevolence toward him, he is most unwilling to give unless it is extracted from him. But for a person that will walk with God acceptably, he will not only accept to give, he should be ready to give willingly, for such attitude makes the offering acceptable to God.

In our text, God instructed Moses to tell the people of Israel to bring their offering, but made it clear that only those offered willingly were to be taken on His behalf. The offering was to be deployed in the worship and service of God, and in building a sanctuary unto Him. God's work, however, suffers a lot today because many worshippers do not give to God and when they do, they do so reluctantly and sparingly. Such worshippers sometimes harbour the erroneous belief that whatever they give goes to church leaders and founders. But God makes it clear here that whatever is brought to His house is meant for Him.

His commandment in Malachi is a further proof of the divine ownership of tithes and offerings: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meat in my house…" (Malachi 3:10).

It then implies that those who give to God are promoting or sponsoring His work. Besides, those who pay their tithes and offerings are also honouring God (Proverbs 3:8 ). If you want to be prosperous in a manner that glorifies God, become a cheerful and bountiful giver from today.

Bible Reading in one Year: HOSEA 10 - 14

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "It is a privilege to give to God"

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Daily Manna
Wednesday 2, December, 2015

Jesus Wept

TEXT: JOHN 11:33-40

"Jesus Wept" (John 11:35).

In most cultures, men are brought up to believe that shedding tears is a sign of weakness and emotional instability. Because women are more emotional, it is considered normal for them to express their feelings with tears. However, memory lane is dotted with notable cases of the stoutest of men cracking up with tears in certain circumstances.

Today's key verse, "Jesus wept" is the shortest verse in the Bible, and it is equally significant. If there is anyone on whose cheeks tears were never expected, it was Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. But He wept. However, this did not reduce His character or divinity. Here, He wept in a house of mourning - on His way to Lazarus' grave. The tears He shed were an expression of His tender affection for Lazarus as attested to by the Jews around Him. "Behold how he loved him!" they said. Of course, still groaning in His heart, He eventually raised Lazarus from death.

Christ did not weep over any personal loss or pain. Even the cruel scourging of the Roman soldiers did not draw tears from His eyes. While hanging on the cross, He admonished His weeping admirers to "weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children." He wept over Jerusalem for the impending destruction coming on it and the failure of its inhabitants to seize the opportunity of His mission and ministry to change their fortune.

How tender is your heart? Are you easily moved to tears because of the sinner's plight and eternal end of the wicked? Are you part of the godly few who sigh for the decadence in the society? Weeping is not always a sign of weakness. You can ask the Lord today to make you a part of the godly few.

Bible Reading in one Year: ISAIAH 1 - 4

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Dry eyes are often a symptom of a hardened heart."

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Daily Manna
Thursday 3, December, 2015

Travelling Light

TEXT: HEBREWS 12:1-4

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrew 12:1).

What is a besetting sin? It is a sin that besieges; one that is unyielding, yoked to its host as it were. In sports, like skating and biking, blocking and boxing are strategies to control and stymie the efforts of an opponent. A besetting sin hems you in. It blocks you. It trips you up to fall. The sin that besets you does not just slow you down - it blocks and even stops your progress.

The clouds of witnesses here are true heroes of faith who died for their testimony of Jesus. Though these witnesses paid the ultimate price for their faith, they are still alive and are actively cheering the believers on till we finish our race. From the text, a race has been "set before us." God wants us to lay aside every besetting sin and run with patience, while looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Certainly, all sin is bad for the Christian pilgrim; but for most of us, there is a sin that is particularly besetting…it is the sin that we struggle with all the time. It may be an addiction or obsession, a habit, an attitude, a bias, a critical spirit, a bad temper, selfishness, gossip, bitterness, being untruthful, impatience, an envious spirit, Internet porn, self-righteousness, and the list goes on and on.

We must consciously shake off hindrances that hold us back from completing the race that is set before us. If we fail to do this, the weight of besetting sin can be a hindrance to our eventual coronation.

Bible Reading in one Year: ISAIAH 5 - 8

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Running while fully suited is a recipe for defeat."

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Daily Manna
Friday 4, December, 2015

Take Heed To Thyself

TEXT: NUMBERS 16:36-40

"To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses" (Numbers 16:40).

Punishment for crimes is not only that the offender may suffer for his wrong doing but it also serves to warn and deter others from doing the same thing. This is why in most cases, meting out punishment on offenders is not made a private affair. The purpose is to deter others from going into crime.

Our passage today echoes the same principle. God had publicly judged Korah, Dathan and Abriram for their challenge and open rebellion against Moses. This was followed by divine judgment of fire on the two hundred and fifty men who offered incense contrary to the order and commandment of God. The men had challenged the priesthood of Aaron and had gone ahead in defiance to offer incense. God was angry and consumed the men with fire. After their death, God commanded Moses to instruct the sons of Aaron to gather up the censers of the slain men and make a sheet of covering from them. The coverings were to be for the covering of the altars but more than that, to serve as a memorial of the divine judgment. It was to be an eternal reminder that God would punish sin and rebellion.

Laws are given to ensure orderliness within a community. Where such laws are not obeyed and enforced, there are bound to be disorderliness and chaos. In a family, church or society where sin is not frowned at and punished, others will definitely not see reason to desist from it. To prevent the encouragement and spread of sin and rebellion, necessary actions must be carried out on offenders once the sins are found out and established. In meting out punishment however, care must be taken that there is no partiality. Nobody should be treated specially for any reason. We should be quick to rebuke wrong doings and save our homes and churches from being taken up by the "little leaven that leaveneth the whole lump."

Bible Reading in one Year: ISAIAH 9 - 12

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "A better way to learn is from other people's mistake."

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Daily Manna
Saturday 5, December, 2015

The Blessings Of God's Rod

TEXT: HEBREWS 12:5-13

"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yielded the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby" (Hebrews 12:11).

We can share the insight of one time English writer and deacon, Abraham Wright that, "We may feel God's hand as a Father upon us when He strikes us as well as when He strokes us." No earthly father can love his children as God loves His own. God so loves His children that He spares no gainful measure that will keep them on the right path in life. One of those measures is the application of His rod of correction.

Today's text succinctly addresses the matter and makes it clear that the blessings abound in God's rod of correction. Chastisement is an inevitable reality in the life of every true child of God. This is because we have all the tendency to stray. Every caring and prudent parent knows the importance of child discipline. A child left to himself, without any restraining hand, will not fare better than a bastard. God knows us more than we know ourselves. In His infinite wisdom, He may allow some sort of affliction or ugly experience to come our way to drive us right back into the circle of His perfect will. Usually, such experiences are not pleasant, but it can be comforting to discern that God intends them for our good. We can make the most of them because they always yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

Verse 5 shows us two extremes which we must avoid when we are under divine chastisement. One is to despise the chastening by making light of the experience and being insensitive to it as not to make the chastening effectual. The other extreme is to get so miserably discouraged as to defeat the essence of the discipline. The first thing is to discern that the suffering or trial confronting us is God's rod. If it is, it should be borne with faith and patience.

It does not matter how or through what agency God's discipline comes to us - peculiar circumstances, challenging experiences, sanctions from church leadership, etc. - it all comes from God's heart of love and it is for our good.

The Bible IN ONE YEAR: ISAIAH 13 - 17

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

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Only cherished plants need pruning; weeds grow freely but are meant to be cut and burnt."

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Daily Manna
Friday August 5, 2016

Yes, He Wills

TEXT: LUKE 5:12-16

"And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him" (Luke 5:13).

Some missionaries went to a certain part of India to reach the lost. Yet, a fetish man, steeped in the powers of Satan would not allow them. He threatened the missionaries hell should they carry on with their mandate. The missionaries resorted to prayers which conquered the Satan in him. One day, his wife developed a life threatening infirmity which simply refused to go, despite his evil incantations. He resorted to the same missionaries who thereafter prayed and she was instantly healed. Having tasted of God's power, he repented and thereafter became a preacher himself.

The leper in our text must have heard of the ministry of Jesus, for he knew He had power to heal him. However, he was not sure Jesus would be willing to touch him, probably because of his putrefying sores. He was ignorant of the intense love, mercy and compassion of the Lord. Being humbled by his hopeless situation, he pleaded and cried out to the Lord for help.

The response from Christ is ever so reassuring. And of course, the leprosy couldn't have remained for another second. His singular contact with Jesus was just enough to change the rest of his life for good.

That same Jesus is still there for us today whenever we turn to Him for help in our distressed, helpless state. He will never turn away those who penitently come to Him though they are compassed about with seeming hopelessness. He is a compassionate and loving Friend. Are you going through any challenge? Remember, He feels your pain and He will always be there to help you out.

Bible Reading in one Year: NEHEMIAH 5 - 7

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

Thought for the day: "Jesus cares more than we are willing to accept."

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Daily Manna
Saturday August 6, 2016

When To Say No

TEXT: 1 KINGS 11:1-13

"For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father" (1 Kings 11:4).

Knowing when to say 'no', especially to loved ones, is an art which great leaders all through the ages have cultivated. Sometimes, they may keep silent or look for ways to avoid the question. Or like Nelson Mandela, they may say: "Let me think about it. " But as Mandela's biographer noted, "in the end, he will not tell you what you want to hear just because you want to hear it.

"King Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, was not that smart. His descent into evil began in a casual way: he loved many women who were strangers to his God. Soon he married them, but at first resisted their idol worship. Then he began tolerating it, until it became so overwhelming around him that he got involved in it himself. He no longer saw anything bad in it nor remembered the clear command of God against idol worship. From then on, his heart became imperfect before God, as he engaged in more evil activities in the sight of the Lord. Solomon obtained promises from God, received answers to his prayers, and was guided by God for the most part. But his idolatrous practices spelt doom for his throne. His kingdom came to an ignominious end. He had become so corrupted that he had no interest in God any more.

We must understand that God knows our strengths and weaknesses. It is usually through our weaknesses that temptations come. God's commands, therefore, are meant to protect us from yielding to base instincts. We must protect ourselves too by following and applying the Word in our lives always. We must never forget that it is good to start well with God, but it is best to allow Him lead us from start to finish.

Bible Reading in one Year: NEHEMIAH 8 - 10

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

Thought for the day: "The path that leads away from God begins with a little compromise."

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Daily Manna
Sunday August 7, 2016

His Counsel Stands

TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 2:8-11

"But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel" (2 Samuel 2:8,9).

God's plans and purpose will always stand, the machinations of men notwithstanding. Those who rebel against God's will have always been the ultimate losers. God is infinitely superior to many and therefore His counsel will always prevail.

Even after his master, Saul, died prematurely and shamefully without succeeding in his fight against God's divine plan for David, Abner yet continued where his fallen master stopped by going ahead to unilaterally appoint a new king over Israel. He ignored the fact that only God anoints the rightful kings over Israel and that it would be futile to circumvent the will of God for the whole nation. For the short period of Ishbosheth's ignominious reign, he was probably not more than a figurehead king. He was never a God-anointed king and so the rule he bore was derived from the strength of his carnal supporters. God eventually turned the table against him and his self-styled ‘kingmaker' who turned against him and decided to toe the path he had always known to be right. At last, both Abner and Ishbosheth died and David moved into Jerusalem and centralised his government and the faith of Israel in Jehovah.

It is always a huge surprise to see men fight against God's counsel. It is at once a dramatic irony seeing puny man fighting against his Maker. Joseph's brothers fought against God's counsel for the lad but failed miserably. If you are in Christ, who on earth or underneath it can truncate the plan of God for your life? Fear not, you will always prevail.

Bible Reading in one Year: NEHEMIAH 11 - 13

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

Thought for the day: "The counsel of God, not man's, prevails ultimately."

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Daily Manna
Monday August 8, 2016

Do Not Be Dismayed

TEXT: EZEKIEL 2:1-10

"And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house" (Ezekiel 2:6).

Our text today is full of applications to every believer who wants to fulfil his/her God's given purpose on earth. There is a divine message, defined purpose, definite recipient, daunting challenges and dependable master. There is a clear instruction from our Lord Jesus Christ for every believer to go and preach the word. As Ezekiel was sent to a rebellious people during his time, believers are sent to this present evil world to preach the gospel.

Believers are sent to take the undiluted word of God to the sinning world. This will not be without resistance, opposition and violent persecution that could lead to complete loss of courage. God's word of encouragement to His servants is, "be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house."

There are strong resistance today to both the message and messengers of God. There are multiple cases of rebellion among children, youths and adults against the laws of God. But we are instructed not to be dismayed. Believers can only deliver the gospel message with boldness when they remain faithful and steadfast in the faith. There is also the need to "eat" the word of God as we are admonished to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly.

Bible Reading in one Year: ESTHER 1 - 5

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

Thought for the day: "And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."

See more HERE:

OLAADEGBU:
Daily Manna
Monday August 8, 2016

Do Not Be Dismayed

TEXT: EZEKIEL 2:1-10

"And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house" (Ezekiel 2:6).

Our text today is full of applications to every believer who wants to fulfil his/her God's given purpose on earth. There is a divine message, defined purpose, definite recipient, daunting challenges and dependable master. There is a clear instruction from our Lord Jesus Christ for every believer to go and preach the word. As Ezekiel was sent to a rebellious people during his time, believers are sent to this present evil world to preach the gospel.

Believers are sent to take the undiluted word of God to the sinning world. This will not be without resistance, opposition and violent persecution that could lead to complete loss of courage. God's word of encouragement to His servants is, "be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house."

There are strong resistance today to both the message and messengers of God. There are multiple cases of rebellion among children, youths and adults against the laws of God. But we are instructed not to be dismayed. Believers can only deliver the gospel message with boldness when they remain faithful and steadfast in the faith. There is also the need to "eat" the word of God as we are admonished to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly.

Bible Reading in one Year: NEHEMIAH 11 - 13

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

Thought for the day: "And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."

See more HERE:

AMEN!! God bless you

christinnah:



AMEN!! God bless you

Amen. I've just edited the bible reading text in the post you quoted. Remain blessed and highly favoured.

OLAADEGBU:


Amen. I've just edited the bible reading text in the post you quoted. Remain blessed and highly favoured.

ohh ok

Daily Manna
Tuesday August 9, 2016

Not A Random Error

TEXT: EXODUS 2:1-10

"And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water" (Exodus 2:10).

A woman has been out of employment for five years and finally secures one in a well paying organisation. But there is a condition which she never thought of seriously: she must not be pregnant in her first two years on the job. That is easy, she thought until she found herself with a child six months into the contract. What will she do? Abort, resign and flee? Hard choice.

For the mother of Moses, the trouble was not getting pregnant but having a son. A daughter is okay but a son must be drowned. And here comes Moses - a goodly child. The mother could not bear the thought of drowning him. She hid and took care of him secretly until it became dangerous to continue to hide him. She packed him in a basket and "laid it in the flags by the river's brink. " The child is supposed to be thrown into the river to be drowned. He is now at a point where it will be so easy to kill him but God had a different plan. Pharaoh's daughter comes by and delivers Moses. He is maintained by his mother at Pharaoh's daughter's expense. Moses grew up to be the mighty instrument in the hand of God for the deliverance of Israel.

The birth of Moses was at abnormal times and his upbringing was in unusual circumstance after being drawn out of water. Maybe, your situation is similar somehow. Maybe you are seen as an accident or mistake. Don't worry, God has a plan for you. Were you delivered from an accident - incident, boat mishap or plane crash - where you could have died? Or, did you find yourself in a humiliating condition you never thought of in life? God can change it for His glory.

Bible Reading in one Year: ESTHER 6 - 10

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

Thought for the day: "You are designed by God for His purpose and glory."

See more HERE:

OLAADEGBU:
Daily Manna
Tuesday August 9, 2016

Not A Random Error

TEXT: EXODUS 2:1-10

"And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water" (Exodus 2:10).

A woman has been out of employment for five years and finally secures one in a well paying organisation. But there is a condition which she never thought of seriously: she must not be pregnant in her first two years on the job. That is easy, she thought until she found herself with a child six months into the contract. What will she do? Abort, resign and flee? Hard choice.

For the mother of Moses, the trouble was not getting pregnant but having a son. A daughter is okay but a son must be drowned. And here comes Moses - a goodly child. The mother could not bear the thought of drowning him. She hid and took care of him secretly until it became dangerous to continue to hide him. She packed him in a basket and "laid it in the flags by the river's brink. " The child is supposed to be thrown into the river to be drowned. He is now at a point where it will be so easy to kill him but God had a different plan. Pharaoh's daughter comes by and delivers Moses. He is maintained by his mother at Pharaoh's daughter's expense. Moses grew up to be the mighty instrument in the hand of God for the deliverance of Israel.

The birth of Moses was at abnormal times and his upbringing was in unusual circumstance after being drawn out of water. Maybe, your situation is similar somehow. Maybe you are seen as an accident or mistake. Don't worry, God has a plan for you. Were you delivered from an accident - incident, boat mishap or plane crash - where you could have died? Or, did you find yourself in a humiliating condition you never thought of in life? God can change it for His glory.

Bible Reading in one Year: ESTHER 6 - 10

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

Thought for the day: "You are designed by God for His purpose and glory."

See more HERE:

ohh thnx for this... May the good Lord bless you...

christinnah:




ohh thnx for this... May the good Lord bless you...

You are welcome, anytime. Remain blessed.

OLAADEGBU:


You are welcome, anytime. Remain blessed.

thnx

Daily Manna
Wednesday August 10, 2016

God's Awesome Power

TEXT: JOB 9:1-11

"Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars. Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number" (Job 9:7, 10).

Great is God's faithfulness and I will fear no evil about the future. There is no room for the word disappointment in the happy life of entire trust in Jesus and satisfaction with His glorious will" - Frances Ridley Havergal. God has power and whatever He has is without limit. Therefore God is Omnipotent, Infinite, and Almighty.

Our text reveals the unquantifiable power of He over nature. He removes mountains, shakes the earth and its pillars through earthquakes. The sun and the stars function in accordance with His dictate. He single-handedly spreads out the heavens and subdues the waves of the sea. He also performs marvels beyond human comprehension. All these He does without prompting from any quarter.

Wisdom demands that no man should do anything contrary to this great God of heaven and earth because nobody can be against Him and prosper. Therefore, there is no reason in the world why a true believer in Christ should be timid of making it in life or afraid God can't keep them. God keeps the stars in their courses and the planets in their orbits. The galaxy - a massive ensemble of hundreds of millions of stars - is the vast display of His might and He sustains it by His power.

Surely, God can and will keep you. Trust Him when dark doubts assail you. Trust Him when your strength is small. And trust Him when everything seems to have failed. He will not disappoint. When you come to your wit's end, then will the strong arms of the Lord surface. God is worth trusting till the very end.

Bible Reading in one Year: TITUS 1-3

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

Thought for the day: "God is a circle whose centre is everywhere, and its circumference is nowhere!"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Thursday August 11, 2016

Nobility Of Discipline

TEXT: ECCLESIASTES 10:16-20

"Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness" (Ecclesiastes 10:17).

The promise of the Holy Spirit baptism was fulfilled in the second book of Acts. As the disciples spoke in different but understandable languages, being Galileans, the people were amazed. While some wondered at the great miracle, others charged them with drunkenness. This charge was punctured by Peter who reminded them that it was but the third hour of the day and it would be unwise and irresponsible to be drunk at that time of the day. Obviously, apostles and ardent believers are made of more sober stuff.

Our text paints the picture of a tragic state of affairs when rulers and leaders are childish and their princes begin the day by satisfying their appetites. Apparently looking back to the book of 1st and 2nd Kings, the writer remembered the decline of the kingdoms when the leaders were concerned about themselves and concluded that laziness was at the root of it. Godly leaders set good examples for the rest to follow. Ungovernable appetite and drunkenness are never part of this example. It is said that a leader's sin is a leading sin. Therefore, leadership in the church, family or nation requires a high level of personal discipline, maturity and sound skills for the attainment of set objectives.

The Scripture recognises that money is necessary for survival and for the furtherance of the gospel. "Money answereth all things", but the love of it is the root of all evil. The land will be blessed when "the king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness". Why not pray today that God will raise up true leaders in the land who will lead the country to full emancipation and fear of God.

Bible Reading in one Year: PHILEMON 1

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

Thought for the day: "Hard-work does not kill but laziness does!"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Friday August 12, 2016

Do It His Way

TEXT: NUMBERS 9:1-4

"Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season. In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season" (Numbers 9:2,3a).

An very busy lady disciple waited for D. L Moody after he had told a group of church workers some very plain truths from God's word. "Mr. Moody", said the angry woman, "do you mean to tell me, that I, an educated woman, taught from childhood good ways and all my life interested in the church and doing good, must enter heaven the same way as the worst criminals of our day?" "No, woman", said Mr. Moody, "I don't tell you of all God does. He says everyone who would enter heaven, no matter how good they think they are, or how well educated or zealous in good works, must be born again".

God did not allow the children of Israel or their elders to use their discretion or ingenuity to decide how the ceremony of the Passover could be conducted. As it was then, so it is today. No one can serve God on their own terms. All who come to God must worship Him on His terms alone.

We must depend upon God's Spirit for strength and assistance, laying our souls under His influences and dealings. We must devote our spirit to, and employ them in the service of God. We must worship Him with a fixed purpose in sincerity. We must avoid every form of hypocrisy in our worship and be ready to influence our guests - whether at home, in the office or places of business - positively for Christ.

Bible Reading in one Year: JOB 1 - 4

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

Thought for the day: "Acceptable worship? On God's terms only!"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Saturday August 13, 2016

A Diligent Disposition

TEXT: MARK 7:14-23

"For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness" (Mark 7:21,22).

A man once dreamed of passing into the world beyond. An angel met him and showed him a great golden book. "What is that?", he inquired. "It is the book of your life, " was the reply. Looking closely, he saw that there were some writings on the first page. "What, is there?" he asked. Those are your evil acts" said then angel, "and you see, they are many". The angel turned the page and the dreamer saw that the next sheet was more closely written. "These" said the angel "are your evil words; and you see, these are more than your acts; for a man speaks more than he acts" the angel declared. The next page was still more closely written. "What are these?" asked the dreamer, "these are your evil thoughts. They are very many. A man thinks more than he speaks or acts." With trembling voice, the dreamer asked what the fourth page contained. The angel turned it over, and lo! it was black as midnight. "This represents your evil heart, " said the angel, "for it is out of the blackness of the heart that all thoughts and words and acts come".

The heart is the coordinating organ of the body, the centre from which every affection, emotion, passions and actions flow. No wonder then, the heart is the major source of defilement if not put under check. Our Lord Jesus Christ affirmed that, it is not what a man eats or comes from outside that defiles a man, but that which comes from within. Little wonder then the book of proverbs admonishes us to "keep [our] heart with all diligence; [because] out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23). The greatest call to mankind from God therefore is for us to give Him our hearts. When the Lord takes control of the heart, He purifies and puts it into profitable use for His own glory.

Bible Reading in one Year: JOB 5 - 8

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

Thought for the day: "An unclean heart is the tabernacle of evil"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Sunday August 14, 2016

A Depth Of Depravity

TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 2:12-18

"And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon" (2 Samuel 2:16).

The battle recorded in this passage is one of several others in the Bible which benefited neither of the warring parties. The reason was the carnal motive behind it. It arose as a result of what Bible scholars have attributed to "self-imposed duty".

Israel was divided after the death of Saul and Jonathan with David the son of Jesse ascending the throne. There was murderous tension between the house of David and that of Saul. David ruled from Hebron in the south and he had Abner, Saul's army commander and cousin, as his rival. An issue needed to be resolved: who was greater militarily, David's house led by Joab or Saul's led by Abner?

Abner suggested a traditional method. Twelve champions were picked from each side to engage each other in a "dagger match". The side with more survivors would be declared the winner. All the twenty-four warriors died. No strategic victory was claimed by either side in this destructive war. Indeed it later led to the avoidable death of the fleet-footed Asahel, brother of Joab. He met his end during a stubborn pursuit of Abner who repeatedly warned him to back off.

The contests in this passage were all undertaken by the protagonists without a recourse to the counsel of God. It explains why there is no mention of God in the text. The actors were on purely selfish missions. Man cannot do without God. The lesson we learn is that the Christian must not go into battle without God. This is confirmed by Jesus Christ in John 15:5: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing".

Bible Reading in one Year: JOB 16 - 18

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

Thought for the day: "A walk without God is a walk without sound judgment"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Monday August 15, 2016

Who Is The Author?

TEXT: EZEKIEL 3:1-14

"Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel" (Ezekiel 3:1).

An old woman sat by the fireplace one night in a village in Africa. Her young grandchild was writing as she dictated a letter to her son in the city, hundreds of kilometres away. She could not write, so the grandchild put her words in black and white. There in the city, a young man receives an envelope addressed to him from the village. The letter was from his mother. Whose thoughts are in the message? Certainly not the child's, even though he does the practical writing. The author is the old grandma. The above anecdote reflects God's dealings with the prophets, priests, scribes, kings, and historians He employed to produce the holy Bible.

Ezekiel lived in Babylon at the time of Israel's captivity. God had revealed to him the circumstances of Israel's condition. But there were false prophets who were giving the people false hope that Israel would return from exile in a short time. However, this was contrary to divine declaration that the captives were to settle in their captivity until a new generation of Israelites would grow up knowing only the God of heaven (Jeremiah 29: 4-10).

Commissioned to deliver God's message to exiled Israel, Ezekiel had to wholly consume the word of the Lord and be strengthened against the unbelief and cynicism of the people he would be facing. Because Ezekiel gave himself completely to the ministry, the Spirit of God never forsook him.

When believers surrender themselves totally to the Great Commission as handed down by our Lord Jesus Christ, they will find themselves absorbed by the Spirit of God to work exploits of unfathomable depths. The Spirit will dictate to them what they need to warn sinners of impending judgment.

Bible Reading in one Year: JOB 19 - 21

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

Thought for the day: "The voice behind the writers of the Bible is God"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Tuesday August 16, 2016

When God Is Stirred

TEXT: NAHUM 3:7-19

"There shall the fire devour thee; the sword shall cut thee off, it shall eat thee up like the cankerworm: make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts" (Nahum 3:15).

Although the name Nahum means "full of comfort", the predictions of the prophet who bore this name had no consolation for the people of Nineveh where God sent him. This capital of the Assyrian Empire did not deserve a message of comfort by the reckoning of the Almighty Himself. It was the seat of the terror of the world as well as the shrine of rebellion against God. Nineveh followed the tradition of Babel, having been founded by Nimrod (Genesis 10:8-11).

The Assyrians pursued a savage culture that went beyond description. They brutalised Israel and sought to exterminate her and thus abort God's plan to bring the Saviour into the world through the tribe of Judah in Israel.

God was stirred to move and stop Assyria from co-existing with the nations of the world and corrupt them. Nahum was God's messenger to Assyria.

God is patient and slow to anger in order to fulfil His eternal plan. But it is fatal to abuse His long-suffering. It is also futile for man to use the interlude to amass arsenal for war against the Almighty. Those who resist Him and refuse to settle with Him on His own terms would suffer the fate of the Assyrians and others like them.

Bible Reading in one Year: JOB 22 - 25

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

Thought for the day: "No matter the machinations of man, God will always prevail"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Wednesday August 17, 2016

Absolute But Incorruptible Power

TEXT: JOB 9:12-24

"For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without cause" (Job 9:17).

With unregenerate man, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. But with a holy and righteous God, wielding an awesome and overwhelming power tempered with love, mercy, justice and wisdom, it is impossible for corrupting influences to come into play.

In his suffering, Job acknowledges this greatness of the power of the Almighty to do anything. But unfortunately, he displays a limited and flawed understanding of this power. He believes God will destroy people wilfully. Such is this dim view that Job even believes that the righteous Judge would not spare the righteous on the day of His wrath.

Man encounters challenges allowed by God or sent by Him to either chastise us for our wrongdoing or to grow and mature us for fruitful service in His Kingdom. Our contemplation of these trials must not be seen from the narrow prism of suffering. Would a woman in labour lament she is suffering?

Job is right in ascribing absolute power to the Almighty. He is also right in stating that we cannot question God's wisdom when He decides to punish the wicked who refuses to repent on His conditions. But the Scripture does not support the position that God would multiply a person's "wounds (sufferings) without a cause".

God challenges us to "reason together" with Him and plead our case so He can show us mercy. It is the great love and compassion flowing from His power that enabled Him listen to the intercessory pleas of Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Daniel and the Apostles of the early Church. It was that same love and mercy that finally led Him to send Jesus Christ His only begotten Son to break the wall of partition between man and his Creator. Trust Him and you will never be disappointed.

Bible Reading in one Year: JOB 26 - 30

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

Thought for the day: "God is mercy and love personified: repose your confidence in Him"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Thursday August 18, 2016

A Greater Than Solomon

TEXT: 2 CHRONICLES 9:1-12

"Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice" (2 Chronicles 9:8.)

An excellent and enduring way to please God in our service to Him is when the purity of Christian conduct draws unbelievers to us as they marvel at why we are different from the crowd. When they come close to us, they do not see us but the One who gave us the grace enabling us to live changed lives.

It was not different with the Queen of Sheba who came to confirm what she had heard about Solomon's greatness in the text under consideration. It is instructive to note that after establishing the veracity of the reports she had heard about Solomon, she could not but give the credit to God almighty.

When the believer is lauded by man, he or she must not hesitate to set the record straight. God is behind all our successes. It is not our might, but God's grace. That was what Peter meant when he addressed the people of Jerusalem who stood amazed at the great miracle of the healing of the lame man (Acts 3:12, 13).

Jesus who is greater than Solomon and Peter is in our midst today to command our attention with more astonishing signs, wonders and miracles. He has come with the gift of salvation which all the wisdom and riches of Solomon and the world cannot purchase. He offers matchless peace and prosperity to mankind. He is waiting for you to fully plug into Him.

Bible Reading in one Year: JOB 31-34

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

Thought for the day: "In God only can be found a true life more abundant"

See more HERE:

Daily Manna
Friday August 19, 2016

Our Gospel Mandate

TEXT: LUKE 5:27-39

"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32)

During our Lord's physical stay here on earth, He led the way and pointed out the urgency of preaching to the sinner.

The huge success of the Lord's work thereafter is seen in the response of sinners like Levi (Matthew) who left worldly wealth behind for spiritual fortune. This is an indication that if today's soulwinner follows in the footsteps of the Lord, he shall likewise record resounding achievements in the field.

We are expected to give our all so that when Christ returns, He will find a teeming righteous church to take home. He is expecting to meet a global congregation which would not have adulterated His biblical teaching of holiness without which no man shall see the Lord with modern doctrines of eternal security and ecumenism. He is hoping to meet His church imbibing the wine of old-time religion that sustained the faithful prophets and the early apostles.

Since we know the time is short for the undertaking of these responsibilities, committed Christians would do well to let evangelism be their meat and to "take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares" (Luke 21:34).

Bible Reading in one Year: JOB 35 - 38

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

Thought for the day: "Soul-winning is the core of the Christian enterprise"

See more HERE: