Sorry for Not posting yesterdays Topic i would have skipped it but i felt within me someone might be interested cos its an important issue...God bless you as you read them all


Daily Manna: Music That Pleases God

Sunday 7, July 2013

TEXT: 2 CHRONICLES 7:1-11

KEY VERSE: “And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with instruments of musick of the LORD, which David the king had made to praise the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever, when David praised by their ministry; and the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood” (2 Chronicles 7:6).

According to Greek mythology, sirens (dangerous and beautiful creatures) inhabited certain Mediterranean coastal areas. As ships passed by, the sirens sang such enchanting songs that the sailors, drawn by the music, would jump overboard and drown. Odysseus, a legendary Greek king was on a ship that had to pass that way. Aware of the powerful allurement of those songs, he ordered that he be bound with ropes to the mast and that the crewmen’s ears be sealed with wax to block out the tantalizing music of the sirens. Having taken such precautions, Odysseus and the rest of the crew were able to sail past without yielding to the lure of the sea nymphs.

Today’s lesson opens with the completion of the temple’s construction, and the gathering of the chiefs of Israel with King Solomon at Jerusalem for its dedication. While the priests proceeded with their work of placing the Ark, the Levites, having psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the brazen altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets. It came to pass that the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voices with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, the house (Temple) was filled with the cloud, which symbolized the Lord’s presence.

The question of ‘what type of music’ is biblically appropriate for the Church is one which has been a controversial subject for many years. Sensual music or lyrics which merely arouses the base instincts of man and instigates people to gyrate seductively cannot be of God and must be avoided. But the music which edifies the spirit and elevates the heart to be in tune with the Almighty is that which saints must pant after. In all things, we are not to please ourselves but God Who is our Creator and Redeemer.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Pleasing God in all things is the catch-phrase of true saints.

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Daily Manna: Dealing with Debts

Monday 8, July 2013

TEXT: 2 KINGS 4:1-7

KEY VERSE: “Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest” (2 Kings 4:7).

Spurgeon was once invited by a wealthy man to come down and preach in a country church in order to help them raise funds to pay a debt. The man told Spurgeon he was free to use his country house, his town house, or his seaside home. Spurgeon declined coming; he wrote back and said, ‘Sell one of your homes and pay the debt yourself.’

In the text under consideration, this woman had suffered the death of her husband. She had creditors who pestered her because her husband had left her with much debt, and now the bondsmen had come to make her sons work off the debt (as slaves). Elisha came to speak a word to her to properly align her. Miraculously, her oil was multiplied and very soon she was in business. Elisha told her to pay her debt first and live on the rest.

It has been reported widely that the average American family holds over $10,000 dollars in credit card debt alone. Wouldn't it be great if someone paid off all mortgage commitments, student loans, and car payments such that every debt is invariably wiped out? Student, family and business debts can seem so enormous that the task of dealing with them appears insurmountable. The good news is that fairly minor changes in one’s lifestyle, finances and attitude can go a long way in solving the problem. With planning and commitment backed-up by prayer of faith, most debt problems can be resolved through strategic thinking and prudence. We must learn to live free of debts by budgeting, staying within the limits of our incomes and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

Do not be unrealistic about the budget you set for yourself. If you set targets you can’t achieve, you will become demoralized and find it harder to manage your situation. Finally, avoid worry and anxiety – these are two grave diggers. They tend to bury you while you are still alive. Above all, ask and receive godly wisdom to overcome all the challenges of life.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The debtor is often a victim of inordinate appetites.

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