Friday 13th December, 2013
******THE TESTIMONY OF PETER******
Key Verse: "Then Peter said, "silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you.In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth , rise up and walk"Acts 3:6


Peter, the apostle may not have many followers if he was born in our generation, since these days,display of gold and silver is the "proof" of a genuine call. He would have given alms to the lame man in public than call the name of Jesus because he would not be sure if the name would work or not.
But thank God for Peter.Lack of material possession does not connotes divine rejection by God.
[b]The name of Jesus still works wonders.The name of Jesus meets the needs of the sick,the down trodden and social outcast;The name of Jesus does the things that silver and gold can never do.
The Scriptures says this about the name of Jesus:
[center]"Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow , of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."[/center]

Are you truly a child of God?Do you still believe in the name of Jesus?Call that name over your challenges right now.Renounce every connection with Satan and his cohorts. Make a public confession of your faith in Jesus if the need arises.That name has worked for some people. It has worked for me and still works for me.The name of Jesus can work for you if call Him by faith.
FOR,
[center]"............whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved"[/center]Romans 10:13
PRAYER POINT: TEACH ME HOW TO DEVELOP MY FAITH IN YOU OH LORD..
GOOD MORNING JESUS............

Saturday 14th December,2013
******RHODA'S TESTIMONY******
TEXT: Acts 12 :13-14
Key Verse: "............but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate"


Everyday we pray ,we ask God to act.Oftentimes we pray without paying attention to what we say,because we say so many things at a time.Sometimes we have our priorities in our prayers mixed up.And when God answers our prayers,it comes to us as a surprise.
That was what happened when Peter was kept in Prison.The Church prayed for his release , but when it happened,they did not believe.Even the young girl,Rhode who told them Peter was at the door was disregarded.
They were praying,unbelieving.


In His last moments with his Apostles,Jesus rebuked Thomas for disbelieving His resurrection.

We all face the issue ,fear and disbelief at some points in our lives as believers, but the only antidote to it is to recall and apply with faith,what the word of God says.
"Behold I am the Lord, the God of all flesh,Is there anything too hard for Me?


Prayer point:Remove the Seed of fear and unbelief from me IJN.

THE KINGDOM RHEMA............
Good Morning Jesus............

Sunday 15th December 2013

******EXAMINE YOURSELF******
TEXT: Revelation 3:1-6
Key Verse: "He that hath an ear,let Him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches" Vs 6


A mother went through her little girl's books one day after school and observed that she scored 100% in every exercise . The mother asked her how she made it. "Our teacher said everyone should mark her own work today, so I scored myself 100% in all subjects".Quite typically most men would readily proclaim their own goodness (Proverbs 20:6).


Our Lord Jesus Christ introduces Himself as one "that hath seven Spirits of God", that is , the Holy Spirit with seven-fold ministry.This means that Jesus knows all the deep and hidden things in your life and Church.He also knows all things concerning the seven stars , that is, the leaders in all the churches.No one can conceal anything from Him.The Lord knows the few in the Church who are not defiled with sin. For those who have gone astray, only true repentance can give genuine restoration. You can overcome sin and the world of temptation because Jesus did it for you.(John 16:33).This will guarantee your name in the book of life and a place for you in heaven.

As you step out today, be conscious of the presence of God with you to guide , prompt, warn and rebuke you.LET HIM HAVE HIS WAY.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:Remember therefore how you have received (your conversation) and hold it fast.

Good Morning Jesus............

Tuesday 17th December, 2013

******THE TESTIMONY OF JOHN THE APOSTLE******
Key Verse: "............And these things we write to you that your joy may be full"1st John 1:4(NKJV)

There is a confidence that accompanies what you know so well. When everyone feels jittery about it , your indepth knowledge of it will put you at the driver's sit where everyone else will follow your lead.John the Apostle knew Christ so well.

Jesus was not news to him.He was real to him, and even more. He knew Jesus so intimately , he knew Him as the Word, God,i'm Life, Light, Fullness of God,the Christ,the Lord and the Lamb of God. He wrote all these about Jesus as One he had heard of, seen, looked at, touched and spent time with.

DO you know Jesus, or is He still news to you??Have you met Him, and what influence does He have on your life?Do you know His Voice?Are you walking with Him?Have you been faithful concerning what He has entrusted to you? Will anyone heed your voice if you tell them "JESUS IS CALLING"?

It is believed that John the apostle wrote five books of the New Testament.What are you doing for God?Are you not discouraged by life challenges?
BOOKS _BY _THE_ APOSTLE_ JOHN_
The Gospel Of John
The three Epistles of John
And Revelation.


Prayer points: Teach me not to stop hearing about you LORD.Establish your love in my heart, and uphold me with your right hand
The Kingdom Rhema
A publication of The Lord Favoured Chapel Intl

Wednesday 18th December;2013

******THE ROOM AND THE STAGE******
Key Verses: "A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men."Proverbs 18:16(NKJV)
"............ He shall stand before kings , he shall not stand before mean men"Proverbs 22:29(KJV)


God has been speaking to me lately about the difference between a man's gift and a man's diligence.While the former is given, the latter is earned. A gift is what you receive without necessarily exerting any form of energy;whereas diligence is a conscious and relentless effort at achieving a task.A man's gift does not demand all of that.Scripture l says this about diligence: "............God............is a rewarder of those who diligently seek HIM"


These days many people die with their gifts because of lack of diligence.Many are living in the room of frustration when they should be standing on the grandest stage of diligence(success).Their refusal to develop(improve) their gift beyond the "room level"ha turned them to beggars when they have all that is needed to succeed.


What are you ready to give up to make your voice better??
What will you let go of, to be the best at what you are doing?
What will you have to do to be where God really wants you to be?


The first time David stood before a King, he was a musician.
His second appearance, he was a champion.
When he appeared before the king the third time,he became an army commander.
His fourth appearance was as the Captain of a battalion.
Eventually, David became the King of Israel.
IT WAS ALL ABOUT DILIGENCE.


You can design where you want to be tomorrow,its either a STAGE or a ROOM.


Prayer Points: Teach me how to develop myself Lord;Give me grace for diligence and uprightness O LORD.


[b]The Kingdom Rhema............]
A monthly Publication of The Lord's Favoured Chapel Intl.
Good Morning JESUS............

Thursday 19, December 2013
******AGONIZING PRAYER******
TEXT: PSALM 102:1-11
KEY VERSE: “Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee” ( Psalm 102:1).



Prayer, described as wireless communication cable between us and God, which enables us to draw God’s attention at our every need, has been effectively utilised by those who know its potency. John Welch, a Scotch preacher, was said to always pray effectually for between eight and 10 hours everyday for his needs, particularly for the salvation of souls. He would keep vigil, agonising in prayers. One day, his wife, who could not tolerate his every night vigil and weeping for souls, complained bitterly, but Welch replied: “O woman, I have the souls of three thousand to answer for, and I know not how it is with many of them.”
The young man in our text knew only God could come to his needs; so, he poured his heart out to Him, seeking for a change of his circumstances.
The passage, which did not disclose his particular illness, revealed his pathetic condition, as the young man in the prayer described his life as a smoke which could disappear into the air. He pointed out that his look was like a dried grass while his physical frame was skinny, resulting from his inability to eat. He felt lonely, as a bird by itself. Many people, due to his peculiar circumstances, ridiculed him, making him to “eat ashes as food” and “mix his drink with tears.” His persistent depressive state was pitiable. But he recognised who he could go to for help – God.



Unfortunately, today, many Christians merely profess their faith in God with their mouth but their hearts are far away from Him. At every little challenge, they would be running from pillar to post, seeking for help where there is none. A little delay in child-bearing, they would be knocking at the doors of false prophets, even white garment churches where they would be told tales.



Some would even visit the riverside, performing fetish rituals and drinking concoction. Rather than running helter skelter, why not choose to wait upon the Lord? ( Isaiah 40:31).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The prayer of faith is like a magnet that attracts the power of God upon our lives and situations.
***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt***

DAILY MANNA............
Good Morning JESUS............

Friday 20, December 2013
******GOD'S UNFAILING POWER******
TEXT: 1 KINGS 17:17-24
KEY VERSE: “And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived” ( 1 Kings 17:22).


Smith Wigglesworth, a plumber, had unqualified faith in God. An account of his life revealed how he dared to act upon the things which God said in the Scripture. One day, when he went for an outreach, according to the information gathered, he walked into the parlour of a funeral home where a dead man’s body had laid for three days. With a mission from God, he told the man’s family to leave the room and they left. While alone with the corpse, Wigglesworth grabbed the man’s body, pulled it out of the casket, propped it against the wall and commanded it, “Live.”
When he released the body, nothing happened. Rather, the stiffened corpse promptly fell on the floor with a heavy thud. He repeated his action and shouted, “I told you once, now I tell you again, live.” Again, the stiffened corpse fell to the floor with the same thud. For other people with wavering faith, Wigglesworth’s action might be seen as foolishness, or better still, they would have given up. But that was not for the blue-collar plumber. He repeated the exercise the third time and, while pointing his finger at the corpse, he demanded: “I’ve told you once, I’ve told you twice, but I shan’t tell you again after this third time. Now, Live.” Immediately, the man coughed, shook his head, wiped off his face and walked out of that funeral home.
Wigglesworth was like Elijah, who had a radical faith that brought radical results. The widow, who accommodated Elijah, had lost her son. While praying for the boy’s life to be restored, Elijah asked God why He allowed it, but he never got an answer. This reveals that God is not bound to give us reasons for doing certain things. When Elijah prayed, nothing happened initially; but he persisted until God
answered his prayer.



Are you one of those who easily give up to any challenge when answers to your prayers seem to be delayed? Take a leaf from Elijah and Smith Wigglesworth who wrestled many times with God before they got uncommon results.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: What God requires of us is an opportunity to show what He can do through our frailty.
***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt***

DAILY MANNA............
Good Morning JESUS............

Sunday 22nd December, 2013
******HALE AND HEARTY******

Key Verse: "Beloved I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health even as your soul prospereth"(3rd John :2


Today's text reveals that God is interested in our welfare. He wants us to be hale and hearty.To be able Means to be healthy with soundness of body. A person who is hale and hearty is in good health. God's desire for the Christian is to enjoy good health in body, soul and spirit. Healing and health is meant for believers. His promise, [b]"I will take sickness away from the midst of thee"(Exodus 23:25) remains a believer's treasury of healing any time he is sick.

God's earlier assertion "I am the Lord that healeth thee"(Ex.15:26) assures believers that there is healing for the sick ones among them.God is therefore willing to heal any believer who will believe in Him for healing and have faith to be hale and hearty. Healing and good health is possible for you today' because "He Himself took away our infirmities and bear our sicknesses"(Matthew 8:17)


Thought For The Day:Health,Vigour and Vitality are for the Children Of God.
ARE YOU ONE?

Monday 23, December,2013
******BARRENESS BROKEN******
TEXT: GENESIS 25:12-26
KEY VERSE: “And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived” ( Genesis 25:21).

A Christian family, testified of God’s unmerited favour upon them at a gathering of God’s elects recently. They got married early enough in life, precisely in year 2000, and like every other couple, they longed for their own children immediately. Unfortunately, their expectation was not forthcoming, as they waited for about 13 years for God’s special visitation.
Within this period, some friends and family members advised them to visit deliverance houses and the riverside for special prayers, which they turned down. For them, they would rather remain childless than compromise their Christian conviction. And God saw their unwavering faith in Him. They relied on God’s promise that barrenness would not remain in their lives. At the church’s revival miracle programme June, 2012, the yoke of barrenness was broken. A few weeks after, the wife conceived and in March, 2013, God blessed them with a triplet.

God is known to always live up to His promises. Isaac knew this. Though Abraham had many sons, God made special promises to him, which must be fulfilled through Isaac. Yet, delay set in, as his wife, Rebekah, could not conceive and for 20 years, they waited for the promised child. Isaac had to take everything to God in prayer.

God answered Isaac’s prayer and Rebekah became pregnant with two babies. Today’s passage is very instructive. It revealed that nothing will ever stand against God’s will in our lives. As He broke Rebekah’s barrenness, God will rout every hindrance standing against His purpose for you. Also, we should always pray for our spouses and children. We should take a leaf from Isaac, who prayed for his wife. Equally, we should take every challenge, no matter how minute, to God in prayer.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: What Satan cannot do is the alteration of God’s will.


***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt***
DAILY MANNA............

Tuesday 24, December 2013
******DOUBT:NEEDLESS HICCUP******
TEXT: LUKE 1:5-26
KEY VERSE: “And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season” ( Luke 1:20).



Jeremy Taylor, an English clergyman, once said: “In dwelling on divine mysteries, keep your heart humble, your thoughts reverent, your soul holy. Let not philosophy be ashamed to be confuted, nor logic to be confounded, nor reason to be surpassed. What you cannot prove, approve; what you cannot comprehend, believe; what you can believe, admire and love and obey. So shall your ignorance be satisfied in your faith, and your doubt be swallowed up in your reverence, and your faith be as influential as sight. Put out your own candle and then shall you see clearly the sun of righteousness.”
This virtue was exactly what Zacharias would have appropriated into his life when God bestowed him a unique privilege of being the father of the forerunner of Jesus, but he expressed doubts.
Zacharias and his wife, Elizabeth, had outstanding relationship with God. The Scripture noted that they walked in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless, in spite of their childlessness. God decided, sequel to their faithfulness, to grant them an exceptional blessing.
As Zacharias was in the temple performing his priestly duties, God sent His angel to announce to him His plan to give him a precious son, who would be the forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ. Zacharias was just to believe God, no matter how foolish His word might look before an ordinary eye, because God’s ways are not man’s ways. Sadly, he doubted His word looking at his age and that of his wife. Consequently, God struck him with dumbness.
Many Christians, today, dishonour God through unbelief. At every challenge of life, they exhibit lack of faith. They doubt God and His word. But you can experience a total breakthrough today if you trust Him.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: We corrupt God’s word when we entertain doubt.
***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt***
DAILY MANNA............
Good Morning JESUS..............

Wednesday 25, December 2013
******BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVOURED******
TEXT: LUKE 1:27-33]
KEY VERSE: “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women” ( Luke 1:28).



A Nigerian recently testified how God singled him out for divine favour. Years ago, while going for a World Conference on Applied Mathematics in Canada, he boarded a Nigerian airline, via London, where he would connect British Airways. It was his first trip outside Nigeria. By the time they arrived London, the British Airways had left and he was at a loss. A staff of the airline at the counter offered him assistance by booking him into a hotel with a meal ticket. Among all the passengers, he was the only person who had such a special privilege, as others slept at the airport.
Upon arrival in Canada, he found the weather terribly cold, while the queue at the registration point was something else, but a Canadian officer offered him unexpected help. He was given a big cup of tea and sandwiches.


Everyone else watched speechlessly. The officer equally completed all his registration and got someone to lead him to where he would stay. Also at a government owned farm where the conference participants went for an excursion to see jumbo size cows, he could not sit on the grass because of the cold weather. Again, a white man spread his jacket for him to sit on. All throughout the journey, God singled him out for favour.
Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ had a unique divine favour. She was betrothed to Joseph, a just man. Our text pointed out that she was a virgin. God, who knows everyone’s heart, knew her spiritual state and consecration. So, He decided to bestow her uncommon favour, which she could not comprehend.
God can equally single you out for uncommon blessings. He gave Noah, Abraham and David, etc. a place in history. The same feat he can achieve in your life if only you hold on to your Christian conviction to the end.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: With God all things are possible.
***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt***
DAILY MANNA............

Thursday 26, December 2013
******KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL ******
TEXT: COLOSSIANS 1:9-19
KEY VERSE: “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” ( Colossians 1:9).



Bilquis Sheikh shared with us her conversion and life experience in her book “I dare to call Him Father”. Bilquis was a devoted Muslim from a prominent family living in Pakistan in the 1960’s. In her deeper search into the Koran to find hope and meaning to life, she noticed the mention of Prophet Jesus and asked her maid to get her a Bible so she could read more about Him. This started her journey from Islam into the Christian faith. As she began to read the Bible, the Lord Jesus appeared to her to confirm what she was reading, a number of times. These experiences struck her such that she approached the local Christian missionary, Synnove Mitchell to learn more. Over the following weeks and months, God revealed to her that the Christ of the Bible is the true Hope for life here and hereafter. She got soundly converted and through rejection and persecution, the Lord made her life a strong testimony, demonstrating God’s ability to sustain all who would come to Him through Jesus Christ.



In our text today, Paul made two powerful requests for believers. The first is that God will fill the believer with the knowledge of His will. A deep and true knowledge of God’s word is essential for the spiritual health of all Christians. It is this knowledge that controls our thoughts, our habits and blossoms into a blessed Christian character. The second prayer is the result of the first that the believer will walk worthy of the Lord. Walking worthy of the Lord leads to bearing fruit in every good work, increasing in the full knowledge of God and living a thankful, God-honouring life.


All this begins with the knowledge of God’s will and word. The centrality of His will is that “The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” ( 2 Peter 3:9) and live a life worthy of the Lord in all purity and righteousness. How we need to heed the word of God in its entirety!
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The Scripture will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Scripture.
***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt***
DAILY MANNA............
Good Morning JESUS............

Friday 27, December 2013
******FOLLOW JESUS******
TEXT: 1 PETER 2:21-25
KEY VERSE: “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” ( 1 Peter 2:21).


[u]Charles M. Sheldon, the author of the book: In His Steps, told of a Pastor who, while working on his Sunday sermon on a Friday morning, was disturbed in his house by a tramp. The tramp, looking unkept and haggard, had come to ask him for a job or direction on how to get one having been laid off from his printing job with nothing for him and family. The Pastor told him there was no way he could help.
On Sunday, he preached from the passage we have read today. After a well delivered sermon, someone walked from the back of the church to the front and faced the congregation. It was the tramp. He asked the congregation a few questions, “What do you mean when you sing, ‘I‘ll go with him, with him, all the way’? Do you mean you will suffer and deny yourselves in trying to save the lost, suffering humanity just as I understand Jesus did? It seems to me that there is an awful lot of trouble in the world that somehow would not exist if people who sing such songs were to live them out. But what would Jesus do?” At this point, the tramp slumped and died of starvation.[/u ]

This passage contains the central message of the Christian faith. It amply presents to us our Saviour and Redeemer who throughout His ministry here on earth and now through the Spirit, bids us, His Bride, to follow Him. The word ‘follow’ is interpreted from the Greek word that implies tracing or copying the handwriting of the teacher. By His example, we learn that when we suffer for our faith, we endure it mindfully: “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not”. His death on the cross makes possible our repentance (death to sin) and righteousness (life of God). Our show of gratitude to such a wonderful Saviour should be to follow His footsteps. In all situations, we should ask ourselves, What would Jesus do?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Christ is our perfect example.
***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt***
DAILY MANNA............
Good Morning JESUS............

Saturday 28, December 2013
******BEHOLD I COME QUICKLY******
TEXT: REVELATION 22:12-21
KEY VERSE: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” ( Revelation 22:17).
~~~~~~~~
The story was told of a choir member going to the church for practice. On her way, she was joined by a man. After the usual exchange of greetings, the stranger wanted to know where she was going. “To the church for choir practice” was her reply. “What instrument do you play,” asked the stranger? “I play the violin,” was her reply. “I too, I am a member of the choir”, says the stranger. The sister asked, “what then is the instrument that you play?” “I play the trumpet,” the stranger replied. We too have been practising, waiting for the soon coming D-day. As the sister was trying to find out what D-day meant, she turned to look at the face of the stranger. Upon turning, she discovered that the stranger had vanished into thin air! The D-day, simply put, is the Day of the Lord when He will come and reward every man “according as his work shall be.” Angels are practising for the D-day. And soon, the trumpet will sound.
It is instructive that as the holy writ winds to a glorious conclusion, Revelation 22 is devoted by God to summarise His divine purpose for mankind. The day of the Lord is at hand when all things will come to an end in line with the plan and purpose of God. “Behold, I come quickly” was repeated thrice in the last chapter by Jesus Christ.

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Beloved, are you procrastinating, obsessed with the fantasy that there is always going to be a tomorrow to make your ways right with God? Are you pushing the most important matters of the salvation of your soul, righteous living and working for God to another day? There may be no other day, as the trumpet may sound any moment from now.
Today, the Lord is calling all to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is calling us to be ready for the coming of the Lord which is definite and sure. He is calling all believers to a life of unflagging commitment and consecration.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Give of your best to the Master while life lasts.
***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt***
DAILY MANNA............
Good Morning JESUS............

Sunday 29, December 2013
******SEEMING PARADOX******
TEXT: ISAIAH 40:28-31
KEY VERSE: “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength” ( Isaiah 40:29).

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The quality of a man’s strength does not always depend on the level of inner courage he musters, but on the personality from whom such strength is derived. Though natural strength has its normal abating state, the reality is that when we draw our strength from the Almighty, we have the ability to keep going through constant divine renewals by Him.
Such was the glorious experience of apostle Paul when at the crossroads of inner weakness and outward pain. He decided to look up to the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth who gives power to the faint and increases the strength of them that have no might. The end result is a paradox: “...for when I am weak, then am l strong” ( 2 Corinthians 12:10b).

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The strength of a water course is in the force of its source. The believer, who learns to solely rely on God in his seeming weak moment, will always realise that the unfainting God is the most reliable ‘wall’ to lean on in moments when life’s reservoir of natural strength appears to fail because His own reservoir is inexhaustible.

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All we need do is learn to practice the art of waiting upon the Lord in prayer, devotional studies, quietness and resting in His presence. Then shall we, at such times, experience the divine infusion of His glorious might, permeating through our being thereby melting away all facets of human weaknesses and exchanging such for His strength.
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Begin from today to wait upon Him and get constant supply of His strength in your weakness to be regularly renewed as the eagle.
Learn never to dissipate energy on matters that are of little consequence. Break free from the clap-trap of unending life struggles and stress and, instead, cultivate the habit of tarrying before the Lord for renewed strength and additional grace.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Strength in weakness is the preserve of those who learn to “wait” on the Lord.
***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt***
DAILY MANNA............
Good Morning JESUS............

Monday 30, December 2013
******AN ODOUR OF SWEET SMELL******
TEXT: PSALM 100:1-5
KEY VERSE: “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” ( Psalm 100:4).

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The speaker in a convention attended by a quadriplegic Joni Eareckson Tada (who cannot walk because of a diving accident she had at age seventeen), urged everyone to kneel to worship God. Joni began to cry being the only one unable to do that. With tearful eyes, she said, “Lord Jesus, I can’t wait for the day when I will rise up on resurrected legs. The first thing I will do then is to drop on grateful, glorified knees and worship you.”
God inhabits the praises of His children ( Psalm 22:3). The Psalmist was mindful of this truth when in our text he calls on us to “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise.” God deserves our praise for His greatness. He is the very foundation of our existence and is infinitely most powerful. He is greater than all things man has ever venerated. The Creator and Manager of all nature and the Deliverer of the helpless is most worthy to receive all glory, honour and praise as best as we possibly can muster. Many are the benefits you have enjoyed from the Lord; without Him, you would have been a victim of war, natural disaster, accident, assassination, ritual murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorist attack, etc. Perhaps, you may even have been dead before now.
We dishonor God when we show by the way we speak, look or act, that we are ungrateful to Him maybe as a result of present pain or challenges of life. But if we learn to praise and appreciate God for what He has done and promised to do, He will do much more for us. We should learn to worship God for the redemption benefits we are enjoying through Christ. His Kingship, divine and eternal attributes should make us bow our hearts and bend the knees to worship the Almighty God. Let us then come with pure hearts and give Him all adoration and praise. Make it a habit to constantly praise and venerate the King of kings and Lord of lords.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Praise is the ingredient which moves God to rend the heavens.
***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt***
DAILY MANNA............
Good Morning JESUS............

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Wednesday 01, January 2013
******IT'S A NEW DAY******
TEXT: ISAIAH 43:18-21
Key verse: “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” ( Isaiah 43:19).

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Historians have been recording the events of history since the Phoenicians in Africa invented the first alphabet. Our past is composed of many traditions, superstitions, folk tales, works of art, archaeological objects, books and written records of our accomplishments, pains and sufferings. Sometimes, we study the past to gain a better understanding of other people and places. But the purpose of most recorded history is to draw valuable lessons from which we can improve our own lives and have a better future.

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The children of Israel in our text had great spiritual experiences throughout their history. From the first Passover, to the crossing of the Red Sea, to the conquering of the land of Canaan, to the building of the temple, the children of Israel had seen the hand of God at work in and through their lives. Yet, they sinned and went into captivity in Babylon for lack of faith in God. They needed a new vision and assurance of what God could do. Then, God promised to do new things for them.

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Like the Israelites, many of us have made many mistakes and have experienced many setbacks and failures as a result. Sometimes, we allow these mistakes, setbacks and failures to enslave us to the point that we never enjoy the full Christian life as going forward looks very much like a complex game of chess.

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Forget the past because today marks a new season of upload of great divine blessings into your life and ministry. God created the four seasons that are based on the rotation of the Earth as it orbits the Sun. The seasons change as the earth moves, but the sun in our planetary system remains constant and everything revolves around it. Much like the earth, if our lives revolve around the Son, Jesus Christ who remains constant yesterday, today and forever, changes will occur as we enter and exit many seasons. He is able to transform the desert areas of our lives into fields of blessings and abundance this New Year. It’s a new season; God will do new things for us. Happy new year!
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” ( Isaiah 43:19).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It’s a new day, arise and embrace it.
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Thursday 02, January 2014
******WATCH YOUR CONDUCT******
TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 10:14-33
Key Verse: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” ( 1 Corinthians 10:31).
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In the ancient idolatrous system of sacrifices, which was the pivot around which the religious, social and domestic life of the first century world revolved, part of the sacrifice was offered to the idol in a temple. This would then be followed by a meal, the remainder of which would either be eaten within the immediate surroundings of the temple or at home. Sometimes, part of the food was sent to the market to be sold.
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An invitation to these meals, whether in the temple or in a private house, was a common feature of the social life of the people of Corinth. This posed a serious challenge to a Christian so invited. His decision to accept or decline the invitation was an indication of his attitude to idol worship. In dealing with this problem, Paul the apostle, warned that it would amount to double allegiance by trying to share in the table of the Lord (the Lord’s Supper) and the table of demons (verses 21,22).
The Christian is so called because he has been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. He cannot therefore have communion with Christ and the devil at the same time. The Christian today is faced with a choice to remain completely married to Christ or go back to the world of unrestrained liberty or revelling in such societies, clubs and associations whose practices are not just worldly, but run counter to God’s commands.

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Our guiding principle as believers is that our conveniences and appetites should neither govern us nor determine our Christian practice and conduct.
At all times, our supreme objective should be to do those things that will bring honour to God, lift up the name of Jesus and edify the Church of God. As we pray to God, He will grant us the grace to do so.
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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Aim only for what will glorify God, and nothing more.
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Friday 03, January 2014
******BEWARE OF GREEK GIFTS******
TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 18:22-30
Key verse: “And Saul said, thus shall ye say to David, the king desireth not any dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the king’s enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines” ( 1 Samuel 18:25).

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The term, ‘Greek gift’, is used to describe a gesture that comes with strings attached. It is the strategy of giving someone a gift with the intent to entrap him or to influence his subsequent action or to trick him into a compromising situation. For some people, it could actually result in death.

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King Saul was very adept at this strategy. He had become envious of David whose popularity had spread throughout Israel because of his military conquests. David’s accomplishments showed that the Lord was with him, and everywhere he went, he behaved so wisely that even Saul’s daughter, Michal, fell in love with him. That was the opening Saul needed to perfect his evil plot. He sent word to David that he was willing to give him his daughter to wife. He did not need any dowry from David as was traditional. All he wanted was one hundred pieces of the body parts of Philistine men. But he was insincere as he hoped that in an attempt to kill the Philistines and get their body parts, David himself would be killed by them. But Saul did not reckon with the favour of God upon David, so that even before his deadline expired, David successfully killed two hundred Philistines and brought their body parts to the king. Saul then gave him Michal to wife. Realizing that the Lord was with him made Saul more afraid of David; he also became his bitter enemy. All this time, David continued to behave wisely and to acquire more acclaim, far and wide.

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Always wisely examine every proposal brought to you, including those by seemingly well-meaning people. Do not be in a hurry to accept suggestions to do something or enter into very attractive deals that appear too easy and demands little or nothing from you. Nothing of value and enduring comes cheap. Always look out for a hidden trap or trick that could throw you into a public scandal and shame, or eventually cost you dearly. When you come to a crossroads in life, always ask for the grace of God to help you handle all such tricky and tempting situations. His grace will be sufficient for you.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: All that glitters is not gold
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DAILY MANNA............
Good Morning JESUS............

Sunday 05, January 2014
[size=16pt]******LORD,WHO SHALL ABIDE?******[/size]

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TEXT: PSALM 15:1-5

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Key verse: “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” ( Psalm 15:1).

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What qualifies a man to constantly stand in the presence of God? How can a person live eternally with God? These questions are eternally significant because those who are unfit to stand before God on earth, will eternally be barred from heaven.
The questions that arise as a result are: Does your profession of faith match your practice of holiness?? Do you deliberately do what is right towards other people?? When dirty, odious tales about others get to you, do you gleefully amplify them?? Or does the propagation of evil stop when it gets to you?? Do your words or actions seek to strip your neighbour bare?? Do you honour others because of their high position, or you honour the pious though poor? Do you shift grounds when matters become inconvenient? Are you at ease when you take advantage of the distressed persons? Would you ask for the pound of flesh from your neighbour who could not pay what he owes? Would you pervert justice for the hope of gain and allow the innocent to suffer?

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Even after answering these questions, do you still stand untarnished before God? If you are free from guilt, then draw closer to God for new consecration. On the other hand, if there is guilt in your heart, ask for pardon from the Lord. Make a decision to correct the wrong, plead for cleansing and pardon through the blood of Jesus Christ, remain unblemished in life, and gain admission into God’s heavenly kingdom.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people.

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DAILY MANNA............
Good Morning JESUS............

Monday 06, January 2014
******GOOD DEEDS THAT COUNT******

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TEXT: PSALM 11:1-7

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Key verse: “For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright” ( Psalm 11:7).

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God personifies goodness and rewards everyone who possesses this virtue. David knew this; hence, when confronted with seemingly difficult circumstances, he never lost sight of the goodness of God. He retained his absolute faith in God to protect him at all times. He restated his confidence in God.
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His heart was resolutely fixed on God even when Absalom, his son, forced himself to the throne to reign over Israel and made life unbearable for him. He dragged the very foundations of morals to the ruins.
The fact that evil manifest in abundance and the feet of some believers are drifting away from the narrow way cannot make God begin to love unrighteousness.
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God is holy and loves righteousness still. David knew that God’s judgment on evildoers was imminent because “...the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked shall rain snares... for the righteous LORD loveth righteousness.”
Righteousness manifests in good deeds which can only be the result of grace imparted to us through faith in Jesus Christ. More importantly is the need for all to seek righteousness in our daily interactions. Deep consideration and attention ought to be given to this heavenly attribute which endears us to God.

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The challenge before us then is to constantly and passionately warn sinners to repent of sin that could damn their souls in hell. This noble act of saving souls must constitute part of our good and righteous deeds which God will never forget to reward.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: [b]The righteous blossom even in the midst of evil.[b]

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Tuesday 07, January 2014

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[size=16pt]******WATCH YOUR WORDS******[/size]

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TEXT: PSALM 12:1-8

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Key verse: “They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak” ( Psalm 12:2).

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Disappointment, disagreement and destruction are some of the tragic occurrences in human history associated with the misuse of the tongue. Yet, it is quite surprising that many people have not learnt to refrain from unguarded speech.
The Psalmist raised some issues crucial to the happiness of all people. With genuine concern, he observed the absence of godly and faithful men whose presence would have sanitised the society and enhanced the morality of the people. It is no surprise then that God eventually arose to the help of the “oppressed.” It may sometimes take long, but God will not fail to come to the rescue of the oppressed and the less privileged. Every wise person is therefore encouraged to hold tenaciously to the word of God because it is trustworthy.
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As opposed to trusting in God, the carnal man depends on other sources for success. This was what informed the Psalmist’s abhorrence of the proud who thinks his tongue belongs to him and it does not matter to what use he puts it. Many today still think this way and so misuse the gifts of God, especially the tongue.
Instead of destroying lives through thoughtless words, we can bless others. We can comfort and not curse. We can use this “comely part” to benefit others.
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The alternative is to use our tongues recklessly and risk God’s anger, especially as He has said that, “...every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” ( Matthew 12:36).

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Bless always and curse not.

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DAILY MANNA............

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Good Morning JESUS............

Wednesday 08, January 2014

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[size=16pt]******NO EASY TASK******[/size]

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TEXT: EXODUS 5:1-14

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Key verse: “And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go” ( Exodus 5:2).
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God has not promised us a bed of roses. Indeed, events of daily living reveal that we are bound to face difficult moments in life. Still, many people generally hate obstacles that task their patience. In carrying out God’s assignment, we sometimes assume that we will have easy passage. But usually, the contrary is the case.
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Today’s text shows clearly the type of difficulty we could face in carrying out God’s work. God had commanded Moses and Aaron to go before Pharaoh to demand the freedom of the Israelites from slavery. But this godless king rejected God’s demand and derided Him. All the appeals and testimonies of Moses and Aaron fell on deaf ears, and Pharaoh, in a show of arrogance, increased the labour of the children of Israel. As if that was not enough, he subjected them to beatings and humiliation. Moses and Aaron would have wondered what kind of assignment this was; for instead of freedom, they met a stonewall.
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The Great Commission is a God-given assignment to all believers. Yet, our obedience to it does not always yield the expected fruit as we desire. Sometimes, we meet with difficult people who deride God and persecute us. Though God’s assignment to Moses was a difficult one, it was binding on him. Rather than fear the heathen king, he chose to obey God. Such should be our attitude while evangelising resistant people. We should obey God and leave the result to Him. God is faithful as He has promised to be with us, come what may. So, continue to preach and serve Him in your own capacity whether the devil likes it or not.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God is faithful when we keep the faith.

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DAILY MANNA............

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Good Morning JESUS............

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Thursday 09, January 2014

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[size=16pt]******EFFECTIVENESS IN GOD'S WORK******[/size]

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TEXT: EXODUS 18:13-27

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Key verse: “Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee. Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God” ( Exodus 18:19).

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We take so much on ourselves that it is a miracle in itself that many of us do not break down often. We see ourselves as champions or superstars and come to the inexplicable conclusion that we alone are capable of handling things. In the process, however, we often create more problems than we tend to solve.

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Moses thought he was doing a great job as he sat daily from morning to evening, judging the cases brought by the Israelites in the wilderness. He didn’t know any other way to handle the matters they brought to him, and thought it was his responsibility to personally attend to their needs. But his father-in-law, Jethro, came on a visit and promptly told him: “The thing that thou doest is not good”
.But not stopping at mere criticisms, Jethro advised that Moses learn how to delegate responsibilities to other “able men such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness” .Their role was to handle the small issues affecting the people in sets of thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens, respectively. Only the difficult and delicate matters would be brought to Moses. This way, the assignment God had given him would be easier as he shared the burdens of leadership with others.
Jethro then told Moses: “If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.” Quite promptly, Moses, heeding the advice of his father-in-law, chose other capable men and assigned tasks to them at different levels, thereby lightening the burden of his work both on himself and on the people of Israel.
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It is not a mark of effectiveness to concentrate responsibilities on oneself. If anything, we run the risk of failing to live up to the expectations both of those who gave us the assignment and those we lead. We must never get to a point where we begin to think that without us, nothing can be done well. When we take so much on ourselves, we risk burning out. Worse still, we become ineffective and therefore, unsuited for the responsibility given to us.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God does not need superstars; He needs servants.

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DAILY MANNA............
Good Morning JESUS............

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Friday 10, January 2014

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[size=16pt]******CASE AGAINST THE WICKED******[/size]

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TEXT: PSALM 10:12-18

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Key verse: “Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble” ( Psalm 10:12).
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In the court of law, the prosecuting attorney must convincingly present his facts to the judge, giving reasons why the judge should rule against the defendant. Likewise, the righteous has a plea to make in the court of heaven against the wicked and the oppressors.

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David, apparently at his wits’ end, by the conduct, temper and the very thoughts of the wicked, turned and pleaded with God to rise to vengeance.
The Psalmist knew that “because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore, the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil” ( Ecclesiastes 8:11). The wicked are more determined in their wickedness because they believe God does not see them. Contrary to their thoughts, God sees, notes and bears in mind every act of wrong doing that men commit.
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This explains why the Psalmist urged the Lord to deal with the wicked and frustrate his evil plans. He pleaded for the wicked to be tried and punished in the full glare of everyone.
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God always respond to the numerous pleas against evil workers by delivering their victims. So, sinners will be punished and separated eternally from the Lord. There is full assurance that as God heard the prayers of the afflicted in the past, so also will He hear the cries of the oppressed. Part of our calling is to expose, fight and eradicate evil wherever it is discovered, be it in our lives, families, and secular engagements or in the larger society.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The wicked cannot go unpunished.

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DAILY MANNA............

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Good Morning JESUS............

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TOPIC: Respect The Word
Sunday 29, June 2014
TEXT: JEREMIAH 23:33-40

KEY VERSE: “And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God” (Jeremiah 23:36).

The Bible warns in Proverbs 17:19, “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” The prophets in Jeremiah’s time disdained this precious admonition. Predictably, this made them slip, not only into falsehood and wrong doctrine, but also into divine judgment. In the preceding verses, God had been speaking against the excesses of Judah’s false prophets. The Lord also sent Jeremiah to warn the deceivers to be wary of their deceptive acts.

In the passage under consideration, God decided to warn everybody, and not just the false prophets, to desist from unguarded utterances. At this time, the people had begun to wonder about what really annoyed God and what their offences actually were. But they were speaking tongue-in-cheek because they knew why God was not happy with them. God indeed considered their utterances as idle words which He hated.

In our dealings with God, He has always drawn a line between what He expects of us and otherwise. It amounts to sin for anybody to pretend to be in doubt when he or she falls short of such expectation. That was one of the sins of the people of Judah. The almighty God considers such pretence as transgression. Jesus says: “every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”

In this era of permissiveness, many people try to silence their guilty hearts by trying to rationalize the gravity of their sin. When they sin, they find a Bible passage and wrongly apply same to justify their transgression. We must ask the Spirit of God to direct our paths and let the word of God be our mirror.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God’s immutable precepts is the believers’ mirror and shield.

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

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