DAILY MANNA
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2020
TOPIC: PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF STRIFES
TEXT: Proverbs 25:1-15
KEY VERSE:
“Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another.” - (Proverbs 25:9)
Quarrels or strifes often arise between two parties due to opposing, or conflicting view points. At times, some intentions may be misunderstood. Sometimes, the words may be misinterpreted or misconceived. Mostly, misconceptions and misrepresentation are largely due to the limit of human knowledge. It is only God, the Omniscient that knows all things.
Today’s passage majorly deals with human relationships. It also dwells much about righteous kings and their subjects. It reveals how a wise person will present his case. A warning is given against being too hasty in making accusations against anyone. There is also a lesson on humility as men are advised, “Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king... For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince...” Before a wise person will argue his case, he should have all his facts concerning what he is to argue. If he does not, then he may face embarrassment and disgrace when those before whom the case is argued find out that he does not know what he is saying. A person’s speech will be accepted and appreciated if he speaks a good word at the right time. It is not the amount of words that matters but the timing, politeness and appropriateness of what one says.
Words are very important. Words make or mar the reputation of man. God expects His people to speak good words; words of encouragement, words of faith, and words that edify. Even when offended, gracious words “breaketh the bone” (Proverbs 25:15).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Good words yield good dividends.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Hosea 1-4
HIGHER EVERYDAY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020
REMOVE THE ROAD BLOCKS
BIBLE TEXT: Mark 11:22-26
MEMORY VERSE: “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25).
Chandra Wilson revealed, “The only thing that I know is that, growing up, I came across stumbling blocks, and I always said to myself, 'If I ever get into a position to do something about this, I would like to, so that somebody does not deal with what I went through.’” Road blocks are hindrances or hurdles that can stop you from moving on the high way of holiness and righteousness. Those who delight in bearing grudges or nursing retaliatory thoughts are on a dangerous path. They may be active youth workers in the church, but they are not recognised in Heaven because of the unforgiving spirit they have allowed to enjoy a prominent place in their lives. Friend,
if you want God to receive you as His son or daughter, you must forgive those who have offended you. Failure to forgive those who offended you provokes God because He forgave your own sins when you approached Him in repentance. He expects you to replicate the same gesture with your fellow men. Arise and reconcile today with all your enemies for that is the gospel way.
QUOTE: Forgive those who have offended you.
CHALLENGE: Brace up to forgive others.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to forgive my enemies.