DAILY MANNA
THURSDAY DECEMBER 31, 2020
TOPIC: REDEEMING THE YEAR
TEXT:1 CORINTHIANS 7:29-31
KEY VERSE: "And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away" (1 CORINTHIANS 7:31).
One calendar year of twelve months, made up of three hundred and sixty-five days cannot be said to be short by mere mortal benchmark. For man, it is a large chunk of his brief time on earth. But in the programme of heaven, it is a fleeting moment that should not be further shortened by a leisurely and indifferent outlook to eternity towards which humanity is inexorably hurtling.
A gravely concerned Paul says that a believer's proper and spiritually sensitive approach to life is to be dead to what the world offers. When it gives you a wife and its attendant joys and pleasures, be careful you are not enticed to the point of believing that there is nothing more to life. When the Lord sends you His prosperity, do not let it take the place of the Giver. When your life is filled with sunny days with no cloud to ruin the fun, it is a clarion call to serve God more to appreciate Him.
The writer is moved by the Holy Spirit to remind us that our stay in the world would only have meaning and receive divine commendation if we marry it to the mission of heaven. Doing so requires us to be sober in the midst of the blessings of the Lord. The world is not expected to see us through the lens of our riches; instead, our moderation, restraint and control over these ephemeral things should come to the fore for all to see.
That is the way the Christian can make his time count for his Lord. As 2020 goes into its own eternity, announcing the swift passage of another year, we are asked to live in rhythm with the Lord's values. That challenges us to spare no time in evangelism. The world's celebrations, luxuries, festivals and business that appear lawful but time consuming should he dropped for more quality time with God, as the Son of God prepares to return.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: You can only redeem the time if you spend your days for the Lord.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: REVELATION 21-22
HIGHER EVERYDAY
THURSDAY DECEMBER 31, 2020
TOPIC: SALVATION ONLY IN JESUS
TEXT:ACTS 4:8-12
MEMORY VERSE: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (ACTS 4:12).
"No other name but the name of Jesus,
No other name but the name of the Lord,
No other name like the name of Jesus, Is worthy of glory, And worthy of honour,
And worthy of power,
And all praise," goes the powerful lyrics. This is a song that talks about the uniqueness of that name - Jesus.
We all have names, and every living creature from Adam was given at least a name. Because of the power of names, all parents want to give their children good names that have positive meanings.
However, something stands out in the name - "Jesus". It means "Jehovah Saves"; and the name represents Christ's purpose on earth. It has been accorded the power to save, heal and deliver. Every creature in heaven and earth will eventually bow in reverence to this Name.
While names are important and help people feel confident because of the meanings attached to them, only the name of Jesus has the power to save from sin and its consequences when it is called upon in faith. Call upon the name Jesus and you shall be saved.
QUOTE: No other name but the name of Jesus.
CHALLENGE: Has the power in the name of Jesus saved you?
PRAYER: Jesus! Save me totally from sin.