DAILY MANNA
TUESDAY JANUARY 5, 2021
TOPIC: PRICELESS POSSESSION
TEXT: PROVERBS 8:9-14
KEY VERSE: "Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold" (PROVERBS 8:10).
An ancient proverb says, "If you drop gold and books, pick up the books first, then the gold". The stand of this saying speaks to the infinite superiority of the written word and knowledge over silver and gold. There should be greater urgency in the quest for knowledge than a dash for riches. The wise person must not be in a hurry to find fleeting fame and ephemeral money at the expense of the limitless power books confer on the diligent seeker of knowledge, wisdom and understanding.
The Bible, God's word, tells us what to pick after dropping "gold and books". The inspired writer of the Book of Proverbs declares authoritatively that we must look for the word of God among the collection. God Himself issues the counsel: "Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it".
Over the centuries, man has sought solution to his challenges in wanton wealth and mindless material acquisition, not in the word of God. We amass riches to give us joy, security and peace of mind. But we are farther away from these goals, because the pursuit of these worldly objectives has opened the floodgates to suffering, wars, violence, unrest and a general atmosphere of insecurity and anxiety.
Man has been boxed in by this worship of gold and fame since he fled from God in the Garden of Eden. He will continue to run in circles until he opts for the way of his Redeemer: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you". When we effect a re-prioritisation of our needs to put heaven before material acquisition, heaven too will step into our affairs with the "peace that passeth all understanding".
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Drop your gold and go for God.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: GENESIS 14-16
HIGHER EVERYDAY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2021
TOPIC: WONDERS OF GOD'S CREATION - 5
TEXT: GENESIS 1: 20-23
MEMORY VERSE: “And the Lord said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature, that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven” (Genesis 1:20).
Seas, oceans, rivers and streams, all flowing in high or low currents, but no living creatures in them. God decided to make them in all shapes, sizes and beauty. He also made the birds to fly in the sky.
Have you ever watched fishes swimming in the water and birds flying in the air? It is such a beautiful sight. However, apart from beauty, God also has a purpose for making these creatures - to provide food for man, the crown of His creation.
He is such a great, wise, loving and faithful God. Hence the writer of the hymn, ‘How great thou art’ said:
O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the works Thy hands hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy pow’r thru’ out the universe displayed.
Like your heavenly Father, you too can be creative. You are His finished product with a mind to recreate.
Turn to Christ to invade your soul with that ancient creative Spirit. In this first month of the year let God give you visions for missions.
CHALLENGE: Resolve to do something excellent this year.
QUOTE: Let God give you visions for missions
PRAYER: Thank you, O God, for being mindful of me in your creation.