DAILY MANNA
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 02, 2021
WHEN GOD FIGHTS FOR YOU
TEXT: Joshua 12:1-6
KEY VERSE: “Now these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east.” - (Joshua 12:1)
A nation’s military might is not only dependent on its weaponry but also on its experience at war in the past. This knowledge helps it to develop tactics and improve on its art of warfare.
The nation of Israel was by no means a match for the kings and nations whose defeats our passage today captures. These nations were long established and organised. Over the years, they must have gained much experience at war. Israel was a new nation just coming out of over four hundred years of slavery, subjugation, physical assaults and mental harassments, with no organised or experienced army and no known weapons of war. But contrary to expectations, they defeated these nations and took possession of their lands.
Size is not might and experience does not count when God goes with you in the battle against your enemies. As Christians, we should allow God’s past dealings in the Bible encourage and engender faith and confidence in us. As He fulfilled His promises to the children of Israel to fight and defeat strong nations before them, so will He fulfil every promise He has made to us. You do not have to be afraid of the size of the enemy, or let his past records at war intimidate you.
So then, as you step out today and the rest of your life, go on and face those threatening and intimidating battles by faith. Do not fear that interview, examination or project you are about to face. Do not allow the stories you have heard about or evangelistic field, make you develop cold feet and so run back! You can win that marital battle, conquer that financial difficulty and live victoriously over every sin and temptation. You have the victory already; go out and reign!
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
With God, you will win every battle!
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Matthew 10-11
HIGHER EVERYDAY
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 02, 2021
TOPIC: PRESENTABLE PATRIARCH - 1
TEXT: GENESIS 4:2-9
MEMORY VERSE: "And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering" (GENESIS 4:4).
Today's text is the story of two brothers who gave offerings to God: one gave of the fruit of the ground and the other offered an animal. Why was Cain's offering rejected, and that of Abel accepted? Within our text, the answer to this puzzle is unveiled.
Underlying Cain's offering was a corrupted heart and impure motive besides the fact that he offered to God from the ground which had hitherto been cursed as a result of the fall of man. However, Abel gave from a willing heart and his offering foreshadowed the vicarious sacrifice of Christ for man's redemption.
He also pleased God, for the Bible says, "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh" (Hebrews 11:4). Cain being blindfolded by envy, jealousy and hatred, killed his only brother.
Many would rather destroy good people than become good people themselves. Friend, only the born again can offer acceptable service unto God. Are you?
QUOTE: Abel gave from a willing heart.
CHALLENGE: Abel pleased the Lord because he offered a more excellent sacrifice.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to always offer unto You the best.