DAILY MANNA
MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021
FELLOWSHIP OR SOCIAL GATHERING?
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 11:17-22
KEY VERSE:
“For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.” - (1 Corinthians 11:18)
The idea of a fellowship is to provide a forum that gives every member a sense of welcome and belonging and promotes unity. It is supposed to be a place where all forms of divisions are lost and differences settled. But there are situations in which some fellowships merely expose the shame and weaknesses of members and drive people away instead of truly getting them together.
Apostle Paul wondered what the fellowship of the Corinthian Christians was becoming. He was surprised to see the divisions and selfishness that characterised their gatherings. They used the opportunity of their feast to flaunt their wealth and shame the poor. They had different cliques and groups in the fellowship thereby fragmenting the unity of the body. As a result, their gatherings and fellowships no longer attracted the expected profits and blessings.
We find similar situations in some churches today and it is important we get rid of them quickly before more harm is done. Some are becoming too conscious of the dresses they wear to church. They dress to impress men. Some churches have become divided into several sects and groups that make it difficult for those who do not belong to these groups and cliques to stay. In summary, many of our assemblies have lost the spirit and essence of true fellowship. Such gatherings can no longer be termed as fellowships but social gatherings!
We must put away all differences in status, class, race, etc., and see ourselves as one. It is when we are thus united that the Spirit of life and power will move freely among us and our fellowships will no longer serve as covens of death but havens of rest and life.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Play your part to make Christian fellowship real and rewarding.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Samuel 8-9
HIGHER EVERYDAY
MONDAY MAY 24, 2021
IN HIS SECRET PLACE - 1
TEXT: PSALM 91:1-8
MEMORY VERSE: "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (PSALM 91:1).
There is a place in life, free from all troubles, stress and fears. It is God's secret place. It is the holy of holies which only the High Priest could enter once in a year.
In the New Covenant, all believers are qualified to enter. It is a place of rest, refuge and renewal. But to dwell there, you must be born again and daily live your life before God in holiness. The secret place is a place of prayer and quietness before God. Many youths today live in fear of evil forces and wicked people. But they cannot reach you under the shadow of the Almighty. God's protection, provision and power are found in His secret place. Daniel was safe there though in the lions' den. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego enjoyed it though in the burning fiery furnace of Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. What a glorious place to dwell in!
You can also receive inspiration, instruction and direction for your future and career in His secret place. Nowhere in the world is safer than "His Secret Place."
QUOTE: What a glorious place to dwell in!
CHALLENGE: A sinner cannot dwell in God's secret place.
PRAYER: Oh Lord, give me the grace to abide in Your secret place.