DEEPER LIFE DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY
Daily Manna devotional by Pastor Kumuyi of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry for today is here. Digest the word of the lord and pray believing.
DAILY MANNA
SUNDAY JANUARY 16, 2022
TPOIC: FUTILE SHORTCUTS
TEXT: 1 KINGS 15:16-24
KEY VERSE: "Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king’s house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them to Ben-hadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus..." (1 KINGS 15:18).
Many people are quick to take the easy way out. They seek shortcuts to finding a solution to an enduring problem. For a while, it may seem to be working. Soon enough, they realise that greater problems have been created.
Asa, king of Judah, sought futile shortcuts. Although he started well, for "he did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father", success for him came at a great price. Baasha, the king of Israel, waged war against him, and seized part of his territory. When Asa realised he could not dislodge Baasha, he turned to the wrong source for help. He gathered all the treasures in the house of the Lord and delivered them to Benhadad, king of Syria, with the plea that he should break his alliance with Baasha. It worked, because the king of Syria attacked Israeli cities, forcing the king of Israel to withdraw from Judah.
From then on, however, Asa's life took a downward plunge. His rebellion soon brought a strange disease upon him. Yet, in his sickness, he refused to turn to God. Instead, he kept hopping from one physician to the other, all to no avail. Soon, he died from that sickness; a pitiable end of a king that began his reign by doing right in the sight of God.
We must avoid taking the easy way out. It may appear simple and straightforward but it does not last. Worse still, it has the tendency to turn the heart from God, to make us self-conceited, and to think that we can solve our own problems. Resist the pressure to seek shortcuts in dealing with life challenges. Instead, let your dependence rest on the Almighty.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Shortcuts often lead to damning problems.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ACTS 5-6
HIGHER EVERYDAY
SUNDAY JANUARY 16, 2022
FALLEN? DO NOT STAY DOWN
TEXT: MARK 14:66-72
MEMORY VERSE: "For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief" (PROVERBS 24:16).
Life is a struggle. It throws curveballs at you, humbles you and attempts to break you down. Many fail at this point. Few bounce back on their feet and stand strong, while others remain fallen. Apostle Peter was confronted with such a situation in his life time - he betrayed our Lord Jesus Christ as foretold and fell. Did he stay down? No!
Many students are faced with academic and spiritual situations that tests their stand and faith. Some do rise above these problems and become conquerors; others fail to rise above sins and Satan's strategies, and remain down. Peter fell, but he did not stay down. He realised his mistake, repented and rose to continue with his Christian journey and made remarkable progress and exploits thereafter.
If you have fallen or backslidden, bounce back like Peter, and the Lord will receive you in Jesus' name. Sin brings downfall, but repentance brings divine forgiveness and uplift. It is hard to beat a person that never gives up. Put your trust in the Lord, rely completely on His promises, and abide continually in Him.
QUOTE: He did not stay down.
CHALLENGE: Stay strong in the Lord.
PRAYER: Lord, hold my hands lest I fall.
SINCERE MILK
SUNDAY JANUARY 16, 2022
GROWING IN FAITH
BIBLE TEXT: 2 PETER 1:5-10
KEY VERSE: "And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness" (2 PETER 1:6).
Tony planted a tree in the garden at his backyard. Every day he waters it and makes sure the sun always shines around the area of the tree. He cuts off the branches of other trees that could prevent the sun. He also weeds the area around the plant. Within 6 weeks of constant care, the tree has grown up to 30cm in height and at about a year, it has become so grounded that it is competing with other trees in the garden.
Apostle Peter in our Bible passage shows us the pathway to steady spiritual growth. You can only grow spiritually after you have been firmly planted in the faith: becoming a friend of Jesus and then move on to develop your faith through the following:
Virtue: High moral standards.
Knowledge: Facts and information that comes through daily reading and hearing of the word of God.
Temperance: Self-control in all areas of your life.
Patience: Ability to endure without complaining.
Brotherly kindness: Consideration for others.
Charity: Affection and love for God and His work.
Adding these daily to your life will keep you growing higher and better every day till you see the Lord face-to-face.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help my faith to keep growing day by day.
FURTHER READING: Galatians 5:22,23