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
TUESDAY JANUARY 18, 2022
A SECOND LOOK AT LEADERSHIP
TEXT: JOHN 13:1-15
KEY VERSE: "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you" (JOHN 13:15).
Leaders in the world, conventionally, crave recognition, respect and honour. They seek to be applauded for every little conduct. The promises they make and the work they do are all geared towards garnering popularity. To them, those they lead must remain grateful for their service.
Jesus Christ is different. He models a distinct type of leadership uncommon in the world. After dinner one day, He did something unusual. He took a towel and a bucket of water, and washed the feet of His disciples.
Probably baffled, none of the disciples questioned this strange action, until Jesus got to Peter. He thought it was demeaning for His Master to wash his feet, a task usually reserved for servants in Jewish households. Jesus explained to him that except his feet were washed, he could not have a relationship with Him. Peter promptly pleaded that his whole body be washed. But Jesus assured him that it was sufficient to wash the feet. When He completed the task, Jesus reminded the disciples that while they rightly called Him Master, they should follow His example and wash one another's feet.
The standard of leadership expected of believers is much higher than that practised in the world. His message was simple: the Christian leader's task is to be of service to his people. He should not see himself as a master, but as a servant. His activities must bring benefits to his people whose spiritual and temporal wellbeing must remain his preoccupation. Only then can he truly claim to be walking in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus Christ.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: If we follow Christ's footsteps, we'll leave worthy footprints.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ACTS 9-10
HIGHER EVERYDAY
TUESDAY JANUARY 18, 2022
FUNDAMENTALS OF FRIENDSHIP
TEXT: JOHN 15:8-15
MEMORY VERSE: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (JOHN 15:13).
A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are. He listens to, encourages, counsels and cheers you up. He strengthens you when you are weak; and bears with your shortcomings. He is interested in your progress in life and makes necessary sacrifice to help you achieve it.
Just like Jonathan said to David, "Whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will even do it for thee" (1 Samuel 20:4). This is the mark of true friendship. A friend should be a great companion.
Obviously, we all need true friends. However, here on earth among men, it is difficult to find a perfect friend who can love and bear with you at all times; only Jesus can.
In our text, He spoke about the love that He has for us, as His disciples. He sacrificed His life on the cross at Calvary. He accepts us as His friends if we obey Him at all times. Make Him your friend today through obedience to His word in order to secure your eternal destiny.
QUOTE: A friend should be a great companion.
CHALLENGE: Make Jesus your friend today.
PRAYER: Oh Lord, accept me as your friend today. Amen.
SINCERE MILK: CHILDREN DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
TUESDAY JANUARY 18, 2022
"FAR BETTER"
BIBLE TEXT: JOHN 14:1-4
KEY VERSE: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you" (JOHN 14:2).
The story was told of a young girl who was born blind. When she was twelve years old, doctors were able to develop a new type ot surgery that could give her sight. She was then booked for the surgery. After operation, the eyes had to be protected from light for some time. So, within that period, she still sat in darkness, waiting. Meanwhile, her mother spent long hours daily answering her questions about what things would look like when she eventually sees. Finally, the moment came when her eyes could endure enough light for her to look out the window. She stood there a long time without saying a word. To her, the spring day and everything looked so beautiful and glorious beyond description. When the girl turned to her mother, tears were streaming down her cheeks. She said, "Oh, mother, why didn't you tell me it would be so beautiful?
Heaven is real and more beautiful than any place you have ever been or heard of. It is the home of our heavenly Father with beautiful mansions. It is the "Far Better" home of friends of Jesus. Remember you cannot get to heaven without salvation. Therefore, surrender your life to Jesus now. Keep your life pure, endure whatever hardship that come your way. Look always unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith and receive grace to make it to heaven at last.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for preparing such a good heaven for me. Help me to endure till I get there.
FURTHER READING: Philippians 1:20-23