One Day At A Time

 One day at a time, with its failures and fears,
With its hurts and mistakes, with its weakness and tears,
With its portion of pain and its burden of care;
One day at a time we must meet and must bear.

One day at a time to be patient and strong,
To be calm under trial and sweet under wrong;
Then its toiling shall pass and its sorrow shall cease;
It shall darken and die, and the night shall bring peace.

One day at a time - but the day is so long,
And the heart is not brave, and the soul is not strong,
O Thou pitiful Christ, be Thou near all the way;
Give courage and patience and strength for the day.

Swift cometh His answer, so clear and so sweet;
"Yea, I will be with thee, thy troubles to meet;
I will not forget thee, nor fail thee, nor grieve;
I will not forsake thee; I never will leave."

Not yesterday's load we are called on to bear,
Nor the morrow's uncertain and shadowy care;
Why should we look forward or back with dismay?
Our needs, as our mercies, are but for the day.

One day at a time, and the day is His day;
He hath numbered its hours, though they haste or delay.
His grace is sufficient; we walk not alone;
As the day, so the strength that He giveth His own.

=== Written by: Annie Johnson Flint ===

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P.B.R.: The Secret Of Fulfilment

Text: Matthew 21:22; Mark 11: 22-24

 

P.B.R means Pray, Believe and Receive. These are the three words that unlock the secret of fulfilment in the life of a Christian. In this, we pray to God the Father in the name of Jesus the Son, believe that He will attend to what we have asked for and then we receive the answer by faith.

We often see some people who wish to receive from God but either fail to pray or receive. Of course, such people will not get the desired result. As stressed by our Lord Jesus Christ in the text above, the order (pray, believe and receive) needs to be followed to ensure realization of our wishes. It is indeed, a sound fundamental formula that we should all embrace and use. Nevertheless, we need to know how to pray.

The purpose of receiving what we ask from God is to glorify Him through His Son Jesus Christ. Therefore, we should pray to God in the name of His Son, Jesus. We should also pray with the right motives, and in accordance with God's will (James 4:1-3). There is also the need for us to ensure we forgive those who offend us as unforgiveness hinders prayers from being answered.

When we pray, it is important our prayer has focus and is specific. Absent-mindedness, day-dreaming, and all forms of distractions should be avoided. We should pray from our hearts and avoid unnecessary repetitions or reciting prayers mechanically. Prayers based on specific help us to focus our faith in God.

"… Without faith it is impossible to please Him …" (Hebrews 11:6). Believing in God when we pray indicates our confidence in the all-powerful God who is able to do all things (Ephesians 3:20). This was what gave Elijah, Hannah, Jabez and many others the answer to their requests. The same God who answered their prayers still answers prayers today, and will answer us if we pray in faith.

Our needs vary from one person to another. Among the things we can pray for include: success, finance, good job, healing/health, marriage, promotion, breakthroughs, Christian experiences, etc. As we pray ourselves, we should also remember to pray for our families, friends, the church, our leaders, communities, the nation and the world at large for the power and will of God to be made manifest (1 Timothy 2:1-3). 

It is only when we pray in faith, and believe in the Son (Jesus) that we can receive whatever we ask. However, we can't disregard the place of trusting and obeying the Word of God. "If you live in Me and My words remain in you and continue to live in your heart, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7). Only follow this formula – Pray, Believe, and you shall Receive according to God's riches in Christ Jesus.

Thanks for reading. Feel free to share, leave your comments, replies and suggestions. We would love to hear from you.

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Paul's Mistake

Text: Acts 21:1-16

“As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: "In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentile’(Acts 21:9-11)”

This is a rather painful scene. At Caesarea they came into the home of Philip the evangelist. There Agabus, a prophet of the Lord, in a dramatic, visual way, took Paul's sash from around his waist and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "This is what the Holy Spirit is saying to you, Paul. If you go on to Jerusalem, this is what will happen to you. You'll be delivered into the hands of the Gentiles. They will bind you, and you'll be a prisoner."

This was the last effort made by the Holy Spirit to awaken the apostle to what he was doing. Agabus was joined in this by the whole body of believers. The whole family present urged him not to go, Luke included. We read in verse 12, "When we had heard this, we and the local residents begged him not to go up to Jerusalem." So even his close associates recognized the voice of the Spirit, to which the apostle seemed strangely deaf. He refused to listen.

And in Paul's reply to them we can detect that, without quite realizing what has happened, he has succumbed to what today we call a "martyr complex." Paul said in verse 13, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." These words are brave and sincere and earnest. He meant every word of them. We can find no fault with the bravery and courage expressed in those words. But it was not necessary for him to go, and the Spirit had told him not to go.

Here we see what can happen to a man of God when he is misled by an urgent hunger to accomplish a goal which God has not given him to do. The flesh had deceived Paul and evidently he saw himself as doing what the Lord did in his final journey up to Jerusalem. The Gospel accounts say that Jesus steadfastly set his face to go there, determined to go against all the pleading and the warnings of his own disciples. Paul must have seen himself in that role. But Jesus had the Spirit's witness within that this was the will of the Father for him, while Paul had exactly the opposite. The Spirit had made crystal clear that he was not to go to Jerusalem.

When Paul refused to be persuaded his friends said, "Well, may the will of the Lord be done." That is what you say when you do not know what else to say. That is what you pray when you do not know how else to act. They are simply saying, "Lord, it is up to you. We can't stop this man. He has a strong will and a mighty determination, and he's deluded into thinking that this is what you want. Therefore, you will have to handle it. May the will of the Lord be done."

“Father, thank you for recording so faithfully even this failure by the apostle. It is so helpful in letting me see how I must rely not upon the arm of the flesh but upon the arm of the Spirit. Teach me to walk in obedience, Lord, and not to venture out upon that which would be merely the fulfillment of a great desire on my part.”

Copyright | Ray Stedman Ministries| www.raystedman.org

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Watch Your Words

Text: Psalm 12:1-8

Key verse: “They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak” (Psalm 12:2).

Disappointment, disagreement and destruction are some of the tragic occurrences in human history associated with the misuse of the tongue. Yet, it is quite surprising that many people have not learnt to refrain from unguarded speech.

The Psalmist raised some issues crucial to the happiness of all people. With genuine concern, he observed the absence of godly and faithful men whose presence would have sanitised the society and enhanced the morality of the people. It is no surprise then that God eventually arose to the help of the “oppressed.” It may sometimes take long, but God will not fail to come to the rescue of the oppressed and the less privileged. Every wise person is therefore encouraged to hold tenaciously to the word of God because it is trustworthy.

As opposed to trusting in God, the carnal man depends on other sources for success. This was what informed the Psalmist’s abhorrence of the proud who thinks his tongue belongs to him and it does not matter to what use he puts it. Many today still think this way and so misuse the gifts of God, especially the tongue.

Instead of destroying lives through thoughtless words, we can bless others. We can comfort and not curse. We can use this “comely part” to benefit others. The alternative is to use our tongues recklessly and risk God’s anger, especially as He has said that, “...every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).

THOUGHT TO CONSIDER: Bless always and curse not.

- See more at: http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/2014/01/daily-manna-2014-watch-your-words.html#.U8kRpkA56Dl

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Keep Off The Rat-Race

Text: Proverbs 23:1-12

Key verse: “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom” (Proverbs 23:4).

The Book of Proverbs is noted for giving precepts to Christians and humanity in general on how to avoid pitfalls that may ruin and damn the soul, and  how to  live successfully and victoriously here. Exhortations for living to please God and maintaining proper relationships with our fellow men abound in the book of Proverbs. 

Our text touches on what our attitude should be towards riches and wealth and how we can avoid the danger associated with inordinate ambition to be rich at all costs. It also counsels on how we can use our discretion in relating with  rich people.

No human being desires to be poor or dependent on other people for sustenance and survival. This is one of the reasons people engage in profitable labour. However, the prevalent situations around us today show that many people are desperately seeking to enrich themselves and acquire wealth by all means. The philosophy of the end justifying the means now dictates the manner many seek riches.

The counsel of the Scripture to us is: “Labour not to be rich…” (verse 4). It does not suggest that being rich is sinful. It is just a caution to avoid the danger associated with the unbridled crave for riches. The New Testament presses this counsel further by saying that, “they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition …the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:9,10). 

Indeed, it is a measure of the immaturity of the believer when he devotes more attention to gathering riches and getting obsessed with material considerations. A right and unswerving relationship with God is sure to evoke His blessings from time to time, and without adding sorrow to them.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Caution: Over speeding kills!

- See more at: http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/2014/07/topic-keep-off-rat-race.html#.U8kKU0A56Dk <<or click daily manna at the top of the page>>

Thanks for reading and I hope you are blessed. Feel free to leave your comments, suggestions and requests. We would love to hear from you.

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Key verse: “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom” (Proverbs 23:4).

The Book of Proverbs is noted for    giving precepts to Christians and humanity in general on how to avoid pitfalls that may ruin and damn the soul, and  how to  live successfully and victoriously here. Exhortations for living to please God and maintaining proper relationships with our fellow men abound in the book of Proverbs. 

Our text touches on what our attitude should be towards riches and wealth and how we can avoid the danger associated with inordinate ambition to be rich at all costs. It also counsels on how we can use our discretion in relating with  rich people.

No human being desires to be poor or dependent on other people for sustenance and survival. This is one of the reasons people engage in profitable labour. However, the prevalent situations around us today show that many people are desperately seeking to enrich themselves and acquire wealth by all means. The philosophy of the end justifying the means now dictates the manner many seek riches.

The counsel of the Scripture to us is: “Labour not to be rich…” (verse 4). It does not suggest that being rich is sinful. It is just a caution to avoid the danger associated with the unbridled crave for riches. The New Testament presses this counsel further by saying that, “they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition …the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:9,10). 

Indeed, it is a measure of the immaturity of the believer when he devotes more attention to gathering riches and getting obsessed with material considerations. A right and unswerving relationship with God is sure to evoke His blessings from time to time, and without adding sorrow to them.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Caution: Over speeding kills!

- See more at: http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/2014/07/topic-keep-off-rat-race.html#.U8kKU0A56Dk

Key verse: “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom” (Proverbs 23:4).

The Book of Proverbs is noted for    giving precepts to Christians and humanity in general on how to avoid pitfalls that may ruin and damn the soul, and  how to  live successfully and victoriously here. Exhortations for living to please God and maintaining proper relationships with our fellow men abound in the book of Proverbs. 

Our text touches on what our attitude should be towards riches and wealth and how we can avoid the danger associated with inordinate ambition to be rich at all costs. It also counsels on how we can use our discretion in relating with  rich people.

No human being desires to be poor or dependent on other people for sustenance and survival. This is one of the reasons people engage in profitable labour. However, the prevalent situations around us today show that many people are desperately seeking to enrich themselves and acquire wealth by all means. The philosophy of the end justifying the means now dictates the manner many seek riches.

The counsel of the Scripture to us is: “Labour not to be rich…” (verse 4). It does not suggest that being rich is sinful. It is just a caution to avoid the danger associated with the unbridled crave for riches. The New Testament presses this counsel further by saying that, “they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition …the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:9,10). 

Indeed, it is a measure of the immaturity of the believer when he devotes more attention to gathering riches and getting obsessed with material considerations. A right and unswerving relationship with God is sure to evoke His blessings from time to time, and without adding sorrow to them.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Caution: Over speeding kills!

- See more at: http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/2014/07/topic-keep-off-rat-race.html#.U8kKU0A56Dk

Key verse: “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom” (Proverbs 23:4).

The Book of Proverbs is noted for    giving precepts to Christians and humanity in general on how to avoid pitfalls that may ruin and damn the soul, and  how to  live successfully and victoriously here. Exhortations for living to please God and maintaining proper relationships with our fellow men abound in the book of Proverbs. 

Our text touches on what our attitude should be towards riches and wealth and how we can avoid the danger associated with inordinate ambition to be rich at all costs. It also counsels on how we can use our discretion in relating with  rich people.

No human being desires to be poor or dependent on other people for sustenance and survival. This is one of the reasons people engage in profitable labour. However, the prevalent situations around us today show that many people are desperately seeking to enrich themselves and acquire wealth by all means. The philosophy of the end justifying the means now dictates the manner many seek riches.

The counsel of the Scripture to us is: “Labour not to be rich…” (verse 4). It does not suggest that being rich is sinful. It is just a caution to avoid the danger associated with the unbridled crave for riches. The New Testament presses this counsel further by saying that, “they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition …the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:9,10). 

Indeed, it is a measure of the immaturity of the believer when he devotes more attention to gathering riches and getting obsessed with material considerations. A right and unswerving relationship with God is sure to evoke His blessings from time to time, and without adding sorrow to them.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Caution: Over speeding kills!

- See more at: http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/2014/07/topic-keep-off-rat-race.html#.U8kKU0A56Dk

Never Give Up

Never be sad or desponding
If thou hast faith to believe;
Grace, for the duties before thee,
Ask of thy God and receive.

Nev... er give up,...

Nev... er give up,...

Never give up to thy sorrows,

Jesus will bid them depart;

Trust... in the Lord,...

Trust,,, in the Lord,..

Sing when your trials are greatest,

Trust in the Lord and take heart.

What if thy burdens oppress thee;
What tho' thy life may be drear;
Look in the side that is brightest,
Pray, and thy path will be clear.

Never be sad or desponding,
There is a morrow for thee;
Soon thou shalt dwell in its brightness,
There with the Lord thou shalt be.

Never be sad or desponding,
Lean on the arm of thy Lord;
Dwell in the depths of His mercy,
Thou shalt receive thy reward.

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Jesus The Burden Bearer

Text: Psalm 55:22; Isaiah 53:4-12

It rejoices our hearts that Jesus has not only secured our eternity with God, He is ever present to relieve us of our burdens even in this present evil world. What are you passing through? Is it trials, persecutions, poverty, depression, temptation, difficulties? Jesus the Burden Bearer had settled the bill for your freedom long ago on the cross. You don't have to continue to bear the burden. All you need to do is to take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Jesus has done what none other could do. He was beaten for our healing; He bore our sins on the cross and rose triumphantly from the dead. He came down from His glory to have a taste of what we are going through and is now interceding for us in heaven and continues as long as the battle is ongoing. No one is qualified as He is to lay claim on the title "the Burden Bearer".

For the three (3) Hebrew men in the fiery furnace, Jesus identified with them in their problem, and delivered them from the fire. Mary and Martha when bereaved of Lazarus; Jesus moved with compassion wept at the grave side and raise him up. The disciples in the storm while struggling against the wind felt deserted, but Jesus came to their aid and rescue the situation. Elijah the prophet while under the threat of Jezebel, Paul while on the stormy sea and a host of others enjoyed this good gesture of burden bearing by the Lord.

These are evidences to show that the Lord cares about what happens to you and is always ready to deliver you from trouble. His everlasting arms will uphold us if we simply relinquish our unnecessary fears and cease from our own carnal efforts. The safety and serenity offered by such a complete reliance on Him will quieten our hearts even in our most desperate hours of difficulty. The eternal God is a never-failing help when we flounder in the sea of trial and sorrow.

Thank you for reading. Feel free to leave your comments, suggestions, replies and request. We would love to hear from you.

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Christianity Is Dangerous

Read the Scripture: Acts 19:21-20:1

"After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia. Acts 20:1"

The martyrdom of Stephen

Paul is eager to explain to the Christians this whole uproarious riot that had just taken place in Ephesus. There is something about it he does not want them to miss, so he calls them together and exhorts them before he leaves. Luke does not tell us what that exhortation consisted of, but I believe that Paul does. There is a passage in his second letter to the Corinthians which refers to this very occasion. In 2 Corinthians 1:8 Paul says, For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself (2 Cor. 1:8 RSV).

Put yourself back with the apostle into the midst of this tremendous uproar. It had appeared for a while that the gospel had so triumphed in Ephesus that Paul could think of leaving and going on to other places. Then this riot suddenly occurred, seeming to threaten the entire cause of Christ, and putting the Christians in great danger. Paul is crushed and distressed. His life is in danger. This crowd is so wild, so uncontrollable that for a few hours it looks as though they might just sweep through the city and wipe out every Christian in Ephesus. Paul says, ...we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself. Why, we felt that we had received the sentence of death... (2 Cor. 1:8b-9a RSV) He could not see any way out. It looked as if he had reached the end of the road. But God had a purpose: ...but that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. (2 Cor. 1:9b RSV)

That is the very heart of the Christian message, as Paul will go on to explain in this letter.Our sufficiency is not of ourselves, he says (2 Cor. 3:5). His explanation to these young converts in Ephesus was unquestionably along this line. He was saying to them, God has sent this event, has allowed it to happen to teach us that he is able to handle things when they get far beyond any human control. When our circumstances get way out of order, far beyond our own resources, God is able. He has taught us this so that we will not rely on ourselves but upon him who raises the dead, who works in us to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ask or think, according to the power at work within us.

What an awareness this apostle had of the fantastic strength of the body of Christ working together, praying together, supporting one another, upholding each other in prayer and thus calling into action the mighty power of the God of resurrection, who can work through the most unexpected instruments to quiet a situation, to hold a crowd in restraint, to stop the surging emotionalism of people whose reasoning has been short-circuited, to hold them within limits and bounds, and to bring the whole affair to nothing! This is the might of our God.

This is what we can learn from this situation, as we too come into times of danger and pressure and trouble. The difficulties which strike suddenly in our lives, the pressures through which we must go, the sudden catastrophes that come roaring in out of the blue — these are sent so that we might rely not on ourselves but on God.

"Thank you, Father, for those trials and difficulties you bring into my life which teach me to depend not on myself but on you."

Copyright | by Ray Stedman Ministries | www.RayStedman.org

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It Pays To Serve Jesus

It pays to serve Jesus, I speak from my heart

He’ll always be with us, if we do our part

There’s naught in this wide world can pleasure afford;

There’s peace and contentment in serving the Lord

I will love him far better than in days of yore

I’ll serve Him more truly than ever before,

I’ll do as He bids me, whatever the cost,

I’ll be a true soldier, I’ll die at my post.

And oft when I’m tempted to turn from the track

I think of my Saviour, my mind wanders back

To the place where they nailed Him on Calvary’s tree

I heard a voice saying, “I suffered for thee.”

A place I remember where I was set free

‘Twas where I found pardon, a heaven to me.

There Jesus spoke sweetly to my weary soul,

My sins were forgiven, He made my heart whole.

How rich is the blessing the world cannot give,

I’m satisfied fully for Jesus to live;

Though friends may forsake me and trials arise,

I am trusting Jesus, His love never dies.

There is no one like Jesus can cheer me today

His love and His kindness can ne’er fade away,

In winter and summer, in sunshine and rain,

His love and affection are always the same.

Will you have this blessing that Jesus bestows,

A free full salvation from sin’s bitter throes?

O come to the Saviour, to Calvary flee,

The fountain is opened, is flowing for thee.

The Decision Of The Wise

Text Matthew 25: 1-13

The plan of salvation as revealed in Christ’s death on the cross spans the whole race of man. It opens the door of salvation to whoever will repent of their sins: such a person will receive pardon. However, God in His Sovereignty will never force salvation on any man. Rather, every man has been charged with a personal responsibility to take a decision that will lead either to his salvation or damnation.

Consequently, every man is answerable to God on whatever decision he takes, either to believe and be saved or spurn God’s love and face the danger of unquenchable fire of hell.

Two classes of people are revealed to us in our text – the wise and the foolish virgins. The wise had extra oil and were ready for the bridegroom’s return. The foolish too had all the time to make adequate preparations, but they delayed till it was too late to make amends.

Likewise, as the world is running to a close, there are two notable classes of people today – the wise and the foolish. The wise are those who have responded to God’s call to repentance in utter abandonment of their idols and sinful pleasures. Like Noah and his family, they have come into God’s ark of safety and will be kept safe from God’s fiery judgment which is to come upon this world (2 Peter 3:10).

On the other hand are the foolish among whom are scoffers who deny the very existence of God, the fact of rapture and the judgment to come. The foolish are the presumptuous sinners who make mockery of sin, reject God’s plea and are holding on to the false believe that they will be saved by and by. Among the foolish are the people who hold on to a form of religion while denying the power that cleanses from all ungodliness and worldly lusts.

As God’s message of love comes to you today, be wise and repent. But if you reject Him, there will be no way of escape from the horror of hell. Don’t wait too late to be saved.

Thanks for reading. Feel free to share, leave your comments, replies and suggestions. We would love to hear from you.

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