Daily Manna: Trust That Works

Monday 02, September 2013

TEXT: 2 SAMUEL 4:1-12

KEY VERSE: “And when Saul’s son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled” (2 Samuel 4:1). 

There was a beautiful building at the centre of a metropolitan city. It was a master piece, of the best architectural design, suspended on a major pillar and fortified with the best security gadgets of the day. Suddenly, the main pillar of the building collapsed due to uneven settlement under the pillar area. Great was the ruin of this magnificent edifice.

Ishbosheth was the fourth son of King Saul and the last member of his family to reign in Israel. Abner, the commander of the army in Israel was a strong pillar and backbone behind the reign of lshbosheth until they disagreed over Saul’s concubine. The death of Abner weakened the position of the king. Two of his captains (Baanah and his brother Rechab), sons of Rimmon came to the king’s palace at noon, while lying on his bed. They beheaded Ishbosheth and brought his head to David in Hebron, expecting to be rewarded. David however had them exterminated for their wickedness. Ishbosheth met an untimely death because he put all his trust and hope on Abner, the strong man of Israel. 

People who put their trust in man will always be disappointed. When we have problems or challenges of life, it is good to seek help. But we must never bypass God or His directives to us as contained in the Holy Bible. Abner had replaced the position of God in the heart of Ishbosheth. The strong man, so to say, became an idol for him to rely on. How unwise this turned out to be. Idols such as money, fame or success can be seductive if we rely on them. Wealth and luxury bring a false sense of security.

To avoid temporal disappointment and eternal regret, sinners must repent, put their trust in the finished work of Christ and believe the gospel. Believers must always put their trust in God and His unchanging word. On no account should the counsel of mere men subvert or replace the immutable dictates of God’s wisdom.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The Lord knows them that trust in Him.

***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt in the comments section below. Don't forget to SHARE 

Read More

Daily Manna: Total Obedience Demanded

Sunday 01, September 2013

TEXT: DEUTERONOMY 4:1-13

KEY VERSE: “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you” (Deuteronomy 4:2).

When Leonard Wood, a physician who served as the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, visited the King of France, he got a special invitation to have a dinner with him the next day. A man of innate humility, Wood gladly honoured the invitation without formal expression. But the king, who was taken aback when he saw him, asked: “Why, Sir Leonard? I did not expect to see you. How is it that you are here?” Wood was surprisingly embarrassed and queried: “Did not your majesty invite me to dine with you?” The king replied: “Yes, but you did not answer my invitation.” Then, Wood uttered: “A king’s invitation is never to be answered, but to be obeyed.”

This is the thrust of the matter - total obedience to God’s commandment. Moses knew the heartbeat of God and he made it clear to the Israelites. He reminded them of an event in their history which precisely was recorded in Numbers chapter 25, where people strayed away from God and started worshipping a false god called Baal at Peor. Some of the men went to commit whoredom with the Moabite women. Consequently, many died as a result of the plague the Lord sent among them; while others were killed by the priests. But those who did not worship Baal were kept alive. 

To avoid the reoccurrence of such a catastrophe, Moses implored the Israelites to obey God’s commandment without exception, maintaining that it was only then that they would remain alive in their new country. Their obedience, he equally emphasised, would prove to other nations that they had a great God.

The passage is instructive because even though the Israelites were a God-chosen people, God could not compromise His commandment. Today, many people delight themselves in the euphoria of being members of one Christian denomination or the other without any clear conviction of living a holy life. We should bear in mind that obedience to God cannot be compromised.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Obedience begets blessings.

***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt in the comments section below. Don't forget to SHARE 

Read More

Jubilation Unlimited: When Mountains Move...

OK, this month whether you believe it or not, whether you expect it or not, whether you know it or not, your mountains shall move and there shall be unlimited jubilation!!!

If you believe, say AMEN and share with everyone. Let this Spread!

Twitter Hashtag
#unlimitedjubilation

Read More

This is for the Month of JUNE: When Mountains Move

JUNE REVIVAL & MIRACLE PROGRAMME: WHEN MOUNTAINS MOVE

When Mountains Move, there will be joyous and jubilant Celebrations.

Read More