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​Daily Manna Mon, 17 Oct, 2016

Be Careful Of What You Say

Text: TITUS 3:1-8

KeyVerse: “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men” (Titus 3:2).

One of the most cherished human rights is “freedom of expression” – having the liberty to express oneself without fear. Many however misjudge this freedom to think that it includes the liberty to malign, falsely accuse and slander others. This has caused many conflicts that have created bitter enmity among many. Most common in the wrong use of this freedom is the way most people talk about the government and people in position of authority. Many times, people who criticize do not have the correct fact on the things they comment about, but pick up rumours and hear- say. Unfortunately, many so-called Christians indulge in this uncharitable behaviour as well. Our text today spells out the expected conduct of the believer. We are not to be uncharitable in the way we use our words. The Bible forbids us from speaking evil of anyone, regardless of who the person is. Christians are expected to show forth good examples for others to follow in the society. They must give due respect and honour to those in authority. Our responsibility as believers is to say nothing ill about them, whether they do well or not. Rather, the Scripture enjoins us to pray for them and obey them in all they instruct us to do as long as it does not conflict with our Christian faith. Apart from those in authority, we should not speak evil of anyone at all. Many times, Christians forget that they were once graceless and had lived the same way sinners do. It is the grace of God in a Christian’s life that makes him different from a sinner. In fact, some believers would have been worse off! Instead of being critical of others, we should pray for them and more importantly, be careful to maintain good works for all to see. Nothing is as challenging and convincing as a manifestly exemplary life. We can model through our lifestyle what we expect from others.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Do good, talk good, see good and expect good!

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: ISAIAH 46 – 50

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OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL…

DATE : MONDAY 17th OCTOBER 2016

THEME : I KNOW YOUR WORKS II

Memorise:

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches. Revelation 2:29

Read: Revelation 2:8-11, (KJV)

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

MESSAGE

The Almighty Father knows all that we do, nothing we do is hidden from Him. This should make us rejoice because it means that our Master knows our works, (assuming that our works are good) and He will appreciate and commend us for them. In other words, even if people don’t appreciate us or if they misunderstood us, God never misunderstoods. In Revelation 2:9, the Lord sent a message of goodwill to the Church in Smyrna:

“I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

There are beautiful things to note from the above scripture: Jesus knows about the tribulation we are passing through. Little wonder one of the saints of old wrote a hymn titled: “There’s not a Friend like the Lowly Jesus.” The Chorus reads:

Jesus knows all about our struggles,

He will guide till the day is done;

There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,

No, not one! No, not one!

Another interesting thing about today’s Bible reading is the courage that the Master gave to the Church in Smyrna. He said: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer….be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Beloved, this is a message from Jesus, the Lover of your soul. Before this time, in John 16:33, Jesus made a categorical statement void of ambiguity.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Jesus further assured us of the great reward of escaping the second death if we will strive to overcome (Revelation 2:11). May the Lord help us to overcome in Jesus’ name.

Prayer point:

Father, strengthen my inner man so that I may stand strong till the very end.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR : Hosea 1-5 and Psalms 80:1-7

AUTHOR : Pst E. A ADEBOYE

HYMN 4: TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE

1. Take my life, and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;

Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

2. Take my hands, and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love;

Take my feet and let them be

Swift and beautiful for Thee,

Swift and beautiful for Thee.

3. Take my voice, and let me sing

Always, only, for my King;

Take my lips, and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee,

Filled with messages from Thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold;

Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my intellect, and use

Every power as Thou shalt choose,

Every power as Thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will, and make it Thine;

It shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart; it is Thine own;

It shall be Thy royal throne,

It shall be Thy royal throne.

6. Take my love; my Lord, I pour

At Thy feet its treasure-store.

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for Thee,

Ever, only, all for Thee.