GLEANS - COME AND DINE

GLEANS/NOV MBS/2018/26112018

TOPIC: COME AND DINE

John 21:6-14, Genesis 18:1-8, Exodus 24:9, Luke 12:35-37, 22:16,18,28, Revelation 2:7,17, 19:6-9

Jesus said unto them come and dine. It was a great privilege for them to eat, dine and drink with Jesus.

It was an open door not just for his disciples to come and dine but for them to have fellowship.

Christ said if we go to glory he shall serve his own.

When they were eating and he said come and dine it was not a product of their hands.

Jesus after his resurrection appears to his disciples and concludes by saying come and dine

• Ø Assurance of salvation
• Ø Testimony of old
• Ø Sign of communion
• Ø Establishment of friendship
• Ø Sharing of power
• Ø Transmission of strength
• Ø Impartation of Christ’s heavenly virtue
• Ø Preview of future

POINT 1: THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE COMMAND OF THE RISEN CHRIST

Luke 5:4; Matthew 4:18;  John 21:21; John 21:15; Revelation 2:4; Luke 9:60-62; Mark 16:15; Matthew 22:42; Revelation 3:2-3;16:15; Matthew 28:20

And he said unto them “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”

‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God’, that should be your number one priority

What Jesus demanded before the cross has not changed, His commandment has not changed.

POINT 2: THE CARE AND THE CONCERN OF THE REVEALED CHRIST

John 21:7; 1 Kings 19:5-8, Luke 22:35, Hebrews 13:5-6,8, Psalm 34:9-10, 37:3,25, 81:10,13-16, 84:10-11, Romans 8:32, Philippians 4:19, 2 Peter 1:3-4

The Lord is assuring us that Christ will provide for all his people.

The disciples were discouraged and Christ came and provided for them.

Jesus was concerned about his disciples and He is still concerned about us.

God will turn our expectation to realization.

POINT 3: THE CALL AND THE COMPASSION OF THE RISEN CHRIST

John 21:12; Acts 10:40; John 4:10;7:37; Romans 14:17; 

Jesus commanded us to preach to the people. He is calling us today to come and dine.

Christ will supply all your needs.

DAILY MANNA - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2018

THE GOOD OLD PATH

TEXT: JEREMIAH 6:9-17.

🔑KEY VERSE: "Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein" (JEREMIAH 6:16).

The search for truth and discovery of the ultimate path to life is a universal quest. Wise men in all ages have tried with varying degrees of frustrations to figure out the right paths for themselves and their societies. These had led to the founding of different religious beliefs, social philosophies and ideologies, which have filled the world today with confusion.

The responsibility of everyone is to search out the true path to life and peace, which God has approved for mankind. The focus of our reflection today is the failure of the children of Israel to continue in the good old path which God established for them through unchanging covenants with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob instead of pursuing the vain worship of the heathen.

We owe it a duty to ourselves and to posterity to know Christ Jesus, who made an indisputable declaration that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He presented himself preeminently to concerned seekers of the truth. We should also reveal Him to people around us. This is the only way the world can be saved and men encouraged to walk the good old path.

It is disheartening that while Prophet Jeremiah urged the people of Israel to walk the good paths and find rest for their souls, they rebuffed this plead and persuasion bluntly, telling him: "we will not walk therein" (Jeremiah 6:16). We must never think nor behave like them.

God has promised to pour out His anger and fury of those who will not walk in His approved path. Save yourself the trauma of unbelief and rebellion. Believe and walk with Jesus now and always.

✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY No alternative to the old path. Only the wise tread it.  

COVER TO COVER: JAMES.

DAILY MANNA - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018

TOPIC: GRACEFUL RESPONSE TO OFFENDERS 
TEXT MATTHEW 17:22-27.

🔑KEY VERSE "Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee" (MATTHEW 17:27).

The contemporary world is a pervasive one, full of offences orchestrated by Satan and his cohorts. Christ Jesus who is the Master and Governor of the whole universe, had warned His disciples that offences must come, but woe to that person through whom they are meted out. The Christian position on offences, like our Lord remarked in the text, is that the believer should not allow it become a working tool in Satan's hands. We must avoid it.

The believer should be circumspect in every situation and ensure that he does not encourage any strife between his neighbour and himself at home, workplace or business centre, on the street or anywhere. The Lord has called us unto peace. He exemplified it in spite of the numerous avowed enemies that ganged up against Him during His earthly ministry.

Taking a non-vengeful stance in our relationship with others does not mean we are to become a jelly-fish, ready to compromise with offenders in all situations. Never at all! Christ our Lord was resolute in His pursuit of God's will for His life and ministry. He never allowed His detractors to undo Him from God's purpose. We must prayerfully and wisely pursue peace with offenders. God will provide all the needed grace and wisdom to know when to answer fools according to their folly and when not to answer them.

However, we are in the permissive world of offences. All we need is grace and wisdom to live with the challenges life presents and be determined to overcome in all things, until we receive the royal welcome from the Master at the pearly gates of heaven.

✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY To enjoy peace and spiritual health, be peaceful to all, especially offenders .    

COVER TO COVER: ACTS 11-12.

GLEANS - ANOTHER INFALLIBLE PROOF OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

GLEANS/NOV MBS/2018/19112018

TOPIC: ANOTHER INFALLIBLE PROOF OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION

John 21:1 – 11; Acts 1:1; 10:39

The gospel according to John spends much time talking about the resurrection and post resurrection events of Jesus.

Christ is risen. If He were not risen, we would not go about doing what we do. It is through the resurrection we have forgiveness, reconciliation and peace with God.

POINT 1: THE CONSEQUENCE OF DRIFTING FROM THE REVEALED COMMISSION

John 21:1; 20:19 – 21; 17:17; Luke 9:59 – 62; Galatians 2:18; Leviticus 26:20; Micah 3:6; Psalms 119:59

The disciples drifted away from a commission Jesus gave them after resurrection. Question is: what is the commission? He gave them just one thing to do: as the Father sent Him, so sent He them. The Lord had reminded and reaffirmed them over and over again His commission to them. The drifting step they took was inexcusable.

Peter was personally guilty of disobeying the heavenly vision, and doubly guilty of abandoning the congregation. The other disciples became thoughtlessly disobedient after hearing Peter’s public declaration of going a fishing. You cannot blame others if you drift.

The others did not remind Peter what the Lord had said, they didn’t restrain, recover, recharge, rebuke him.

That night, they caught nothing. Were it not for the mercies of God, they would have been or forgotten and noting written about them.

They were walking contrary to the calling and commission of Christ. That’s why they caught nothing.

Check up your life. Are things not working out for you anymore? Do you treat yourself and get sick again? You must recollect and find out in which way you are drifting from his revealed commission to you. You must at point in time recollect and see if you have drifted, that may be the reason things are not going on well.

If there is a Peter there who is drifting, help him, and recover him. Don’t be so afraid of his status, and don’t follow him either.

POINT 2: THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE DIRECTIVES OF THE RISEN CHRIST

John 21:6; Luke 5:4; Matthew 21:6; Mark 7:7; Luke 6:56, 21;

We see that the disciples left their calling and went to catch fish. But Jesus went to them and performed a miracle such that "...For all there were so many, yet was not the net broken." Jesus performed this miracle again to remind them about what happened at the beginning where Peter testified "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing."

Never forget what happened at the beginning of your calling. If you go back, then the result will be that Christ will walk contrary to you as you have walked contrary to him.

The risen Lord calls us from all unassigned labors else we will receive nothing.

If we love the Lord, we will keep His word.

POINT 3: THE COMPENSATION FOR DEVOTION TO THE REIGNING CHRIST

John 21:6, 11; Matthew 8:9; John 2:5; Acts 4:18; James 1:22; 1 Peter 1:14, 1 John 3:22;5:2,18, Zechariah 2:5-7

Their prompt obedience was promptly rewarded. Obedience to the risen, reigning Christ is reward-able. "... Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it" should be our attitude if truly we are disciples under His authority.

As we are always at the point of duty, the wicked one will not touch us.

Christ is risen and since from that time he wanted to reign over those of his disciples. Christ is going to address every one of us after the rapture. Christ is the lord, the king and ruler. He has authority over all. Anyone who discourages one about Christ is a hater of Christ. Christ has giving us instruction that once drifted we will drift no more.

DAILY MANNA - MONDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2018

FAITH WORKS!

TEXT: 1 KINGS 17:8-16.

🔑KEY VERSE: "Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee" (1 KINGS 17:9).

Famine or economic downturn in human history is ancient and recurrent. Abraham, with his son and grandson, Isaac and Jacob respectively, had their own experiences of this unpleasant situation. However, the fact is that God gave each of them victory.

The text reveals another episode of famine in the land of Israel. The whole nation, including the prophet of God, felt the devastation which this calamity unleashed on the people. The divine providence that brought Elijah the prophet, the widow of Zarephath and her household out of famine is the focus of our reflection this day.

Elijah obeyed God's instruction that he should go to Zarephath and dwell there for his sustenance. The widow on her part, obeyed with adorable submission, the word and instruction of the prophet to provide a little cake. And the God of miracle multiplied the meagre flour and oil of the poor woman into a store house of food that sustained them all. "And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah and she and he (Elijah) and her house, did eat many days".

Faith in the living God and obedience to His faithful servants will fetch us all our needed miracles in life. Indeed, faith in Christ can enable us soar over all problematic situations. The force and effect of faith in action are quite observable in the lives of trusting saints. Faith fixes all things for us, including food in famine. True! We can all feed fat in famine when we obey God's word and stay where He has provided for our succour.

✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: All we need in life is in Jesus. He satisfies adequately.

COVER TO COVER: ACTS 9-10

GLEANS - ACCESSING ABRAHAM'S BLESSINGS BY FAITH

GLEANS/NOV SWS/2018/18112018

TOPIC: ACCESSING ABRAHAM’S BLESSINGS BY FAITH

Genesis 28:13 – 15; Galatians 3:6

Human beings will cease to exist someday, but God is everlasting. Abraham did something that impressed God, and God made a covenant with him.

The life of Abraham is a challenge to believers across all ages. His love for God, patience, sacrifice, prayers, spirituality remain a source of inspiration.

Our prayer as believers is to leave this world with God’s commendation. Every action attracts a blessing or a repercussion.

POINT 1: THE CALL OF ABRAHAM

Genesis 12:1; Isaiah 51:1, 2; Matthew 11:28

Everything has a beginning. It is not enough to just sing “Abraham’s blessings are mine”. God is a God of conditions. He is organized. Abraham did something that made God to bless Him. If we seek Abraham’s blessings, we must do the deeds of Abraham.

Abraham was at the beginning an idolater.  He and his people didn’t know God. So, God called him out of his people to make him a symbol of glory a door of blessing to the world. Abraham responded promptly. That’s what we must all do as well. He was called to follow God and live a life of faith.

Scriptures enjoins us to emulate the faith life of Abraham.

A similar call comes to us today. Jesus says “come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.

POINT 2: THE OBEDIENCE OF ABRAHAM

Genesis 12:4; 22:1 – 3, 10 – 18; Isaiah 1:18

When God called Abraham, he didn’t delay. He moved immediately.

Even when God tried Him and asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac, he departed to the place God told him. He left early in the morning. He obeyed promptly.

Abraham’s love for God was practical.

To access the blessings of Abraham, you must love God. Abraham was willing to give God the best that he had. We are request to give God out time, skills, talents and all we have.

POINT 3: THE BLESSINGS OF ABRAHAM AND HIS GENERATIONS

Genesis 17:1 – 2, 22; Psalms 112:1 – 3; 2 Corinthians 2:9; Galatians 3:13; Hebrews 11:8 – 10; 1 Peter 2:9

God released His blessings on Abraham, and the blessings were to go beyond his generations.

To get into God’s storehouse, one must apply faith. When you make up your mind to succeed, God comes to your aid.

Serving God and living a holy life is not a waste. All those who served God faithfully were never unblessed. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law.

Some of the blessings of Abraham include:

• Peace with God;
• Purity;
• Prosperity;
• Protection;
• Power;
• Progress;
• Paradise.

DAILY MANNA - SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2018

DAILY MANNA SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2018

HOLINESS

TEXT: PSALMS 101:1-8

KEY VERSE: "I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart" (PSALMS 101:2).

Sometimes, people wonder what constitutes holy living. "If I say I am holy, what does this mean?", they ask. To some, holiness is a kind of abstract experience which is difficult to grasp or explain. They think it only exists in the heart and in dogma, but impracticable. They rule out the possibility of holy living in this present world.

Our passage however gives us a practical definition and demonstration of holiness. It shows that it is a reality and quite possible in the life of every Christian. King David made a clear decision backed up by a strong determination to be holy. His holiness affected his association and relationships. He had nothing to do with the ungodly who is wicked, deceitful and boastful. He only kept company and did business with the faithful who walk in a perfect way.

Though the Lord has graciously made adequate provision for our holiness, we can not possess it without our willingness and determination. Holy living is the practical responsibility of every believer. We must make a daily determination to be holy both in our secret and public lives.
We cannot expect to be holy in our minds and thoughts if we continually gaze on unclean things on the TV, Internet, handsets or literature that we read. Holiness will not only affect our attitude, character and conduct, but also our associations. We cannot successfully maintain a daily holy life if our intimate associates are ungodly. Their sinful lifestyle will certainly rub off on us. When we seek close friendship only with the Christlike, it helps us safeguard our experience. However, we must understand that salvation precedes holiness and without it, the holiness experience becomes a mirage.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God’s grace and personal resolve promote holy living
COVER to COVER: ACT 7 - 8
BIBLE ACCOUNTS AS THEY OCCURRED

GLEANS - A LIFETIME OF DIVINE HEALING

GLEANS/NOV MRP/2018/DAY 2

TOPIC: A LIFETIME OF DIVINE HEALING

Exodus 23:20 – 25; Deuteronomy 34:7: 33:25 – 28; 3 John 1:2

Show me the time and where Abraham, Noah, Moses, Joshua and all those men and women of God were ever sick. They were all up and running even at old age. We will all be up and running for the Lord in Jesus name.

For the sick, there is good news. There is a provision for healing for everyone. Disease and infirmity will not cut short your life in Jesus name.

“And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.” (Deu 34:7) His spiritual eyes were not dim. He could still see the future of Israel. His natural strength was not abated, even so, his natural strength was not abated.

POINT 1: THE CONDITION OF LIFETIME DIVINE HEALING

Exodus 15:26: Deuteronomy 7:12, 15; Job 11:13 – 19; John 5:5 – 8, 14

God is faithful, but according to His terms and condition. “If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee”. We must pay attention to what God is saying no matter what others are saying and do what we have heard Him say. When we make our personal choices, He becomes our personal God, our personal Healer. Then, only what comes from heaven shall we have.

POINT 2: HIS COMMITMENT TO OUR LASTING DIVINE HEALTH

Jeremiah 33:6, 3, 9;8:21 – 22; 17:5; Proverbs 3:7, 8; 4:20; Isaiah 58:1 – 8.

God has committed Himself eternally to our health. He never refused to heal anyone that came to Him seeking health. He had compassion on those that were not Jews and healed them. He has compassion on those that are not saved and heals them. How much more His own? Our Great Physician is always there. The problem is with us, we don’t call upon Him, we are not trusting Him. When we turn around from trusting on the arms of flesh and trusting in God only, a change will come.  

How can we enjoy this health? “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” When we saturate our hearts with the word of God and not looking at our present challenge, when we hold on to the promises of God, we will enjoy divine health.

No sickness shall hold you down.

POINT 3: THE CONFIRMATION OF LONG LIFE AND DESIRABLE WHOLENESS.

Deuteronomy 4:39, 40; 6:1, 2; 17:18 – 20; Proverbs 3:1, 2; 10:27; 28:16; Ephesians 6:1 – 3; Psalms 91:1 - 16

To prolong your life, keep the words of God, do them. It is not enough to just know them or preach them. Do them!

The Bible contains the secret to health, success, dominion, power. People leave their Bibles at home and run to the mountains and other places looking for things, whereas all they are looking for are in the Bible. The Bible contains all that you need.

THE SUPERNATURAL WONDERS OF OUR MIGHTY GOD

GLEANS FROM NOVEMBER 2018 MONTHLY REVIVAL PROGRAMME

DAY ONE, MESSAGE ONE

Topic: THE SUPERNATURAL WONDERS OF OUR MIGHTY GOD.

Exodus 15:11

Pharaoh realized that the God the Israelites serve is a God of wonders. The God we serve is a God of wonders.

When the Israelites sang “Who is like thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like unto thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”, it is because they saw the

•        i.            Wonder of His word.
•     ii.            Wonder of His willingness.
•   iii.            Wonder of His welfare.
•   iv.            Wonder of His warfare.
•      v.            Wonder of His weapon.
•   vi.            Wonder of His wealth.
• vii.            Wonder of His welcome.

POINT 1: THE WONDER OF LIBERATION AND FREEDOM FROM SUFFERING

Exodus 15:3

The children of Israel had been under the affliction of Pharaoh and they suffered. They cried unto the Lord, then He sent Moses and said “enough is enough”. God is saying today “enough is enough”. The Lord is here. Wipe your tears, whatever you’re suffering from, it is coming to an end today.

Moses went to pharaoh and said “let my people go!” Pharaoh wasn’t ready to release them. Well, whether they do it voluntarily or otherwise, you are going out. Whatever they do or say, you are coming out.

God used a variety of weapons until pharaoh is broken. Although he wouldn’t agree for the women and children to go. But Moses wouldn’t oblige. And so it is, all the women and children today must be set free as well! Amen!

On the cross, Jesus said “it is finished!”. Every satanic manipulation is finished today.

Point 2: THE WONDER OF SALVATION AND FREEDOM FROM SIN.

Exodus 15:2, 11 – 18.

The children of Israel not only had freedom from bondage and suffering only. The also had salvation.

They said “The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.” (Exo 15:2) The children of Israel were inside the well and captivity of sin. They wanted to come out by themselves but couldn’t until the Lord brought them out to His righteousness. Hence, the Lord became their salvation.

Sin is like poison. Every time you take it, it kills you. If you want the Lord to save you, you have to drop the bottle of sin you have been taken. When God forgives your sins, He says “go and sin no more”. After we are saved, we don’t go back to our old places lifestyle and habits. After we come to know the Lord, we find a Bible believing church, where the Lord is and worship there. We “prepare him an habitation”. This means that He begins to live in us. Then we “exalt Him” by proclaiming Him among our friends.

The wonder of salvation came at a price – the vicarious death of Jesus. His blood purchased us.

The Lord will reign in our lives forever and ever.

Point 3: THE WONDER OF HEALING AND FREEDOM FROM SICKNESS

Exodus 15:26

God’s healing covenant with us is ”for I am the LORD that healeth thee.” On the basis of that, every blind eye will open, arthritis will vanish, every pain will be healed. He is the forever existing I AM THAT I AM. He is healing in the present tense, not just in the past tense. Whatsoever He says, fulfillment is coming.  

You must however “diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes”, then He will do His part. He never fails. Amen.

DAILY MANNA - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018

REWARD OF PIETY

TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 20: 24-34.

🔑KEY VERSE: "Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness?" (1 SAMUEL 20:30).

When we speak, the state of our heart is revealed, whether it is good or evil. Though the human mind may not be read accurately, words from the mouth with corresponding actions from the heart's meditations adequately reveal the yearnings and the intent of the heart.

This statement seems to find relevance in our text today. David was convinced that Saul had evil intentions against him but Jonathan was doubtful of it. The vicious remarks and reactions of Saul to David's good intentions betrayed the evil in his heart. In the opening verses, we cannot fail to notice the reverence with which jonathan related with his father. He stood up while the king came in to have his seat at the table. David did not show up at the religious sacrifice. An intuitive feeling of danger kindled by providence made him to flee into hiding that night.

Saul was secure from his knowledge of David's constancy, that he could not have kept himself away from religious duties without an acceptable cause. This comment by Saul is a remarkable tribute to David's fidelity to holy principles and a challenge to every Christian today (1 Peter 2:12). Holy and righteous principle in life and conduct is our sure route of escape from divine wrath and judgement.

Avoid self-management. Cling to that which is righteous, holy and pious. Let it be written concerning you that you display the rarest of virtues, because of your abiding relationship with Christ.

✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Godly virtues secure.

COVER TO COVER: ACTS 1-3.

DAILY MANNA - THURSDAY 15TH NOVEMBER, 2018

SEEK THE LORD

TEXT: ZEPHANIAH 2:1-15.

🔑KEY VERSE: "Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgement; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger" (ZEPHANIAH 2:3).

Our God is merciful; yet, He is a God of judgement. He has reserved a day in which He would judge the world for her wickedness. Jesus established the certainty of this end-time judgement: "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven... and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" (Matthew 24:30,31).

Verses 4 to 15 of the text explains the inevitability of God's judgement upon nations that made themselves enemies of Judah. Similarly, God's judgement upon all categories of sinners and backsliders all over the world is imminent. "The great day of the Lord is near, it is near; and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly" (Zephaniah 1:14).

The only escape route from the imminent indignation is to "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon (Isaiah 55:6,7). Mercy and pardon awaits every person who comes to the Lord in genuine repentance.

Sinners should repent and turn away from their sins and come to Him with a broken and contrite heart to receive forgiveness and pardon. It is dangerous to face the awful judgement of God!

✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Seek God to avoid His wrath.   

COVER TO COVER: LUKE 24. JOHN 20-21.

DAILY MANNA - TUESDAY 13TH NOVEMBER, 2018

PERMANENCE OF GOD'S LAW
TEXT: EXODUS 21:12-25.

🔑KEY VERSE: "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe" (EXODUS 21:24,25).

Jesus teaches on retaliation in (Matthew 5:38-39). He states, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also". This was not a wanton repudiation of the law, but masterful review to moderate interpersonal relationships amongst brethren.

In our text, we read of the Mosaic laws and punishment pertaining to fighting, murder, sales of human beings and miscarriage caused by another. It concludes in verses 24, 25, "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe".

The Lord's authority confirms His message of the Scripture. God does not change, and neither does His word or will. The moral laws are still abiding on us. Jesus emphasized finality of the word of God: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil". The Law and the prophets refer to the Old Testament. The first five books of the Bible are referred to as the Law. The judicial law is the penalty for breaking the laws of not loving God and man, which will lead the offender to make a sacrifice or be punished.

Jesus came to fulfil the law and not to destroy it. Therefore, all believers must obey these laws. Do to others as you want them to do unto you. How long do you want people to love and accept you? Do so to them. In summary, the laws talk about love for God and neighbour. React to your neighbour in a way that their dignity is not taken away. You cannot overlook the law in your dealings and journey to eternity. The laws are given to us and would be used to judge us.

✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY God's word and judgement abideth forever.   

COVER TO COVER: LUKE 23. JOHN 18-19.

Gleans from MBS/12112018 - BELIEVING THE REPORT OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION.

TOPIC: BELIEVING THE REPORT OF CHRIST'S RESURRECTION.
John 24: 24 - 31, Hebrews 10:25

Thomas was not in the meeting when the Lord first appeared to His disciples after He resurrected. He simply did not believe the testimony of his friends. He insisted that he had to see the Lord and prove that indeed He was the risen Lord by putting his hands in the nail prints and the wound by His side. That is why the Scriptures enjoins us... "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching"  (Heb 10:25)
He missed out the experience of seeing the Lord, the evidence of the resurrection, the impartation, the endowment, the extraordinary presence of the risen Christ in the midst of the disciples.
There are people that act like Thomas. "as the manner of some is".

POINT 1: THE INEXCUSABLE FAITHLESSNESS IN CHRIST'S RESURRECTION
John 20:24 - 27; Matthew 28:25; Luke 24:25, 30 - 35; Matthew 16:21; 17:22; 24:35; 1 Corinthians 15:5; John 5:38; 8:24; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Timothy 2:11; Hebrews 3:12
The unbelief of Thomas was unjustified and inexcusable. The resurrection of Jesus was attested to by the angels. The angels reported the angels' testimony and Jesus' as well. The disciples, on their way to Emmaus also encountered the risen Lord and brought report back to the 11. Jesus gave indisputable evidences that He was risen.
Apart from that, before His death, Jesus had revealed and proclaimed to them severally that He would be killed but would rise again on the third day. Even if no one had seen the risen Lord, Thomas should have believed the words of Christ. "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled" (Mat 24:34)
Question is: What if Jesus didn't have mercy on him? He would have remained in unbelief concerning the resurrection of Christ. If he had died without believing that Jesus rose again from the dead, he would have perished.
There are many people who do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus and do so to their destruction.


POINT 2: OUR INDISPENSABLE FAITH IN CHRIST'S RESURRECTION
John 20:28, 29; Hebrews 11:1, 27; Romans 4:18; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 2:20
Eventually, Thomas believed and declared Jesus "my Lord and my God"
Real faith is believing before you see.
Don't change your mind on the promises of God based on things you see on the contrary. You cannot both walk by faith and by sight simultaneously.

POINT 3: OUR INEXHAUSTIBLE FULLNESS THROUGH CHRIST'S RESURRECTION
John 20:30, 31; Philippians 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 4: 14; 1 Peter 1: 8; Romans 10:9; 1 Peter 1:21; Acts 2:33; 3:15; 2 Corinthians 5:14
Our new life depends so much on the resurrection of Jesus. Ephesians 2: 5, 6.
You have to believe in the resurrection of Christ before we can identify and reign with Him and also have His power. We also get the fullness of blessings and benefits.
Jesus died, was buried and rose again. His resurrection grants us all spiritual benefits and eventually heaven at last.

DAILY MANNA - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018

THE FIRE WE NEED
TEXT: ACTS 13:1-12.

🔑KEY VERSE: "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them" (ACTS 13:2).

The remedy for a church that would budge is FIRE - the Holy Ghost fire. Have you ever watched a little boy trying to get a big old turtle to move? The more he coaxes it, the slower it goes. He then gets his stick and tries to club it. What does the turtle do? It just pulls its head, feet and tail inside its shell for a spell. It just sits there. The little boy gets one corner of the old turtle and props it up with a stick. Then runs to get some matches. He lights the match and holds it under the old turtle. Immediately, things will start happening. If you think a turtle can't go fast, light up a match stick under brother turtle and watch him fly.

In the text, the Holy Ghost gave Barnabas and Saul a special mandate (Acts 13:2). So, they being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed for the assignment. At Paphos, they met a sorcerer, false prophet and a Jew, who attempted to withstand them and the salvation of the deputy. Then Saul, filled with the power of the Holy Ghost, cast blindness on him. The deputy believed and was astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

The promised power of the Holy Ghost is given by God the Father to the believer who is thirsty. Christ told the disciples about the promise of the Father while He was with them. The point is, as a believer, there are certain revelations you will never receive and impartations you will never get until the Spirit of God comes into your life.

As a certified believer who wants to be extraordinary in the hands of the Almighty, you need the Spirit's power and fire in your life. Desire, pray earnestly for it and watch it overwhelm you, like the disciples in Christ's day. With this fire, you will truly begin to enjoy your relationship with God in the fullness of the Spirit.

✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Fire sets ablaze; get baptised in the Holy Ghost.   

COVER TO COVER: MATTHEW 27. MARK 15.