ENCOURAGEMENT LINE

Spiritual Digest for the Day 30th Jan. 2015QUOTE FOR THE DAYYour worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. - Anonymous *******************BIBLE VERSE FOR THE DAY“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV)._________________Have a grace-full Friday!

DAILY MANNA.
Topic: Bowels Of Mercy In Prayers
TEXT: DANIEL 9:4-10
January 29th 2015.
Key verse "And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments" (Daniel 9:4).
Devotion
Prayer is the means and activity by which men align themselves with God's purpose. It does not consist in battering the walls of heaven for personal benefits.

Rather, it is committing ourselves to carrying out His purposes. It is not bending God's will but in bowing to His will to be done. If Christians spend as much time praying as they do grumbling, they would soon have nothing to grumble about.

God had promised the children of Israel that whenever they were taken captive into a strange land, if they would repent of their sins, He would remember them because of His covenant with Abraham. Daniel, on this account, took his countrymen's place by confessing their sins.

He acted as their representative and intercessory priest. Thus, he typifies the Messiah, the Sin-bearer and great Intercessor. If we fulfil our part of the bargain, God will not fail to fulfil His. He will be faithful to His people as He is to His word. He keeps covenant and not one iota of His promise shall fall to the ground.

Daniel pleaded for God's mercy and sued for the performance of His promise, knowing that their captivity was occasioned by sin. He took it upon himself to seek the face of God on behalf of his people so God could forgive their sins and end their calamities and captivity. To this sincere heartfelt prayer, God answered by sending an angel to disclose His mind to Daniel.

During prayer, we need to focus on God's greatness, goodness, majesty and mercy. Sin and Satan are ruining people's lives. There seems to be no hope for peace and progress. The church also is not spared the crisis as she daily suffers opposition from persecutor and false prophets.

This is the right time for true believers in Christ to arise like Daniel and intercede in prayer for God's mercy upon our world.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Prayer is the heart's sincere desire.

SEEK DAILY (NBC).
Thursday, January 29th.
2 Chronicles 7:11-18.
IF MY PEOPLE HUMBLE THEMSELVES.
If my people … will humble themselves and pray … then will I hear from heaven…. 2 Chronicles 7:15, CEVHumility is a key that can open many locked doors. In an establishment, a middle aged man met an old woman carrying a hold-all bag that was apparently too big for her. The man quickly assisted her and took the bag to the elevator that carried the woman to the floor she was going. He didn’t know that she was the eldest sister of the CEO. The woman informed his brother of her helper’s humility and at the next promotion exercise, he got a lifting. It is the same with God. He has stated categorically that humility is a condition for getting all we need and ask for in prayer. With pride, nothing can be achieved. God knows and searches our hearts. He can’t be deceived. Today’s lesson is, therefore, another reminder that we all need to retrace our steps and go back to Him who can order our lives as an individual, family, church and nation to a desired end. Be not proud but be humble to get your wishes before God and man.• Birthday Blessing: Never again will I turn my back on the people of Israel, and my Spirit will live in them. I, the LORD, have spoken. Ezekiel 39:29Read Bible Through Passage: Ex. 17, 18, 19; Matt. 21:1-27If the work be done in Christ’s name, the honour is due to His name - Matthew Henry.

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Wednesday, January 28th 2015.
Luke 18:9-14.
Topic: HUMILITY BEFORE GOD... if you put yourself above others, you will be put down. Luke 18:14b, CEV
It is strange how some people display subtle arrogance and pride before the Lord of heaven and earth—the epitome of beauty in humility. It is ridiculous how some who claim to be children of God parade their years of encounter with God as collateral for making heaven. Such are quick to present their spiritual curriculum vitae at every opportune occasion. Some are even so proud that they cannot participate in a fellowship where a younger believer is leading. Their claim is that younger believers lack the experience and do not have the word useful for them. This is sheer ‘spiritual’ arrogance!
The tax collector could not lift up his eyes to God because he was aware of his limitations whereas the Pharisee felt too righteous and familiar with God. The Pharisee had no sense of awe for God and, thus, lost His approval, but, the tax collector realized his unworthiness and pleaded for mercy. He was pardoned and justified!
Beloved, pride goes before destruction. Humble yourself before the Lord for He resists the proud.
• Birthday Blessing: ...You and your descendants will live in peace and safety, with nothing to fear. Jeremiah 46:27
Read Bible Through Passage: Ex. 15, 16; Matt. 20
Some never get started on their destiny course because they cannot humble themselves to learn, grow, and change. - Casey Treat.