DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 A DAY LIKE A THOUSAND YEARS TEXT: LUKE 4:33-44

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018

A DAY LIKE A THOUSAND YEARS

TEXT: LUKE 4:33-44

KEY VERSE: “And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them” (Luke 4:42)

Moses’ and Apostle Peter’s statement that one thousand years in God’s sight is as momentary as a day (Psalm 90:4; 2 Peter 3:8) could hardly be understood by the finite mind. For how can a man who would not live up to one thousand years in his mortal state appreciate what a millennium is?

Examining a typical day in the life of our Lord, Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry would aid us to grasp, as it were, the concept of a thousand years as a day. Our Lord was always on the move, from one point to another, ministering to the needs of the people. In only twelve verses,

He is seen teaching, preaching, healing and delivering the tormented. In that sense, our limited sense of comprehension would be able to capture the enormity of the earthly work of the Messiah: He packs a thousand and one activities unto one day.

The Lord wants us to work tirelessly as He did, taking maximum advantage of the twenty-four hours God has given to us. We have the Holy Spirit to empower and teach us as we preach to the sinners. God has also provided us with massive Christian literature along with electronic materials. Above all, we are armed with the Holy Bible.

When we have, by the grace of God, done our part of the work – soul-winning, visitation and follow-up – we should not rest on our oars. Like Jesus, we must declare: “I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent” (verse 43). This way, we shall be heeding the commandment: “Occupy till I come”.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Soul-winning is the duty no true believer retires from
COVER to COVER: GENESIS 27-29.

PONDER:
1. This religious gentleman in the synagogue, perhaps a worker, was possessed with immoral demons and nobody knew. How many of such are in the pew and pulpit of many churches today. Oh, that the fire of Holy Spirit will search them out and deliver them.
2. Ask demons what they are afraid of most: their eternal punishment in hell v34. Unfortunately, they deceive human beings not to take hell serious.
3. What amazed the unclean spirit was the holiness of Jesus v34 and what amazed the sick and oppressed man was the power of Jesus v36. Each group amazed by what it lacks most. Know the need of sinners and present Jesus to them from that angle.
4. As a result of the stubborn nature of demons and sicknesses, the only language they understand is rebuke and authority. v35, 39, 41. If you use any other method, it will not work.
5. God does not need an unclean person to publicize or preach Him v35,41. Why?
6. A lesson from demons on follow up of converts: in most cases more than one demons possess/follow up their captives. United two are always more effective and not easily discouraged or defeated compared to one.

HYMN: Give me a double portion

1. Long ago in days of old, stood a man of God we're told,
As he talked to Elijah that day;
His request he did repeat, standing at Elijah's feet,
"A double portion" I can hear him say.

CHORUS:
Give me, Lord, a double portion, pour Thy Spirit on me,
Thru eyes of faith Thy wondrous works I can see,
But I need Thy helping hand, in this troubled, sinful land,
Give me, Lord, a double portion from Thee.

2. As Elijah stood that day, to Elisha he did say,
"Ask me what I shall do unto thee,"
And Elisha then replied, walking at Elijah's side,
"A double portion, let it fall on me."

3. Lord, I always to Thee, pray, just for strength from day to day,
But I see there's so much to be done,
That I have to kneel anew and this favor ask of you,
A double portion -- this fight must be won.

PRAYER POINT:
1. O Lord, send the fire of the Holy Ghost to search out all these possessed in Tue Church and deliver them.
2. Give me anointing and words of authority and faith over sicknesses and demons. Make me a terror to them.
3. Pray for God's visitation as of old and as in our text at the Sunday service.
4. Pray on each of the points above more fervently.