DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 27, 2018 SIMPLY BELIEVE TEXT: LUKE 4:15-22 Key Verse:

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

TUESDAY , FEBRUARY 27, 2018

SIMPLY BELIEVE

TEXT: LUKE 4:15-22

Key Verse: “And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?” (Luke 4:21,22)_

God called Isaiah to proclaim His message to the people. Though he spoke the truth, the people would not believe him, especially because much of his prophetic utterances were about judgement for their sins. Isaiah also prophesied extensively about the coming of the Messiah but the people still did not believe him.

In the text, the Scripture was being fulfilled right before the people. As Christ read the passage, “the eye of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.” He pointedly told them: “This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears”. The people knew that the application Jesus made was to Himself. They could accept Him as a good Teacher, but not as the Messiah. Outstanding miracles had taken place in Capernaum but the unbelief of the people of Nazareth robbed them of any miracle.

Certainly, God had been doing great and mighty works through local pastors and leaders. Do we acknowledge these gracious works and give glory to God? Nicodemus had rightly observed …”no man can do this miracle that thou doest except God be with him” (John 3:2b). Let us believe God’s prophets and teachers.

We run the risk of walking the path of unbelief like the Jews when we refuse to believe the word of God and the miracles being accomplished through the ministry of His dedicated ministers. The rash of heresies and the damnable practices going on in the name of God does not diminish the fact that He still works through His faithful ministers today. Our lot is to test the Spirit and know if it is of God. Once we find it to be so, especially through the mirror of His Word, we must believe unreservedly.

Unbelief is sin that robs people of God’s blessings but faith in the penitent who prays for forgiveness will result in his salvation and a deluge of other blessings. Live by faith in God.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: No one can please God without faith.
COVER to COVER: NUMBERS 8-10.

PONDER:
1. The man Jesus was not an illiterate. He could read, write and teach intelligently and logically v15, 16. Anointing and intellectualism complement each other.
2. The purpose of the anointing in Him is listed in v18,19. The "poor" refers to the meek Isaiah 61:1,2 and the poor in spirit Matthew 5:3. Prosperity preachers should note.
3. The 5 aspects of Christ's ministry in v18, except preaching, are not humanly possible without the Holy Spirit if we want to fulfil our ministries too.
4. Jesus claimed He was the fulfilment of the Messianic prophesy of Isaiah v21 and they could not deny this because of what He did in Capernaum v23.
5. However, their faith, to their peril, was dampened because of sentiments and familiarity v22.
6. In order to enjoy the blessings of faith, set aside all sentiments and simply believe the Word and His ministers.

HYMN: Simply Trusting Everyday (GHS 22)

1. Simply trusting every day;
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Chorus:
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by,
Trusting Him, whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

2. Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

3. Singing if my way be clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

4. Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth is past,
Till His gracious advent call,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I put all my trust and confidence in you as my Lord and Saviour. Safe me from sin and guilt.
2. Lord, I ask for the spirit of faith and trust in Your word to be ruling my heart.
3. Lord, I want to be doing the works of Jesus. Give me the anointing to be doing what He did.
4. Pour your anointing and Spirit of faith on your ministers in the Church and let the fruits of Jesus' anointing be manifest more and more in their ministries.