DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 ALWAYS THERE FOR HIS PEOPLE TEXT: ROMANS 11:1-12

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

ALWAYS THERE FOR HIS PEOPLE

TEXT: ROMANS 11:1-12

KEY VERSE: I say then, has God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin (Romans 11:1)

The Dark Ages entails when the Barbarian Attackers overthrew Rome, leaving such turmoil and devastation that the world thought Christianity itself had come to a fatal stage in its history, as learning and study of the Scripture sank to depressing depths. The Holy Spirit subdued

Rome's invaders with the biblical teaching of life after death and the attainment of eternity's endless joy if one believed in Jesus and renounced violence. Thus, Christianity did not die as feared when Rome was overrun.

When Paul wrote to the church in Rome, he assured the children of Israel that God was still at work, preserving a remnant of Israelites that were faithful to Him. He reminded them of the despondent Elijah who lamented that the children of Israel have forsaken His covenant and I, even I only, am left but God said: I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal.

Paul exemplified himself as a product of the grace of God. That same grace that brought the Gentiles into the rich commonwealth of Israel would come into play to restore Israel according to the plan of God, as the backslidden state of Israel would not be a permanent one as prophesied in the Scriptures but that Israel would be redeemed to take its rightful and ordained place.

God does not take pleasure in the perdition of the sinner. He went the extra mile to save him, sending His only begotten Son to pay the supreme price for the salvation of fallen man. No matter the depth the sinner has gone, God can reach out to him if he confesses, forsakes his sins and seek forgiveness from the Lord. He is also always there to protect His people in the face of destabilizing challenges (Matthew 16:18,19)

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God is our abiding Refuge and Strength.
COVER TO COVER: JOSHUA 1-4_

PONDER:
1. A whole nation may be under judgement and some individuals are spared by grace v1.
2. Elijah vs Jesus: One interceded *against* his persecutors (Israel), the other interceded *for* them when in pain. What kind of Spirit do you have? v3
3. Satan and the corruptible man can never outsmart God v4,5.
4. Rejection of light and the revealed will of God will judicially lead to darkness and manifestation of the will of Satan v8-11. Surrender to the will and the love of God for your life.

HYMN: His love can never fail (*google online for tune)

1. I do not ask to see the way
My feet will have to tread;
But only that my soul may feed
Upon the living Bread.
'Tis better far that I should walk
By faith close to His side;
I may not know the way I go, But oh, I know my Guide.

Refrain
His love can never fail, His love can never fail,
My soul is satisfied to know His love can never fail.
My soul is satisfied to know His love can never fail.

2. And if my feet would go astray,
They cannot, for I know
That Jesus guides my falt'ring steps,
As joyfully I go.
And tho' I may not see His face,
My faith is strong and clear,
That in each hour of sore distress
My Savior will be near. Refrain

3. I will not fear, tho' darkness come
Abroad o'er all the land,
If I may only feel the touch
Of His own loving hand.
And tho' I tremble when I think
How weak I am, and frail,
My soul is satisfied to know
His love can never fail. Refrain

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I hereby totally surrender to your will for my life. Let me never grope in the dark.
2. Lord, distinguish me by grace from the judgement on this nation. Make me an example of grace and mercy.
3. Give me grace to love and pray for my enemies like Jesus.
4. Lord, in your outsmarting wisdom and power, turn the counsel of the enemy of the gospel to foolishness in this nation.