DAILY MANNA
Thursday, 08 September, 2016
Text: EZRA 10:6-8
KeyVerse: "Then Ezra rose up from be- fore the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned be- cause of the transgression of them that had been carried away" (Ezra 10:6).
Conversion means separation from the course and custom of the world, and devoting one's life to the conduct of the word of God.
It is a complete turnaround and return to the centre of His will and original convictions from which mankind have deviated.
The children of Israel in captivity had, before this time, mixed with the people of the land, adopted their customs and inter- married, in contradiction to divine directives.
To this, Ezra became deeply concerned and influenced the people to turn to their original convictions.
Our weeping for other people's sins has the capacity to break down those who otherwise would have continued shamelessly in their backslidden state.
When Ezra, a scribe, scholar and man in authority under the king, so deeply lamented public corruption, the people concluded that they were indeed very grievous.
This drew sincere tears and heart-felt repentance from them.
What a great influence the good examples of superiors have on their subordinates.
The case is plain; as Christians, we must influence others to undo what has been done amiss.
Nothing less than this is true conversion.
Refusing to comply exposes the errant to severe consequences.
Realization with heart-felt remorse and godly sorrow for sin is the powerful key to repentance and full restoration.
No matter how far one may have gone from the centre- point of the perfect will of God, He is willing to have him reconciled to Him.
Refusal to amend the evil ways may lead to eternal exclusion from God's favour.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Revelling in sin is a waiting disaster.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 105 - 106
Thursday, 08 September, 2016
Repentance That Counts
Text: EZRA 10:6-8
KeyVerse: "Then Ezra rose up from be- fore the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned be- cause of the transgression of them that had been carried away" (Ezra 10:6).
Conversion means separation from the course and custom of the world, and devoting one's life to the conduct of the word of God.
It is a complete turnaround and return to the centre of His will and original convictions from which mankind have deviated.
The children of Israel in captivity had, before this time, mixed with the people of the land, adopted their customs and inter- married, in contradiction to divine directives.
To this, Ezra became deeply concerned and influenced the people to turn to their original convictions.
Our weeping for other people's sins has the capacity to break down those who otherwise would have continued shamelessly in their backslidden state.
When Ezra, a scribe, scholar and man in authority under the king, so deeply lamented public corruption, the people concluded that they were indeed very grievous.
This drew sincere tears and heart-felt repentance from them.
What a great influence the good examples of superiors have on their subordinates.
The case is plain; as Christians, we must influence others to undo what has been done amiss.
Nothing less than this is true conversion.
Refusing to comply exposes the errant to severe consequences.
Realization with heart-felt remorse and godly sorrow for sin is the powerful key to repentance and full restoration.
No matter how far one may have gone from the centre- point of the perfect will of God, He is willing to have him reconciled to Him.
Refusal to amend the evil ways may lead to eternal exclusion from God's favour.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Revelling in sin is a waiting disaster.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PSALM 105 - 106
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