Family Archives - My Manna

Social Status

MyManna — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 22:00:30 +0000

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”Ephesians 2:19.

A great deal of friction and enmity is generated by those who see themselves as superior to others-
– by virtue of their race, religion, or social status.

Such attitudes destroy peace between individuals, communities, and even nations.

The early church confronted this problem when it addressed the status of non-Jewish believers.

These Gentiles had been excluded from the commonwealth of Israel with all its privileges and covenants-
– so it was easy to view them as second-class citizens in the church despite their faith in Jesus.

Even after Pentecost and the outpouring of the Spirit-
– the old ways of thinking were hard to abandon.

The apostle Paul spoke to this very problem in Ephesus when he said:
“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall.” Eph. 2:13-14.

Today there continue to be many dividing walls between people.

Human nature is no different in the modern age than it was in the first century:
– power, pride, and privilege still dominate in the kingdom of darkness.

Unfortunately, many dividing walls also exist in the Christian community.

Yet the gospel of Jesus Christ is just as powerful today in “making the two into one new man, thus establishing peace.” v. 15.

It doesn’t matter what the barriers are.
We can overcome them by recognizing that we all have our access to the Father through the same Spirit. v. 18.

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The best way to battle!

MyManna — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 23:00:23 +0000

Blessed Father’s Day!

“…so that there will not be among you a man or a woman or family or tribe whose heart turns away today from the Lord our God…” (Deuteronomy 29:18).
There are many enemies within the home-
– seeking to destroy the family.
Let me share a few:
Materialism
People are over-committed, mostly through workaholism,just to make more money.
This is true for all ages with our over-organized children’s activities.
Morals
Approximately 34% of all births in the U.S. are to single moms.
Even in some families that have a dad, he’s often absent or practically non-existent.
Media
Kids spend more time with the TV and internet than they do with their parents.
And its influence can be overwhelmingly negative.
It’s a substitute for family communication.
Internet pornography is devastating marriages and perverting how some men view women.
Parents!
A vibrant relationship with God through Jesus Christ-
– is the best way to battle the many enemies within the home!

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Fight not fire with fire!

MyManna — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 16:00:21 +0000

“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest” (Isaiah 32:18).
God knows your present situation!
And He is the one who can lift you up!
He is the Author of your marriage!
He is fighting for your marriage!!
Fight not fire with fire!
Follow the following principles:
Worship!
Pour out your heart to God in prayer.
Genuinely seek Him.
“…You will search for the Lord your God, and you will find (Him) when you seek Him with all your heart and all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, you will return to the Lord your God in later days and obey Him. He will not leave you, destroy you, or forget the covenant with your fathers that He swore to them by oath, because the Lord your God is a compassionate God” (Deuteronomy 4:29-31).
The distress mentioned here is like that which you face.
Seek Him in worship.
Expect His compassion and victory for your situation.
Word!!
Read His Word daily.
Trust Him.
Obey His commandments-
– even if you don’t want to!
As you read the Bible-
– be open and know that His plan and His answers are better than yours.
Ask Him to give you strength to obey Him when you know you cannot do it on your own.
“Follow the whole instruction the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live, prosper, and have a long life in the land you will possess” (Deuteronomy 5:33).
Don’t wait until you feel like it or think you can do it on your own.
Apply His Word today to your life.
Do right because it is right, until it feels right!
Wait!!
Wait on the Lord.
Expect Him to show up.
“I waited patiently for the Lord, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help. He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40: 1-3).
God is gracious and full of love and compassion for you.
Hand over your imperfect home to Him and ask Him to make it a great home.
(PR)

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