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25th July, 2026
KEY VERSE“And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery” (Matthew 19:9)
.Bible Reading: Matthew 19: 1-12
More and more people seem to forget Henry Ford’s wise advice when asked on his 50th wedding anniversary for his rule for marital bliss and longevity. He replied: “Just the same as in the automobile business, stick to one model.”From our text, Christ’s teaching about divorce and remarriage is explicit. Moses gave permission for divorce, not because it was so from the beginning but due to the people’s hardness of heart. Jesus insisted that in the sight of God, marriage is a lifetime relationship that should never be severed by human action. God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16).
His perfect will is the preservation of future generations and society through lasting marriages. God will give anyone great help in sustaining a marriage relationship or reconcilling estranged marriage partners. Christ’s exception for ‘fornication’ in our text covers unfaithfulness before the actual marriage is contracted.The experiences of couples who went through divorce are not encouraging. A study of divorced couples with preschool children shows that after a year of divorce, 60% of men and 73% of women feel they made a mistake and should have tried harder to make their marriage work. People have no idea how much anguish and stress is caused by divorce. This is a lesson to our godly fathers and mothers.
They must ensure their children marry in the Lord. Friendship with ungodly families is like sowing the seeds of corruption in your own family. This unholy union of our sons and daughters with unbelieving spouses has introduced corruption in our families and churches.Our role models are not the pop singers, film stars and fashion models who seem to change marriage partners like they change their robes. People may hold whatever views they want on divorce, but God, who is the Judge of the whole world has already spoken His mind in Scriptures. God’s standard on marriage remains unchangeable even in this changeable world. Allow love and forgiveness to reign in your home.
@Dailymanna2026
26th July, 2026
KEY VERSE“Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly” (Jonah 2:1).
Bible Reading: Jonah 2:1-10
Sometimes, people wait until they are buffeted by severe suffering, when it appears as if all hope is lost, when their human efforts have failed, before seeking God. They miss the crucial turning point, unlike David who cried out to God: “early will I seek thee… my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee.”
How wise it is for people to turn to the Lord early, for then they are able to prevent the experiences that leave them bruised all through life, as happened to Jonah.Jonah’s suffering was avoidable. He was sent by God to take the message of salvation to Nineveh, but instead of obeying, he consciously rebelled against God. He bought a ticket and boarded a ship heading in the wrong direction. He thought he could outwit God. But there is no hiding place from God. He trailed Jonah in his escape ship with a tempest, and when he was about to be thrown into the sea, God prepared a whale to swallow him. This is in itself an act of mercy, for it is physically impossible to be in the belly of the whale for three days without dying. It means that God allowed Jonah to sink to the depth of hopelessness in the valley of the shadow of death, and yet granted him the grace to consciously bow at last, to His demands.Deep in the belly of the fish, Jonah at last, cried out for mercy from God. He was mortified at the prospect of drowning at sea, and being eternally separated from God. He remembered God, and began to plead passionately to Him for another chance at life. He admitted that he had forsaken his only source of mercy.
Now repentant, Jonah pledged his loyalty to God, and promised to redeem his vows, which presumably, included going anywhere the Lord sent him. Expectedly, God graciously extended His salvation to him, and commanded the whale to vomit out Jonah.You must avoid being the architect of your misfortune, and flee from the temptation to reject God’s word. You do not need to go through near-death experiences before retracing your steps from rebellion and disobedience.
Where you have strayed from God’s leading and guidance, and have erected your own devices, or excused your moral failures and weakness in character, you must seek God’s mercy, asking for grace to follow Him faithfully, serve Him diligently and obey Him completely. Once He sees your sincerity of purpose, He will pardon and bring you back to His perfect will.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God responds to even prayer made in fish’s belly but it’s better to avoid getting there.
@Daily Manna 2026
27th July, 2026
KEY VERSE“When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness” (Luke 22:53).
Bible Reading: Luke 22:52-54
The story was told of a university town, where a feared cult leader ran a gang. The gang terrorised students, extorting, bullying, and even injuring others. He was regarded as “untouchable,” and his group gained influence – notoriety. He lived large, dressed in designer clothes, and drove expensive cars.
However, following a violent incident on campus that involved his group, a major investigation was launched by the authorities. The cult leader was arrested and expelled. His supporters disbanded and fled. Years later, while the students he terrorised built careers, he remained jobless, shunned, and miserable.The cult leader had his time. So did the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders who came to arrest and humiliate Jesus Christ. He told them, “…this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” As these malicious zealots exuded the euphoria of their “exploit” of capturing Jesus, as if He were a robber, He queried them, “Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?” Their rude attitude was unnecessary and a mismatch with Christ’s peaceful disposition. They lacked the authority and courage to accost Christ all the time He ministered in the temple and everywhere; but why now? Christ could only rationalise their behaviour and reconcile Himself to it, considering it was their time.
It was a time when the power of darkness was permitted to do its worst, which would eventually redound to God’s purpose – and to humanity’s redemption.We often witness the “triumphing of the wicked,” where dubious individuals exploit the political space, misuse power, and afflict the righteous. We find people “prospering” in business by cutting corners and through corruption. People gain fame and fortune by adopting perverted lifestyles and performances. We live in a time when evil is called good, and good evil – all to the frustration of the righteous. There is even a rise in the active persecution of Christians around the world. But we should be comforted by the submission of our Lord: it is their time. Consider also that “the triumphing of the wicked is short…” (Job 20:5).If you are a true follower of Christ, keep walking with Him.
Do not be dismayed by the attitudes and actions of the worldly. The temporary humiliation of Christ resulted in eternal honour and our redemption. Our present frustrations will soon result in permanent favour.THOUGHT FOR THE DAYBeliever, benchmark not with unbelievers – they’re in a different race
