DCLM Daily Manna Monday 11 September 2023
TOPIC: The Greatest of All
TEXT: Acts 9:32-43 (KJV)
32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
KEY VERSE
“And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.”
(Acts 9:35,42)
DCLM Daily Manna Monday 11 September 2023 MESSAGE
Miracles are God’s interventions in the course of nature. The earthly ministry of Christ was characterised by such events. In the text, we see Apostle Peter perform two notable miracles. These miracles made many believe in Christ at Lydda, Saron and Joppa, where the miracles took place.
Greater than the miracles of having a child after a long delay, healing, deliverance, prosperity and raising the dead is the miracle of the new birth. To believe in Christ and be born of the Spirit of God is the greatest thing that can happen to anyone. The miracle of the new birth showcases the power of God in an unprecedented manner. It quickens a person who had been dead in sins and trespasses to manifest the fruit of the Spirit and to produce the life of Christ.
READ DCLM Daily Manna Sunday 10 September 2023 – Obedience, Not Religion
A person can be healed like Aeneas, without being free from sin; he can be delivered from demonic oppressions and attacks and remain a sinner. A person can even be raised from the dead like Dorcas but without the miracle of the new birth. The person so healed, delivered from attacks or raised from the dead, will be unable to get to heaven without the new birth experience.
The new birth miracle leads you to the kingdom of God. It is the double operations of the word and Spirit in a man’s heart. To believe in miracles is great but profession alone without the experience of the new birth cannot take anyone to heaven. The new birth occasions in man, moral, emotional and spiritual transformation. Faith is very important for the new birth; faith that trusts in the Lord for salvation. The evidence that you are born again is that you live a righteous life. Heaven and your neighbours are bound to notice your new spiritual status. The question is, have you experienced the new birth?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The new birth is the greatest miracle of God.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 119:1-56
