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Deeper Life Bible Church, Portsmouth, United Kingdom., 174, Kingston Road, Portsmouth (2026)

08/09/2026

DAILY MANNA (ADULT DEVOTIONAL GUIDE)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2026

FOLLOWING AFAR OFF

KEY VERSE: "Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off." - (LUKE 22:54).

TEXT: LUKE 22:52-54

In the early 2000s, Lehman Brothers was a global financial services firm headquartered in New York City. Under the leadership of CEO Richard Fuld, the company experienced significant growth. However, Fuld's leadership style became increasingly isolated. He was known for his elaborate commute: driven from his home to a heliport, then helicoptered into Manhattan, followed by a limo ride to the bank's offices, and finally a private elevator to his office. This routine insulated him from everyday interactions with employees and the broader market environment. This physical and psychological distance from the company's operations and personnel contributed to a lack of awareness about the firm's increasing exposure to risky subprime mortgages. In 2008, Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy, marking one of the largest financial collapses in history and triggering a global financial crisis.

In these verses, Jesus addresses the irony of His arrest. Despite teaching openly in the temple, He is now apprehended under the cover of night, as if He were a dangerous criminal. This clandestine approach underscores the leaders' fear of public backlash and their awareness of the questionable legality of their actions. Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, chose to follow Him at a distance after His arrest. This physical and emotional distancing made Peter more susceptible to fear and temptation. Subsequently, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus' earlier prediction.

This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the perils associated with distancing oneself from one's leader or guide, especially during critical moments. It underscores the importance of steadfastness and proximity in relationships and commitments. Peter's decision to follow Jesus "at a distance" reflects his internal conflict – his desire to remain close to his teacher juxtaposed with fear for his own safety. This physical and emotional distancing sets the stage for his subsequent denials, illustrating the challenges of discipleship under persecution. Peter's actions serve as a reminder of human frailty and the struggle to maintain faith amidst adversity.

The downfall of Lehman Brothers serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of distant leadership. But the real problem is Peter's distancing himself from his Mentor and Saviour.

He should have heeded the warning signposted by Christ earlier on and should have prayed and watched. Let us follow our Master closely and maintain a prayerful and watchful life.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The farther you are away from the support, the fatal the fall!

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: NUMBERS 1-2

08/09/2026

HIGHER EVERYDAY (YOUTH DEVOTIONAL GUIDE)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2026

HE COVERED THEIR NAKEDNESS

KEY VERSE: “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them” (GENESIS 3:21).

BIBLE TEXT: GENESIS 3:20-24

Adam and Eve were the first created humans on earth. They were placed in the Garden of Eden, and given dominion over all created things. God authorised them to eat the fruit from every tree in the Garden except the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Deceived by Satan, they disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit. They became aware of their nakedness and hid themselves from God. However, God, in His love covered their nakedness with coats of skin. Friend, sin makes us naked before God. If you are living in sin you are naked, and need to be covered.

Literally speaking, many people in our modern age are going back to nakedness. Do you not see boys and girls, and even adults who dress partially naked? Some women wear blouses that expose their chests and other sensitive parts of their bodies. Many young people shamelessly put on jeans trousers that are ripped open at the knees, thighs and elsewhere. This is not decent. Repent today and the Lord will forgive you, and cover your nakedness with His robe of righteousness.

PRAYER: Help me, O God to obey You always, in Jesus’ name.

CHALLENGE: Receive Christ, the covering for your nakedness.

QUOTE: Sin makes us naked before God

08/09/2026

THE SINCERE MILK (CHILDREN DEVOTIONAL GUIDE)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2026

REVIVAL FIRE

KEY VERSE: “O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” (HABAKKUK 3:2)

BIBLE TEXT: HABAKKUK 3:1,2

Children don't love to play with fire, they usually run away from it. Our topic does not mean the actual fire that we see with our naked eyes or can touch with our physical hands. No, this is a spiritual fire which must be lighted spiritually when friends of Jesus are no longer serious with the things of God.

Many of them would rather play football than go for evangelism. Some would sit and press their phones to surf the internet for hours instead of praying. Many begin to miss fellowship meetings for one excuse or the other.

Thus, the necessity to pray that the fire of revival should burn and bring about revival in the lives of friends of Jesus. Are you getting lukewarm in the things of God? Then, you need to pray that the fire of revival should burn in your life and make you love the things of God and serve Him acceptably.

PRAYER: Dear Father, revive me and keep me burning for You.

FURTHER READING: PSALM 85:6,7

07/09/2026

DAILY MANNA (ADULT DEVOTIONAL GUIDE)

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 07, 2026

NOT A TALL ORDER

KEY VERSE: "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." - (HEBREWS 13:16).

TEXT: HEBREWS 13:15-17

Asking persecuted persons in an evil world to rejoice and do good and not seek retaliation would appear an insensitive charge. To plead with them to share with others of the little left to them by those maltreating them would sound callous. Counselling them, finally, to honour spiritual leaders teaching them all these acts of restraint amid death-dealing challenges would seem a tall order impossible to meet.

Not so for the Hebrews in diaspora, receiving these instructions from the writer of the epistle. It was not a tall order. They knew their calling as saved, sanctified and Spirit-filled Christians who had been taught to follow the footsteps of their Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. He was reviled and pierced; He did not hit back. He was poor, but He still made many rich and sufficient as He met their needs. He respected the temple leaders by urging His disciples and the people to observe their laws, but not to imitate their deeds. It was also not unusual to ask the Hebrews to rejoice and be grateful to God in times of hardship. Their Redeemer always looked up gratefully to heaven when in dire depths.

The way Christians can convince the world of their total and true deliverance from the carnal habits of vindictiveness, ingratitude, rebelliousness and selfishness is to display the exact opposite of these vices in their lives. Our preaching will be more persuasive and penetrating if it is aided by our noble actions in line with Christ's teachings. We have to be intentionally determined to express the new nature the Lord's death and resurrection gave us. Our salvation is hollow without impactful works accompanying it.

Christ's expectations from His followers today are precisely captured in this last chapter of the epistle to the suffering Jewish Christians outside Jerusalem. He is watching out for those who would not compromise in a world filled with hatred, contempt and calumny for those who choose to faithfully stick to the narrow way. We must not disappoint Him.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God's presence with you in the fire makes the fire harmless.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: LEVITICUS 21-24

07/09/2026

HIGHER EVERYDAY (YOUTH DEVOTIONAL GUIDE)

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2026

ARE YOU EVER TEMPTED? – PART 3

KEY VERSE: “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me”( MATTHEW 4:8-9).

BIBLE TEXT: MATTHEW 4:8-11

In our text today, we see Satan tempting Christ with avarice, to embrace the kingdoms and glory of the world. Misquoting the Scripture, Satan falsely claimed to own the kingdoms, wealth and glory of the world. The devil took Christ to an exceeding high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; “And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” Christ responded with a stern rebuke, “…Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10). Christ’s response is very instructive to all Christians.

Beloved, be warned! Reject offers of power, popularity, wealth, success and worldly lusts from the devil. Remember that Satan’s goal is to rob you of heaven and its bliss. Like Christ, rebuke Satan with God’s word. Focus on God and His word, flee from idolatry, live a consistent holy life, and you will always overcome the devil. Potiphar’s wife could not bring down Joseph with fleshly enticement.

PRAYER: Oh God, help me to overcome temptations, in Jesus’ name.

CHALLENGE: Rebuke Satan with God’s word during temptation.

QUOTE: Satan’s goal is to rob you of heaven

07/09/2026

THE SINCERE MILK (CHILDREN DEVOTIONAL GUIDE)

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 07, 2026

JESUS' FRIENDS

KEY VERSE: “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (JOHN 15:14)

BIBLE TEXT: JOHN 5:12-14

Jesus is the best Friend anyone could ever have because He showed His love for us by dying on the cross. He did this so we can be close to God and have eternal life. To be Jesus' friends, we need to accept Him into our hearts and trust Him.

Friendship with Jesus is not just about how we feel, but about obeying Him and following what He says. Jesus loves us and wants us to listen to Him, live for Him, and share His love with others. A true friend cares for you and helps you, and Jesus is that Friend Who wants to walk with us and guide us through life.

Being Jesus' friends means we show it by obeying His word and doing what He says. Every time we choose to do what Jesus wants, we show Him we are His Friends. To become a friend of Jesus, a sinner must realize his sinfulness, repent, ask for forgiveness and cleansing of his sins with the blood of Jesus. Then he will sincerely ask Jesus into his heart to be his personal Saviour and Lord. If you have not taken this important step, do it now.

PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for making me Your friend. Help me to follow You and share Your love with others.

FURTHER READING: JAMES 2:21-24

05/09/2026

DAILY MANNA - A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR ADULTS

SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

THE MAIN POINT

TEXT: GALATIANS 4:19-26

KEY VERSE: "My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you" (GALATIANS 4:19).

Newscasters on the radio and television open their presentation by declaring what they call the main points of the news. When they are through and are about to leave the studio, the broadcaster refers us to a recap of the highlights. It is the traditional style that helps listeners and viewers retain the main gist of the news. However, it is not often easy for the newsroom staff to sift through the stories to select items that qualify for the most prominent mention.

Today's writers would have much more difficulty telling the world the main points of the epistle to the Galatians, because every inspired line yearns for attention. But one thing cannot be overlooked: Apostle Paul's determination not to rest until "Christ be formed" in the Galatians. The Apostle had taught them that, having embraced salvation through faith in Christ, they were no longer to be controlled by the doctrines of Judaism that gave no hope for Gentiles like the Galatians. So, Paul was troubled to learn that his converts were falling for false teachings that did not proclaim Christ's finished work as the solution to the problem of sin. He said he would not give up on them; he would go through again with his parental care and tenderness for them till they were completely weaned.

That is the mind of Christ that all evangelists should cultivate. The Lord crisscrossed land and sea, teaching the people the new way of freedom from the bo***ge of sin. He nursed all, beginning with His disciples, with divine love which He wants His followers to show to the unbelieving world. They may be slow to understand our message; they may even seem to be relapsing into old habits. We may find them with toxic literature, spurring them to ask strange questions. The Lord expects us to exercise patience and prayerfulness while trusting God to touch them.

We cannot win the unsaved completely for Christ by strong-arm tactics. We cannot restore those who have backslidden by being impatient with them. Since it is a spiritual warfare, we must fortify ourselves with the strength of the Lord, who has sent us into the battlefield. We need to remember: no one goes to war at their own expense.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God doubly blesses those who not only take care of their souls but also care for others'.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: LEVITICUS 18-20

05/09/2026

HIGHER EVERYDAY: A DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE FOR YOUTHS

SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

ARE YOU EVER TEMPTED? - 2

TEXT: MATTHEW 4:5-7

MEMORY VERSE: "Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (MATTHEW 4:7).

Our text focuses on Satan's second temptation to make Christ sin against God. Satan wanted Christ to commit the sin of presumption.

To achieve this, he led Christ into the holy city, setting Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said, "...If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone."

Jesus quoted the Scriptures to counter the temptation. Are you ever tempted to contradict God's will? Nathaniel Parker Wallis said, "No degree of temptation justifies any degree of sin."

Dear friend, do not tempt God by deliberately doing what He hates. Remember how God disciplined Miriam for murmuring against Moses. Reject sinful offers from Satan and his agents by holding onto God and His promises.

When, like Christ, you are tempted by Satan, confront him with God's word, and victory will be yours. However, ensure you are born again as sin renders the word ineffective in a sinful soul.

QUOTE: Reject sinful offers from Satan.

CHALLENGE: Like Christ, resist temptations with God's word.

PRAYER: Help me, O God, to resist temptations, in Jesus' name.

05/09/2026

SINCERE MILK: Children Daily Devotional Guide

SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

A BUILDER IN GOD'S KINGDOM

MATTHEW 16:17-19

Key Verse: "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).

Building a durable structure takes time, effort and patience. Builders carefully plan each step, making sure everything is strong and secure. Jesus is building His church, and He invites us to be part of that great work.

He has given us His tools; His word, His love, and His Holy Spirit to help others find Him and become part of His family. Every time you pray for someone, every time you encourage them to know Jesus, you are helping to build God's kingdom.

Building God's kingdom is not just about going to church or listening to a sermon; it is about living out God's love every day and sharing that love with others. When we share the gospel, show kindness, and help others, we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.

Be a part of the people who are building God's kingdom from today, and the Lord will bless you abundantly.

Prayer: Lord, make me a builder In Your kingdom.

Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:9-11

04/09/2026

DAILY MANNA (ADULT DEVOTIONAL GUIDE)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 05, 2026

BLESSING OF BOUNDARIES

KEY VERSE: "To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten." - (LEVITICUS 11:47).

TEXT: LEVITICUS 11:29-47

God's words to Adam in Eden at the beginning of creation provided freedom and liberty. Man's diet, however, did have a restriction, a boundary: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was off limits. Whatever this tree was, it was, quite literally, forbidden fruit. The book of Leviticus serves as God's worship manual, guiding His people to maintain His presence. It also outlines boundaries, prohibiting the Israelites from eating or touching certain species of birds, animals, and fishes. Those who come into contact with forbidden things undergo rigorous washing and ceremonial cleansing before being re-admitted into God's presence. The book serves as a codified directory for ceremonial cleanliness and adherence to God's rules for a closer relationship with Him.

The prohibition of certain animal species raises questions about the criteria for such distinctions, as the reasoning behind why some animals are deemed permissible to eat while others are not remains unclear. Various explanations have been proposed, including the notion of Israel maintaining its unique identity and the necessity for hygiene. The hygienic argument suggests that unclean animals were considered carriers of diseases, making them unsuitable for consumption, particularly in an era lacking refrigeration, which could result in serious foodborne illnesses. However, this view is complicated by later biblical assertions, such as those made by Jesus, which indicate that all meats may be considered clean. Additionally, these dietary laws might serve an ecological purpose by helping to protect certain species from extinction by reducing the likelihood of their needless slaughter.

The failure of man to adhere to the boundary established by God led to sin and resulted in a state of uncleanness, causing expulsion from Paradise and a broken relationship with God. This transgression initiated a legacy of physical and spiritual health issues. While believers today may partake of various foods, it remains essential to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and adhere to available health advice, ensuring compliance with God's commands and maintaining the boundaries divinely appointed for their well-being.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Without boundaries, man will stray into forbidden and harmful territory.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: LEVITICUS 15-17

Deeper Life Bible Church, Portsmouth, United Kingdom.

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