Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Vientiane, Laos

09/09/2026

DCLM

DAILY MANNA

WEDNESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

FOLLOWING AFAR OFF

TEXT: LUKE 22:52-54

[52] Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

[53] 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.

[54] Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed 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).

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
Good morning

08/09/2026

08/09/2026

DCLM

DAILY MANNA

TUESDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

PERIL OF INORDINATE AMBITION

TEXT: 1 KINGS 1:1-13

[1] Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he g*t no heat.

[2] Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.

[3] So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.

[4] And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not.

[5] Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.

[6] And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom.

[7] And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him.

[8] But Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophet, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty men which belonged to David, were not with Adonijah.

[9] And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:

[10] But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.

[11] Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not?

[12] Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.

[13] Go and get thee in unto king David, and say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, swear unto thine handmaid, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne? why then doth Adonijah reign?

KEY VERSE: "Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him" (1 KINGS 1:5).

Dwight Lyman Moody, an American evangelist, in one of his sermons, stated, "Satan rules all men that are in his kingdom. Some he rules through lust. Some he rules through covetousness. Some he rules through appetite. Some he rules by their temper, but he rules them. And none will ever seek to be delivered until they get their eyes open and see that they have been taken captive."

From our text, Adonijah, the fourth son of David, after Amnon, Chileab and Absalom, was caught in the web of ungodly ambition. Amnon, the first son, who had an unholy affair with his sister, Tamar, had already been killed, while Absalom, the third son, who staged a coup against his father, was also killed.

Nothing was known of Chileab, David's second son, born to him by Abigail, widow of Nabal the Carmelite. Adonijah, who wanted to become king instead of Solomon, was the oldest son still alive. Therefore, Adonijah thought he would be the next king, after his father, David, who was very old. He made plans towards achieving his course. He knew his father would soon die, and he got the support of Joab, David's military commander, and Abiathar the priest to make him king. But Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah and David's bodyguards refused to support him. Adonijah still went ahead with his selfish ambition, planning a ceremony where he would declare himself the new king. Nobody can run faster than God. Adonijah's inordinate ambition led to his premature death. Solomon did not even fight for the fulfilment of God's promise that he would succeed his father.

Whatever God has ordained for you must come to pass, the machinations of enemies notwithstanding. He knows how to thwart the conspiracy of darkness against your job, business, promotion and family. Pray and trust God. Be it further noted that a child of God must never resort to self-management and carnal display in governing his or her affairs. Once in Christ, we are to trust Him with our entire life span, confident that He who saved us knows what is best for us in time and eternity. Your lot, therefore, is to simply trust Him to the uttermost.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Ungodly ambition is a gilded misery.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: LEVITICUS 25-27
Good morning

07/09/2026

07/09/2026

DCLM

DAILY MANNA

MONDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

NOT A TALL ORDER

TEXT:HEBREWS 13:15-17

[15] By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

[16] But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

[17] Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

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

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 are 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
Good morning and happy new working week

06/09/2026

02/09/2026

DCLM

DAILY MANNA

WEDNESDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER, 2026

ONE MORE CHANCE FOR THE LORD

TEXT: JUDGES 16:22-31

[22] Howbeit the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven.

[23] Then the lords of the Philistines g*thered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.

[24] And when the people saw him, they praised their god: for they said, Our god hath delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, which slew many of us.

[25] And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport: and they set him between the pillars.

[26] And Samson said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them.

[27] Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were upon the roof about three thousand men and women, that beheld while Samson made sport.

[28] And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.

[29] And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left.

[30] And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life.

[31] Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought him up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.

KEY VERSE: "And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes" (JUDGES 16:28).

Long-distance runners most often seem to acquire strange strength when they get to the last lap of their race. This is quite understandable. To the runner, already seeing the finishing line, the last lap is so decisive and, therefore, demands that the runner throws in everything he can muster.

As seen in our text, Samson was in the final lap of his ministry and life. For about two decades, he had been the champion of Israel. Severally, he had humbled the enemies of Israel, especially the Philistines, by his God-given superhuman strength. But alas! he fell in love with Delilah - a Philistines harlot who had a mandate to bring him down. She tricked Samson into revealing the secret of his power. The Philistines cashed in on that information, bound Samson, put out his eyes and made him grind in their prison. Thus, Samson became a classical victim of fleshly lust.

In today's text, we find Samson thoroughly abused during the Philistines' solemn festival in honour of Dagon, their god. They made a show of him. But Samson remembered his God and prayed for just one more chance to deal with the Philistines. The Lord granted his prayer, and he, holding on to the two key pillars of the huge theatre, pulled the structure down, crushing the whole assembly of men and women and dying in the process. He slew more in death than in life.

We have as much to learn from Samson's restoration as from his last prayer. Any backslider that sincerely runs back to God, even if it be by the force of adversity, will receive pardon and grace. As believers, we must be conscious of the desperate hour we are in today. We have come to the last lap of history. The hosts of hell must not be allowed to have the last laugh. Our reserved strength and preserved resources must be called up for the great commission and the challenges of the hour. We must muster our reserved strength and passion to cause unprecedented damage to the kingdom of Satan and rescue souls from his prison house.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: We have limited time to make an impact for God.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: LEVITICUS 5-7
Good morning and happy new month

01/09/2026

TUESDAY SOUL DIET 01092026
*FINITE HUMANITY*
*NEEDS GOD*

*To* be honest and candid, humans are uniquely created by God with great potential to fulfill the purpose of his creation. Nevertheless, he is still nothing before God, his Creator. Comparing the finite humanity with God is like comparing a drop of water on a fingertip to the volume of water in the seas and oceans. God said *To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One*. Isaiah 40:25. It is also written *To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? [22] It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in*. Isaiah 40:18,22
*Unfortunately* today’s scientists, technologists, powerful leaders, and the wealthy are often boastful, arrogant, and proud. They have no regard for God, nor do they care to pray to or honor Him. But unknown to them, they have no control over their own lives, nor can they preserve themselves from death when it comes. *Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power? [13] They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. [14] Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. [15] What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him? [16] Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me*. Job 21:7,13-16. Do you do the same?
*Even* now, humanity generally doesn’t like to be controlled. People want the freedom to do as they like, whether it is good or bad, hurtful to others or not. All that ungodly people want is to live, enjoy life, abuse others, and oppress people without any regard for accountability. But God watches from heaven to see if we fear Him and have concern for those around us. It is written *So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God*. Romans 14:12. Friend, how do you live your life? Do you have consciousness of others? Do you show love or you are cruelly minded?
*Sin* separates us from God, kills and damns the soul in hell eternally. The early inhabitants of the Earth were oblivious that the end was near. They hardened their hearts against God their Maker. They resisted and rejected the way of salvation. Unfortunately, they did not escape the flood of God’s wrath and judgment. Are you sinning with impunity? Do you care about your limitations and God’s infinity? Solomon wrote *Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment*. Eccl 11:9.
*Don’t* continue to bite the finger that fed you. Stop being arrogant, you don’t own your life. It belongs to God who gave it to you. He expects everyone to live for Him and His glory. Don’t drag your feet about yielding your heart totally to God. If the end comes now, where will you spend eternity? With God in Heaven or with Satan in hell? The Bible says: *The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God*. Psalm 9:17.
*Acknowledge* the reality of God’s existence and yield to His demands without any reservations. He loves you and wants you blessed, protected, and fulfilled in life, but not without you fulfilling the conditions attached to enjoying His avalanche of blessings.
*If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. [12] But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge*. Job 36:11-12.
*You* and I are limited in all areas of life, including our lifespan. However, God is infinitely rich, powerful, invincible, knowledgeable, and unchangeable. All that we need to be fulfilled is found in Him. Stop playing pranks; you and I cannot hide from His eyes. Don’t wait any longer to give your life to Him. Therefore
1. *Forsake* your limited and unprofitable agenda without God.
2. *Forget* about your own thoughts and plans to make it without God.
3. *Follow* God to see Him and live with Him forever in heaven.
4. *Fix* your eyes on God for the forgiveness of all your sins.
5. *Focus* on God only. He is the only hope of escaping eternal death.
6. *Firmly* uphold Jesus without fainting, for He is your strength and happiness.
7. *Fight* vehemently against all the enemies of your life; unless you do, it will be difficult to win.
May God help us to remember always that we are limited in all areas of life, depend upon God only, and serve Him fruitfully until the end, of our lives in Jesus' mighty name🙏🙏🙏
*Read digest pray and share*

01/09/2026

DCLM

DAILY MANNA

TUESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2026

PLACE OF SAFETY

TEXT: NAHUM 1:7-15

[7] The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

[8] But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.

[9] What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

[10] For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry.

[11] There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor.

[12] Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more.

[13] For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder.

[14] And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile.

[15] Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.

KEY VERSE: "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him" (NAHUM 1:7).

During the September 11, 2001, attacks, as chaos unfolded in New York City, emergency responders guided people to safety in underground shelters and secure locations. Many who found refuge survived while others who had nowhere to run perished. Again, Japan experienced a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Cities were submerged and thousands lost their lives. Amid the chaos, one of the most secure places was the high ground where people fled for safety. Those who reached the strongholds survived while those who hesitated were swept away.

In moments of disaster, a place of safety makes the difference between life and death. Life is full of storms - uncertainties, persecutions, bereavements, failures, tragedies, betrayals, and trials. The question is, where do you run when trouble comes? Our key verse declares, "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." God is good and He knows those who trust in Him. He is not distant or indifferent. He is a personal refuge for those who seek Him through Jesus Christ.

Our passage, a prophetic utterance, was originally a warning to Nineveh and a comfort to Judah. While the world around them was unstable, God remained their stronghold. The Assyrians had caused terror, but they were not in control. God was. This is the truth for all generations. Today's world is replete with wars, economic instability, and personal struggles. Many put their trust in their political connections, wealth, governments, or their strength, but these fail. Jesus alone offers an unshakable platform and pillar in all situations.

Where do you run when the unexpected happens? Some turn to alcohol, drugs, secret cults, or human relationships for comfort. However, true security is found only in Jesus Christ. A stronghold is not a temporary shelter or fleeting source of comfort. It is a fortress built to withstand any attack. Jesus is not just a hiding place. He is the ultimate Source of security. Whatever storm you are facing, Jesus is your stronghold. The waves may rise but His foundation never shakes. Trust Him, and you will never be swept away.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: There is no safer hiding place from the storms of life than in Jesus.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: LEVITICUS 1-4
Good morning and happy new month

30/08/2026