Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Vientiane, Laos

19/09/2026

DCLM

DAILY MANNA

SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

FOOLISH, BUT WISE

TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-31

[26] For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

[27] But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

[28] And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

[29] That no flesh should glory in his presence.

[30] But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

[31] That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

KEY VERSE: "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty" (1 CORINTHIANS 1:27).

Harry S. Truman had only served 82 days as America's vice president, with little exposure and experience, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt died suddenly in April 1945. Truman was promptly sworn in as the 34th president of the United States. Many assumed (wrongly) that he was a dumb country folk who would be a totally useless, lame-duck president. They were wrong. Truman turned out to be very strong, presiding over US victory in the Pacific with the unconditional surrender of the imperial empire of Japan. He implemented the Marshall Plan in the aftermath of World War II to rebuild the economy of Western Europe and established the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) alongside the victorious allies.

It is according to God's superior wisdom that the lowly and humble are exalted and the self-exalted are humbled. We learn from the omniscient God's dealings with His creatures that His wisdom is incomparable and His knowledge limitless. In our passage today, Paul the apostle was on point when he described God's way of choosing those He uses. He employs and fields people who are weak, foolish and base, by the world's definition, and turns them into great instruments in His hands.

God is teaching us that victory is not achieved by human might or wisdom, but by His Spirit. Powerful people such as Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod and other earthly kings who arrogated power to themselves were humbled by God. Only God deserves the glory in our lives. We also learn that believers need to be humble, holy and dependent on God for success in life and ministry and that each of us has a calling from God. Let us humbly use our different gifts from God as He directs us in life and ministry. We should also realise that every good success comes from God, and He has His own appointed time for us. Our passage also warns against self-glorification, that "no flesh should glory in his presence."

We do not need to force a situation to our own profit even if it yields a temporary advantage because God could have a better plan or a greater reward for us. Current disappointment might be a way of making us acquire requisite experience, learn from our mistakes or exercise patience for a better outcome that God had planned. We should not engage in a rat race with unbelievers whose values and ultimate destiny are different from ours. God's leading might appear unreasonable by human understanding, but true believers walk with God by faith, not by human rationality. Once we are sure that it is God leading us, we shall get to His desired destination.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God's wisdom is beyond human understanding but wholly dependable.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: NUMBERS 29-30
Good morning

18/09/2026

DCLM

DAILY MANNA

FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

NOTHING NEW

TEXT: ECCLESIASTES 1:8-11

[8] All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

[9] The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

[10] Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

[11] There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.

KEY VERSE: "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun" (ECCLESIASTES 1:9).

The fashion industry is characterised by cyclical trends, where past styles and aesthetics regularly reappear, often with slight modifications, creating the illusion of "new" while referencing the past. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as the "20-year rule," where fashion trends tend to resurface after a two-decade gap. Fashion trends are not always forward-looking; they often revisit past styles, incorporating elements from different eras and subcultures. The core idea is that humanity is cyclical, and new discoveries or experiences are often simply variations of what has already occurred.

Well, not everyone might agree with this assertion. Yet, Solomon wrote from experience and was also inspired by the Spirit of God. He had seen it all. In his quest to know the particular things that man should pursue here on earth, he went to bizarre lengths, sampling everything that gave him pleasure, including marrying a staggering 700 wives in addition to 300 concubines. In the end, he concluded that all is vanity. He planted vineyards, built houses and orchards, he had slaves, he was the richest king of all climes and was the wisest man of his day.

The world is too distracted to settle down and consider what is said in this passage about the transient nature of things. People are busy pursuing what they perceive would give them joy and pleasure. The fashion craze is buzzing globally. In our mad pursuit of new things, we end up eventually with nothing but an empty display of our carnality. Models have removed every bit of clothing, until they now almost appear naked. Music icons are adored by a revelling crowd who have no time to pay attention to satanic emblems on display in their shows. They distance themselves from the Scriptures and are quick to reject anything they suspect is designed to take away their 'freedom'. The women want to kill their unborn babies in the name of maintaining control over their bodies. And politicians, in a desperate bid to win elections, enshrine these excesses in their manifestos.

It is time to sit down and take a critical look at the emptiness Solomon speaks about. There is a void and emptiness deep down in our hearts. This void can only be filled by God Himself. If only we can take a break and think deeply, we'll agree with Solomon that truly, there's no new thing under the earth. Solomon concludes later in this last book authored by him that the best thing to do is to fear God and keep His commandments, which he describes as the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14).

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It is foolhardy to pursue passing earthly grains at the expense of heavenly, permanent glory.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: NUMBERS 26-28
Good morning and happy weekend

16/09/2026

WEDNESDAY SOUL DIET 16092026
*THE FIRST*
*RESURRECTION*
*NONNEGOTIABLE*

*We* live in a world where people are content with transient things that have no eternal value. They earnestly and ardently pursue these things with all their strength and without distraction. Surprisingly, many in Christendom are in this rat race at the expense of the incomparable glory of heaven. Paul wrote, *For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica…*. 2 Timothy 4:10). My dear brother, have you forsaken the way of holiness that leads to heaven like Demas?
*Every* day, the display of affluence, wealth, power, riches, and estates makes less privileged individuals feel unlucky, unfortunate, and as though they worth nothing more than to die and quit the world. The psalmist wrote about them: *But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. [3] For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. [5] They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. [7] Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. [9] They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. [11] And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? [12] Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches*. (Psalm 73:2-3, 5, 7, 9, 11-12). Dear reader, don’t give up; it’s only for a limited time here in the world.
*Dear* reader, it is undoubtedly true that the devil dangles the things of this world to lure people’s hearts and attention away from God and His righteous precepts, just as he did with Eve in the Garden of Eden. He works tirelessly and assiduously to pull the hearts of men away from God and Heaven. During Christ’s desperate hour of need for food—after fasting for forty days and nights—Satan offered an idea that seemed good on the surface, but was intended to destroy His mission of dying to save the world. *And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God*. (Matthew 4:3-4). His goal remains the same today: beware.
*Note* that Jesus is preparing a glorious heaven for all His followers. But it is conditionally meant for the victorious people in the world marred by sinful practices. This is exactly what the devil wants you and I to miss because he lost it by his sin of pride. He ran after Eve, Lot’s wife, Achan, Gehazi, Judas Iscariot, Ahab, and Solomon and got them distracted and stocked in mire of the world irrecoverably.
*Everyone* needs to know that Satan uses whatever people run after uncontrollably to trap them. All he wants is to ensure they do not partake in the first resurrection of the dead. This is exactly what he did to the people of Israel. He distracted them with nonessential things, and many of them perished on the way to Canaan. They left Egypt with the goal of reaching Canaan, but they didn’t make it to the Promised Land.
*Satan* captures people with the net of sin and separates them from God. Sin breaks down a person's defenses, allowing the devil to pe*****te their life and afflict them. Worse still, it hinders them from inheriting the kingdom of God. Unfortunately, many people are imbibing the doctrine of eternal salvation regardless of their actions. They believe that sins they have yet to commit are already forgiven in advance, but they err completely. Paul wrote to Titus: *For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world*. (Titus 2:11-12). It is crystal clear that we can only be part of the first resurrection of the dead if we remain righteous in this present evil world until death takes us away.
*Don’t* be deceived by the devil and his ministers who have been mandated to take you to hell. Paul wrote to warn that *For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. [14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. [15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works*. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Friend, if you have decided to follow them, the end will be disastrous.
*Always* remember that God, the righteous judge, will not judge unrighteously. Daniel wrote: *And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt* (Daniel 12:2). Jesus also said: *Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, [29] And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation* John 5:28-29). Dear reader, which one is your choice? The first or the second resurrection?
*Yokefellows*, we are not home in heaven yet. Satan and his subtle temptations abound in this present world. It is only those who overcome that will partake of the first resurrection. John wrote, *He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death* (Revelation 2:11). To partake in the First Resurrection, we must avoid or overcome the following:
1. *Sin* in a sin-crushed society consistently
2. ⁠*Self*-motivated ambition that drowns people in perdition.
3. *Satan* and his false doctrines in the world
4. *Subtle* temptations that took Eve, Lot’s wife, and Judas Iscariot away to hell
5. *Syncretism* or an adulterated gospel that waters down the true faith.
6. *Satanism* so that we may worship and serve the true God only.
John wrote *But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. [6] Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years*. Revelation 20:5-6.
May God grant us the grace to overcome all sins to partake the First Resurrection of the dead at the Rapture of Saints in Jesus mighty name🙏🙏🙏
*Read digest pray and share*

15/09/2026

15/09/2026

TUESDAY SOUL DIET 15092026
*DECISIONS THAT LEAD*
*TO*
*BREAKTHROUGHS*

*The* attitude of blaming anyone who is born blind, lame, deaf, mute, or deformed in any way is unjust. Such a person simply finds himself in a difficult situation completely beyond his control. Everyone born into the waiting hands of poverty, or any other limitation, did not choose their circumstances; rather, fate made it so in their life.
Unless individuals have control over the time and place of their birth, they cannot be held responsible for an inherently unavoidable circumstance.
Jabez simply found himself with his parents, born into a condition of pain and sorrow that he couldn’t control.
*Unfortunately* no one has the power or the choice to dictate to God that they be born into a wealthy family, nor does anyone choose their nation of birth. People like Jabez simply find themselves in the poorest countries and in the care of families living in abject poverty. Worse still, others find themselves facing extreme educational limitations that offer no ray of hope for receiving an education in their lifetimes.
*Empirically*, the choice to remain in a severe and appalling situation is entirely the responsibility of the individual. The case of Jabez resembles the plight of the four lepers who found themselves in acute affliction due to drought and famine in Israel. Like Jabez, they decided not to remain passive and die without attempting to change their conditions for the better.As recorded in the Bible—*And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die? If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die*. 2 Kings 7:3-4. Dear reader, they risked their lives to change their circumstances, and it paid off. What are you doing to change your own pitiable situation?
*Stop* being lazy and acting like a busybody, only to shame yourself for lacking drive and creativity. Relying upon others is not dignified. You can do something to fend for yourself and become self-dependent through God’s grace and help. If Jabez had remained complacent, content in his poor estate, and reliant upon the people around him, we would not be reading about his breakthrough today.
*Dear* reader, stop pitying yourself, crying, regretting, and cursing the day of your birth. Jabez took the bull by the horns. He cried out to God for a change of life and status, and it paid off. Surprisingly, he became more honorable than all his brothers. In other words, he became richer, wealthier, and more popular than anyone else in his family.
*And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested*.
1 Chronicles 4:9-10.
*According* to the Bible, we are expected to be wise, hardworking, and painstaking to be recognized as good examples to emulate. Solomon challenged everyone who is content to remain in pitiable, poverty-stricken conditions by saying—*Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: [7] Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, [8] Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. [9] How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? [10] Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: [11] So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man*. Proverbs 6:6-11. Friend, arise from the ground of mediocrity. Take action to make it happen. It is entirely in your hands, just as it was in the hands of Jabez, who rose to the challenge and made a great name for himself to emulate.
*Yokefellows* and friends let us think about it: if everyone remained in the poor conditions they found themselves in, and if every limited person saw no reason to try, strive, and labor hard to take initiative, what would have become of the lighting and transportation systems of the world? There wouldn't be electric bulbs and lights. Similarly, there wouldn't be metro systems, airplanes, and other transportation infrastructures. Dear reader, you can become a blessing to yourself and to the world around you. The Bible says, *He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap* (Ecclesiastes 11:4).
May God grant us the grace to use our senses and reasoning abilities to become creative, and to conduct the necessary feasibility studies to determine what is good and appropriate to do to build our lives and the lives of others. In Jesus' mighty name🙏🙏🙏
*Read digest pray and share*

15/09/2026

DCLM

DAILY MANNA

TUESDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

NEW NATURE AND A WORTHY WALK

TEXT: EPHESIANS 4:1-3

[1] I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

[2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

[3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

KEY VERSE: "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" (EPHESIANS 4:1).

During the reign of King Karl XI in Sweden, there was an attempt to domesticate moose as an alternative to horses for use in cavalry. The king sought a more formidable presence to intimidate enemy forces. However, it became evident that moose were too dangerous to manage, prone to disease, and had specific dietary needs that were challenging to meet. Additionally, their intelligence posed a logistical issue, as they would avoid areas where other moose had died, complicating their deployment in warfare.

The saying "a cassock cannot make a priest" emphasises the difference between outward appearance and true inward value. A cassock, often worn by clergy, does not automatically confer priesthood on the wearer. This further explains the difficulty in attempting to use the moose in battle instead of the horse. Paul described himself as a prisoner of the Lord. He had the option of living a free life like others, but he chose to invest his life in serving the Master despite the risks. He enjoined Ephesian believers to walk worthy of their vocation, emphasising the importance of bearing the right fruit and living in unity with the brethren. He emphasised the beauty of living the new life in Christ, in unity with the brethren, with all lowliness, meekness and longsuffering.

It all begins with the process leading to the salvation experience. A penitent seeker begins by sensing the need for salvation in the heart, follows that up with genuine repentance and confession of sin, and places his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, accepting Him as Saviour and Lord. The absence of this foundation has produced the so-called believers, who lack the grace to live righteously in the present evil world. It has also given occasion for people to doubt the claims of Christians, a situation worsened by the appearance of many false ministers whose character and practices are at variance with the gospel.

You need to observe the following: Do not open up to people who claim to be servants of God until you see proof of their calling and Christian character. It is also not safe to lay hands suddenly on anyone who claims to have a call, without first verifying them. Furthermore, we need to recognise that conversion is necessary, so we don't put forward the moose instead of a horse.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: If he can't be safely imitated, he shouldn't be tolerated in the pulpit.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: NUMBERS 16-18
Good morning

14/09/2026

14/09/2026

DCLM

DAILY MANNA

MONDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER, 2026

HUMILITY IN GREATNESS

TEXT: PSALM 89:25-27

[25] I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.

[26] He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

[27] Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

KEY VERSE: "He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation" (PSALM 89:26).

Emperor Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, also called Caligula, actively promoted his own worship during his brief reign as Roman emperor from AD 37 until his assassination in AD 41. He famously demanded and received adoration as a living god. He was quoted as saying, "Remember that I have the right to do anything to anybody". He humiliated his senators by making them run behind his litter or forcing them to fight for his amusement.

Unlike Emperor Caligula, David knew his limits as Israel's king. The Lord promised to make him "higher than the kings of the earth" in our text, yet he constantly prayed to God in humility. "He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation". This virtue of constantly depending on God and ascribing greatness and supremacy to Him was what preserved King David on the throne, despite several attempts on his life.

Humility comes from the heart. It is a product of grace through heart circumcision. It manifests the virtue of self-abasement and resentment for the praises of men. Unlike popular thinking, where the rich and powerful are said to be inherently proud while the poor and weak are supposedly meek and humble, the state of the heart is the determining factor, and not the richness or emptiness of the pockets. We have seen poor people and even beggars, whose character and boisterous nature are repulsive. And conversely, we have seen people of power and influence maintain such a commodious attitude that draws everyone to them.

God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Like David, we are bound to remember our little beginnings, no matter what heights we may have attained in life presently. We must, in humility, acknowledge God and ascribe all greatness to Him alone. And if, for any reason, our talents, knowledge and achievements in life inadvertently draw unwarranted attention to us, we should politely insist that God is behind it all. We should avoid big names that kill a puppy. We must reject all adulation and hide ourselves behind the cross whenever the world attempts to deify us.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The heart is the factory where our attitudes are manufactured.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: NUMBERS 14-15
Happy new working week

13/09/2026

12/09/2026