Topic: His Ears Are Not Dull [Friday 1, December 2017]

Memorise: “Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.” – Job 14:15

Read: Isaiah 59:1-3

1 Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

Bible In One Year: 1 Corinthians 5-9. Hymn: Sing Hymn 7: Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty

MESSAGE:

Alienation or banishment is a form of punishment in which a guilty person is expelled from a region and forbidden to return. Alienation is commonly used by God in the Bible to cut off sinners from His presence. A good example is the banishment of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden as a result of their disobedience to God. I pray that you will never do anything that will cause God to cut you off from His presence in Jesus’ Name.

Christians today are daily challenging God by constantly indulging in acts that are clearly recorded as reasons for alienation in the Bible. The Presence of God departs from such Christians, making them easy targets to the devil and his agents. Indeed, the Lord’s hands are not shortened, neither are His ears heavy that He cannot hear our cry for help. Sin is always responsible for alienation from God. In what way has weakness, carelessness, and nonchalant attitude contributed to sin and immorality in your family or the Church of God? Repent and make amends today before it is too late.

Prayer Point: Father, please help me to commit myself to a life of holiness and righteousness in Jesus’ Name.

Sing Hymn 7: Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty

1. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

2. Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
Who wert and art and evermore shalt be.

3. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
Though the eye made blind by sin thy glory may not see,
Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

4. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Open Heavens Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

Topic: Pilate Violates The Truth [Friday December 1, 2017]

Matthew 27:17 “Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, ‘Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ”?

Although Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent, he looked for some diplomatic way to release Jesus that would not cause him to lose popularity with the Jewish leaders. This is why he sent Jesus to Herod. He hoped that Herod would pass judgment on Jesus and save him the trouble.

When that scheme failed, Pilate drew on an old custom of releasing a prisoner to the people at the feast. He gave them a choice between Jesus, who he knew was innocent, and Barabbas, who was a murderer. Pilate thought that the crowd would certainly choose Jesus. However, through the insistence of the chief priests and scribes, the people chose Barabbas to be released.

Pilate was now out of ideas as to how to let Jesus go, and still save face with the Jews, so he condemned Jesus to death. Pilate violated what he knew to be true in his heart because of a fear of men (Prov. 29:25) and what he thought they might do to him. Without the chief priests’ cooperation, he ran the risk of unrest among the Jews, and possible punishment by Caesar for failing to govern well.

As it turned out, Pilate was deposed anyway, just a few years later by Tiberius Caesar, and died in exile in Gaul in A.D. 41. At the most, Pilate gained a five-year extension of his troubled rule, and damned his soul in the process. What a person compromises to keep, he’ll lose. Sin is never worth the price.

This message was written by The Association of Related Ministries International (ARMI) is an extension of Andrew Wommack Ministries (AWM). ARMI is a unique partnership committed to providing resources to help like-minded ministers succeed in a spirit of excellence and to draw from the experience and expertise of both the AWM and Charis Bible College staff. (www.awmi.net).

Topic: The Broken Home [Friday December 1, 2017]

“There is sin in their homes, and they are polluted to the depths of their souls. But I will call upon the Lord to save me—and he will.” — Psalm 55:15,16 (TLB)

The broken home has become the number one social problem of America, and could ultimately lead to the destruction of our civilization. Since the basic unit of any society is the home, when the home begins to break, the society is on the way to disintegration. It is a threat to the American way of life. It does not make screaming headlines; but, like termites, it is eating away at the heart and core of the American structure.

It is high time that our so-called experts on marriage, the family, and the home turn to the Bible. We have read newspaper columns and listened to counselors on the radio; psychiatrists have had a land-office business. In it all, the One who performed the first marriage in the Garden of Eden and instituted the union between man and wife has been left out.

Do you have questions about family? Browse these Q&As.

Prayer for the day: I pray, Lord, for the homes in this beloved country. Without Your love and wisdom guiding us, our society will crumble.

Written by Billy Graham, Founder of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association(BGEA). BGEA exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every effective means and to equip the church and others to do the same.

Topic: Moving Forward or Slipping Back? [Friday December 1, 2017]

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. – Hebrews 2:1

It’s happened to all of us. We get a little of the Word of God under our spiritual belts. We have a few victories. Our lives are going great for the first time in years. Then suddenly we slip and it all falls apart. We find ourselves having to start all over again.

That’s what happened to the people the book of Hebrews was written to. They made such great spiritual progress that they got to the place where they should have been teachers. Then they slipped back so much, they needed baby food again. (See Hebrews 5:12.)

What caused them to fall so far? They let other things get in the way of their faith. They let the promises of God slip, so they slipped.

That’s happened to a multitude of believers in the last several years.

“Well, Brother Copeland,” they said, “we’re tired of that faith stuff.” Or, “We just don’t have time to spend that much time in the Word.”

They’ve turned their attention away from the promises of God. It’s not that they didn’t believe them anymore. It’s just that they directed their attention to other things. They let their Word level drop and since low Word level equals low faith level, they soon began suffering defeat in areas where they once had victory.

Don’t let that happen to you. When things are going well, don’t just ride the tide of God’s blessing. Dig deeper into what God has for you. Give more earnest heed to the promises of God. Concentrate on moving ahead, on becoming so strong in the Spirit you can not only get your own needs met, you’ll meet others’ needs as well!

Remember: Low Word Level = Low Faith Level = Slip.

Don’t get so busy enjoying today’s victory that tomorrow ends up in defeat. Look into the things you’ve learned. Give the Word more of your attention—not less. Keep moving from faith to faith. Instead of trying to trip you up, Satan and his bunch will be crying, “Oh no, that faith man is coming after us again!”

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 5:11-14, 6:1-12

This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith – prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.

Topic: Lord, Work Your Will In Me [Friday, December 1, 2017]

Basic Scriptures: Hebrew 6:1-11

Welcome the last month of this year! Today’s devotional write-up creates an atmosphere of joy/relief because it shows that your pursuit of holiness/pleasing God is not a STRUGGLE. It opens your eyes to know that God is NOT difficult to please and holiness is easy!

Hebrews 11: 6 is an existing foundation for this: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Some delays to prayer answers this year so far, may make you to be working yourself to a point of frustration trying to be PERFECT so that you can please God for faster testimonies. You may have tried so hard and become so disappointed that you are about to give up. Well, maybe you should quit trying to perfect on your own – because none of us will ever be perfect through our own efforts.

God knows that you are human and He did not expect perfection from you through a struggle! He knows that if you were perfect, you would not even need a savior! So, the all-wise God loves you and accepts you as you are because He made you. And He is able to make you into what He desires you to be – if you Him and LLOW Him to work in you. In fact, Phil. 2:13 says: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” So, GOD WORKS IN YOU TO PERFECT YOU! Wow! What loving Daddy! Also Hebrew 13:21-22 declares: “God…make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight…”

Again a clear emphasis: It is God that works in you to make you perfect (see underlined above)! So, it not your struggle! He wants you to TRUST HIM to work in you! He hates to see you STRUGGLING to please Him! What does God desire from you? Not perfect performance, but perfect trust. Perfect trust is what brings perfect performance!

DECLARES THIS LOUD: “I trust You Lord. Thank you for loving me. I will rest in your love, instead of worrying about my performance and perfection. WORK YOUR WILL IN ME. Produce your perfection in me!”

(The 2018 ODM and “War against Haman- 13” booklets are out! Give them out as Christmas and New Year gift items. Get your copies from your nearest bookshop  now!) Give a FAMILY/FRIEND the fortitude to get in touch with ODMdaily.

Prayer Points: Take Song: Because He Lives…

1. Thank God that you are ALIVE! Pray about this last month!

2. I refuse to struggle from today! Lord, I come to You just as I am. Work Your will in me and THROUGH ME.

3. Perfection is a process! Repent from judging others. UPROOT depression over any delay! Loose a LAST-MINUTE testimony before the last day of this year! NO TEARS!

4. Pray in the morning, afternoon and evening using the ODM daily devotional prayer points today/daily. Pray any other prayer(s) as led now

By Bishop (Dr) Chris E. Kwakpovwe (Cek)
Publisher/Writer Of ODM And

Rev (Mrs) Flora E. Kwakpovwe (Fek)
Co-Publisher/Writer Of ODM.

Topic: The Last Will Be First — Friday December 1, 2017.

Read: Mark 9:33–37, Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 40–41; 2 Peter 3

Those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:12

Recently I was among the last in line to board a large passenger jet with unassigned seating. I located a middle seat beside the wing, but the only spot for my bag was the overhead compartment by the very last row. This meant I had to wait for everyone to leave before I could go back and retrieve it.

I laughed as I settled into my seat and a thought occurred to me that seemed to be from the Lord: “It really won’t hurt you to wait. It will actually do you good.” So I resolved to enjoy the extra time, helping other passengers lower their luggage after we landed and assisting a flight attendant with cleaning. By the time I was able to retrieve my bag, I laughed again when someone thought I worked for the airline.

That day’s experience made me ponder Jesus’s words to His disciples: “Anyone who wants to be first, must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

I waited because I had to, but in Jesus’s “upside down” kingdom, there’s a place of honor for those who voluntarily set themselves aside to attend to others’ needs.

Jesus came into our hurried, me-first world not “to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). We serve Him best by serving others. The lower we bend, the closer we are to Him.

Prayer: Loving Lord, help me to follow You into the needs of others and serve You there.

Jesus’s kingdom is upside-down.

Insight:

Mark 9 is an action-packed chapter in our second gospel account. The chapter opens with the transfiguration of Jesus (vv. 1–13), where Peter, James, and John witness the glory of Christ and the voice of the Father while seeing Moses and Elijah join Jesus on the mountain to discuss His coming death and resurrection. Then, after descending the mountain and entering the valley below, the Lord of light is confronted by the power of darkness—from which He rescues a demon-possessed boy (vv. 14–29). After Jesus reminds the disciples of His coming death and resurrection (vv. 3–32), the disciples argue about which of them will have the highest place in the kingdom. This discussion of greatness initiates Jesus’s call to servanthood. After hearing how their Master would sacrifice Himself for them, they must be reminded that they too were called to lay themselves down for the benefit of others.

 Our natural inclination is to put self first. How might you intentionally look to serve someone today? Bill Crowder

This message was written By James Banks [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Locating Your Bearing In Life [Friday December 1, 2017]

Scripture: …it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened…And Jesus himself began to be…Luke 3:21-23

Thought For The Day: Life without a definite bearing becomes a burden; life without purpose is pointless.

I welcome you to the month of December, the last month of the year, 2017. Today, I decree the shielding of your life, family and destiny from any arrow of death, tragedy, calamity or disaster fired in your direction in this season, in Jesus’ Name.

On this first day of the month, it is critical to deal with the matter of locating your bearing in life. This is because your bearing determines your becoming.

From our anchor Scripture above, we see that for the first 29 years of His life, Jesus could not begin His earthly Ministry until He located His bearing after His baptism at 30 years of age. After locating His bearing, He began to be.

Beloved, your purpose determines your future. Life without a definite bearing becomes a burden; life without purpose is pointless. This is why Dr. Myles Munroe said, ‘The purpose of life is the life of purpose’. So, nobody is qualified to live who does not know the reason for his or her existence.

One of the most crucial prayers to pray is, ‘Lord, why did you create me? What was on your mind before you created me? Reveal it to me!’

The truth is, when purpose is not known, regrets are inevitable.

But that shall not be your portion, in Jesus’ Name.

Remember This: Life without a definite bearing becomes a burden; life without purpose is pointless.

Assignment(S)

1. Press into God daily in Prayer, Fasting, Worship and the Study of God’s Word to locate your bearing in life.

2. Daily apply for the help of God to remain in line with the blueprint of God for your life.

Prayer: LORD, reveal to me Your purpose for my life. I receive the power, O’ Lord to fulfill Your purpose for my life in my generation, in the Name of Jesus Christ.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THE MESSAGE: WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN LIFE?

Quote: Purpose determines pursuit; Vision guarantees direction. Culled from 365 WISDOM CAPSULES of Dr Paul Enenche

Daily Reading: Daniel 8:1 to 27, 1 John 2:1 to 17, Psalm 120:1 to 7, Proverbs 28:25 to 26

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Home Church tomorrow by 6:pm. Invite your friends and loved ones. God bless you.

Amazing Fact: Aside bone marrow, hair is the fastest growing tissue in the body.

Today In History: 01/12/1955. Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger and move to the back of a bus in Montgomery, Alabama

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities.

Topic: Prideful Prayers — Friday December 1, 2017.

Text: Luke 18:9-17

Key Verse: “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:14).

Jesus gave a parable of two men who went to pray. One would ordinarily expect people who pray to approach God with feelings of inadequacy, insufficiency and humility. Who would have imagined that people can pray with pride? But that was what the Pharisee did. He approached God as a self-righteous person. As such, he felt he had no reason to confess his sins to the heavenly Father.

In his own judgment, there was nothing wrong with him or anything he did wrong against God. Fully satisfied with himself, he began to list his religious achievements and activities before the Almighty. His righteousness which the Bible describes as filthy, was all the man could boast of. He also compared himself with the publican and felt he was much better than the poor fellow.

How do you pray? What do you say when you pray? How do you demonstrate and gesticulate when you pray? Do you box with God while praying or reverence Him as God? Do you humble yourself with your choice of words or accuse the King of kings? Do you, like the publican, appreciate the privilege prayer offers you to approach the throne of grace or shout at the holy God before whom cherubims cover their faces? Are you proud in your prayers? Do you use prayers to show off, just to create awareness in people on how prayerful you are? Do you boast of how many hours you can spend in prayer? Prayer times are precious times that give us access to the throne of grace. Such hallowed times should make us grateful and humble – like the publican.

Thought for the day: “Be not proud of race, face, place or grace” – C. H. Spurgeon.

Bible Reading in one Year: Jude

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.