Topic: Needless and Ungodly Precaution — Wednesday August 16, 2017.

Text: 1 Samuel 21:10-15

Key Verse: “And he changed his behaviour before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his spittle fall down upon his beard” (1 Samuel 21:13).

Alongside the stirring biblical accounts of the exploits of great men and women of God are the depressing narratives about how they disappointed God in crucial moments. Elijah who eliminated hundreds of Baal’s prophets and restored true worship to Israel fled at the threat of a woman. Warrior Gideon succumbed to idolatry after a brilliant military career.

When it came to the turn of the mighty Psalmist of Israel, he also jettisoned the great promises of God who had said repeatedly that He would never abandon those who trust in Him. Fleeing from the murderous king Saul who wanted to kill him, David escaped for safety in Gath, a land of the Philistines, Israel’s enemy. He correctly calculated that Saul would never have expected him to go there. In Gath, before Achish, the king, He pretended to be insane in order to hide his real identity as the great conqueror of Goliath. These were nothing but needless and ungodly pranks that gave the impression that the Lord could not deliver His own when they were in a tight corner.

He had forgotten that God would certainly watch over him to fulfil His word. God had also said that the Messiah would come through David’s lineage. How would this come to pass if God allowed David to be killed by the enemy? He was aware that all these had not taken place. God’s word must be fulfilled no matter the hugeness of the weapon store of man to defeat His purpose.

Fear, sin and unbelief are the enemies that undermine the believer’s faith and relationship with God. The only way to defeat these foes is to focus on God’s power and promises, to live a holy life and resort to ceaseless prayer and evangelism.

Thought for the day: Faith is the currency of any transaction with God.

Bible Reading in one Year: Jeremiah 33-35

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.

Topic: You Are the Best Expression of God’s Expertise — Wednesday August 16, 2017.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

Child of God, do you truly know who you are?” Think deeply on this. Don’t be too quick to give an answer. We all know how easy it is to sing, “I know who God says I am, what He says I am….I know who I am”. We know how to sound all religious and Christianly but somehow our actions differ when we are faced with real-life situations that challenge us. In such situations, how do you respond? That is where the rubber meets the road!

The issue of identity is very important. To a great extent, your identity defines you, and it forms the basis of what you are known. As a believer, your nature, qualities, beliefs, character, behaviour, abilities, etc. are all embedded in your identity. Another interesting thing about an identity is that it remains the same, unchanged, even under varying aspects or conditions. For example, your fingerprint is peculiar to you, and it does not change, even under the most gruelling conditions.

As new creations, we are God’s workmanship, His handiwork, His masterpiece, recreated in Christ Jesus. We are the best expression of God’s expertise. This is not about your physical body, it is about your spirit man, which is actually the real you. It is the spirit that is regenerated and born again when you received Jesus into your life as Lord and personal Saviour. In other words, the word of God is saying that the quality of work that God performed in recreating your spirit man in Christ Jesus is perfect, excellent, and cannot be outdone by any other. With this in mind, square up your shoulders, lift your head high in the confidence of who you are. You are like God; you are made in His exact image. As He is, so are you; so let nothing and no one cause you to cower. You are born to win; you are born to rule. Your victory is assured. You will arrive at God’s ordained destiny for your life. Nothing will cut you short!

Further Reading: Ephesians 2:10-20

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 94-96; Evening- Romans 15:14-33

Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.

Topic: No Longer Two But One! (2)

Dear Reader,

I count it a great privilege to share God’s Word with you again today. Last week, I brought you the introductory part of this month’s teaching. I said an understanding of the concept of oneness will chase away selfishness from homes, and will put an end to fighting and misunderstandings.

This week, by the grace of God, I will reveal a major requirement for oneness in marriage “Maturity!”

In God’s concept, marriage is for men and women, not for boys and girls. God’s Word says: …The rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man (Genesis 2:22). Again in verse 24, the Bible says: Therefore shall a man…cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.  Take particular note of the words ‘man’ and ‘woman,’ in the above passages.

Maturity comes in different ways; it is possible for a physical giant to be an emotional dwarf. It is also possible for a fully grown man to be as immature as a 13-year-old boy. It is possible for a beautiful woman to be an emotional child. The connection this has with marriage is that marriage requires physical, spiritual and emotional maturity.

Some adults never outgrow childhood immaturity and they demonstrate it in their marriages. This is one of the reasons many marriages fail! Briefly, let’s consider three characteristics of maturity that make oneness a reality in marriage:

Characteristics of Maturity

Selfless Attitudes & Behaviour

An Indian expression reads: “You do not marry whom you love; you love whom you marry.” Ironically, most married couples today, married whom they love, but the key to success in marriage is to love whom you married, because the choice has been made, and there is no going back.

Unfortunately, many marriage relationships are challenged because some individuals put their selfish desires and needs before their spouses. Infidelity and divorce are usually the results of this.

Maturity speaks of selflessness. This is considered to be the most salient characteristic of marital success. Nothing is more central to success in marriage than selflessness i.e. being more concerned with your husband or wife’s success, happiness or comfort than you are of your own.

Gratitude

Gratitude is a feeling, emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive. Gratitude is a very vital attitude in marriage; it is a positive indicator that a husband and wife find their relationship satisfying. But it’s quite disheartening to know that many husbands and wives hardly know what it means to say, ‘Thank you.’  I believe, the words are absent because the feeling is absent. The understanding of oneness helps you to habitually appreciate and acknowledge your spouse’s input in every circumstance. Gratitude is a very beautiful act to demonstrate, because it usually returns with rich rewards.

Flexibility

Apparently, nothing in your marriage is going to stay the same forever: not you, your spouse, living conditions, income, job status, children, etc. Flexibility makes it easy for you to be in peaceful harmony with your spouse. Husband, do not feel that your wife is incapable of making any sound decisions; thereby, ignoring her completely. Wife, do not feel that your husband is making foolish investments. Rather, cultivate the habit of a friendly discussion, and all misconceptions will disappear.

When you are rigid and unbending, it becomes impossible for you and your spouse to have a perfect synchronization of true love and agreeable freedom. Thus, to make sure that your marriage doesn’t fail, stay flexible, and be ready and able to adapt to changing circumstances.

I want you to know that God, who is the sole designer of marriage, has its blueprint. That means His view on marriage must be taken seriously, if we desire to reap the full rewards. Subscribing to God’s view of marriage is enhanced by your identity with Jesus.

Are you born-again? You get born-again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour. If you are set for this, say this prayer of faith with me:“Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

Congratulations, you are now born again! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through [email protected], 07026385437 OR 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

Topic — Provision of Solution; Key to Promotion in Life [Wednesday August 16, 2017]

Scripture: And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. 1 Samuel 16:23.

Thought For The Day: Those who dodge problems dodge progress.

Two days ago, we looked at what it takes to move from the wilderness (the worst place of life) to the palace (the best place of life), and from the life of David we saw that the distance between the wilderness of life and the palace of life is worship.

Today, we are looking at 2 other factors:

1. Having a problem-solving capacity is one of the keys to moving from the worst place of life to the best place of life. Solving problems is the distance between the worst place of life and the best place of life. The quality of David’s life was changed as he was called to solve a problem; Saul was insane and nobody could help him. David was called to check out the spirit of insanity from Saul through the weapon of worship, and that was the beginning of his journey to the palace.

A problem somewhere equals progress and promotion for someone. Those who dodge problems dodge progress. Those who cannot provide solution cannot experience promotion.

Beloved, do not look for connection, look for solution to offer. Do not struggle for money before you start something, you can start solving problems without money.

2. The knowledge of life’s assignment. David was cunning in playing the worship instrument. Where you are trained is where you will reign. Where you are wise is where you will rise. Where you are developed is where you will dominate. So, investment in knowledge is investment in destiny; investing to know God is investing to secure your future.

Remember this: Those who dodge problems dodge progress.

Assignment (s):

1. Be a problem solver.

2. Make demands on the grace to be a solution provider in your generation at the place of prayer.

3. Study around the area of your assignment.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: LIVING AT YOUR BEST.

Prayer: O LORD, I receive the grace to be a solution to the problems in my generation. As I deploy myself to offering solutions to problems, take me to the utmost top in life, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: To see the favour of God in your life, you must be the best. Culled from, 30 SECRETS TO THE TOP by Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: Nehemiah 11:1 to 12:26, 1 Corinthians 10:14 to 33, Psalm 34:11 to 22, Proverbs 21: 14 to 16

Amazing Fact: Our brain’s connected neurons look similar to the structure of the universe. In a way, our brains are modelled after the universe.

Today In History: 16/8/1960 – Cyprus gains its independence from the United Kingdom.

Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), is a powerfully anointed church, headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Dr Paul and Dr 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: Not Fear but Faith — Wednesday August 16, 2017.

Read: Numbers 13:25–14:9, Bible in a Year: Psalms 94–96; Romans 15:14–33

The Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them. Numbers 14:9

“My husband was offered a promotion in another country, but I feared leaving our home, so he reluctantly declined the offer,” my friend shared with me. She explained how apprehension over such a big change kept her from embracing a new adventure, and that she sometimes wondered what they missed in not moving.

The Israelites let their anxieties paralyze them when they were called to inhabit a rich and fertile land that flowed “with milk and honey” (Ex. 33:3). When they heard the reports of the powerful people in large cities (Num. 13:28), they started to fear. The majority of the Israelites rejected the call to enter the land.

But Joshua and Caleb urged them to trust in the Lord, saying, “Do not be afraid of the people in the land” for the “Lord is with us” (14:9). Although the people there appeared large, they could trust the Lord to be with them.

My friend wasn’t commanded to move to another country like the Israelites were, yet she regretted letting fear close off the opportunity. What about you—do you face a fearful situation? If so, know that the Lord is with you and will guide you. With His never-failing love, we can move forward in faith.

Prayer: Loving Father, may I not let my fear stop me from following You, for I know that You will always love me and will never leave me.

Fear can paralyze but faith propels us to follow God.

This message was written By Amy Boucher Pye [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: A Firm Foundation — Wednesday August 16, 2017.

These things I command you, that ye love one another. – John 15:17

In Luke 6:47-48, Jesus said: “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.”

That’s probably a familiar scripture to you. But today I want you to do something new with it. I want you to put it together with what Jesus said in John 15:17: “These things I command you, that ye love one another.”

Love. That one word sums up all Jesus said for us to do. If you’ll build your life on it, even the most violent storms of this world will be unable to shake you. It will make you solid in every area of your life.

If you’ll build your family on love, you can win back those the devil has stolen from you. You can win them to Jesus with the love of God.

If you’ll build your business on love, you’ll prosper beyond your wildest dreams. I had a friend who did that. He went into a television and radio business in his church. He wanted to buy a station from a Jewish man and he offered such a good price for it that the owner was stunned.

“Why would you offer me such a wonderful price?” asked the Jewish owner.

“Because the Word of God says that if I will bless you, God will bless me. So I’m going to see to it that you get the better part of this deal,” answered my friend.

Before it was all over, that Jewish station owner had made Jesus Lord of his life. He and my friend ended up prospering and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ together on the radio.

When love rules, prosperity can flow!

Commit to living the life of love today. Commit to building your house upon the rock. Then when the storms of life begin to blow—at home, at work or in any situation—you can enjoy the solid security of knowing that love never fails.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

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: Hunger for Righteousness — Wednesday August 16, 2017

I will give to the thirsty the springs of the Water of Life—as a gift! — Revelation 21:6 (TLB)

God says that only those who hunger after righteousness will receive it. God thrusts this heavenly manna on no one. You must desire it, above everything else. Your yearning for God must supersede all other desires. It must be like a gnawing hunger and a burning thirst.

Prayer for the day: Almighty God, my soul is parched and I’m so hungry without the spiritual food You so desire to give me. Take away anything in my life that would cause me not to give You pre-eminence.

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: God Answers Prayer – Wednesday August 16, 2017.

Luke 18:7 “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? “

LUKE 18:1-8

This is not an exact comparison of God to this unjust judge, teaching us that we should badger God until we weary Him and He grants us our request.

Rather, Jesus is contrasting His willingness to answer our prayers with this unjust judge’s unwillingness. The parable is a contrast, not a representation.

Not only do we have God who is a just judge who will avenge His elect speedily, but we also have Jesus as our advocate or attorney who is always making intercession for us. However, we have an adversary (the devil) who is constantly accusing us and misrepresenting God (the judge). This causes men to give up (faint) and not even plead their case with God because they doubt that He will answer them anyway.

Jesus is saying that our Father is not an unjust judge that we have to pressure into doing what is right. Many times we put more faith in people and their willingness to do what is right than we do in God. Satan has deceived us about the willingness of God to answer our prayers and Jesus is countering that deception with this parable. Jesus is encouraging us to pray (petition God) and not doubt His willingness to grant our requests. To teach that we must pester God until He gives in to our pressure is not good theology.

This widow’s actions were commendable. She knew what was rightfully hers and she refused to take “no” for an answer. If we can be that confident and determined when dealing with unjust men, how much more should we persist, despite the devil’s delays, when dealing with our faithful Father. You can trust Him to always come through for you.

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)

Today’s Scripture: “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” – (Acts 4:20, NKJV)

Topic: Just Can’t Help It! [Tuesday August 15, 2017]

Have you ever been so in awe by something that you just couldn’t help but talk about it to everyone you know? Maybe you were excited about a new relationship, a job or the birth of a child. But nothing on earth can compare to what God wants to do in your life. He wants to amaze you with His goodness and overwhelm you with His love. He wants to do exceedingly abundantly above all you could ever ask, think or imagine. He wants to do things in your life that you’ve never seen before. He wants to impact you in such a way that you can’t help but talk about Him!

The key is that it starts with us. Our faith in God is what opens the door for Him to move and sets the blessing in motion. God has given every person a measure of faith. He has given us all the ability to believe and receive from Him. Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. As you meditate on His Word and receive His promises by faith, He will move mightily on your behalf. It won’t be long before you just can’t help speaking about His goodness everywhere you go!

A Prayer for Today: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. I choose to receive Your promises by faith. I choose to meditate on Your love. Thank You for working in my life. I keep my heart and mind open You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Topic: Prepare For Your Assignment [Tuesday August 15, 2017]

Wise people don’t wait to be assigned. Rather they prepare to be assigned.

Placement is largely preparation determined.

When placement catches up with preparation you become unfit for the assignment.

Strive to meet up with the demands of the task and seek the support of people around you.

Nobody wants to know why you are not making it. Expectation on you is high. So work on yourself so as to be able to deliver efficiently.