Topic: Damnable Sin [Friday August 4, 2017]

Text: Leviticus 20:1-9

Key Verse: “Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.” (Leviticus 20:2).

There is a story about a custom of the natives in New Guinea. At certain times, they would lapse into rituals, songs and dance. They would work themselves up into a frenzy and the ritual would culminate in what is called the murder songs, in which they would shout before their gods the names of the people they would wish to kill for ritual.

This was similar to the situation in Canaan. But in the passage today, God prescribed a penalty for worshippers of Molech. It was a heinous crime and God commanded that those involved in such an act must all be cut off from their brethren. God equally instructed that foreigners who lived in Israel must obey the rules of God. He maintained that He would continue to set His face against any person that delighted in heathen practices. He also commanded the Israelites to be holy because He is holy.

Today, people still set God aside, worshipping idols of money and power. Some kill for ritualistic purposes. Children, for their part, disrespect their parents and constituted authority, a trend that has almost been elevated to a norm in the society. Although God’s prescription to stone the rebellious to death was only in the Old Testament dispensation, He has reserved judgment for the day when the works of men would be tried. God will judge the young and old, male and female, for any rebellious activity. All violent demonstrations that jeopardise the lives of other citizens will also be punished.

Therefore, Christian parents should educate their children on the dangers of getting involved in such unrests. God will hold everyone accountable for any rebellion in the church and against the leaders. As we go about our businesses today, may the Almighty God deliver us from any form of rebellion in Jesus’ Name.

Thought for the day: Sin is a deadly virus that pays the wages of death.

Bible Reading in one Year: Jeremiah 1-2

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: Guard against Greed [Friday August 4, 2017]

You cannot serve two masters: God and money. — Matthew 6:24 (TLB)

Tell me what you think about money, and I will tell you what you think about God, for these two are closely related. A man’s heart is closer to his wallet than anything else. It is a staggering fact that for the past few years people have spent ten times as much for luxuries and non-essentials as they have for all charitable and religious purposes. This is a commentary on our shallow and superficial religious faith.

While the Bible warns us against greed and selfishness, it does encourage frugality and thrift. Even Jesus said to His disciples after He fed the multitude, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” Although our Lord had the power to create, He Himself lived frugally and without luxury. John Wesley had a threefold philosophy about money. He said, “Make all you can; keep all you can; and give all you can.” Most of us get all we can, spend all we can; borrow all we can; and give meagerly to God.

Audio: Billy Graham on the love of money and eternal consequences

Prayer for the day: Lord, give me a generous heart so that others may know Your love and compassion.

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: Vengeance Is God’s [Friday August 4, 2017]

Luke 17:2 “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.”

LUKE 17:2

God takes the persecution of His children personally. In Acts 9:4 when Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus and spoke to him about his persecution of the saints, Jesus said, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” Saul was not directly persecuting Jesus but he was persecuting His saints. Yet Jesus said, “Why are you persecuting me?” Judgment against those who persecute God’s children will not always come in time to prevent their harm but as this warning makes very clear, God will avenge His own (Rom. 12:19).

Letting God be the one who defends us is a matter of faith. If there is no God who will bring men into account for their actions, then turning the other cheek would be the worst thing we could do. But if there is a God who promises that vengeance is His, and He will repay, then taking matters into our own hands shows a lack of faith in God and His integrity.

We are not to take matters into our own hands and defend ourselves.

“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (from Dt. 32:35-36; Rom. 12:19; Heb. 10:30). Striving to vindicate self actually shows a lack of faith in God keeping this promise. It also indicates spiritual “nearsightedness” which is only looking at the present moment instead of seeing things in view of eternity.

Even as Christ did not come to condemn the world and is not holding men’s sins against them, even so, we have been given the same ministry of reconciliation. For those who do not receive the love we extend to them but rather take advantage of us because of our “turning the other cheek,” God will repay.

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: We Are Inching Closer To The Last Days [Friday August 4, 2017]

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” 2 Timothy 3:1

Without any shadow of a doubt, we are getting closer to the last day. If Paul talked about the last days when he started the ministry, the truth is that we are now in the last of the last days. Evil is being celebrated today in every nook and cranny. It is no longer fashionable to live right. It is not fashionable to keep your body undefiled. Cults that used to be secret cults are now openly displayed.

Evil is being perpetrated on our streets. X-rated films that were forbidden during children belt on television are now played at all times without care of who is watching. Today, we are not talking about perilous times coming, beloved, they are now here.

According to the Bible: as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the last days. We are inching very close to the last days. What was it in the days of Noah? There were all kinds of immorality and all kinds of demonic activities. Today we are seeing Sodomy being paraded on our streets. It was so bad that Noah stood as the odd man in the entire city. Is that not like what we see today? Those who stand for what is right are now being blackmailed. Ladies are ashamed of chastity. Beloved, no matter how bad it gets, you must never allow the world form your opinion or your philosophy of life. Your philosophy of life must be based on God’s word.

I don’t care what your lecturer told you. I don’t care what you read in books. It is wrong for anyone who is not a Christian to be your mentor or your role model. Yes, we can celebrate whatever they have achieved and thank God for them, but they shouldn’t be your role model. Look unto Jesus! He is your perfect example! Don’t let the success and the things you see make you choose a homosexual as your role model. That is an aberration! It is unacceptable! Remember, you are the light of the world. So let the light of God in you shine into your world.

Further Reading: Romans 1:18-32, Mathew 24:37-39

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Psalms 66-67; Evening- Romans 7

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: What Would Matter When The Curtain Of Time Is Drawn? [Friday August 4, 2017]

Scripture: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Thought For The Day: It is not the testimony we share on earth that matters most but whether our testimony at the end of life is that we missed hell and made Heaven.

We have been on the journey of exploring what would matter when everything on earth ceases to matter; when the cars you drive, the houses you owned, or the money you made, do not matter anymore.

A time will come when there would be no church service, no prayer and fasting, no business or partying; the curtains of time shall be drawn and we will step into eternity and the things that would matter at that moment are the things that matter most in life.

Today, we are going to see the remaining things that matter most in life.

1. Making Heaven: It is not the testimony you share on earth that matters most but whether your testimony at the end of life is that you missed hell and made Heaven. It is not about the testimony that God gave you money, a car, the fruits of the womb or healings; thank God for those testimonies but the testimony that we missed hell and made Heaven at the end of life is what matters most. Anyone who is not working towards that is wasting his or her life on earth.

2. Eternal Celebration: It is not how much of God’s goodness we celebrate on the earth, but whether we would be part of the eternal celebration in Heaven, the marriage supper of the Lamb; that is what matters most.

Beloved, the greatest fulfilment one can experience in life is in doing the things that matter most in life. Ending with terrible regrets at the end of life is inevitable if one is not committed to doing what matters most in life.

Remember this: It is not the testimony we share on earth that matters most but whether our testimony at the end of life is that we missed hell and made Heaven.

Assignment (s):

1. Live with the consciousness of eternity.

2. Let the Word of God and your conscience justify every action you take in life.

3. Refuse to disobey the Word of God and the prompting of the Spirit.

4. Always seek God for who He is, not what He can give you.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: WHAT MATTERS MOST IN LIFE

Prayer: Father, my life is in Your Hands. Do with me as it pleases You LORD. Let my existence on earth bring You joy continually, LORD, in Jesus’ Name.

Quote: Any steps taken outside God is a step into disaster. Culled from 21 FOOLISH THINGS PEOPLE DO by Dr Paul Enenche.

Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 35:1 to 36:23, 1 Corinthians 1:1 to 17, Psalm 27:1 to 6, Proverbs 20:20 to 21

Amazing Fact: One spoonful of matter from a neutron star would weigh about a billion tons.

Today In History: 04/08/1984 – the Republic of Upper Volta changed its name to Burkina Faso

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: Receive His Mercy [Friday August 4, 2017]

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. – Psalm 136:1

God’s mercy endures forever! His willingness to act on man’s behalf is still operating in the earth. His mercy never runs out. Neither has it abated or weakened.

“Praise the Lord! His mercy endureth forever!” Mighty and powerful things happened when Israel said these words. They are words of praise and adoration to God.

When Solomon finished building the house of the Lord, the trumpeters and singers lifted their voices as one, and with trumpets, cymbals and instruments of music, they praised the Lord saying, “For he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Jehoshaphat appointed singers unto the Lord to go before the army and say, “Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.”

It has been thousands of years since the Lord said His mercy extended to a thousand generations, and His mercy continues to reach you day after day. He is still plenteous in mercy unto them that call upon Him. With your spirit, dare to stretch your faith to take in the boundless mercy of God. And say with your mouth, “The Lord, He is good and His mercy endureth forever. His mercy surrounds me even today!”

Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 5:1-14

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: Training for Life [Friday August 4, 2017]

Read: Psalm 66:8–12, Bible in a Year: Psalms 66–67; Romans 7

For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. Psalm 66:10

My training for the long-distance race was going badly, and the latest run was particularly disappointing. I walked half the time and even had to sit down at one point. It felt like I had failed a mini-test.

Then I remembered that this was the whole point of training. It was not a test to pass, nor was there a grade I had to achieve. Rather, it was something I simply had to go through, again and again, to improve my endurance.

Lord, I know that You allow me to go through trials so that I will be strengthened and purified.

Perhaps you feel bad about a trial you are facing. God allows us to undergo these times of testing to toughen our spiritual muscles and endurance. He teaches us to rely on Him, and purifies us to be holy, so that we become more like Christ.

No wonder the psalmist could praise God for refining the Israelites through fire and water (Ps. 66:10–12) as they suffered in slavery and exile. God not only preserved them and brought them to a place of great abundance, but also purified them in the process.

As we go through testing, we can rely on God for strength and perseverance. He is refining us through our toughest moments.

Prayer: Lord, I know that You allow me to go through trials so that I will be strengthened and purified. Teach me to keep relying on You for Your strength to endure.

Faith-testing times can be faith-strengthening times.

Insight:

Echoing the confident sentiment of Psalm 66:10, an Old Testament man named Job said, “When [God] has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). Job was in financial ruin, his ten children had died, and he was afflicted with a painful disease (1:13–19; 2:7). In the midst of these trials, he sought to understand why he had to suffer so much. His three friends believed his suffering was God’s punishment for his sins (4:7–9; 8:4–7). But Job rejected their accusations and sought an answer from God (23:1–5). God seemed absent (vv. 8–9), yet in a moment of raw faith, Job expressed his intuitive conviction that God was testing him to prove the purity of his character. Job entrusted himself to God’s ways and drew strength from His Word (vv. 10–12).

In a similar way, God tests us to show the quality of our faith (Prov. 17:3; Isa. 48:10; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:6–7; 4:1–13).

How has testing helped to refine your faith? What encouragement from Psalm 66 helps you remain faithful in the midst of testing? Sim Kay Tee

This message was written By Leslie Koh [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Today’s Scripture: “But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph…” (2 Corinthians 2:14, AMP)

Topic: It’s No Surprise to Him [Thursday August 3, 2017]

In life, we all have to deal with the unexpected. Just because we’re believers, just because we’re good people or doing the right thing doesn’t make us exempt from trouble. The scripture says, “The rain falls on the just and the unjust.” When something unexpected happens or you find yourself facing a crisis, don’t automatically go into “panic mode” or just fall apart emotionally. Realize that the crisis is no surprise to God. It may be unexpected to you, but God knows the end from the beginning. He has solutions to problems that you haven’t even had yet. He has equipped you for every battle, and He goes before you to make your crooked places straight!

Today, instead of focusing on your problem, focus on your God. Focus on the fact that He is with you. Remember that He is walking with you, leading and guiding you to a place of peace and victory. No matter what has happened, He will take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it around for your good. He always leads us in victory. So keep moving forward knowing that He has a good plan for you!

A Prayer for Today: “Heavenly Father, I come to You with an open and humble heart. I thank You for the victory that You have in store for me even when I can’t see it. I choose to trust You and Your goodness, knowing that You are faithful in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Just Before You Write Yourself Off [03/08/2017]

And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house. Judges 6:15. Read: Jdg 6:11-15

Just before you write yourself off destiny, please know that you are created in the image of the King of kings, the LORD of lords – the Almighty God. You must also know that He created you for a purpose and His earnest desire is to see the purpose He created you fulfilled. To fulfil your enviable destiny, you must (by all means) see yourself the way God sees you. You must walk in the light of God’s word not to live with the spirit of inferiority complex. There is something inside of you that makes you greater than your present circumstances .Until you see yourself as God sees you, that giant in you would never rise and find expression. You must stir it up by the eyes of faith in the Lord.

When God visited Gideon at the threshing floor, the first thing the angel said to him was”…….The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. Jdg 6:12. Gideon could not see himself as a man of valour because he was overshadowed by the impoverishment of his family and the current attack of the Philistine on the land. As far as he is concerned, your situation does not change what He has made you to be, but your belief and confession does. Don’t base your worth on your present circumstances thereby writing yourself off destiny, rather, see yourself the way God sees you. You are valued by God, therefore, place value upon your life.

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* Father, help me to see myself just the way You see me in Jesus Mighty Name

Topic: Meet God 1 [Thursday, 3rd August 2017]

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.  Acts 17:23

Paul had the opportunity to be in Athens for a while, and he witnessed men serve “the unknown God.” It seems funny that people were worshipping something unknown. Like, how can one serve someone or something he or she doesn’t know, not even a peripheral knowledge of who the god is. To worship everyday and give sacrifices, and say “O unknown God, I don’t know you, but take this from me, accept my praise and veneration.” How do you put your trust in someone you don’t know to be a blessing to you? Well, that’s the situation this people Paul saw in Athens were into.

A lot of us may laugh at this because it is really strange. But the truth is, the bulk of us are in this same situation. We don’t actually know the God we claim to serve. We call Him Alpha and Omega, but we don’t really know the reality of God being Alpha and Omega to us personally. We go and worship and say “God we trust you”, but when we are faced with stormy situations, we start asking “where is God?”. Oh well, you don’t know Him that’s why you are asking such question.

The person of God is revealed throughout scriptures, and truth be told if we really sit down to search the scriptures everyday for the rest of our lives we really get to know Who He is. Paul says of himself in Philippians 3:8: “yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” For some of us, it is the other way around, whether we accept it or not. If we really search our hearts we’d realize it. However the crux of the whole thing is that Paul knew the importance of knowing the God he served, and the magnitude of this importance was what he was trying to pass on to us (Philippians 3:10-13). Knowing God is so important to us that all other things are worthless without the knowledge of God (Matthew 13:46). Will you seek to know Him today?

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank You that You’ve made it possible that I learn to know You. Help me therefore to always seek to know You, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

By Esun Tekeme