Topic: The Power of Submission [Friday July 7, 2017]

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7.

When you choose to function the world’s way, you are romancing or sleeping with the world and hence disobeying God. Once you have decided to function the way the world functions, you have decided to set yourself against God. Don’t you know that God is jealous because he is inside you? He is saying don’t mess up with what I have invested inside you. You can’t handle yourself anyhow. Others can do it, but not you. You are a new creation.

James 4:6 says, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” In other words, once you are submissive to God, you access more of his grace. It may be difficult to stand, but he will give you grace to stand. Remember, grace is the favour, the might and power of God. The goodness and strength of God on your behalf. That which God gives to you not because you deserve it but because of Christ and his work on the cross.

It also says God resists the proud. The proud is any person who disobeys God, who does not care about him. The humble is the person that submits to him. James 4:7 then said, in view of this, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” It says be wise and submit to God’s directives so that you can be able to resist the devil because it is only when you submit that you can resist the devil and he will flee from you.

The word ‘flee’ there means to run away like a dog in terror with its tail between its legs because he knows that somebody with a higher authority is commanding him. But when you are not in submission and you rebuke the devil, he will say, Jesus I know, Paul I know, who are you? That is, you don’t have right over him because you are at the same level.

Further Reading: James 4:1 – 10, 1 Peter 5:5-9

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Job 34-35; Evening- Acts 15:1-21

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: Dare To Be Different [Friday July 7, 2017]

Text: Genesis 6:8-22

Key Verse: “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9).

Many times, we complain that the world around us is so corrupt that it is nigh impossible to live righteously at all times. But we overlook the power of grace in our lives. The expectation of God is that we must strive to be different.

The earth in which Noah lived was a cesspool of corruption populated by sinful men who forgot their Maker. It was an earth in which men did according to their sinful lusts, glorying in corrupt practices and abominations. But Noah chose to be a just, perfect man in his generation (Genesis 6:9).

The earth was so sinful, God decided to destroy it and all its inhabitants with the first flood in human history. But Noah who humbled his heart to follow God, despite the corrupt influence of the world around him, “found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). While the Lord decreed the judgement of the flood on the world, He perfected the plan of salvation and deliverance for Noah and his household. He also sealed it with a covenant. Noah responded to God’s command to prepare an ark with architectural specifications. He also passed the message to his family, which they promptly obeyed and were saved.

Noah’s obedience also affected his possessions which survived in pairs. At the end of the day, Noah was not only saved, but was blessed also with abundance and honour. We must cling unto the Lord, no matter the push or pull of the world to compromise our faith. We must consciously decide not to be swayed by the fads and fancies of this age. We must allow the grace of God to keep us righteous even in this corrupt and sinful world.

Thought for the day: The wisest people on earth are those whose habitation is the LORD.

Bible Reading in one Year: Genesis 21-23

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: The Ultimate Good [Friday July 7, 2017]

Read: Philippians 3:1–11, Bible in a Year: Job 34–35; Acts 15:1–21

I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Philippians 3:8

As I was growing up in Jamaica, my parents raised my sister and me to be “good people.” In our home, good meant obeying our parents, telling the truth, being successful in school and work, and going to church . . .  at least Easter and Christmas. I imagine this definition of being a good person is familiar to many people, regardless of culture. In fact, the apostle Paul, in Philippians 3, used his culture’s definition of being good to make a greater point.

Paul, being a devout first-century Jew, followed the letter of the moral law in his culture. He was born into the “right” family, had the “right” education, and practiced the “right” religion. He was the real deal in terms of being a good person according to Jewish custom. In verse 4, Paul writes that he could boast in all of his goodness if he wanted to. But, as good as he was, Paul told his readers (and us) that there is something more than being good. He knew that being good, while good, was not the same as pleasing God.

God, help me remember that knowing Jesus is the way to ultimate goodness.

Pleasing God, Paul writes in verses 7–8, involves knowing Jesus. Paul considered his own goodness as “garbage” when compared to “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus.” We are good—and we please God—when our hope and faith are in Christ alone, not in our goodness.

Prayer: Dear God, as I seek to live a good life, help me remember that knowing Jesus is the way to ultimate goodness.

We are good—and we please God—when our hope and faith are in Christ alone, not in our goodness.

Insight:

It can be easy to miss the phenomenal change of perspective Paul states in today’s passage. His claims of righteousness were not empty boasts; he had followed God-given laws meticulously—literally to the letter. For Paul to say that all of that was worthless signifies change at a fundamental level. He changed from outward performance—doing (vv. 4–7)—to knowing Christ and what He had done (v. 8).

This message was written By Karen Wolfe [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: What’s Your Response? [Friday 7, July 2017]

Memorise: And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt. – 1 Samuel 24:5

Read: 2 Samuel 12:7-13 (KJV)

7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

8 And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.

9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.

10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.

11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.

12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.

13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 18-19, Ezekiel 2:8-3:15, Hymn: Sing hymn 6

Today’s Scripture: “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” – (Matthew 7:7, NLT)

Topic: Keep Seeking [Thursday July 6, 2017]

Is there something you are believing God for today? Does it seem like it’s taking a long time to come to pass? Be encouraged because the Bible says that through faith and patience, you will inherit His promises! If you’ll stay in faith, if you’ll keep on seeking Him, it won’t be long until you see that breakthrough!

The problem is that most people give up just before they get their miracle. They stop when things get hard or when they don’t get the answer they want the first time. But today’s verse encourages us to continually ask and continually seek. That doesn’t mean that we seek Him one time and then stop. No, we seek Him until we have the promise!

Today, submit your prayers to the Lord and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking on the door, and it will be opened to you. Know that God is working behind the scenes. He is perfecting whatever concerns you. Don’t give up! Instead, start thanking Him for His faithfulness in your life. Thank Him for His promise that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek after Him!

A Prayer for Today: “Father in heaven, thank You for giving me a diligent spirit. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Give me strength to stand and seek You until I see Your promises fulfilled in every area of my life in Jesus’ name! Amen.”

Topic: How To Boost Your Courage (part 1) [Thursday July 6, 2017]

Courage is the inner strength that enables you to stand against the odds of life with a determination to reach your goal. Satan brings negative circumstances your way so as to discourage you, his aim is to reduce your courage in order to stop you from taking steps towards your goal in life. Most people that are stagnated today are simply victims of discouragement. This is why you must know how to keep boosting your courage or to keep encouraging yourself in the Lord. A time came in the life of David when he would have been overtaken by discouragement but he encouraged himself in the Lord; he boosted his courage. As a result, he was strengthened to pursue the enemy and recover all that he and his men had lost (1 Samuel 30:1-18).

Now, the foremost way to boost your courage is by making bold declarations. Jesus said, “…Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith” (Mark 11:23). That means, no matter the mountain you are faced with, if you will make bold declarations and refuse to be discouraged in your heart, you shall have whatsoever you say.

You have to learn how to make your boast in Lord. Every proper Christian is a boaster, not in himself but in the Lord. Rather than bemoan your situation, begin to declare what you believe your God can do for you. You may have fallen or failed many time, but you can tell yourself, “I know I can still make it, my God will make a way for me, I cannot be stranded, I am not a failure, I am destined to be above only and never beneath. My enemies that come against me in one way shall flee before me in seven ways.” As you do that, you will discover that strength is infused into your hands and feet and you will begin to achieve what the devil said you would be able to achieve.

Continue from part 2 tomorrow

Topic: Clean Up [Thursday July 6, 2017]

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. — Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

Have you ever gone on a cleaning rampage to straighten up your home or office? Did you enjoy pitching junk, straightening objects, and organizing materials so that you could find them when you need them?

You may need to get on a Holy Ghost rampage and do the same thing with your life. Say, “I’ve had enough bondage. I’ve had enough negative thoughts. I’ve had enough of the lies of the devil. I am not going to have any more bad days. I am not going to be discouraged, depressed, or despondent. I am going to enjoy my life!”

Jesus is ready to help you live life to the fullest!

Anthony Robins wrote: “Determination is the wake-up call to the human will.” No matter what you are going through, always remember that giving up too soon registers you in the POLYTECHNIC OF FAILURES!

Topic – The Determination University: When They Shot Him!

(Genesis 21:14-21).

A man walked nearly two kilometers with a bullet hole in his head after being shot by robbers. The man, Larry Taylor, 37, finally made to his mother’s house after being shot onl y to realize that she had moved to elderly people’s home. Taylor told the Macon Telegraph that he was walking to a friend’s house around 9pm on that faithful day when a man approached him and asked to use his cell phone. He recounted : I”I said ‘NO’ theh he pulled out the gun and shot me in the head and fled.” Can you imagine a man walking with blood ozing from his head for 2 kilometers? He said: “I determined to make it to mama’s house and die if necessary.”

DETERMINATION UNIVERSITY! What a school, help came just before he fainted! The Holy Ghost emphasis to you is that you must be a man/ woman of courage on this planet.

No wonder a wise man said: “Where there is will, there is a way.” Listen to Mike Ditka: “I don’t think anything is unrealistic if you believe you can do it. I think if you are determined enough, and willing to pay the price, you can get it done.” Anthony Robins wrote: “Determination is the wake-up call to the human will.” Jesus Christ said: “………….All things are possible to him that belieth.” –Mark 9:23. Even when Hagar thought it was over, God showed her a well of water (Vs. 19 of today’s scripture). No matter what you are going through, always remember that giving up too soon registers you in the POLYTECHNIC OF FAILURES!

Why are you depressed or comparing yourself to others? Hear Jesse Jackson: “I am fighting against odds. I was born against the odds; I was raised against the odds; I am an odd breaker and a dream maker.” Let that be your daily declaration! Look up! Press on! Hold on! You will end this year with a mighty testimony in Jesus Christ name. Pray now! LEKKI MOUNTAIN this Sunday 10:30am.

Pray for me, Dr Chris against a blackmailing syndicate that is determined to “pulll down” this vision if I don’t give them money and a house. The battle is the Lord’s! Also, some journalists send me text asking for money or they would publish “sensational stories” about me! My hands are EVER CLEAN and the LORD will CONTED with them! PRAY FOR ME DAILY! See page 53!

START CUTTING DOWN ON YOUR FOOD INTAKE! The 14-day fast begins this SUNDAY:JULY 9th-22nd. Pray the prayers on page 108 of “WAR AGAINST HAMAN-12” booklet now!

Prayer Points: Take your best worship song now.

1. Thank God for today’s word and pray as you are led!

2. Uproot discouragement and rebuke depression now!

3. Father, I vow to look up to You alone. Make a way where there seems to be no way ( Pray it till you have peace to end).

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 Peace of Jesus [Thursday July 6, 2017]

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. – John 16:33

The peace that Jesus came to bring was not the peace of appeasement, or the peace of compromise and conformity. It was a spiritual peace. The world doesn’t give peace, for it doesn’t have any peace to give. It fights for peace, it negotiates for peace, it maneuvers for peace, but there is no ultimate peace in the world. But Jesus gives peace to those who put their trust in Him. If you have received His peace, then you are in His camp. But if you have rejected it, then you are against Him. His peace is available to everyone who will receive it.

Will you receive the peace of Jesus?

Is your faith up and down—strong one day and weak the next? Read more.

Prayer for the day: Deep down I feel Your peace, Lord Jesus, and the storms of my life are abated.

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.