DCLM Daily Manna 27 October 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Selfishness Is Damning

TOPIC: Selfishness Is Damning (DCLM Daily Manna 27 October 2022)

TEXT: Matthew 18:1-6 (KJV)

1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

KEY VERSE: “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1)

MESSAGE:

In his book, “The Purpose Driven Life”, Rich Warren says, “Focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life’s purpose. Until we understand that our lives begin with God as Creator and exist only because God wills it so, life will never make sense. We were made by God and for God”.

The text centres on the question the disciples of Jesus asked Him: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” In response, Christ called a little child unto Him and told them that except they are converted and become like little children, they cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. He that receives a little child in His name actually receives Him.

The disciples of Jesus had from time to time argued about who should be the greatest among them (Mark 9:33, 34). Even the sons of Zebedee, James and John, had to employ the service of their mother to press further their desire (Matthew 20:20-22). The question they asked here was no doubt motivated by “self”. This canal nature was eventually subdued when they became sanctified (Acts 2:1).

Self gives rise to strife, envy, discord, judgmental attitude, resentment and all kinds of distortions. It brings disorder and chaos to an otherwise peaceful and cordial atmosphere and relationship. Self is pride-motivated. It pays for man to realise that whatever he has – wealth, wisdom, beauty, strength, intelligence, anointing, etc. – is given to him by God. Therefore, he must not “think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Heaven belongs to the humble.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Proverbs 18-20

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

DCLM Daily Manna 25 October 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Shun Unbelief

TOPIC: Shun Unbelief (DCLM Daily Manna 25 October 2022)

TEXT: Judges 4:4-9 (KJV)

4 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

5 And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

6 And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

7 And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.

8 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.

9 And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.

KEY VERSE: “And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh” (Judges 4:9).

MESSAGE:

In his study of five hundred richest men in America, Napoleon Hill discovered a common characteristic. Each had the attitude of positive expectancy. They saw in every obstacle or challenge an equal or greater opportunity or benefit. They built their vast fortune on this belief. Actually, the difference between success and failure is based on one’s expectations.

Deborah was a prophetess and judge in Israel at a time the nation had turned away from God and was under oppression. But God, in His mercy, through her, commissioned Barak to go against the enemy, promising to deliver him into his hand. Surprisingly, Barak became afraid and requested that Deborah accompany him else he would not go. The prophetess obliged but informed him that the battle would no longer be for his honour as God would now deliver Sisera into the hand of a woman.

Regrettably, many so-called Christians today toe the line of Barak. We need to work on our faith and always put it to work when faced with challenges. The moment we decide to pay attention to the threats and the size of the enemy instead of focusing on the omnipotence of God and His never-failing promises, we become weak in faith.

Faith in God is necessary for any worthwhile task; and the bigger the task, the more faith is required. So, when next you are confronted with a challenge that seems to swallow you up, face it with faith, shun unbelief and you will be sure to win.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Believe that you can, and you will.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Proverbs 12-14

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

DCLM Daily Manna 24 October 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — A Pastor’s Burden

TOPIC: A Pastor’s Burden (DCLM Daily Manna 24 October 2022)

TEXT: 1 Timothy 2:9-15 (KJV)

9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

KEY VERSE: “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” (1 Timothy 2:9).

MESSAGE:

Powerful and wealthy women with a high social calling were a regular sight during youthful Timothy’s bishopric in Ephesus. They flaunted their opulence through showy and expensive apparel and hairdo. Their presence in the church caused much stir and stole away the attention of worshippers. It also made less financially endowed women to envy and desire worldly acquisitions. The stage also began to be set for immorality among the people. These economically strong women became proud and sought unscriptural feminism. As a result, spirituality of the church at Ephesus became threatened.

Apostle Paul was alarmed. So, he wrote to Timothy instructing him to take steps to bring back the Ephesian women to their proper positions in the church. They must not emulate the exhibitionist lifestyle of their environment. Ephesus was the city of promiscuity. It was the home of the goddess, Diana, whose worship bred temple harlots displaying provocative attire and braided hair. They were known for sacrilegious and carnal perversions that contradicted the teachings of the gospel.

The church was called out from this licentious culture and as an apostle, Paul had the responsibility to warn the sheepfold against a return to that past.

A shepherd must not spare the rod of correction, no matter whose ox is gored. If he wants to please God who gave him the office, then he must deliver the whole truth about the qualifications for heaven. The abode of God is meant for only those who reject the sinful practices of the world.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
A true preacher must be burdened about a perishing soul.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Proverbs 9-11

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

DCLM Daily Manna 23 October 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Secrets Of Effective Leaders

TOPIC: Secrets Of Effective Leaders (DCLM Daily Manna 23 October 2022)

TEXT: Numbers 27:1-8 (KJV)

1 Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.

2 And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

3 Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons.

4 Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father.

5 And Moses brought their cause before the Lord.

6 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

7 The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.

8 And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter.

KEY VERSE: “And Moses brought their cause before the LORD” (Numbers 27:5).

MESSAGE:

Successful leadership requires much more than occupying a position or bearing a title. It entails having an understanding of one’s limitations and weaknesses and knowing how to leverage on the strength and support of others, whether they are one’s superiors or juniors.

Our text revealed the sensitive and unusual request made to Moses the servant of God by the five daughters of Zelophehad, a man of the tribe of Manasseh. These ladies wanted Moses to allot them land (an inheritance) among their father’s brothers since their late father had no son. This, they maintained, was to ensure that their father’s name and possession was not lost among his brethren. Because Moses had not handled that kind of issue before, he assured the young women that he would bring their matter before God. God told him that the daughters of Zelophehad were right and he should allocate them land among their father’s brothers.

Leaders must learn to be willing to admit it when they do not have immediate answers to the questions or enquiries of the people. It does not diminish their person or honour when they do so. Rather, it further earns them the respect of their followers and endears them to their hearts the more. Honesty and sincerity are of great importance in leadership. When leaders make mistakes in judgment and decisions, they should be willing to admit it. After all, leaders are humans too.

It is however important that leaders be willing to pay the price of diligently finding out what they do not know from God through prayers and proper study. This will save the leader from giving a wrong judgment or counsel.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Humility makes our leadership style superb.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Proverbs 7-8

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

DCLM Daily Manna 22 October 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — The Enemies’ Ultimate Defeat

TOPIC: The Enemies’ Ultimate Defeat (DCLM Daily Manna 22 October 2022)

TEXT: Exodus 15:19-22 (KJV)

19 For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the Lord brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

21 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

KEY VERSE: “For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the LORD brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.” – (Exodus 15:19)

MESSAGE:

Stubbornness and pride are two elements that often lead to the woeful defeat and ultimate destruction of people. Not willing to accept initial defeat out of shame and pride, they are bent on pursuing a course, which obviously become lost to them. At last, they lose far more than they had imagined.

Our text today reveals the drama that brought an end to Pharaoh and the Egyptian oppression of the children of Israel. The Red Sea was the red line Pharaoh and his soldiers would get to and meet their waterloo. His hardened heart made him pursue the Israelites into the Red Sea together with his horsemen, and this was the trap that nailed Pharaoh and closed the episode of hate and slavery against Israel by the Egyptians.

The battle between light and darkness – the kingdom of God and that of Satan rages on today. The devil, like Pharaoh, does not want to give up his pursuit of the children of God. He and his agents are bent on consuming and destroying the people of God. But our invincible Conqueror and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, has assured us of victory.

We must continue to have faith and remain obedient to Christ and our God-appointed leaders in order to have final victory over Satan and his cohorts. No matter how loud the enemy may roar and how close he seems, he will be ultimately defeated.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
God’s presence with us means victory all the way.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Proverbs 4-6

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

DCLM Daily Manna 21 October 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Full Of The Holy Ghost

TOPIC: Full Of The Holy Ghost (DCLM Daily Manna 21 October 2022)

TEXT: Acts 6:1-8 (KJV)

1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

KEY VERSE: “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” – (Acts 6:3).

MESSAGE:

Moody was to have a campaign in England. An elderly pastor protested, “Why do we need this ‘Mr. Moody’? He’s uneducated, inexperienced, etc. Who does he think he is anyway? Does he think he has a monopoly on the Holy Spirit?” A younger, wiser pastor rose and responded, “No, but the Holy Spirit has a monopoly on Mr. Moody.”

The passage under consideration tells us of the life and deeds of one of the seven disciples of Christ chosen by the church to serve as attendant in the congregation at Jerusalem. The reputable character among them was Stephen – “a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 6:5). It was reported of him that he “…did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8).

Spirit baptism, as a Christian experience, is required for enlisting servants in the Kingdom work as aptly demonstrated by the elders in the early Church. This experience is sequel to salvation, that is, repentance and turning away from all sins and the sanctification experience, which addresses the inward depravity that all men inherited from Adam and Eve. It was obvious that Stephen had a full dose of divine peace, purity and power.

The promise of the Father is also available for contemporary believers. If we desire this experience, pray and wait patiently on the promise, we shall obtain the glorious experience and the power to preach the gospel with boldness and pungency.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Be filled with the Spirit for greater usefulness and fruitfulness.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Proverbs 1-3

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