DCLM Daily Manna 25 August 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Continuing The Unfinished Task

TOPIC: Continuing The Unfinished Task (DCLM Daily Manna 25 August 2022)

TEXT: Acts 5:12-42 (KJV)

12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told,

23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

KEY VERSE: “But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go , stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” – (Acts 5:19,20).

MESSAGE:

In his book “Fire on the mountains”, Raymond Davies tells the story of three missionaries in the early 1940s, who went to Wallamo province in South West Ethiopia. Having spent about three years to learn the local language, they were able to translate the gospel of John to it. After they were forced to flee by the Italians, five years later, one of them was permitted to return. He found that there was a huge Christian movement in Wallamo Province. Those Christians who read that gospel of John believed it and went about preaching the gospel with great signs and wonders following.

The disciples of Jesus Christ had been faithfully carrying out the mandate of the great commission with its attendant miracles, signs and wonders, that even the shadow of Peter was healing people and multitudes of believers were added to the church. The Jews, moved with envy, arrested and imprisoned the apostles. But the angel of the Lord went and opened the prison, and told them to go to the temple and continue the work of the gospel. They were finally brought from the temple and questioned why they continued preaching despite the warning not to do so. To this, they replied that they would rather obey God than man. They were beaten before they were allowed to go. Yet, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ, in the temple and in every house (verse 42).

Like the saints of old, present-day believers, despite persecutions, should diligently continue the unfinished task of turning men from their sins to the Saviour.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Don’t let the unfinished task stop or die with you.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Nahum 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.

DCLM Daily Manna 24 August 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Power In The Name Of Jesus

TOPIC: Power In The Name Of Jesus (DCLM Daily Manna 24 August 2022)

TEXT: Acts 4:1-20 (KJV)

4 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

KEY VERSE: “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole” (Acts 4:10).

MESSAGE:

A missionary was driving through a lonely desert road when he was asked for a lift by a hitchhiker. No sooner had he sat down than he pulled a gun and ordered the man of God to get down. The missionary obeyed and the man drove away in the car. Stranded, the missionary remembered the name of Jesus, and started to shout after him – “you cannot do this to me in the name of Jesus”, “you cannot take away the car in the name of Jesus”. The robber kept going and the man of God kept saying the same thing. Suddenly, the car stopped and the man reversed, came back to the man of God and handed over his car to him, tapped him at the back, and said “buddy, I love you”.

The disciples of Jesus were interrogated by the Jewish authorities as to the source of the power by which the lame man was made whole in Acts Chapter three. The apostles told them that it was by the name of Jesus Christ whom they crucified and whom God raised from the dead. They affirmed the truth that there is no other name by which anyone can be saved except the name of Jesus Christ.

Though they were “unlearned and ignorant men” as the Jews thought, they took notice of them when they saw their boldness that they had been with Jesus. And seeing they could not deny that a notable miracle had been performed by these apostles, all they could do was to threaten them and let them go.

God has highly exalted the Lord Jesus Christ and has given Him a name that is above every name (Philippians 2:9). In that name is salvation and peace, healing, protection, deliverance, prosperity and other blessings. In the name of Jesus, we conquer in all battles of life. And through that same name, we shall get to heaven.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Exalt, use and conquer through the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Daniel 11-12

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 August 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Folly Of Resisting The Truth

TOPIC: Folly Of Resisting The Truth (DCLM Daily Manna 23 August 2022)

TEXT: Amos 7:10-17 (KJV)

10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.

11 For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land.

12 Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:

13 But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king’s chapel, and it is the king’s court.

14 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:

15 And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.

16 Now therefore hear thou the word of the Lord: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.

17 Therefore thus saith the Lord; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.

KEY VERSE: “Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there: But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king’s chapel, and it is the king’s court” (Amos 7:12, 13).

MESSAGE:

The difference between light and darkness is clear. So is the difference between the children of light and the children of darkness. King Jehoiakim who could not receive the message from God through Jeremiah had to cut the scrolls with his penknife and threw them into the fire, despite the pleas from his princes. He ordered the arrest of Jeremiah and Baruch, and might have killed them had God not hidden them (Jeremiah 36:21-26). Why? He was in darkness and hated the light.

Amaziah, obviously one of the priests of the golden calf in Bethel rose in opposition to God’s message of impending judgment to Israel through Amos. He sent to King Jeroboam II, alleging that Amos had conspired against him by saying that “Jeroboam shall die by the sword and that Israel shall surely be led away captive”. He went ahead to counsel the prophet to “flee…into the land of Judah… and prophesy there, but prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king’s chapel…” However, the prophet responded by affirming his call by God and pronouncing God’s judgment that would come upon him.

The ungodly always feels irritated by the truth and fights against it. Today, the true Church of Christ faces all forms of opposition and blackmail from false and apostate religious organisations parading themselves as true representatives of Christ and His Church.

The believer must be careful of the books he reads, fellowships he attends and friends he keeps, because evil communications corrupt good manners.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The distractions of false prophets are destructive.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Daniel 9-10

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 August 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Enjoying The Children’s Bread

TOPIC: Enjoying The Children’s Bread (DCLM Daily Manna 21 August 2022)

TEXT: Acts 9:32-43 (KJV)

32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

KEY VERSE: “But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive” (Acts 9:40, 41).

MESSAGE:

Life for a child of God is an unfolding miracle every day. From dawn till dusk, so many things happen to thwart the well-organised plan of man. But when the Lord steps in, the impossible soon becomes possible and the believer begins to testify how the intervention of Jesus makes a positive difference always.

Two miracles occurred in our passage today. The first was in Lydda and the second in Joppa. At Lydda, while visiting the saints, Peter found Aeneas, a man who had been bedridden for eight years. Upon his declaration, “…arise, and make thy bed”, the sick man arose immediately. He was later summoned to Joppa because of the death of Dorcas. Peter prayed and commanded the body to rise. She miraculously responded and came back to life.

Apart from the hope of eternal life, we also enjoy many benefits of being children of God. One of such blessings is healing. While on earth, Jesus healed many sick people who came to Him. After His death and resurrection, the disciples also continued making people enjoy miracle-filled moments in the service of the Master.

It is your right to receive favour and miracles today if you already have a right relationship with the Lord. Just as He used Peter to bless Aeneas and Dorcas, He will not only use you to bless others, but He will make you a living and walking miracle today.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Maintaining the right standing with God makes us recipients of miracles.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Daniel 3-5

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 18 August 2022 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Wisdom Is Wealth

TOPIC: Wisdom Is Wealth (DCLM Daily Manna 18 August 2022)

TEXT: Proverbs 24:1-12 (KJV)

1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

9 The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

KEY VERSE: “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” – (Proverbs 24:3,4).

MESSAGE:

Can a Christian be wealthy? Solomon, who was once the wisest man on earth says yes. A Christian can be wealthy and successful on earth while faithfully serving the Lord. Poverty is not a heritage that believers have in Christ. David wrote, “Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant” (Psalm 35:27).

Many people tend to envy those that grow rich through dubious means. But, in our reading today, Solomon tries to show that believers can succeed and become rich without compromising their righteous positions. Three tools that Solomon believes will create wealth for the saints are wisdom, understanding and knowledge. Wisdom will take a man far in life. It will build a house, furnish it and give such a man the knowledge not to copy or envy the heathen.

As we grow in knowledge, we grow in all grace and a wise man will accomplish what a strong man cannot effect by force of arms. His spirit is strengthened for spiritual work and warfare to govern a house or a kingdom. Wisdom will make a man to manage crisis in personal or public matters. It will guide proper decision making either for an advantageous peace or an honourable retreat. Wise men embrace godly counsels from others for “in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).

The Bible is a great source of wisdom for children of God. True wealth comes from wisdom in relating with our heavenly Father and doing the things that make Him happy. Today, we must stand when others faint and enthusiastically help deliver people from death and despair.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Knowledge combined with divine wisdom creates the path to greatness.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Job 35 – 38

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.