DCLM DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY 23RD JUNE 2021 – OBEDIENCE COUNTS

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The Topic of Deeper Life Daily Manna Devotional for 23rd June 2021 Is “OBEDIENCE COUNTS“

TEXT: James 1:19-27

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Key Verse: James 1:25

“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY

There are people who place a lot of emphasis on mere knowledge of the word of God. For them, it is not the compass for life on earth, but a body of knowledge to be studied. In the process, they miss the greatest benefit of the Scripture, which is to transform lives on earth and prepare souls for heaven.

Apostle James stresses that those who would benefit from the word of God must talk less and listen more attentively. They are expected to drop all filthy and wicked conduct and meekly receive the word of God that saves. They must be obedient to the Word; not merely listening to it, else they would be deceiving themselves. Those that study and obey the word of God are not forgetful hearers. They are not like people who claim to be Christians but cannot control their tongue and whose profession of religion is doubtful. It is only when we care for the less privileged in our society, remain unpolluted by the world that God can see us as pure and undefiled in His sight.

Our lives are true expressions of the effectiveness of our study of the Bible. Those who deal with us must observe a reflection of spiritual principles in our character and conduct. It must show them that we have been touched by the grace of God and are living by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Our obedience to God must be total and visible for all to see that we have abandoned all evil acts. It must be practical as we learn to consider other people, especially the less privileged. Mere profession of religion is not enough, we must obey God in all things to please Him. The question is: does your life show that you are obedient to God in all things?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Obedience to God’s word is greater than any sacrifice we render to Him.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Kings 8

Daily Manna is the daily devotional of the Deeper Christian Life Bible Ministry (DCLM)

DCLM DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL TUESDAY 22ND JUNE 2021 – MEANING OF FREEDOM IN CHRIST

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The Topic of Deeper Life Daily Manna Devotional for 22nd June 2021 Is “Meaning of Freedom In Christ“

TEXT: 1 TIMOTHY 2:9-15

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: 1 Timothy 2:9

 “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”

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY

There are believers who take liberty in Christ to mean license to indulge themselves in all kinds of practices. To them, ‘grace’ is sufficient to cover all their careless words, wicked actions and evil deeds. Paul the apostle encountered such people in the church in Ephesus, especially women. They lived in a culture that did not permit women to lead others. But then, the gospel came to them and they were saved.

Some began flaunting their new-found freedom in Christ in extravagant appearances. But Paul would rather stress the power of godliness in a woman which expresses itself in inner beauty and transparent character. At a time when the Ephesian church had issues with false prophets, some of the women wanted to start teaching in the church, even though they were new converts and novices, not fully grounded in the things of God.

This was essentially why Paul did not allow them to teach or usurp authority over the more knowledgeable men. He illustrated his position with what inexperience did to Eve, and recommended that believers, including women, continue growing in faith, love, holiness and sobriety, for therein lies the blessings promised by God. There is a place in the Kingdom for christian men and women.

The mature women leaders are admonished to “be in behaviour as becometh holiness …teach the young women to be sober… to love their children… to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good [and] obedient to their own… husbands…” (Titus 2:3-5).

While there is nothing wrong with looking good, we should seek to please God in all things. Worldliness or dressing to attract people’s attention is ungodly and unacceptable to God. Modesty must be the guiding principle for the Christian man or woman.

Thought for Today: Let modesty guide your conduct in all things.

Bible in one Year: 1 KINGS 5 – 7

Daily Manna is the daily devotional of the Deeper Christian Life Bible Ministry (DCLM).

DCLM DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL SATURDAY 1ST MAY 2021 – YOU CAN’T ALTER GOD’S PLAN

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The Topic of Deeper Life Daily Manna Devotional for 1st May 2021 Is “ YOU CAN’T ALTER GOD’S PLAN“

TEXT: Esther 8:1-6

1. On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews’ enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.

2. And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

3. And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.

4. Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,

5. And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king’s provinces;

6. For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

Key Verse: Esther 8:2

“And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.”

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY

John Wesley often referred to himself as “a brand plucked out of the fire”. On February 9, 1709, a fire broke out in his father’s home. Young John, not yet six years old, was stranded on an upper floor of the building. Two neighbours rescued the lad just seconds before the roof crashed in. His father said, “Come, neighbours, let us give thanks to God. He has given me all my eight children, let the house go. I am rich enough”. God did not allow the fire to destroy one of the greatest preachers of holiness the world ever had. He preserved his destiny.

Mordecai was marked for death. But he was elevated to the highest position in the government, second only to the king. Esther then set him over the estate of Haman, the Jews’ enemy. As a symbol of authority, the king gave Mordecai the ring taken from Haman to foster respect and obedience from the citizens.

One cannot but see the hand of destiny at work and Satan’s attempts to destroy it. Destiny is God’s ordained plan for the future. Mordecai was no doubt destined to occupy this position, otherwise it could never have happened. Haman fought tirelessly to humiliate and destroy him but the counsel of God stood and the enemy was defeated.

The Lord promises every one of us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). But each one of us has a role to play to ensure God’s good plan for our lives comes to pass. His plan for a bright future and heaven at last can be suspended when we move away from Him and become rebellious against His will. God is no respecter of persons and there is nothing like eternal security. Like Mordecai, we must remain steadfast and true to God, and ward off all the evil plans aimed at truncating our destiny.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: You can partner with God to fulfil your destiny by standing firm on His promises.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 19-21

Daily Manna is the daily devotional of the Deeper Christian Life Bible Ministry (DCLM).

DCLM DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FRIDAY 30TH APRIL 2021 – PROPER HYGIENE

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The Topic of Deeper Life Daily Manna Devotional for 30th April 2021 Is “ PROPER HYGIENE“

TEXT: Leviticus 15:1-18

1. And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying,

2. Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man hath a running issue out of his flesh, because of his issue he is unclean.

3. And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue; whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness.

4. Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean; and every thing, whereon he sitteth, shall be unclean.

5. And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

6. And he that sitteth on any thing whereon he sat that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

7. And he that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

8. And if he that hath the issue spit upon him that is clean; then he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

9. And what saddle soever he rideth upon that hath the issue shall be unclean.

10. And whosoever toucheth any thing that was under him shall be unclean until the even; and he that beareth any of those things shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

11. And whomsoever he toucheth that hath the issue, and hath not rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

12. And the vessel of earth, that he toucheth which hath the issue, shall be broken; and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.

13. And when he that hath an issue is cleansed of his issue; then he shall number to himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be clean.

14. And on the eighth day he shall take to him two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before the LORD unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and give them unto the priest;

15. And the priest shall offer them, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD for his issue.

16. And if any man’s seed of copulation go out from him, then he shall wash all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the even.

17. And every garment, and every skin, whereon is the seed of copulation, shall be washed with water, and be unclean until the even.

18. The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even.

Key Verse: Leviticus 15:11

“And whomsoever he toucheth that hath the issue, and hath not rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.”

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY

In 1818, Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis was born into a world of dying women. The finest hospitals lost one out of six young mothers to the scourge of “childbed fever”. A doctor’s daily routine began in the dissecting room where he performed autopsies. From there, he made his way to the hospital to examine expectant mothers without ever pausing to wash his hands. Dr. Semmelweis was the first man in history to associate such examinations with the resultant infection and death. His own practice was to wash with a chlorine solution; and after eleven years and the delivery of 8,537 babies, he lost only 184. He once said, “Gentlemen, women are dying… For God’s sake, wash your hands”. But no one believed him then.

The book of Leviticus is replete with teachings on separation and cleansing. It teaches about clean and unclean food and the need to wash for cleanliness’ sake. In the passage under review, focus is on the uncleanness of a man and the need to separate others from his uncleanness both for spiritual reasons and for proper hygiene. The instruction is to wash the hands and clothes and to bathe to keep germs and bacteria away.

The priests in the Old Testament dealt with matters of health together with the mandatory ceremonies and rituals for cleansing from sin. The priests were required to wash repeatedly and bathe themselves before and after entering into the tabernacle and the temple to officiate.

Disease control and health education has become so compulsory today as part of prevention mechanisms. Prevention is said to be better than cure. Henceforth, let us ensure we maintain the highest forms of hygiene to prevent bacteria and disease from spreading in our homes and neighbourhoods.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God’s law on spiritual and physical cleanliness is for our benefit.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 15-18

Daily Manna is the daily devotional of the Deeper Christian Life Bible Ministry (DCLM).

DCLM DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL THURSDAY 29TH APRIL 2021 – OUR IDENTITY AS CHRISTIANS

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The Topic of Deeper Life Daily Manna Devotional for 29th April 2021 Is “ Our Identity as Christians“

TEXT: Leviticus 15:19-33

19. And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days; and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.

20. And every thing that she lieth upon in her separation shall be unclean; every thing also that she sitteth upon shall be unclean.

21. And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

22. And whosoever toucheth any thing that she sat upon shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

23. And if it be on her bed, or on any thing whereon she sitteth, when he toucheth it, he shall be unclean until the even.

24. And if any man lie with her at all, and her flowers be upon him, he shall be unclean seven days; and all the bed whereon he lieth shall be unclean.

25. And if a woman have an issue of her blood many days out of the time of her separation, or if it run beyond the time of her separation; all the days of the issue of her uncleanness shall be as the days of her separation; she shall be unclean.

26. Every bed whereon she lieth all the days of her issue shall be unto her as the bed of her separation; and whatsoever she sitteth upon shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her separation.

27. And whosoever toucheth those things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.

28. But if she be cleansed of her issue, then she shall number to herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean.

29. And on the eighth day she shall take unto her two turtles, or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

30. And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for her before the LORD for the issue of her uncleanness.

31. Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.

32. This is the law of him that hath an issue, and of him whose seed goeth from him, and is defiled therewith;

33. And of her that is sick of her flowers, and of him that hath an issue, of the man, and of the woman, and of him that lieth with her that is unclean.

KEY VERSE: Leviticus 15:32,33

This is the law of him that hath an issue, and of him whose seed goeth from him, and is defiled therewith; And of her that is sick of her flowers, and of him that hath an issue, of the man, and of the woman, and of him that lieth with her that is unclean.

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY

God has not called us to uncleanliness but unto holiness. Without any atom of doubt, there is a very close link between holiness and cleanliness. God abhors uncleanliness as much as he does all forms of sin. It is often said that cleanliness is next to godliness.

Our text focuses on God’s concern over the physical health and well-being of His people. While the people of ancient times did not know much about hygiene, sanitation nor the prevention of infectious diseases, God’s laws encouraged them to treat their lives the same way they regarded their holy God.

The Lord wants us to be clean not only outwardly, but also to be mindful of our internal cleanliness. Washing our body is the physical response that make for outward cleanliness. But spiritual cleansing is our response to the divine call to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

All the commandments that God gave concerning the unclean was for Israel’s separation from the nations around them. These nations were idolatrous and did not obey the laws of God. Thus, they were separated from Israel as God’s people and nation.

Today, obedience to God’s laws and commandments separates us from the unbelievers who consider His commandments too hard, strict or impossible. We cannot flout God’s commandments and still claim to be His children. Obedience to them is for our spiritual and physical benefits.

Thought for The Day: Compliance with God’s laws identifies us as true disciples of Christ.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 11-14

Daily Manna is the daily devotional of the Deeper Christian Life Bible Ministry (DCLM)

DCLM DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL TUESDAY 28TH DECEMBER 2021 – GOD’S WORD ALWAYS TRIUMPHS

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The Topic of Deeper Life Daily Manna Devotional for 28th December 2021 Is “GOD’S WORD ALWAYS TRIUMPHS“

TEXT: Jeremiah 20:7-18

7. O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived; thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed; I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.

8. For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.

9. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

10. For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.

11. But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one; therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail; they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper; their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.

12. But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them; for unto thee have I opened my cause.

13. Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD; for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.

14. Cursed be the day wherein I was born; let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed.

15. Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad.

16. And let that man be as the cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not; and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide;

17. Because he slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb to be always great with me.

18. Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?

Key Verse: Jeremiah 20:9

“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.”

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY

In the Old Testament, God called some people and gave them the specific task of warning people, communities and nations about the consequences of their evildoings. This assignment was by no means an easy one. It was no surprise, therefore, that along the line, some of God’s messengers voiced out their frustration that the message from heaven was not heeded by the people.

Prophet Jeremiah in carrying out his God-given assignment had cause to vent his frustration. He had faithfully proclaimed God’s word and got nothing but persecution in return. He was torn between depression and his faith in God. He said, “cursed be the day wherein I was born: let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed”. He cried out in despair and unburdened his heart to Him.

In spite of these discouraging factors, Jeremiah continued faithfully to declare God’s word. No matter how much he tried, he was not able to suppress the divine message nor pretend it was not given to him. Rather, it became an unquenchable fire in his bones.

Have you ever had God’s word act as fire in your bones? When this happens, you would disregard whatever excruciating pain, suffering and cruel mocking the world might unleash and preach it at all times.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God releases His grace to counter the attacks we face while working for Him.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 8-10

Daily Manna is the daily devotional of the Deeper Christian Life Bible Ministry (DCLM)

DCLM DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL MONDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2021 – THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME

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The Topic of Deeper Life Daily Manna Devotional for 27th December 2021 Is “THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME“

TEXT: Revelation 19:11-16

1. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

12. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

13. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood; and his name is called The Word of God.

14. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

15. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

16. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Key Verse: Revelation 19:16

“And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY

The almighty God had promised Abraham that kings would come from him. Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen obviously in fulfilment of this promise because hitherto God had directly governed Israel. David was clearly God’s choice to be the next king and the hereditary kingship therefore started with him and from him would descend Jesus Christ our Lord.

A king’s span of authority does not normally go beyond a specific territory, region, state or nation. But the King in our text is certainly unique. He has been “given… a name which is above every name:That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” John the beloved saw heaven opened and Jesus appeared, this time not as a lamb but as a warrior on a white horse, symbolising victory. This refers to a future time when the Church would have been taken at rapture to heaven.

In His first appearance, Jesus came as a Lamb and brought forgiveness of sin. But in His second coming, He will come as a Judge of the whole earth. Then, the battle line will be drawn between evil and righteousness, between God and Satan. Christ will come as a Warrior-Messiah to establish truth and justice worldwide, with righteousness dominating the planet.

Jesus is called by various names – the Faithful and True, the Word of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. All earthly kings and leaders are His subjects. Indeed, Jesus our Lord is the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The name of Jesus is above all names.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 5-7

Daily Manna is the daily devotional of the Deeper Christian Life Bible Ministry (DCLM)