DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018 LENDING TO THE LORD TEXT: LUKE 5:1-11

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018

LENDING TO THE LORD

TEXT: LUKE 5:1-11

KEY VERSE:” And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.” (Luke 15:3)

John Mason, preacher and bestselling author, was right when he observed that “the big problem is not the haves and haves nots; it is the gives nots. The Lord loves a cheerful giver – and so does everyone.” Unfortunately, many people strive to get as much as possible and give little or nothing away. That way, they continue to miss the ample blessings attached to giving.

The experience of Simon Peter in the Bible reference for meditation bears testimony to the blessedness of giving to the Lord. Peter gladly released his boat to Christ to minister to the people who had come to hear God’s word. After ministering to the multitude, Christ turned to Peter and instructed him to launch out into the deep and let down his nets for a catch. He did and the catch was so huge that his boat almost sank!

Simon Peter lend to the Lord and got much more than his professional skill and experience could ever fetch him – something beyond his imagination. The secret of getting is giving. We deprive ourselves of blessings when we begrudge the Lord the use of our “boat”. Again those who rely on self-management and others who thrust themselves into ministry without God's approval should remember how Peter and his colleagues toiled all night and caught nothing. True success comes when we act on God’s word.

What is it that you are keeping from the Lord? Does the Lord have access to your heart? Can He use your time and property freely? Is your talent at His disposal? How much are you “lending” to the Lord? The Lord requires that you lay your all on the altar today for only then are you assured of constant divine flow.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: A closed heart and clenched fist shut out God’s manifold blessings.

COVER to COVER: GENESIS 46-47.

PONDER:
1. Observe that "not many are called" to sacrifice their ships. In this case only Peter's ship. So if you receive ministrations to sacrifice or give something for Christ's cause, you are fortunate. Joyfully give the thing up because you will be rewarded back in folds. Greater still if you are asked to surrender your life to Christ and you do it joyfully.
2. Reflect on what God has been ministering to you to surrender and was ignorantly hesitant. You have actually been depriving yourself of divine blessings.
3. Observe that Peter's motive for releasing his ship was not to receive reward back v4. It was just borne out of love. Jesus rewarded even when Peter was not expecting it. This is different from prosperity preachers who asked people to sow because of what to get in return. The giving is not borne out of love for Christ but out of love for the reward for the "seed" sown. This is merchandising the gospel.
4. The physical reward was not automatic. There is divine guidance and obedience on what, how where to launch the ship. We must be attentive to His leading if we want His multiplications v4-6.

HYMN: Give of your best to the Master

1.Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example,
Dauntless was He, young and brave;
Give Him your loyal devotion;
Give Him the best that you have.

Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.

2. Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.

3. Give of your best to the Master;
Naught else is worthy His love;
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above.
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save;
Give Him your heart’s adoration;
Give Him the best that you have.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Consecrate anything you have been ignorantly withholding for God's use. Promise to henceforth give Him your best cheerfully.
2. Ask God for divine guidance and direction on how to receive multiplications on your business, ministry and activities.
3. Ask for more love for Christ and one another in the church so that we freely give to help one another for Christ's sake.
4. Pray for divine visitations on all the participants at the service today.