DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2018 DO THE EXTRAORDINARY TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 11:10-25

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2018

DO THE EXTRAORDINARY

TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 11:10-25

KEY VERSE: ”And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate!” (1 Chronicles 11:17)

David’s success in bringing the nation together under his rule was because he had surrounded himself with not just very capable but also loyal men. A spectacular incident took place while in the warfront against the Philistines. Three of David’s men risked their lives to bring him water, but he would not drink it. Their daring venture manifested the extremity of their loyalty to him. David had demanded “water of the well of Bethlehem”. To David, it was a mere wish. Yet, these three brave men took the challenge and risked their lives to get the water for their master.

David also demonstrated a rare leadership trait and equally proved himself a man who had feelings for his subordinates by refusing to drink the water. He instead poured it on the ground as an offering only God deserved. He equated the water with the blood of the men to underscore the gravity of the risk they took.

There are important lessons for us here. One, we learn the pertinence of loyalty to God-ordained spiritual leaders. Two, our service to God must be absolute. As believers, we must bear in mind that serving in His Army requires a holy life and complete allegiance.

Our services to God must be unconditional, offered strictly on His own terms. He who will be of worth in God’s hands must be willing to consecrate his all on His altar. That’s the beauty that the service of David’s three servants portrayed.

As believers, we should be bold and courageous in combing the nooks and crannies of our communities to fish souls into God’s kingdom. Be assured that our Lord, Emmanuel, is always with us as a co-labourer.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Only extraordinary work attracts extraordinary rewards.
COVER to COVER: EXODUS 16 – 18.

PONDER:
1. David's "mighty men" were not born so. They only "strengthened themselves" while their mates were focusing on something else. True believers must have a programme of self development in all areas of spiritual spheres. You can have one today v10.
2. 3 mighty men jeopardized their lives to meet the need of their leader v17,18. Do we love our leaders/pastors like that today? Do we sacrifice to pray for them and practically meet their needs. You can start today in repentance. Don't think only of what your leaders should do for you, think of what you can do for them and start doing it.
3. David refused to take advantage of his mentee v19. What a great challenge for modern day preachers. A good shepherd lays his life for the sheep.

HYMN: Onward Christians Soldiers

1.Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!
Christ, the royal Master,
leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
see his banner go!

Refrain:
Onward, Christian soldiers,
marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
going on before!

2 At the sign of triumph
Satan's host doth flee;
On, then, Christian soldiers,
on to victory!
Hell's foundations quiver
at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices,
loud your anthems raise! [Refrain]

3 Like a mighty army
moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading
where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine,
one in charity. [Refrain]

4 Onward, then, ye people,
join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
in the triumph song;
Glory, laud, and honor,
unto Christ the King;
This thro' countless ages
men and angels sing. [Refrain]

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Teach me what to do to be growing in spiritual dynamism and knowledge.
2. Energize me by the Spirit to be mighty in spiritual warfare.
3. Forgive me for being nonchalant about the need of my pastors. I am changing from today.
4. Lord, increase the love and care of the pastors and members in the Church towards one another.