DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018 WORSHIP GOD ACCEPTABLY TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 9:20-34 Key Verse:

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018

WORSHIP GOD ACCEPTABLY

TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 9:20-34

Key Verse: "All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set office.” (1 Chronicles 9:22)_

It is common these days for people to rush to church on service days and even officiate there as a matter of routine. Some people give very little thought to what it means to worship God, and therefore, the services they render not pleasing to Him. If only they knew that to worship God is to solemnly, lovingly and thankfully appreciate Him for who He is (His nature and Self-worth), they would worship acceptably.

In Israel, the priests, porters and levites who served in the temple took their duty seriously. They were chosen on the basis of their genealogy and family tree that was traced to Abraham. The weight of their duty also made it imperative that they be reliable and trustworthy to officiate in various capacities in the worship of God. Their responsibilities were to be discharged with the utmost care for the glory of God and benefit of the people. While some of them looked after the temple treasures, chambers and vessels, others handled the ointment, fine flour, wine, oil, frankincense ointments, spices and showbread. There were others whose work was singing. In all these, they were dutiful and faithful.

It is important we have a flourishing relationship with the Lord and approach worship of God with utmost reverence. The new birth experience is indispensable here. Also, dependability, faith and commitment to Him are also required of true worshippers. Personal and congregational worship must be our primary purpose around which all other activities of life revolve. And each time we gather for congregational worship, it must be with a prepared heart to appreciate Him, receive His words and obey them. God’s worship must be devoid of frivolities, carnality and sensuality. Virtues of joy, peace, self-control, purity, modesty, love and faith must characterize our lives during worship of God for His blessings to flow into our lives.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
COVER to COVER: LEVITICUS 1-4.

PONDER:
1. In the genealogical line up in the text, only Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron was distinguished as special. v20. Why?
2. What made him extraordinary or different from others? Because "the Lord was with him." Dare to be extraordinary.
3. Any proof that the Lord was with him? Number 25:10-13; 31:6-7, Joshua 22:12-14, Judges 20:27-28 show that at critical moments in Israel, he showed exceptional zeal and bravery for God.
4. How much of the presence of God do you have? By thine fruits you shall know. Acts 10:38.
5. A special ministry of Samuel only revealed here. v22. He did distribution of duties for tabernacle worship, which Eli neglected, and David built on it. Improve (not destroy) on good things done by others
6. What is the sacrifice some of them made in order not to fail in their duty v27. No faithfulness without sacrifice.

HYMN: OH, For a Thousand Song to Sing

1 O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

2 My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread thro' all the earth abroad
the honors of your name.

3 Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease,
'tis music in the sinner's ears,
'tis life and health and peace.

4 He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
he sets the prisoner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean;
his blood availed for me.

5 To God all glory, praise, and love
be now and ever given
by saints below and saints above,
the Church in earth and heaven.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Pray passionately for increased presence of God in your life.
2. Pray for grace and power for extraordinary faithfulness and fruitfulness in God's service.
3. Ask for wisdom and organizational skills that compliment spirituality, like that of David and Samuel, for our pastors.