DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2018 FROM ABOVE ONLY TEXT: PSALM 75:1-10

DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL

MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2018

FROM ABOVE ONLY

TEXT: PSALM 75:1-10

Key Verse: “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another ” (Psalm 75:6,7)

A certain courthouse in Ohio stands in a unique location. Raindrops that fall on the north side of the building go into Lake Ontario and the gulf of St. Lawrence, while those falling on the south side go into the Mississipi River and the Gulf of Mexico. At precisely the point of the peak of the roof, just a gentle puff of wind can determine the destiny of many raindrops. It will make a difference of more than 2,000 miles as to the final destination.

Asaph was telling people to stop acts of wickedness in hopes of getting to the top. He regarded all the dubious dealings to outwit others as acts of foolishness, for promotion comes only from God and not because one is well connected. Trying to force the timeline of God could end in destruction and eternal damnation.

People go into unimaginable lengths in their efforts to grab things for themselves without any recourse to God. Because of the scanty available positions, there is a great scramble to get our own share of the cake. Sometimes, the competition becomes unhealthy with some going to the extent of assassinating their perceived adversaries to the detriment of their own souls.

The fact is, you either have faith in God and His promises for the security, success, significance, and win; or you have faith in the material things and their power to deliver and probably lose your soul in the process. Our text reveals that destinies are fixed by God and not man. Even when we realise our destinies require a change, it must be done through prayers, like Jabez who turned his bitter destiny into sweetness through importunate prayer – not through ungodly means. It is better to patiently wait on God until our time comes.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: A little patience is what it takes to reach the peak of God’s plan for us.
COVER to COVER: DEUTERONOMY 3-4_

PONDER:
1. The Psalm is an example of true worship: speaking to God and praising God v1, 7-10; hearing and receiving direct revelation from God v2-6. As you worship and praise God, do you receive direction and personal revelation from God?
2. True promotion comes from the North only. The "North" signifies where God visits His people in either earthly or heavenly temple. All true promotions, advancements, growth etc comes from His presence Psalm 48:2, Isaiah 14:13.

HYMN: Sweet is the promise (GHS 209)

1. Sweet is the promise I will not forget thee,
Nothing can molest or turn my soul away;
E’en though the night be dark within the valley,
Just beyond is shining an eternal day.

Refrain
I will not forget thee or leave thee,
In My hands I’ll hold thee,
In My arms I’ll fold thee,
I will not forget thee or leave thee;
I am thy Redeemer, I will care for thee.

2. Trusting the promise I will not forget thee,
Onward I will go with songs of joy and love,
Though earth despise me,
Though my friends forsake me,
I shall be remembered in my home above. [Refrain]

3. When at the golden portals I am standing,
All my tribulations, all my sorrows past;
How sweet to hear the blessèd proclamation,
Enter, faithful servant, welcome home at last. [Refrain]

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I want to be seeing and hearing you more in my daily devotion.
2. Lord, I reject stagnancy in every area of my life and asked for advancement to the next levels.
3. Clothe me with the garment of praise and thanksgiving.
4. Ask for advancement and growth of the Church in all ramifications.