*DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL* *SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 2019* *UNITY OF PURPOSE*

*DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL*

*SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 2019*

*UNITY OF PURPOSE*

TEXT: 1 CHRONICLES 12:23-40.

_🔑KEY VERSE: "All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king" (1 CHRONICLES 12:38)._

The story is told of a man who on his dying bed, desired to teach his three sons a lesson on unity and cooperation. He requested for a bunch of broom which he asked each of them to break. This, of course, they could not do. He then told them to untie the broom and attempt to break them stick after stick. This they did very effortlessly and the lesson was not lost upon his sons who vowed to their father that they would always stick together.

David's route to the kingship of all Israel had been one fraught with many challenges. He ran from Saul's fury, hiding in caves, mountains and forests. But God's time for him to be crowned came at last. Being a man of war, he had a well-organized army with an astonishing number of brave and fearless soldiers. Adequate provision was made for a successful coronation.

These men of war gathered at Hebron (verse 40) for the singular purpose of installing David as king. They all came, including the "children of Issachar which were men that had understanding of the times" (verse 32). These men that could keep rank came with "a perfect heart" (verse 38). God is honoured when we unite in love and perfect commitment for a good and noble cause.

David was anointed King at age sixteen but did not become the ruler of both Israel and Judah until about twenty years later. No matter how long it seems, God's pronouncement and promises must come to pass. God is worth waiting for and His promises are ever sure. Those who wait on him without wavering shall never be disappointed. God will use every circumstance to fulfill His will for His children.

*✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:* God is honoured when we unite for a noble cause.

COVER TO COVER: PROVERBS 18-20.

*MEDITATION*

God's time is the best

*1. From promise to manifestation*
a. A Goliath to fight
b. A more powerful principality (Saul) to escape from.
c. A wilderness journey that lasted for about 15 years.
d. Separation and loss of communication from beloved family and friends (including Jonathan) for life.
e. Sleepless nights due to battle for survival.
f. A life of refugee in other nations because of persecutors.
g. A robbery and devastating attacks by Amalekites and others which resulted into many llosses (though recovered back).
g. What other challenging experiences did he passed through before becoming king?
Obviously not a pleasant experience even after receiving the promise of a crown to rule Israel.
*Tell us your own experience. If it has not turned to a testimony, it will if you continue trusting the Lord*
*2. Turning challenging times to preparation time*
a. He wrote psalms in the wilderness. Still a blessing today.
b. He raised a family.
c. He raised and train an army of experts in war.
d. He learnt patience and obedience to God.
e. He developed close and deep relationship with God.
f. He fine tuned his warfare skills for greater assignments.
g. No thought of suicide, depression or forsaking God.
h. What other positive things did he achieve while waiting for fulfilment of God's promises?
*Never be discouraged or depressed. Be actively involved in self development and creative things that will help humanity*
*3. Eventually he wore the crown*
a. At God's time
b. And the victory came.
c. And people unitedly rejoiced with him.
d. All wilderness experiences ended and the battles won.
*Q* Do you have a similar experience after receiving God's promise?
*Q* How do you compare this to christian journey to heaven?
*Cheer up and remain faithful. "God is not a man that should lie..."* Numbers 23:19.

HYMN: When the battle is over

1. Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follower of the Lamb,
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His name?

*Refrain*
And when the battle’s over
We shall wear a crown!
Yes, we shall wear a crown!
Yes, we shall wear a crown!
And when the battle’s over
We shall wear a crown
In the new Jerusalem
Wear a crown (wear a crown)
Wear a crown (wear a crown)
Wear a bright and shining crown;
And when the battle’s over
We shall wear a crown
In the new Jerusalem.

2. Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?
*Refrain*

3. Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?
*Refrain*

*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Praise God because He is not a man and what He has promised you will all come to pass.
2. Ask for grace to remain faithful and wisdom to turn your trying time to profits.
3. Pray that God will send your helpers of destiny to you and you will not miss each other.
4. Ask for grace and courage for those passing through wilderness and challenging experience in the Church.