DEEPER LIFE DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY
Daily Manna by Pastor Kumuyi is a daily devotional sets out to provide spiritual nourishment for the believers who truly seek God and would walk closely with Him.
MONDAY DECEMBER 18, 2023
TOPIC: FINISHING WELL IS MORE IMPORTANT
KEY VERSE: “And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it” (2 Chronicles 1:6).
TEXT: 2 CHRONICLES 1:1-6
One hundred and fifty meters before finishing in first place in the 3,000 meter steeplechase at a Diamond League meeting in France, American runner Evan Jager suffered the worst collapse of his career. Jager was blowing away a group of Kenyan runners on pace to crush a personal record and American record, when he tripped on the final hurdle and was passed by world leader Jairus Birech.
Solomon started well in our text. As soon as he ascended the throne, he called Israel to worship at the place appointed (the tabernacle of God). He led the worship himself, offering a thousand burnt offerings in the process. Israel was a nation united under God, led by their king, Solomon. However, after God blessed him with wisdom, riches and honour, he went back from his perfect walk with the Lord as he grew older.
Some people leave the faith because of discouragement. They succumb to Satan’s deceit and manipulation to believe that God had abandoned them. Yet, we do not often consider the case of those who left despite all the blessings they received from God. Solomon was in this category. The Lord created a very peaceful atmosphere for Solomon as soon as he ascended the throne. There was no war nor evil occurrence (1 Kings 5:4). He had more than anyone could desire. But he started pursuing vanity and derailed from godliness.
Those who live and die in disobedience to God cannot be saved by their past good deeds. The rapture is meant for those who are alive and would remain in fellowship till the end. Like the marathon runner, Evan Jagar above, we must pray against anything that can potentially truncate our race and make us end in shame and disappointment.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: How you finish is more important.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: HAGGAI 1 – 2
HIGHER EVERYDAY
MONDAY DECEMBER 18, 2023
ROUGH ROAD TO OUR REWARDS
MEMORY VERSE: “Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh” (Luke 6:21).
TEXT: LUKE 6:20-26
The popular saying, “He who laughs last, laughs best” not only has a pinch of truth in it but the backing of Scriptures. There is such a thing as deferred or delayed gratification. It means the act of resisting the impulse to take an immediately available reward in the hope of obtaining a more-valued reward in the future. One of the most important challenges we face in life is the need to delay gratification.
The ability to either forgo immediate temptations or persist in a difficult activity in order to reach your goal, is a key component of success. Whether the goal is to pass an exam, save for the future, build a career or even make heaven, you need to discipline yourself now to achieve a future reward. The Scriptures teach us that there are sowing times and reaping times. Sowing times are not pleasant times. They involve toils, tears and thorns. But with patience and persistence, the rewards are sure to follow. You achieve your long-term goals through challenges and temptations. However, “ye shall laugh” when you see Jesus face to face.
QUOTE: He who laughs last, laughs best.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to discipline myself now for the future rewards.
CHALLENGE: Patience and persistence will be rewarded.
Daily Manna is the daily devotional of the Deeper Christian Life Bible Ministry (DCLM) written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi. It is an extraction of God’s Word designed to draw the sincere seeker closer to God on a daily basis through an insightful exposition and analysis of God’s Word.
