DCLM Daily Manna, Wednesday May 4 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi - Our Laurels at His Feet

Topic: Our Laurels at His Feet [Wednesday May 4, 2016]

Text: 2 Samuel 8:9-18

Key Verse: "Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued" (2 Samuel 8:11).

"Would you know who is the greatest saint in the world?" asks William Law. "It is not he who prays most or fasts most; it is not he who gives most alms, or is more eminent for temperance, chastity, or justice; but it is he who is always thankful to God who wills everything that God willeth, who receives everything as an instance of God's goodness, and has a heart always ready to praise God for it.”

These were the attributes that marked David out as one of the greatest godly men and the best king Israel ever had. After his establishment as king in Israel and putting the worship of God in shape, David embarked on a campaign to avenge the hostility of the wicked countries that surrounded them. In these wars, he enjoyed complete victory. This string of victories would ordinarily provoke a king to consider himself "self-made". Not David. David dedicated the precious vessels received as gifts from Toi the king of Hamath and all the trophies he collected from conquered nations to the Lord.

This was done as an acknowledgment of the fact that his victories came from God and not by dint of military prowess. How many times have we relished our successes and achievements by beating our chests in self-congratulation instead of laying our laurels on the feet of our Great Enabler! How much time and resources do we invest in spiritual and God-honouring ventures? Our ultimate goal in all we do should be to please "him that hath called us to glory and virtue". The Lord certainly delights in the precious things that we "consecrate" to Him. He is actually not in need.

The demand to give is only to show our token of appreciation and is a test of our commitment. Our obedience creates opportunities for greater blessings from Him.

Thought for the day: Take not only your burdens to the Lord but your bounties also.

Bible Reading in one Year: Judges 8-10

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.