DCLM Daily Manna, Friday June 3 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi - God First

Topic: God First [Friday June 3, 2016]

Text: 1 Chronicles 9:1-13

Key Verse: "Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims" (1 Chronicles 9:2).

God attaches fundamental importance to His service and to His servants. Upon the return of the children of Israel from captivity in Babylon, He allowed the Priests, Levites and temple assistants into the land first. Partnering with Him to publish His laws, rules and regulations as well as engaging in temple maintenance were of utmost priority to God.

As it was then, so it is today. There is distinction given to those directly involved in church work. God often focuses attention on the redeemed who, day and night, live a completely surrendered life through biblical ethics of righteous, holy and sacrificial service. Everyone who has given his life to Christ is a sacred vessel in God's hands. He works not only in the visible church, but also in the universal one. As soon as they returned, the Priest immediately set a precedent in the service of God, making it a priority over other considerations. We are saved to serve. And God's service must be second to none in our personal economy. God is preparing us for our heavenly home by His mercy, just as He prepared the way for the return of the children of Israel to their inheritance. Yet, He does not want us to rest on our oars.

We must show appreciation to Him for saving us by enlisting in His army to spread the Good News, laying as it were, treasures, talents, time, and indeed our all on the altar of consecration. God must be number one in all things and our service to Him must be without parallel.

Thought for the day: God puts first those who put Him first.

Bible Reading in one Year: 1 Samuel 30-31

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.