DCLM Daily Manna, July 2, 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi - Be Diligent

Topic: Be Diligent [July 2, 2016]

Text: 1 Chronicles 11:10-25

Key Verse: "And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD" (1 Chronicles 11:18).

Winston Churchill, during World War II, gathered the labour leaders to enlist their support for the needs of Britain. He asked them to picture in their minds a parade, which would be held in Piccadilly Circus after the war. The sailors, who kept the vital sea lanes, coming first, the soldiers next and then, pilots. The last would be the miners who laboured for the economy.

So, today, not all the jobs in a church could be prominent and glamorous, but the diligence of the worker in accomplishing his or her assigned task will determine the reward before God. Our text showed David's most powerful men who fought the battles with him and also helped him to become the king of Israel. When these three most powerful soldiers came to David at his camp by Adullam's cave, he was very thirsty. The only place they could get a well of water was Bethlehem. But the Philistines were in control of the area. Notwithstanding this challenge, three famous soldiers risked their lives to get the water for David. They fought with the Philistines and escaped with some water. As these three famous soldiers risked their lives to get water for David, we too have to risk our life for the sake of Christ. Ours is not only to pray for material things. We have to agonise in prayer for the salvation of other people. We have to endure the affliction and persecution of men because of Christ. David, though terribly thirsty, poured out the water to the Lord.

This revealed how much he appreciated God and these men. It shows that we should value the lives of other people and feel concern about the souls that are going to hell. God can only give you place of recognition if you are diligent at His service. "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men" (Proverbs 22:29).

Thought for the day: Care and diligence bring blessings.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Kings 5-6

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.