DCLM Daily Manna 7 February 2024 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Live To Please God

TOPIC: Live To Please God (DCLM Daily Manna 7 February 2024)

KEY VERSE: “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).

TEXT: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19 (KJV)

16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

DCLM Daily Manna For Today MESSAGE:

Many people go through life without ever recognising the special gift God has deposited in them. As a result, they fail to fulfil their singular purpose for being. They may achieve great things in other areas of life, but before God, their lives have been a waste. They live without meeting His expectations.

Apostle Paul was never going to be one who lived like that. He had a special gift from God, to preach the gospel. The Lord singled him out as “a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Whatever else he accomplished in other spheres of human endeavour, his true calling was to spread the word about the Lord Jesus Christ, especially to audiences that could be closed to other preachers. To Paul, therefore, there was nothing to be proud about for taking the salvation message to the Gentile world. He considered it a necessity that would attract severe retribution from God, should he fail to preach.

Obeying God willingly attract rewards. Apostle Paul also knew that preaching Christ in season and out of season was a necessary commitment, well pleasing to God. He resolved not to withhold his gift and the opportunity presented to him, but to utilise it fully and freely. He would assume the toga of a servant to all men, so as to influence more people to come into the Kingdom.

Whatever gift we possess in life is an investment made by God to enable us fulfil His purpose on earth. We must be driven by the yearning to please Him by doing what He desires of us and properly utilising our divine endowments. This is what brings meaning and true fulfilment to life. Anything else will amount to living a wasted life.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God’s gifts are a motivation for service.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Deuteronomy 21-24