June25

“Now I have prepared with all my might…” 1 Chronicles 29:2

David had not been allowed by the Lord to build the house for God that he so desired to erect. His son Solomon would do that when came into the reign as the new king. David contented himself nevertheless to do all he could towards the construction, by supplying all the materials necessary for it, which he had accumulated, including much gold and silver from his own personal wealth. This example of desire and passion to see the house of God built, stirred other leaders and the people to also give as they could towards this great and worthwhile cause. In due course Solomon did build the renowned and awe inspiriting temple in Jerusalem which became the centre of Israel’s worship. A simple and yet powerful lesson we can draw from David’s contribution toward this great event, is found in his manner and attitude. Lesser men, when turned down on their desire to do something, also turn away with disdain and pride, feeling that is if they are not ‘good enough’ to do what they wanted or offered to do, then they will have no part at all with the situation or project. They then often look down on whatever ensues from there, with distant aloofness and unfeeling disregard. Clearly David was made of better stuff! With the same purity and humility that characterised his entire life, rather than turn away and shut down the idea, he pursued it in any way he could! His desire to build God’s house, was not motivated by personal pride or a desire to be recognised, his motivation was his love for his God! If he couldn’t build the temple per se, then he would facilitate the building of it by whatever means and ways he could! What is particularly of note is his manner and spirit in even doing that! He didn’t go about it with a half-hearted, ‘I’ll see what I can do’, type of attitude! He was pro-active about the project and did all he could with all his power, might and with all due zeal and diligence! In a time when kings were often remembered for the structures which were erected and the cities built during their reign, David sought no such recognition or accolade, yet is remembered to this day as a man after God’s own heart! This is not a title he assigned to himself, but attributed to him because of the life he lived for the Lord, and is probably the greatest praise that any king could ever be given, and the greatest achievement that he could be remembered for! What attitude and manner do we take when we do service unto the Lord? Does it matter to us what aspect of His work we are called to or allowed to do? Do we do it with all our might?

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

May 8

“And next unto him builded the men of Jericho…” Nehemiah 3:2

Several points of interest can be gathered from this text. It is significant that right beside the priests who jump started the operation by rolling their sleeves up and getting into the work, the first group of people mentioned are the ‘men of Jericho’. This had been the first city which had fallen to Joshua and Israel in the conquest of Canaan, and now the posterity of the inhabitants of that city, lend a hand to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, how amazing the hand and power of God! We can without doubt learn from the events which surround the leadership of Nehemiah and the work of the people in this great task of rebuilding the walls of the city, we might consider the following three aspects. Firstly it is clear that there was a great, pressing and difficult task at hand. We have today as Christians a very similar task. Much of what once stood strong for God and His word has been demolished and left in ruins. It is our task to rebuild and to do so unto the Lord. The task is great, pressing and very difficult. It is fraught with opposition, ridicule and disdain. It requires great amounts of time, effort and money. It is at face value ‘an impossible’ task, too great for anyone to even consider. Yet this is what we are called to do as believers; we are to strengthen that which is weak, lift up that which is fallen and restore the ways of God in our lives. Secondly, there were many willing workers were present to help with the work. It has been said that ‘many hands make light work’. This is true where the ‘hands’ are willing to work together, not for personal glory or gain, but for the greater and common goal, without thought of self and selfish motives. Often however, due to the wrong motivation for being involved in a common task, it has been more beneficial to have fewer, dedicated, genuinely eager, selfless, one minded individuals, than ten times the number without those qualities. This is sad and causes much more weight and burden to be carried by few, but it often results in better outcomes. It is desirable that God’s work be carried by all of God’s people, each willingly and faithfully bringing personal skills, time and effort into play. Everyone can contribute and make a difference regardless of their background, age or ability. Thirdly, the project was undertaken in an organised and mutually supportive manner. The other important lesson we can learn from our text in doing the work which is set for us as followers of Jesus, is God’s work must be done in an organized, orderly fashion. Not in a spirit of competition against our brethren, but of support and encouragement. For this to take place, God has supplied His Word, His Holy Spirit and His ministry. Much more can be achieved in the work of God, when we are willing to follow the mandates of God’s word, carefully sense after His Spirit and listen to the instructions and direction of anointed ministry of God. If God ordained leadership tools are left out and ignored, the work of the Lord will suffer and probably remain an unfinished task. It is up to us to fit in with the guidelines and principles the Lord has established for our benefit and blessing, as we work and labour for the King of Kings. There is much work to be done and the task is pressing, let us determine in our minds and hearts to serve God willingly and selflessly in any way we can!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion