Daily Manna 7 August
KEY VERSE: “Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.” – (1 Samuel 16:18)
TEXT: 1 Samuel 16:14-23
14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him. 15 And Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you. 16 Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well.”
17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.”
18 Then one of the servants answered and said, “Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him.”
19 Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” 20 And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat, and sent them by his son David to Saul. 21 So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armorbearer. 22 Then Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.” 23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.
Read yesterday’s Daily Manna here
The American poet and essayist, William Matthews made a point when he said, “One well cultivated talent, deepened and enlarged, is worth one hundred shallow faculties.” Incidentally, there is hardly anyone that does not possess at least a talent. The tragedy of it is that most people fail to discover their talents; even more painful is the fact that of those who have discovered their God-given talents, only a few develop theirs enough to be of service to humanity.
David was evidently talented and skilful. Being chosen and anointed by God to lead Israel, this shepherd boy was divinely gifted and groomed. However, David had to develop his musical skill by constant practice; his bravery by confronting dangerous wild animals; his wisdom by study and experience; good-look by personal grooming; and godliness by devotion.
Truly, “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men” (Proverbs 18:16). David’s talents landed him a job in the king’s palace. He was there to use his musical skill to calm king Saul who was getting harassed by evil spirit. David also became the king’s armour bearer and was well favoured in his court. This was God’s way of schooling him in the art of governance. He eventually became a great king in Israel.
Has it occurred to you that God has gifted you for a divine purpose? Have you discovered your potential? If you have, in what way have you cultivated God’s gift(s)? It is easy to be distracted from God’s purpose for your life. But you can prayerfully find your bearing and carefully develop the talents by which God will use you to be a blessing to the church and humanity.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God can use you anytime; be prepared always.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Nehemiah 8-10
Thank you for studying today’s Daily Manna – Prepared For Service – by Pastor Enoch A.
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Daily Manna 7 August 2021
