CAC LIVING WATER DEVOTIONAL FOR AUGUST 17, 2023 : TOPIC – ENVY LEADS TO DESTRUCTION
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CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH
THE LIVING WATER (January-December, 2023)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE : Thursday, August 17, 2023
TOPIC: ENVY LEADS TO DESTRUCTION
MEMORISE
Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” So Saul eyed David from that day forward (1 Samuel 18:8,9).
READ: 1 Samuel 18:5-9
[5]. So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
[6]. Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments.
[7]. So the women sang as they danced, and said: “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.”
[8]. Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?”
[9]. So Saul eyed David from that day forward.
EXPOSITION
It is common that most superior officers envy their junior colleagues where the latter are making steady progress. It happens in both the secular and the spiritual circles. It sometimes results in serious hatred with the boss wanting to get rid of the subordinate by all means.
This is exactly what transpired between Saul and his own son’s friend, David. The latter was a rising star that unsettled the spiritually dwindling King Saul. Saul saw him as a threat rather than God-sent to complement his own efforts.
That is what happens where envy is having a field day. God frowns at this because, He doesn’t expect and wouldn’t permit this in the master-subordinate relationships. The boss is supposed to bring joy, encouragement, hope and life to his subordinates. Imagine the grave consequence of Haman’s hatred and envy for Mordecai on Haman himself. (Est. 3:1ff). Check envy in whatever form it might want to appear. It breeds the spirit of contempt at all levels. It is a bad development anywhere, including the church. Don’t relegate or bring down your subordinates, as they may be your supporters, helper, later in life. Demonstrate your reliability. Don’t hesitate to help them as much as you can; you will surely reap it in the future.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB 365
1. My heart is open to Thee, dear Lord,
Come in, Come in,
My faith is clinging to Thy dear word,
Come in, Come in:
Come not to tarry, but stay, dear Lord,
All shall be Thine love can afford
Here in my heart ever make
Thine abode
Come in, Come in.
2. Yes, there is room in my heart, dear Lord,
Come in, Come in;
Thy presence makes Heaven real to me,
Come in, Come in;
3. I kept Thee standing outside so long,
Come in, Come in,
I pray Thee pardon this shameful wrong
Come in, Come in.
4. I hear Thee knocking at my heart’s door.
Come in, Come in,
I’ll keep Thee waiting outside no more
Come in, Come in.
Amen.
PRAYER POINTS
1. O God, help me to be a good leader to my subordinates, never envious of their promotions and successes.
2. I receive the grace to surmount every evil jealousy on my way to success.
3. Pray against every form of envy and silent killings situation in our churches.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Isaiah 45-49