DCLM Daily Manna 11 June 2023 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Striving Together
TOPIC: Striving Together (DCLM Daily Manna 11 June 2023)
KEY VERSE: “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me” (Romans 15:30).
TEXT: Romans 15:23-30 (KJV)
23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
29 And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
MESSAGE:
The evangelist is not fulfilled until he has striven in prayers and diligent work to bring his audience to the same spiritual podium with him. The preacher must make the converts understand that as they sincerely receive the Word, the Lord needs them to be supportive of the gospel work with their prayers and possessions. It is a two-way affair that frees the evangelist from stretching himself over the large spectrum of the ripe harvest field.
Apostle Paul speaks of plans to go to meet the needy believers at Jerusalem, to whom he would deliver the liberal donations from the brethren at Macedonia and Achaia. He says that, having been perfectly taught the way of salvation by the Jews, these Gentiles now felt indebted and, therefore, obliged to pay back by supporting them too.
Paul adds that he hoped to also meet the Roman brethren on his way to Spain for deeper gospel work. Again, the preacher says he would count on the cooperation of the brethren in Rome. In other words, the Apostle implies that the Roman believers would fund the missionary trip to Spain.
Finally, the rugged evangelist calls for prayers from the brethren for the success of all these undertakings. For, the best of plans and preparations cannot fly without looking up to the Lord for a prosperous end. In both instances, raising funds for the work of God and requesting prayers, Apostle Paul addresses only believers, not unbelievers. This is the reason our Spirit-filled teachings should produce converts who can strive with us in sacrificial service for the gospel.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The gospel work can prosper though your prayers and provisions.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Samuel 15-16
Deeper Life Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
