Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
Memorise: A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet. Proverbs 29:5
Read: 1 Samuel 18:6-11
David had victory over challenges he faced. His problems
started not long after God gave him victory over Goliath; some devil-inspired
and highly immodest women began to sing his praise
… Saul hath slain his
thousands, and David his ten thousands. 1 Samuel 18:7
Immediately King Saul heard the song, he was very angry and
began to see David as a threat. He saw him as someone who was out to take over
his throne from him; no wonder he fought this young boy with all the military
might of Israel! But how was their relationship before then?
And David came to
Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his
armourbearer. 1 Samuel 16:21
King Saul had a mental challenge and David was brought to
play the harp to get him relieved. When he first saw this boy, it was love at
first sight. The Bible says he loved David greatly to the extent that he
specifically asked Jesse his father to allow him stay in the palace. He even
put him over the soldiers (1 Samuel 18:5). Even when David offered to go and
fight Goliath, King Saul tried to prevent him. However, after hearing David’s
testimonies and seeing his faith in the God of Israel, he reluctantly released
him, transferring his personal armour to him and praying for him (1 Samuel
17:31-38).
After David defeated Goliath, what should have given David a
higher leverage in favour before his boss was suddenly reversed to disfavour
because of unguided praise singers. It was not David’s fault but when he heard
the song exalting his achievements above the king’s, he could have asked the
ladies to stop that song, but he didn’t. I don’t think he enjoyed the
persecution that followed. Beware of praise singing and praise singers! One
thing that is causing supposed good leaders to miss the mark is the sycophants
that surround them. Beware of those who come to you to say that you are the
best thing that ever happened to the church, community or organisation. Many of
them have hidden agendas. If you are easily carried away by such flattering
lips, you will fall into their net and regret it for a long time to come.
Surround yourself with those who can tell you the truth and correct or check
your excesses. They may appear unfriendly but at the end of the day, they may
be the only true friends you have.
ACTION POINT:
Pray that every tongue that will sing your praise to your
detriment will shut up in Jesus name.
Bible in one year: 1 Kings 14-16
This remind me of the young man who called Jesus 'Good Master' (Matt 19:16-17).
ReplyDeleteNow, I understand why Jesus quickly checkmated him, even though He still refered to Himself as 'Good Shepherd'.
LORD, HELP ME BE FOCUSED AND NOT BE DISTRACTED BY BOTH SYCOPHANTS AND DETRACTORS.
Amen!
Thank you father for your word this morning,I pray every song that will sing my praise to the detriment in every aspect of my life,academically,financially,physically,spiritually,by the power in the blood of Jesus,those mouth shall be shut IJN.(Amen)
ReplyDeleteFather please make me a true friend to someone and make me have true friends that will only do good.
ReplyDeleteOh lord deliver me frm every praise that will lead to my detriment, liberate me frm d circle of bad friends and phycophants.shut every decietful tongue against me in all aspect of my life, increase my hunger for you oh God IJN amen
ReplyDeleteThank u oh LORD for your word this morning. GOD deliever me from those enemies like friend and give me the grace †̥ do according †̥ your will.
ReplyDeleteHave mercy upon me God. I really need your mercy.
ReplyDelete