Daily Manna Thursday, January 3, 2019 "A CROCODILE SMILE"

Daily Manna Thursday, January 3, 2019 "A CROCODILE SMILE"

KEY VERSE "And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king's son in law" (1 SAMUEL 18:22).

Not too long ago, a country's army within the West African subregion launched an operation which is code-named, "Operation Crocodile Smile" in a particular region of the country to combat the frequent incidence of vandals sabotaging oil installations in the region. We all know that crocodiles don't smile; therefore, this code was used metaphorically to denote something more serious.

Saul, a master schemer, sent his servants to David to persuade him to become the king's son-in-law and to tell him how much the king and his servants loved him. Meanwhile, he was busy laying a terrible snare for his life. For the bride price, he asked for him for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, intending to have him killed in the process of securing them. Against all odds, David got even more than what was required and Saul was compelled to give his daughter, Michal, in marriage to him. But this was the beginning of the games on his life.

Saul had been David's arch enemy right from the day he killed Goliath to dwarf his achievements and reputation as Israel's king. And when the women rose up in songs heralding the exploits of this young lad, Saul was envious, and unjustly planned to have David eliminated. He played nice in order to make him relax and not be on his guard so that he would kill him. But God delivered David from his evil plans.

As believers, we must realise that the murky waters of life are infested with hidden enemies like crocodiles, waiting to make a kill. Therefore, we should walk carefully and prayerfully under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to overcome in the battles of life. Through prayer and whatchfulness, we must not succumb to the wiles of the devil.

✍THOUGHT FOR THE DAY It is folly to succumb to the subtil strategies of evil men.   

COVER TO COVER GENESIS 7-10.

PONDER: Why dinning with the devil with a long spoon?
1. David knew Saul was desperate to kill him vv10,11. But he was "not wise as serpents and harmless as doves" as Jesus instructed His disciples.
2. What made him not to see any danger in marrying the  daughter of someone who did not want to see him alive?
a. He was an inexperienced teenager (about 18years old) in matters of relationship though talented in warfare.
b. He had no worthy counsellor. He was cut off from his parents and from Prophet Samuel. His counsellors were his friends who happened to be agents of his enemy. Friendly foes v22.
c. He was carried away by the language of "love" v22, not knowing that the "love" man has for a cow is different from the God kind of love.
d. He was also deceived by the pride of life of becoming a son-in- law to the king v23,26.
e. He was a great warrior without discernment. He suppose to read between the lines why his dowry was to singlehandedly kill 100 warlike Phillistines v25.
f. Praying to know the will of God was not in his principle at this time except human and sentimental youthful wisdom.
Question Why do young, and at times "matured", people care less with going into relationship or unequal yoke with daughters or sons of Satan (unconverted people) nowadays?
3. David had a taste of what it takes to be a son in law to his enemy (Satan).
a. Through Michal, it was possible to monitor the movements of David 19:11,12. Except for the Mercy of God, David would have  died an untimely death and lost his destiny.
 Today believers' movements are being monitored in the spirit because of wrong relationship.
b. Michal did not add any value to the life of David. She had no child for him and was even caught mocking David for worshipping God with all his strength.

HYMN: Yield not to temptation

1. Yield not to temptation,

For yielding is sin;

Each vict’ry will help you,

Some other to win;

Fight valiantly onward,

Evil passions subdue;

Look ever to Jesus,

He will carry you through.

Refrain:

Ask the Savior to help you,

Comfort, strengthen and keep you;

He is willing to aid you,

He will carry you through.

2 Shun evil companions,

Bad language disdain;

God’s name hold in rev’rence,

Nor take it in vain;

Be thoughtful and earnest,

Kindhearted and true; 

Look ever to Jesus,

He will carry you through. [Refrain]

3 To him that o’ercometh,

God giveth a crown;

Through faith we will conquer,

Though often cast down;

He who is our Savior,

Our strength will renew;

Look ever to Jesus,

He will carry you through. [Refrain]

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Ask for the spirit of wisdom and discernment in making choices in relationships.
2. Ask God not to allow you to fall into the hands of friendly foes or godless counsellors.
3. Ask God to destroy all the instruments of monitoring personalities and spirits against your destiny.
4. Pray for all purpose youths that they will detest and not fall into the temptations of  becoming in laws to Satan and his agents.