DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday 13 March 2024
TOPIC: Companionship For Expansion
TEXT: ACTS 4:23-32
23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
KEY VERSE
“And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them”
(ACTS 4:23).
DCLM Daily Manna 13 March 2024 MESSAGE
Many small-scale farmers in Africa practise cooperative farming whereby the entire group goes to a member ’s farm on appointed days to give a helping hand to cultivate or harvest the crops. This practice enables each farmer to achieve more than if he had worked alone. It bears true to the maxim: Together Everyone Achieves More (TEAM). The power of working as a team increases productivity.
Today’s text bears out this principle of companionship or cooperation with others to achieve more significant results. The background to the narrative is that Apostles Peter and John formed a formidable partnership in prayer, which eventually led to the healing of the lame man at the Temple Gate.
READ DCLM Daily Manna Tuesday 12 March 2024 – Formed For His Glory
The miracle attracted a large crowd and Peter seized the opportunity to preach the gospel, calling them to repentance and faith in Jesus. The religious leaders were displeased. They arrested Peter and John, detained them overnight and brought them to trial before a hostile religious court. It was difficult to convict the apostles except to threaten and harass them against teaching or using the name of Jesus. After their release, Peter and John went to their own company and reported all that had happened to them.
We all need such vital companionship for personal and professional growth. We need the fellowship of like-minded believers with whom we can share our visions and burdens and work together for greater output in evangelism and church growth.
Who are your companions? Are they helpful or a drag on your spiritual life? Choose your companion carefully and prayerfully, and witness a tremendous explosion in your achievements.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The great commission achieves more impact through teamwork.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: JEREMIAH 25-27
