DCLM Higher Everyday 1 May 2024 — Increase Through Labour
Topic: Increase Through Labour
Text: Proverbs 13:11-13
11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
12Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
13Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
Key Verse: “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase”(Proverbs 13:11).
Message
Thomas Edison invented about 1093 things before he died at 87years in 1831. His most popular invention is the electric bulb filament that turned the world out of physical darkness. Edison’s life was not without losses and failures. When fire gutted much of his lifetime valuables he said, “There is great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burnt up. Thank God we can start anew.” By faith he kept on and in three weeks after that disaster he invented the phonograph, a sound recorder. He trusted in God’s ability to help him overcome in all situations.
The Bible is replete with God’s promises for our progress and prosperity. He gives wealth, by giving us wisdom to labour and to enjoy its fruit. He demands that we employ righteous work principles to get gain. He will not reward laziness. He does not delight to give longevity, peace and power to anyone to enjoy wealth gotten through sinful conduct such as, robbery, internet fraud, prostitution, occultism and cheating. The get-rich-quick syndrome is a path full of afflictions, sicknesses and painful regrets. Pray for all workers today.
Quote: Employ righteous work principles
Challenge: Labour to possess by right.
Prayer for today: Oh God, prosper the works of my hand in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
