*DAILY DEW 7/MAY/2025* *Diligence in Leadership (2)* _Key Bible Text:_ *"Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, [and] look well to thy herds."* Proverbs 27:23 _Bible Insight_ _Diligence in Leadership_ Proverbs 27:23 emphasizes the importance of diligence in leadership, using the metaphor of caring for flocks and herds. In a church setting, sunday school teachers, group leaders and family leaders can apply this principle by being attentive to the needs and circumstances of their (class) members. As leadership expert John Maxwell says, "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." This involves regularly checking in with members, providing guidance and support, and making informed decisions that benefit the group. _Knowing the State of Thy Flocks_ Group leaders (Sunday school teachers) can demonstrate diligence by knowing the state of their members' spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. This might involve regular meetings, prayer, and open communication. As Pastor Rick Warren notes, "Leaders shepherd people, not just numbers." By being aware of their members' needs, leaders can provide targeted support, encouragement, and guidance. _Looking Well to Thy Herds_ Effective leaders also look well to their herds, ensuring that their members are growing in their faith, developing their skills, and serving others. This might involve providing training, mentorship, and opportunities for service. As the saying goes, "Leaders don't create followers, they create more leaders." By being proactive and intentional in their leadership, group or family leaders as well as Sunday school teachers can help their members flourish and fulfill their potential. _Application in Church Leadership_ In a church setting, Proverbs 27:23 encourages group or family leaders and Sunday school teachers to be diligent in their care for their members. By being attentive, informed, and proactive, leaders can create a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters spiritual growth and development. This principle can be applied in various contexts, including small groups, Bible studies, and ministry teams. _MEDITATION:_ *"As a member, how can you encourage your leader/teacher to be more effective and diligent? As a leader, how can you become more diligent in knowing the state of your flock?"* *#DavidJoshuaEgbochuo* *#Mr_Positive_Impact* *#Daily_Wisdom_for_living* *#Becoming_More_Like_Jesus* *#The_Rise_of_An_Army* *#Daily_Dew_Devotional* *#Hello_May,2025* ❤ *Telegram Group:* https://t.me/joinchat/NzXQlVc9Hx7LfaRSnh9fHg Feel Free to Share with Friends. God bless you.....

*DAILY DEW 6/MAY/2025* *Diligence in Leadership* _Key Bible Text:_ *"The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute."* Proverbs 12:24 _Bible Insight_ _The Importance of Diligence in Leadership_ Proverbs 12:24 highlights the significance of diligence in achieving leadership and success. The verse contrasts the outcomes of diligence and slothfulness, emphasizing that the diligent individual will bear rule, while the slothful will be subject to others. This underscores the importance of hard work, responsibility, and dedication in leadership. _Leadership and Responsibility_ Diligence is essential for effective leadership, as it enables individuals to make informed decisions, prioritize tasks, and inspire others. Leaders who demonstrate diligence are more likely to earn the respect and trust of their followers. As the saying goes, "Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all." _Consequences of Slothfulness_ On the other hand, slothfulness can lead to a loss of influence, credibility, and ultimately, leadership. *When individuals lack diligence, they may struggle to make decisions, prioritize tasks, and motivate others.* This can result in being "under tribute," or subject to the authority of others. _Relevant Quotes and References_ Other relevant quotes and references that emphasize the importance of diligence include: - *"The price of greatness is responsibility."* - Winston Churchill (emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility in leadership) - *"Leaders don't create followers, they create more leaders."* - Tom Peters (highlighting the role of diligence in developing others) - *"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment."* - Jim Rohn (emphasizing the importance of self-discipline in achieving success) By emphasizing the importance of diligence in leadership, Proverbs 12:24 encourages individuals to cultivate a strong work ethic, take responsibility, and demonstrate dedication to their goals and aspirations. _MEDITATION:_ *"When individuals lack diligence, they may struggle to make decisions, prioritize tasks, and motivate others."* *#DavidJoshuaEgbochuo* *#Mr_Positive_Impact* *#Daily_Wisdom_for_living* *#Becoming_More_Like_Jesus* *#The_Rise_of_An_Army* *#Daily_Dew_Devotional* *#Hello_May,2025* ❤ *Telegram Group:* https://t.me/joinchat/NzXQlVc9Hx7LfaRSnh9fHg Feel Free to Share with Friends. God bless you....

*DAILY DEW 5/MAY/2025* *Diligence- The Price Of Success And Prosperity* _Key Bible Text:_ *"The slothful [man] roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man [is] precious."* Proverbs 12:27 *"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat."* Proverbs 13:4 *"The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want."* Proverbs 21:5 _Bible Insight_ _The Power of Diligence_ Proverbs 12:27, 13:4, and 21:5 collectively emphasize the significance of diligence in achieving success and prosperity. These verses contrast the outcomes of diligence and slothfulness, highlighting the benefits of hard work and responsibility. The diligent individual is characterized by their commitment to their goals, careful planning, and perseverance. _Consequences of Slothfulness_ On the other hand, slothfulness is associated with lack, poverty, and unfulfilled desires. The sluggard's desires are not met, and their lack of effort leads to emptiness. In contrast, the diligent individual experiences abundance and fulfillment, with their hard work and dedication yielding precious rewards. _Path to Plenteousness_ Proverbs 21:5 highlights the importance of careful planning and consideration in achieving plenteousness. The diligent individual's thoughts and actions are focused on abundance, while the hasty individual's impulsiveness leads to want. This emphasizes the value of thoughtful planning, patience, and perseverance in achieving success. _Favor of Diligence_ The favor of diligence is evident in the contrast between the outcomes of diligence and slothfulness. By emphasizing the importance of diligence, these verses encourage readers to cultivate a strong work ethic, careful planning, and perseverance, ultimately leading to a life of purpose, prosperity, and favor. _MEDITATION:_ *"Diligence brings abundance, prosperity, and fulfillment, while slothfulness leads to lack and poverty.”* *#DavidJoshuaEgbochuo* *#Mr_Positive_Impact* *#Daily_Wisdom_for_living* *#Becoming_More_Like_Jesus* *#The_Rise_of_An_Army* *#Daily_Dew_Devotional* *#Hello_May,2025* ❤ *Telegram Group:* https://t.me/joinchat/NzXQlVc9Hx7LfaRSnh9fHg Feel Free to Share with Friends. God bless you.....

*DAILY DEW 4/MAY/2025* *THE FAVOUR IN DILIGENT LABOUR* (4) _Key Bible Text:_ *"He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer [is] a wise son: [but] he that sleepeth in harvest [is] a son that causeth shame."* (Proverbs 10:4-5 (KJV)) _Bible Insight_ _The Value of Diligence_ Proverbs 10:4-5 highlights the significance of diligence in achieving success and prosperity. The verse contrasts two approaches to work: the slack hand and the diligent hand. The slack hand leads to poverty, while the diligent hand brings wealth. This emphasizes the importance of hard work, responsibility, and dedication in achieving one's goals. _Season of Opportunity_ The verse also uses the metaphor of gathering in summer and sleeping in harvest to convey the importance of seizing opportunities. Gathering in summer represents the season of opportunity, where one must work hard to reap the benefits. Sleeping in harvest, on the other hand, symbolizes missed opportunities and wasted potential. This serves as a reminder to be proactive and make the most of the opportunities that come our way. _Wise and Shameful Sons_ The verse describes the wise son who gathers in summer and the shameful son who sleeps in harvest. The wise son is characterized by his diligence, responsibility, and foresight. He understands the importance of working hard and seizing opportunities. In contrast, the shameful son is marked by his laziness, lack of responsibility, and shortsightedness. This contrast serves as a reminder of the consequences of our actions and the importance of making wise choices. _Favor of Diligent Labor_ The favor of diligent labor is a recurring theme in the Bible. Diligence is often associated with prosperity, success, and God's blessing. In contrast, laziness and lack of responsibility are often linked to poverty, failure, and shame. _MEDITATION:_ *"Cultivate a strong work ethic and seize opportunities, and you'll reap a life of purpose, prosperity, and fulfillment.”* *#DavidJoshuaEgbochuo* *#Mr_Positive_Impact* *#Daily_Wisdom_for_living* *#Becoming_More_Like_Jesus* *#The_Rise_of_An_Army* *#Daily_Dew_Devotional* *#Hello_May,2025* ❤ *Telegram Group:* https://t.me/joinchat/NzXQlVc9Hx7LfaRSnh9fHg Feel Free to Share with Friends. God bless you.....

*DAILY DEW 3/MAY/2025* *THE FAVOUR IN DILIGENT LABOUR* (3) _Key Bible Text:_ *"And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it."* (Nehemiah 2:5 (KJV)) _Bible Insight_ Nehemiah 2:5 captures a pivotal moment where Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the king, requests permission to rebuild Jerusalem. This verse showcases Nehemiah's diligence and favor with the king, which positioned him to make such a request. His role as cupbearer required him to be diligent, trustworthy, and attentive to the king's needs, earning him favor and influence. Nehemiah's request demonstrates his passion for his heritage and his desire to contribute to the restoration of Jerusalem. His approach to the king is respectful and humble, showing that he values the king's authority and his own position. By seeking favor and permission, Nehemiah exemplifies a key aspect of diligence: building relationships and leveraging opportunities. The lesson from this verse is that diligence can lead to favor and opportunities. Nehemiah's hard work and dedication in his role as cupbearer earned him the king's trust, allowing him to make a significant request. This story encourages individuals to be diligent in their endeavors, as it can lead to recognition, favor, and the ability to make a positive impact. Ultimately, Nehemiah's story highlights the importance of combining diligence with purpose and passion. His desire to rebuild Jerusalem drove him to seek opportunities, and his diligence positioned him to achieve his goals. _MEDITATION:_ *"Some doors will never open, until you knock by the hand of diligence. Connections can bring you briefly before kings, but it takes diligence to keep standing before Kings”* *#DavidJoshuaEgbochuo* *#Mr_Positive_Impact* *#Daily_Wisdom_for_living* *#Becoming_More_Like_Jesus* *#The_Rise_of_An_Army* *#Daily_Dew_Devotional* *#Hello_May,2025* ❤ *Telegram Group:* https://t.me/joinchat/NzXQlVc9Hx7LfaRSnh9fHg Feel Free to Share with Friends. God bless you.....

*DAILY DEW 2/MAY/2025* *THE FAVOUR IN DILIGENT LABOUR* (2) _Key Bible Text:_ *"Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men]."* (Proverbs 22:29 (KJV)) _Bible Insight_ Proverbs 22:29 highlights the value of diligence in one's work, suggesting that individuals who are diligent in their business are likely to stand before kings and be recognized for their abilities, rather than being relegated to lesser positions or recognition. This verse emphasizes the correlation between diligence and honor, suggesting that hard work and dedication can lead to elevated status and respect. The lesson here is that diligence is a key factor in achieving favor and recognition. By being diligent in one's business or work, an individual demonstrates reliability, competence, and a strong work ethic. These qualities are likely to be noticed and rewarded, leading to greater opportunities and respect. In contrast, lack of diligence can lead to being overlooked or undervalued. In the context of favor in diligent labor, this verse suggests that hard work and dedication can lead to favor not just from employers or peers but also from those in positions of power. The phrase "stand before kings" implies a level of recognition and respect that is afforded to those who have demonstrated exceptional diligence and competence in their work. Ultimately, Proverbs 22:29 encourages individuals to cultivate a strong work ethic and strive for excellence in their endeavors. By doing so, they can increase their chances of achieving success and recognition, and being valued for their contributions. _MEDITATION:_ *"By diligent labour you open the doors of favour! Wake up! God is also in the business of giving merited favour”* *#DavidJoshuaEgbochuo* *#Mr_Positive_Impact* *#Daily_Wisdom_for_living* *#Becoming_More_Like_Jesus* *#The_Rise_of_An_Army* *#Daily_Dew_Devotional* *#Hello_May,2025* ❤ *Telegram Group:* https://t.me/joinchat/NzXQlVc9Hx7LfaRSnh9fHg Feel Free to Share with Friends. God bless you.....

*DAILY DEW 29/APRIL/2025* *The Benefits of Being With Jesus* _Key Bible Text:_ *"The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus."* (Acts 4:13 (NLT)) _Bible Insight_ Acts 4:13 highlights the remarkable boldness of Peter and John as they stood before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council. Despite being ordinary men without formal training in the Scriptures, they displayed confidence and courage in their testimony about Jesus. The council's amazement stemmed from recognizing that Peter and John's boldness was a direct result of their association with Jesus. This verse demonstrates that being "with Jesus" transforms ordinary people into extraordinary witnesses. Peter and John's time with Jesus had equipped them with a depth of understanding, faith, and conviction that shone through in their testimony. Their boldness was not based on human abilities but on their relationship with Jesus. The council's observation that Peter and John had "been with Jesus" underscores the importance of intimate connection with Christ. This attribute is not just about physical proximity but about spiritual transformation. As believers, we can draw from this lesson by prioritizing our relationship with Jesus, allowing His presence to shape our lives and empower our witness. Ultimately, Acts 4:13 encourages us to recognize the transformative power of being with Jesus. As we abide in Him, we can expect to reflect His character and boldly proclaim His message, even in the face of adversity. _MEDITATION:_ *"Prioritize your relationship with Jesus, allow His presence and Word to shape your life and empower your witness.”* *#DavidJoshuaEgbochuo* *#Mr_Positive_Impact* *#Daily_Wisdom_for_living* *#Becoming_More_Like_Jesus* *#The_Rise_of_An_Army* *#Daily_Dew_Devotional* *#Hello_May,2025* ❤ *Telegram Group:* https://t.me/joinchat/NzXQlVc9Hx7LfaRSnh9fHg Feel Free to Share with Friends. God bless you.....

*DAILY DEW 28/APRIL/2025* *The Powerful Name of Jesus* _Key Bible Text:_ *"Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead."* (Acts 4:10 (NLT)) _Bible Insight_ In Acts 4:10, Peter boldly proclaims that the healing of the lame man was done in the name of Jesus Christ, whom the Jewish leaders had crucified but God raised from the dead. This statement highlights Peter's courage and conviction in the face of opposition. By declaring the name of Jesus, Peter emphasizes the source of the miracle and the authority behind it. The context shows that Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council, to explain the healing. Instead of denying or downplaying the miracle, Peter seized the opportunity to preach about Jesus, emphasizing His death and resurrection. This verse demonstrates the importance of boldly proclaiming the Gospel, even in adversity. This passage teaches us that the power of Jesus' name is not limited by human opposition. Peter's declaration serves as a reminder that our faith is rooted in the crucified and risen Christ, and that His name has authority over all aspects of life. It encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, even when faced with challenges or persecution. _MEDITATION:_ *"Ultimately, Acts 4:10 highlights the centrality of the Gospel message: Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is the source of power, healing, and salvation.”* *#DavidJoshuaEgbochuo* *#Mr_Positive_Impact* *#Daily_Wisdom_for_living* *#Becoming_More_Like_Jesus* *#The_Rise_of_An_Army* *#Daily_Dew_Devotional* *#Hello_APRIL,2025* ❤ *Telegram Group:* https://t.me/joinchat/NzXQlVc9Hx7LfaRSnh9fHg Feel Free to Share with Friends. God bless you.....

*DAILY DEW 27/APRIL/2025* *The Unstoppable Word of God* _Key Bible Text:_ *"But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of believers now totaled about 5,000 men, not counting women and children."* (Acts 4:4 (KJV)) _Bible Insight_ Acts 4:4 highlights the remarkable impact of the apostles' preaching despite facing opposition. After Peter and John healed a lame man, they were arrested and warned to stop preaching about Jesus. However, upon their release, they continued to spread the message, and many believed. This verse shows that the Word of God has inherent power to penetrate hearts and minds. The context reveals that the number of believers grew to about 5,000 men, excluding women and children. This significant increase demonstrates the effectiveness of the apostles' message and the power of God's Word. Despite opposition from religious leaders, the message spread, and people responded in faith. This passage teaches us that God's Word is unstoppable. Opposition may arise, but it cannot quench the Spirit's work. The early church's experience serves as a reminder that faith and obedience can lead to remarkable growth and transformation. _MEDITATION:_ *"Ultimately, Acts 4:4 encourages believers to remain steadfast in sharing the Gospel, trusting in its power to transform lives, even in adversity.”* *#DavidJoshuaEgbochuo* *#Mr_Positive_Impact* *#Daily_Wisdom_for_living* *#Becoming_More_Like_Jesus* *#The_Rise_of_An_Army* *#Daily_Dew_Devotional* *#Hello_APRIL,2025* ❤ *Telegram Group:* https://t.me/joinchat/NzXQlVc9Hx7LfaRSnh9fHg Feel Free to Share with Friends. God bless you.....

*DAILY DEW 26/APRIL/2025* *Success Also Attracts Attacks* _Key Bible Text:_ *"And they laid hands on them, and put [them] in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.."* (Acts 4:3 (KJV)) _Bible Insight_ Acts 4:3 shows the apostles Peter and John facing opposition after healing a lame man, which drew attention and popularity. Despite their good deed, they were arrested and put in custody. This verse highlights a crucial lesson: every success attracts attention, and with it, potential attacks. In the context of Acts, the apostles' ministry was gaining momentum, and their actions were seen as a threat by the religious leaders. The healing of the lame man was a remarkable miracle that showcased God's power, but it also provoked a reaction from those who felt threatened. This pattern is not unique to the biblical context. In our lives, every success, no matter how small, can attract criticism, envy, or even outright attacks. This can come from others who feel threatened or insecure. The key takeaway is that success often comes with a price, and we must be prepared to face challenges and opposition. Ultimately, the apostles' experience teaches us to stand firm in our convictions and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of adversity. By doing so, we can navigate the challenges that come with success and continue to move forward, empowered by our faith. _MEDITATION:_ *"Lack of Success does not me a lack of attacks. So, I prefer to be attacked for being successful.”* *#DavidJoshuaEgbochuo* *#Mr_Positive_Impact* *#Daily_Wisdom_for_living* *#Becoming_More_Like_Jesus* *#The_Rise_of_An_Army* *#Daily_Dew_Devotional* *#Hello_APRIL,2025* ❤ *Telegram Group:* https://t.me/joinchat/NzXQlVc9Hx7LfaRSnh9fHg Feel Free to Share with Friends. God bless you.....