DCLM Higher Everyday 9 February 2024 — Paul’s Turning Point
DCLM Higher Everyday 9 February 2024 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Paul’s Turning Point
Topic: Paul’s Turning Point
Text: Acts 9:1-9
1And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
Key Verse: “And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:6).
Message
“When they go low, we go high” is a famous quote attributed to Michelle Obama, former first lady of the USA. The phrase is true of the events at Paul’s Damascus Road experience. He was at the lowest point of his cruel career, harassing and arresting Christians who dared to stand up for Jesus. He deserved punishment for being the Church’s persecutor-in-chief, but the Lord took the high road instead. On his way to extending his persecution campaign to Syria, the Lord arrested and recruited him into the ranks of gospel preachers. It was a masterstroke. Saul was converted; he had a heart and a name change, and he became a fervent defender of the faith he once persecuted.
Also Read: DCLM Higher Everyday 8 February 2024 – Serving With Your Substance
Paul’s story is a heart-warming reminder that,
(1) No sinner is too far gone or too bad for God to save. Soul-winners should therefore never give up on anyone,
(2) Love is more powerful than hatred; when the two clash in a contest, love always wins in the end,
(3) Some enemies of Christians don’t know it now, but they shall soon become Christians themselves. Hallelujah!
Quote: The Lord chose to recruit Saul.
Challenge: Have you ever prayed for your persecutor?
Prayer for today: Many “Sauls” are all around me; save them, Lord.
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)
