DCLM Higher Everyday 9 January 2026 — Strength Without Discipline
DCLM Higher Everyday 9 January 2026 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Strength Without Discipline
Topic: Strength Without Discipline
Text: Judges 14:1-4
1And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines.
3Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well.
4But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.
Key Verse: “And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife” (Judges 14:2).
Message
An Olympic medalist said, “It is impossible to reach Olympic standards without strict discipline.” Samson was a man of incredible strength, chosen by God to deliver Israel. But despite his physical strength, he had a weakness – his lack of self-control and discipline. He played with temptation, ignored warnings, and trusted a wrong acquaintance, Delilah. Eventually, his careless choices led to his downfall. Young people are drawn to the slaughter’s house when they lack the discipline to place control on their emotions and desires.
Also Read: DCLM Higher Everyday 8 January 2025 – Delilah: A Friendly Foe
Teenagers today face their own “Delilahs” – distractions, bad influences, and temptations that seem harmless at first but can weaken their spiritual strength. Samson’s fall took some stages, leading to sudden loss of his power through compromise, lack of discipline and self-control. Young people are drawn to the slaughter’s house when they lack the discipline to place control on their emotions and desires. God has given you talents, abilities, and a purpose. But without wisdom and obedience, even the strongest person can fall. True strength comes not just from physical power but from a heart that seeks God.
Quote: The strongest person can fall
Challenge: Make self-control your watchword.
Prayer for today: Lord, help me to be strong in faith and character.
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)
