DCLM Higher Everyday 20 September 2024 — A Child With a Difference

DCLM Higher Everyday 20 September 2024 Devotional by Pastor W. F. KumuyiA Child With a Difference

Topic: A Child With a Difference

Text: 1 Samuel 2:22-26

22Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

23And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.

24Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD’S people to transgress.

25If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

26And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.

Key Verse: “And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men” (1 Samuel 2:26).

Message

Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash, a 20-year old Indian is referred to as the “world’s fastest human calculator.” According to the Limca Book of Records, India’s equivalent to Guinness Book of Records, Bhanu’s brain processes numbers about 10 times faster than regular brains. He is an exceptional individual with unusual gifts.

The Biblical young Samuel was one of such children with a difference. He was raised in the house of Prophet Eli amidst his wayward children. Samuel grew up like a lily in the mire without any taint of moral pollution. He did not join the bandwagon of the ruffians, Hophni and Phinehas (Eli’s sons), among whom he grew up. God called them sons of Belial who knew not the Lord. Because Samuel kept himself from evils around him, he became a priest and  prophet – a dependable leader in Israel. To fulfill God’s purpose for your life and make impact in your world, you must be holy and righteous. You too are exceptional. You can make a difference in your world in the arts, religion, science, engineering or technology. Use your gifts to make a difference.

Quote: You can make a difference.

Challenge: Make definite impact in your world.

Prayer for today: Help me, Lord to fulfill your purpose in life.

GOSPEL REALM: STEPS TO SALVATION
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)