DCLM HIGHER EVERYDAY 18 March 2022 — Depart from strong drinks
DCLM Higher Everyday 18 March 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Depart from strong drinks
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TOPIC: DEPART FROM STRONG DRINKS
TEXT: PROVERBS 31:1-7
1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
MEMORY VERSE: “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink” (PROVERBS 31:4).
MESSAGE
What are the two worst habits that can destroy a young man? Or put it another way, what are the two most dangerous pitfalls a young man must avoid?
The mother of King Lemuel has the answer. Number one: Flee fornication. Number two: Depart from strong drinks. And the two are related. When you indulge in one, you will end up indulging in the other.
According to recent studies, among substances of abuse, alcohol ranked second, next only to tobacco. The prevalence of alcohol usage has increased steadily, and the average age of initiation has been dropping equally. According to the American Centre for Disease Control (CDC), underage drinking is a public health problem in the US.
There are many negative consequences of alcohol use and abuse among teenagers. It can lead to school problems such as high rates of absences and lower grades. It can lead to social problems like fighting, stealing and road crashes.
It also leads to risky behaviours such as immoral sexual relationships. It can lead to emotional or psychological problems like suicide and homicide. Thank God for Lemuel’s mother’s wise counsel.
QUOTE: Depart from strong drinks.
CHALLENGE: Drinking is a public health problem.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to heed the godly counsel against drinking.
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)
