DCLM Higher Everyday 23 December 2022 — Having a grateful heart
DCLM Higher Everyday 23 December 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Having a grateful heart
TOPIC: HAVING A GRATEFUL HEART
TEXT: LUKE 17:12-19
13And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
MEMORY VERSE: “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God” (LUKE 17:15).
MESSAGE:
Two toddlers were debating the proper pronunciation of the words, ‘Thank you’. “It is Theeeank ‘ou”, said one with confidence. “No, you are wrong! It is ‘Dank ‘ou,” the other retorted with an air of authority. Their mothers smiled with delight because of the soothing attitude of these children.
The boys were actually rehearsing their responses to the ice cream promised them that day by one of their mothers. These children, through learning how to pronounce “thank you,” earned the approval of their mothers, showing us the place of gratitude in our relationship with others and God.
Expressing gratitude for even very little kindness received is a virtue. Many youths are too self-absorbed to see the need of appreciating mothers, fathers or teachers for the kindness they show them in taking care of their needs. Hearty gratitude should daily flow from our lips towards God for His mercies; and towards our parents for their sacrifices.
Practically speaking, say “Thank you” to God by loving Him, obeying His words and labouring for His Kingdom. Appreciate your parents by your hard work and good character.
QUOTE: Many youths are too self-absorbed.
CHALLENGE: How often did you say “Thank you,” yesterday?
PRAYER: Father, forgive my past ingratitude in Jesus’ name.
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)
