DCLM Higher Everyday 14 May 2024 — Route To Greatness – Part 2
Topic: Learning: Route To Greatness – Part 2
Text: Daniel 1:17-21
17As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
19And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.
20And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.
21And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.
Key Verse: “And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm” (Daniel 1:20).
Message
Daniel and his team (the three Hebrew youth), at school in Babylon, pursued academic excellence without compromise. They recognized God as the repository of wisdom, knowledge and understanding, and purposed not to be defiled through idolatrous banquets. Christian students must be models and shine as light in the world. They must prove the genuineness of their experiences with God by standing against ungodly and evil practices prevalent in schools these days. God fulfilled His precious promises to Daniel and his friends. By their stand, they honoured God, and He blessed them. The psalmist says, “I have more understanding than all my teachers; for thy testimonies are my meditation; I understand more than the ancients because I keep thy precepts” (Psalm 119:99-100).
No wonder these young men were ten times incomparably better than their colleagues. They were undoubtedly great. God can do the same for you. Beyond being disciplined and committed to your studies, you need true fellowship with God through the new birth experience. This is what guarantees true greatness.
Quote: Shine as light in the world
Challenge: The new birth experience guarantees true greatness.
Prayer for today: Lord, help me to learn and become great, 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)
