Have you ever wondered how adults become the professionals they are today? How did they choose their career path? How did your mom and dad become what they’re today? How did that person you admire so much become who he/she is today?
Well, it’s all about deciding what they wanted to do at a very early age, much like you are right now.
It’s never too early to seek God’s face.
Psalms 63:1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
What do you want to become? An astronaut, software designer, boat builder, race car driver or a writer? It is all about what you like to do. What do you like to do?
Starting early to decide what you would like to become in future is important. You start to learn how to become it and go through every process involved.
The process will involve trainings, class lessons, exams and tests. You learn and then get tested before being certified as a professional.
Discover what you love to do and take all the necessary education you need. That’s how mommy and daddy did.
Be like Samuel in the bible who learned under the prophet Eli. Under the prophet’s supervision, Samuel grew into a great prophet that God used to speak to kings in Israel.
1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
May God show you what your passion is in Jesus name. Amen.
Prayer: Lord, help me to discover what I like to do and become in future. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Action plan: Start to note what you like doing. From there, you can discover your talents.
Today, we will continue from the storyline we started with yesterday; the story of Prophet Samuel, learning from his birth.
Despite one of his wives being barren, Elkanah never gave up on God. On a yearly basis, he would go up to offer sacrifices to God and seek His face.
3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. 4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. –1 Sam 1:3-5 [ESV]
The lesson here is that despite what you are going through, never give up on God. The promises of God are yes and amen.
2 Cor 1:20[NKJV] For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
Though it may take a while, keep your faith high.
What had God promised you? It will come to pass.
Don’t begin to throw tantrums at your parents, siblings, classmates, and everyone around you because what you are believing God for has not yet happened.
Maintain a positive attitude and you will see the salvation of the Lord your God.
God bless you.
Prayer: Oh Lord, help me to stay faithful to you. Amen
Before we delve into learning from Prophet Samuel, I want to wish a Happy New Month to all partners and members of KHC. This month, your dreams shall become a reality.
From the first to the third of March, we will be waiting on God in fasting and prayers. If you are in Ibadan, Nigeria, join us by 6 pm at Shouts of Grace Center, Joke Plaza, beside Trans Amusement park, Bodija-Ui road, Ibadan.
This morning, I want to take us on a journey into the life and times of one of the greatest prophets in the land of Israel; prophet Samuel.
He was so great that the bible records that none of his words fell to the ground. This means that all he ever said came to pass.
But before we delve into Prophet Samuel, let’s take a look at his family history.
There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. 2 He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. – 1 Sam 1:1-8 [ESV]
It wasn’t
One would naturally feel for Hannah because she had no children.
Are you somewhat in the shoes of Hannah? Are there things you need and you don’t seem to have?
Are there certain areas you want God to intervene in your life?
Could it be your parents? Are they going through issues that seem to defy help?
Join me in this series as we see what Hannah did eventually that led to the birth of Samuel the prophet.
Prayer: Help me to learn what I need to know. Amen
Can there be stress in children? Now stress is a daily part of our lives. We can’t hide from it but can only find ways to minimize its effects on us. A little stress though is good for us.
1 Sam 3:8 (KJV ) And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
Children also experience stress. There can be stress in children – it could be a bully at school, a harsh teacher, or even an uncomfortable classroom. At home, it could be rifts between siblings, parental discord, or the death of a family member or friend.
Older children often are able to identify something that is bothering them, unlike younger ones who have not acquired the capacity to do so.
Children don’t and can’t manage stress the way adults do. It shows through their words, actions, and behaviours. There you must learn how to identify stress in children so you can help them.
Little Samuel heard God calling to him but didn’t know what to do. He ran to Eli every time he heard God’s voice asking if the old priest was the one calling him. Eli identified that it was God calling little Samuel. He then told Samuel what to say when next he heard the voice.
The bible doesn’t record that Samuel experienced any stress but it was a situation that was new to him. He couldn’t process it and went to the only person he knew that could help. And Eli was able to help him. Older adults can therefore help manage stress in children.
Parents must be observant to notice any change in their children. Children won’t tell you what is disturbing them immediately, even when you ask. Only by observing can a parent find out. Parents must give total attention to children when they are speaking.
Declaration: My children are not stressed. They learn to speak out. They are surrounded daily by the right people.
Prayer (parent): Lord, help me to be truly observant about my child(ren). Help me to notice the changes in them no matter how subtle they may be. Help me to identify stress in children. Amen.
PrayerChild: I will speak out when I have an issue bothering me. I will ask for help.
Just as you study your textbook as a school student, you also have to study the Bible as a spiritual student that you are. As a student, you have textbooks for each subject you are taught in school. As a child of God, the Bible is your spiritual textbook too. Inspired by God to teach you about Him and what He wants you to do.
Textbooks are meant to be read and studied so that you can best understand a subject. You spend time reading and studying them. If the Bible is your spiritual textbook, then you should also spend time studying it too. Pick a book from it, read and study. You just have to study the Bible.
Forming the habit of regularly reading and studying your bible is a brilliant way to grow your spiritual life. Starting early in life is the best. Because as you grow up, it becomes a part of you and you won’t be able to stop reading and studying your Bible. You won’t rest until you study the Bible.
Like Samuel who began to serve in the temple at a young age.
Now Samuel was ministering before the Lord, as a child dressed in a linen ephod [a sacred item of priestly clothing] 1 Samuel 2:19 AMP
His mother gave him to God as she had promised. Under Eli, Samuel learnt about the ways of God and how to serve Him. And as he grew into an adult, with the knowledge of the things of God (…And the boy Samuel grew before the Lord 1 Samuel 2:21 AMP) he became a mighty prophet of God.
The Bible is filled with so much knowledge that will grow your spirit, mind and soul. You just have to study the Bible for yourself. Inside the Bible, you will find stories of love, hate, fear, anger, redemption, and much more. You could read it in the morning, afternoon or at night before you sleep. Even if you have a daily devotional that you read, it still doesn’t take the place of your personal Bible reading plan.
Study the Bible daily. Let regular Bible reading be a part of your daily life. God bless you as you do so. Amen.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, thank You for the Bible. I receive help to study the Bible daily. Amen.
Action plan: Pick a version of the Bible, and start to read. As you do so, note things down and ask your parents to explain further for you. Or just ask the Holy Spirit.
