Category: Shepherd Daily Devotional

Get up and activate the greatness within you.

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “What lies behind us, and what lies before us are but tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” To put it another way, our circumstances are not as big as the greatness that is hidden within us. When Emerson made that remark he was possibly talking about our ability to triumph in the midst of challenges. Though we are often surrounded by challenges, within us, lays the power to prevail over every negative situation.  Throughout history, we’ve continually seen individuals who did remarkable things in the midst of challenges. But because they are few, we often think they were specially created by God.

You see, the ability to be a great leader is not the exclusive right of a few people. You were created by God and equipped with the ability to do great things. I don’t know what you think of yourself. But I know you have the spirit of greatness within you. I am certain of this because you were created in God’s image. God is great, and since He put His Spirit inside of you, then you are automatically fortified for greatness. Get up and activate the greatness within you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for equipping me with greatness. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: Genesis 1:26-28; 1 John 4:4

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.

To fulfill any leadership task, stay focused on the big picture.

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

“Master,” John said, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us”. John was probably trying to protect the integrity of his Master. But Christ had a different opinion. Jesus said, “Do not stop him”. John must have been an overprotective apostle because moments after that incident, he and his brother, James wanted to call fire down from heaven to destroy a Samaritan village because they did not welcome Jesus. Again, Christ rebuked his disciples.

From the two incidents, you would notice that Jesus was a leader who avoided distractions. Stopping the stranger who was casting out demons in His name wasn’t part of His assignment. In the same vein, why should He worry about the rude Samaritans when their antagonism wouldn’t stop Him from traveling through another village? As at the time that Jesus wanted to pass through the Samaritan village, He had already made up His mind to go to Jerusalem because it was time “for him to be taken up to heaven” (Luke 9:51). To fulfill any leadership task, stay focused on the big picture.

Prayer: Lord, help me stay focused on my goals. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY:  Luke 9:49-55; Luke 9:51

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.

Stay close to God.

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

After David killed Goliath, news about him spread. People were amazed at the way he killed an armed giant with a stone. And as David’s fame grew, some women popped up with a praise song that placed him above his master, King Saul. Because of that song, David had to run for his life. But the negative impact of the women’s song extended to other kingdoms. When David sought refuge in king Achish’s kingdom, his servants reminded him that he was dealing with a man whom they sang about. To save his life, David pretended he was mad whenever he was with king Achish.

There are times you might achieve something remarkable while you are on your way to the top. And the people around you will get excited and begin to celebrate you. Their praises will then create enemies who feel threatened by your achievements. And so, they would come out and try to stop you from going further. Instead of moving forward, you would at that time become stuck; struggling to survive. If you ever find yourself in this kind of state, do what David did; stay close to God. God will frustrate the plans of your enemies.

Prayer: Lord, turn my obstacles into stepping stones.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: 1 Samuel 18: 6-9; 1 Samuel 21:10-15

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.

God asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

After winning the prayer contest against the prophets of Baal, Elijah inspired a revival. When the Israelites saw how God responded to Elijah’s sacrifice they immediately repented. Elijah had seized that moment and ordered the killing of the prophets of Baal. Moments later, just as Elijah had prophesied, Israel had a heavy rain, after over three years of drought. But just as Elijah was about to celebrate, he found himself, once again in the wilderness, when he received a death threat from Jezebel. While he was on exile, Elijah became depressed and even prayed that God would take his own life. But as he rested in a cave, God asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Possibly, God asked that question because Elijah wasn’t supposed to run away from his country, even though he was threatened by Jezebel. Perhaps, you’ve found yourself in a similar situation. You’ve spent your energy on a cause. But instead of recognition, you’ve been rejected and misunderstood. You are now at a point where you are beginning to doubt and question your convictions. Unless if God tells you to quit, stay there. Oftentimes, God wants us to confront challenges, not to run from it.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the strength to overcome. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: 1 Kings 18:38-46; 19:1-9

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.

Pray according to God’s will.

Written By Benjamin Dankaka

One of the most powerful prayers in the Bible is the one said by Elijah as at the time of his prayer challenge with the prophets of Baal. The prophets had begun the challenge by praying to their god from morning to evening. They shouted and danced as they asked their god to bring fire on their sacrifice. But despite their loud appeals, nothing happened, even after slashing themselves with swords. When it got to Elijah’s turn, the atmosphere suddenly became calm. Possibly, his prayer didn’t take more than five minutes but the response was instant.

We can learn from the way Elijah said his prayer. His prayer was straight to the point; he didn’t try to embellish it with many words. Also, Elijah didn’t try to impress God by screaming and dancing. Instead, he confidently talked to God. Clearly, his confidence was inspired by the fact that his prayer was said according to God’s will – Elijah asked God to answer his prayer so that it will be known that He is the God of Israel and that He was willing to turn the people’s hearts back to Him. That was God’s will. Today, pray according to God’s will.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may it be done according to your purpose. Amen.

REFERENCES/FURTHER STUDY: 1 Kings 18:1-39

Unless otherwise stated all scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version.