Daily Devotional
Are You Optimistic or Pessimistic?
“Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.”
Acts 27:34
June 12, 2022
Ponder This
In Acts 27:30-32, there were some sailors aboard ship with Paul during a fierce storm who said, “We’ll get in that lifeboat. We’ll get off this big ship and we’ll escape.” These men sought a form of escapism built upon selfishness. Don’t do it! You may say, “I’ll outrun or drown out my problems.” No, they can swim. You’re the one who is going to drown.
There were others who were working, throwing everything overboard. They couldn’t see which way to go. Do you know people like that? This was a storm they’d been warned about, to begin with, and now they were facing the consequences of their actions. That’s how the godless sometimes go through storms.
But what about the godly? Paul called the men together and encouraged them. He gave a good message from God. Just as in this account, there are three classes in America: those who are afraid, those who don’t know enough to be afraid, and those who know their Bibles.
- Which of these categories would you count yourself in? Why?
- How can you remain encouraged and encourage others in the middle of life’s storms?
Practice This
Encourage someone you know is having a tough time today.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
