Daily Devotional
Are You Relying on Your Own Strength?
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”
James 3:13-17
May 14, 2024
Ponder This
I was driving down the road one day, and I saw a drunk man staggering along in disgrace. I recognized him, so I stopped the car and I said “Son, get in.” He got in and I drove him home. His dad and his mother were embarrassed. I started to leave, and the dad stopped me. He said “My son is not the only drunk in the family. I’m a drunk too. I’d be such a hypocrite to tell him not to drink because I’m a drunkard.” I said, “Why don’t you quit drinking?” He said, “I just don’t have what it takes.”
My heart broke for him. I said, “Imagine you were driving a team of wild horses, but they were getting away from you. You couldn’t make them stop and you couldn’t rein them in, but sitting next to you there in the wagon was someone you knew could control them. What would you do?” He responded, “That’s easy. I’d just turn the reigns over to him.” And I said, “That’s the only thing for you to do. Simply say, ‘Lord Jesus, I can’t.’”
Quit trying and start trusting. Simply turn the reins over to Him because there is only One who can contain those wild horses. He does not want to let them run wild, and He does not want to cripple them, but He will put that strength under His control and direction.
- What is one thing you have struggled to put under God’s control?
- Why do you think we often rely on our own strength to get things done instead of God’s?
Practice This
Pray and surrender to God something you have been trying to use your own strength to solve.
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.’”
