Daily Devotional
Do You Heed God’s “No”?
“Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.”
Acts 16:6-10
February 8, 2024
Ponder This
Have you ever tried to teach someone else to drive a car? What’s the first thing you show that person: the accelerator or the brake? You show him the brake, and if he says, “I’m not interested in the brake,” you probably say, “Give me the keys back.” Those of us who know how to drive know how important the brake is. Before God will ever show you the accelerator, He must show you the brake. If you’re not interested in the restraint of the Spirit, you'll never know the release of the Spirit. The path of life is strewn with the wrecks of people who have high-powered engines and faulty brakes. They don’t know how to listen to God’s “No.” God’s “No” is as important as God’s “Go.” Someone said, “A fanatic is somebody who, having lost sight of his goal, increases his speed.” Do you know the restraint of the Spirit? Can God say “no” to you, and you listen?
- When have you sensed the Spirit telling you “No” about something you really wanted? How did you respond?
- How often do you ask God, with sincere openness, what He would have you do?
Practice This
Ask for God’s direction in the matters of your life.
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.’”
