January 18, 2021
Ponder This
There’s a story about the devil auctioning off his tools. He put a high price on pride, laziness, arrogance, hate, envy, and jealousy. But there was one tool labeled “Not For Sale.” Someone said, “What is that tool and why isn’t it for sale?” “Well,” he said, “I can’t afford to get rid of that one. It’s my chief tool: discouragement. With this tool, I can pry open a heart, and once I get in, I can do most anything I want.”
Do you want me to tell you why you get discouraged? I’ll give it to you in a nutshell—you’ve taken your eyes off God!
Practice This
Are you discouraged? If not, praise God! Find someone who is so that you can give the encouragement needed in Jesus Christ. Maybe it’s your next-door neighbor, your coworker, or your spouse.
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.’”
