Daily Devotional
You Are Never Too Far for God to Reach
“Then she lulled him to sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to torment him, and his strength left him. And she said, ‘The Philistines are upon you, Samson!’ So he awoke from his sleep, and said, “I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!” But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.”
Judges 16:19-20
July 19, 2024
Ponder This
Many people today find themselves without the power of God but don’t realize it. They were once faithful deacons, Sunday school teachers, and evangelists, but they have so compromised and played in sin that the power of God is gone from them, and they don’t even know it. It is scary to think I could come and stand and preach or minister without that anointing and power of God. It’s scary to think about how many there are who have begun in the Spirit and ended in the flesh. What is beautiful about God is that this point of despair does not have to be the end of the story.
Even in his lowest moment, Samson began to pray to God (Judges 16:28). He began to repent. God had brought him low, but his eyes that were physically blind began to open spiritually. He came to God and pleaded for one more chance. I don’t care what you may have done, our God is a God of mercy. Our God is a God of forgiveness. Our God is a God of the second chance. Don’t believe the lie that you’ve gone too far from His grace.
- When have you cried out to God in repentance? How can this serve as a reminder of God’s ongoing grace in your life?
- What is your relationship with God like right now? How do you need to respond if you realize you aren’t where you thought you were?
Practice This
Talk to a mentor or trusted friend and ask him or her to share areas where you may be depending on your own strength over the Lord’s.
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.’”
