Daily Devotional
Do You Have a Mild Case of Atheism?
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen”
Matthew 28:18-20
January 14, 2020
Ponder This
Do you know what worry is? Worry is a mild form of atheism. It's acting like God doesn't exist. It is like saying, “God, You have forsaken me. You’re not able to see me through this thing."
The great missionary David Livingstone took the Gospel to Africa. He lived a life of loneliness and danger. On January 14, 1856, surrounded by hostile people beating war drums like they were going to attack the next morning, he wrote in his journal: "Felt much turmoil of spirit in prospect of having all of my plans for the welfare of this great region and this teaming population knocked on the head by savages tomorrow." Sitting at his campfire, he knew what was out there in the dark. Then he wrote, “But I read that Jesus said, 'All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth, go ye therefore and teach all nations, and lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world.'"
Friend, when I’m discouraged, His presence sees me through. When I’m lonely, His presence cheers me up. When I’m worried, His presence calms me down. And when I’m tempted. His presence helps me out.
Practice This
Follow Livingstone’s example. Practice the presence of the Lord this coming year. You're going to be tempted. Know that Jesus Christ never leaves us, never forsakes us. When the devil comes and knocks at your heart's door, simply say, “Jesus, please go answer the door.”
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.’”
