Daily Devotional
First, Surrender
May 4, 2018
I read about a naval battle with Admiral Lord Nelson, commander of the British navy, which defeated the French. The French admiral came on board Lord Nelson’s ship to surrender. He walked up there in all of his regalia, with his sword swinging by his side. And he came with a smile on his face and put out his hand to Lord Nelson. Lord Nelson impassively said, "Your sword first, sir."
There are a lot of people who think they can walk up and glad-hand the Lord Jesus Christ, but He says, "Your sword first." We must surrender first. Jesus is not an appeaser, and He will never make a truce with sin. Never!
First John 3:16 says, "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." Jesus said, "Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24).
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.’”
