“It’s no use,” said Tom to his youth minister. “I’m unable to resist the temptation to sin. I’ve tried again and again to resist the devil and run from him when I’m tempted but it never works. Something must be wrong with my will power, so why should I try any longer?”
“Perhaps that’s the problem – trying to resist temptation with ‘will, power.’ No doubt it’s time to turn to God’s power,” said Jeremy.

Then he opened his Bible to Psalm 138:3 and read, “As soon as I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength.”

The Psalmist had it right: Rather than using his power, he depended on God for His power. And as we read that verse we can learn from his struggle how to be faithful to God. Obviously, there must have been a period of time in the life of the Psalmist when he tried to “make it on his own” and was unsuccessful. From his failure came his success because he was willing to turn from will-power to God-power. Notice that he wrote, “As soon as I pray…”

He learned an important “life-lesson.” He could not resist the temptation to sin if he depended on himself. But “as soon as” he turned from himself to his Savior, he got exactly what he needed: “encouragement and strength” that comes only from God. So, he literally “gave up” on himself and his will power. His power did not work.

There is nothing that pleases God more than for one of His children to depend on Him for “survival.” And we must never forget that “as soon as” you call, He answers!

Prayer: Help up us, Lord, to be strong enough to be weak and to call on You for encouragement and strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 138:3 When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.

A snowflake is a remarkable object in size and shape. Sometimes they appear as though they are floating through space. Other times they arrive in force and fury. Occasionally they fall on an eyelash and can be seen but not felt. They are a weightless wonder until they are massed together. Then, they can provide a beautiful country scene or bring a city to a complete halt. Snowflakes give us a unique picture of the strength and power of numbers. What a lesson for the church!

From the very beginning God has intended for His followers to come together for strength and power. We find throughout Scripture that a community of believers can accomplish much more than an individual acting on his own behalf. God established the church and empowered it with the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel and provide strength, hope and encouragement to its members.

When a Christian feels lonely or deserted, afraid or abandoned, overwhelmed or overpowered, the church is to be a refuge for healing hearts and holding hands. God wants the church to provide comfort and care, give purpose and power, provide protection and peace to all who seek His love, grace and mercy. Within the church believers can link their lives together to offer protection from sin and work together as God’s witness to the world.

Prayer: Lord, may our church be faithful to accomplish Your purpose as we worship, work and witness together. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

A man was walking along a dimly lit street. Suddenly a dark figure appeared out of an alley and demanded, “Stop right there.”

Frightened and nervous, the man asked, “What do you want?”

“I want you to help me,” came the response. “I’m poor and I’m hungry and I’m out of work. All I have is this...gun.”

When we need help we look for acceptance and understanding, comfort and compassion, direction and strength, hope and health for the journey called life. We look for someone who has been where we are and has succeeded where we may be failing.

The Christian has God, the power of Christ, the presence of the Holy Spirit and Scripture. When we are overcome with burdens that beat upon us, pain that paralyzes us, fear that frightens us, suffering that scares us, we have an ever present Help in times that terrify us. Jesus Christ “gives us everlasting comfort, good hope, and strength in everything.”

Prayer: Lord, when I am threatened with the uncertainties of life, may I turn to You, knowing that as my Advocate, You will be my protector and provider. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17