May 5

Many people hesitate to accept Jesus because it would mean giving up a sin they have grown fond of. They know they are too weak. Yet, if they put their lives in Jesus’ hand. He will be able to provide the needed strength! Our little sins are as deadly as our big ones. Why do we only entrust the big ones to the Lord? Surely if He was able to save our souls, He is capable of keeping us from our little sins. I will just mention a few: overeating, gossip, and self-pity.

I take the life of victory

Not I, but Christ Himself in me

He conquers now, He sets me free

He gives, I take, the victory

—Paul Rader

. . . for when l am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV

Lord. when I look at myself I must humble myself.

Thank You that You know me. and that You are victorious. Keep me from becoming possessive of my sin, Lord.

January 7

It has been said that the removal of small stones which frequently encumber the fields does not always increase the crop. In many soils they are an advantage, attracting the moisture and radiating the heat. In an experiment the results of removing the stones were so unfavorable to the crop that they were brought back again, we often cry to God, as Paul did, for the removal of some thorn in the flesh. Later experience teaches us that it was better for it to remain.

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10

Your strength, my weakness

here they always meet,

when l lay down my burden at Your feet

The things that seem to crush

will in the end,

be seen as rungs on which I did ascend!

Thank You, Lord.