Faith, not Luck

I began devotional time today with Big Daddy Weave's, "Redeemed."

"Then You look at this prisoner, and say to me, 'Son, stop fighting a fight that's already been won.'"

"I am redeemed! You set me free. So I'll shake off these heavy chains and wipe away every stain. Now I'm not who I used to be. I am redeemed."

"And when I hear You whisper, 'Child, lift up your head,' I remember, oh God, You're not done with me yet!"

"I don't have to be the old man inside of me, 'cause his day is long dead and gone, because I've got a new name, a new life; I'm not the same; and a hope that will carry me home! I am redeemed."

The introductory Scripture tonight comes from Acts 9:26-27a: "When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles." (NIV) Don't be afraid to bring new people onto your team. If you have been stuck, you may very well just need new ideas.

In the devotional entry for today, Maxwell quoted Walter P. Chrysler: "The reason so many people never get anywhere in life is because when opportunity knocks, they are out in the backyard looking for four-leaf clovers."

We need to have faith in God and not rely on "luck." "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, Who does not change like the shifting shadows," James says in James 1:17 (NIV). Rely on and trust in the Father, and put your faith in His Son. Jesus even said, "'Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me.'" (John 14:1, NIV)

I do not have much more commentary this evening. Scripture speaks for itself. Listen to God's message that He gives each and every one of us through His Word, the Holy Bible.

Reflect on Maxwell's question for today: "What people do you know who can recognize an opportunity?" Barnabas saw an opportunity when he met Saul (later named Paul). Don't get too stuck in the flow of things that you miss opportunities because you are not looking for them.

God bless you!