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January 13

By January 13, 2019365 Devotions

High Seas of Grace

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble (James 4:6, KJV).

Scripture: James 4:1-10

Song: “Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord”

John Wesley hated the sea and abhorred the idea of sailing on it. However, his first ministerial duties required him to travel from England to Georgia in America. His early letters describe the harrowing conditions crossing the ocean. While most people could empathize that fear would seize his heart, John Wesley had no positive appraisal of himself in those moments of trial. Rather, he said, “At night I was awakened by the tossing of the ship and roaring of the wind, and plainly showed I was unfit, for I was unwilling, to die.” People benefitted because John Wesley survived his trials at sea and allowed God to humble him and by grace grow him into the evangelist he became.

Selfish desires, greed, and arrogance yield bitter fruit. These behaviors result in destruction; they never produce a good result. Positive and beneficial goods come only as a result of God’s generous grace. To the person who is honest and humble before Him, God is willing to pour out His favor.

Humility requires honest self-reflection. This week, as you pray to God, come with a heart that is wide open. Allow God to reveal any places that are weak and in need of strengthening. Our Father loves humble people and desires to lift them up.

Father, I lay my life open and bare before You. Please show me ways in which I most need to change and please give me the grace to grow. In Christ I pray, amen.

 

Jim Eichenberger

Author Jim Eichenberger

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