YOUR STANDARD

“He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. And so I walk in the LORD’S presence as I live here on earth! I believed in you, so I said, ‘I am deeply troubled, LORD.’”—Psalm 116:8–10 NLT

Protagoras was an important Greek philosopher who lived in the fifth century BC. He believed that nothing was absolutely good or bad, true or false, and that each person was the final authority for his decisions and beliefs. He summed this up by saying, “Man is the measure of all things.”

Throughout the centuries, many people have assumed that they could measure things based on their own, subjective standards. But the Bible assures us that we cannot base our lives on our human understanding or other people.

The Bible makes it clear that all of us are flawed. God told Jeremiah, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” But we spend much of our time seeking to fool others. God knows us better than we know ourselves. He searches our hearts and tests our minds (Jeremiah 17:9–10 NKJV).

The psalmist realized that ultimately other people would fall short, but he could depend on God. God saved him from death. When he faced trouble and difficulty, he knew he could pray and cry out to Him.

Today, if you are going through any difficulties, remember that you can place your trust in God. You may make mistakes. Other people may fall short and disappoint you. But you can depend on God! Make Him the measure of all things in your life!

Reflection Question: What worldly philosophies are you tempted to let control your thinking?

PRAY FOR BREAKTHROUGH

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.”—Isaiah 45:22 KJV

When Charles Spurgeon was a child, his family regularly gathered to read and discuss the Bible. But when he was a teen, he rebelled and struggled against God. His mother kept praying for him. Gradually, Spurgeon began to struggle with his sin. He realized he was rebelling against God and began to feel conviction. He cried to God but could not seem to get victory.

But one Sunday in 1850, a snowstorm prevented him from reaching the church he planned to attend. Instead, he turned into the Primitive Methodist Chapel. He looked around and only about fifteen people were in attendance.

The text was Isaiah 45. He felt convicted as he heard God’s Word. The pastor was not eloquent, but during the message, he seemed to speak directly to Spurgeon: “Young man, you look very miserable … Look to Jesus Christ! Look! Look! Look! You have nothin’ to do but to look and live.”

Spurgeon responded to this simple word and was saved that day. Everything changed, and he became passionate about his faith. He went on to become one of the greatest preachers of the nineteenth century. Through more than 3,000 sermons, he led thousands of people to faith in Christ.

Do you know someone who needs salvation or who is resisting the call of God? Do not give up on them. He can save your friends and relatives. Keep praying and believing. God is faithful.

Reflection Question: Who in your life needs to hear the Gospel message today?