Bible Study & Devotional (Day 143)
Read Today’s Passages (May 23, 2022)
Guiding Scripture: 2 Samuel 2:12- 3:29
🔴Let God Lead You
Contributing Writer: Sheila Arrington
Have you witnessed the life of one who seems to have it all together?
They are gifted, talented, skilled, and seem to do everything just right?!
Ahh, until you closely examine them.
Joab was that person. Despite all his talents, abilities, training, and even knowledge of God’s laws, Joab lacked one crucial component: God’s Spirit. Without God’s power to convert his mind, guide his thoughts, and enable him to build a righteous character, you see, Joab relied upon himself.
Joab was a man who was right in his own mind, and he was going to do everything his way even though he was going against his commander David. His extraordinary skills, gifts, and responsibilities convinced him that he was smart enough to direct his own life.
He did not understand that:
“the heart [natural mind] is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:9)—or that “the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walks to direct his steps” (10:23)—or that “there is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12).
Joab was doing “just fine” in his own eyes. He saw no need for turning to God for help and guidance.
Our self-reliance can deceive us into thinking we can do it our way, being right in our eyes. Let’s not be fooled! How we look in God’s eyes is what really matters. Allow God to lead us, guide us, and direct us today and every day.
Prayer: God, help me see that your way is what matters most and not what is right in my mind. Help me to rely on you and not solely on my skills, talents, and gifts. Guide, lead, and direct me today.
Connect with Sheila Arrington www.sheilaarringtonministries.com
Sheila is a licensed and ordained minister, known as an ardent prayer warrior and teacher of the Word. She is a sought-out speaker; women love her relatable transparency and energetic approach to sharing the Word and empowering women to live their God-given purpose.
A national speaker and founder of multiple Christian Conferences such as the “Purposely Designed Conference,” “Yes, Mom, We Will Celebrate You,” and Spirit, Soul, and Body Expo.
This devotional was submitted by Sheila Arrington, a loving contributor to Our Given Purpose. Edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
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