Marie’s daily verse: 

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10).

DAILY DEVOTION, December 26, 2023

Pride leads to destruction; a proud attitude brings ruin (Proverbs 16:18).

When Israel defeated the great walled city of Jericho, they realized that God had won the victory. Next, they went up against the little town of Ai. They assumed Ai would be a piece of cake. They quickly forgot that God was responsible for the victory at Jericho, and even little Ai could defeat them if they failed to depend on God. And that is what happened. Pride entered the picture. “How can little Ai defeat our superior army, they thought?” Israel suffered a humiliating defeat for one reason – – – pride.

We can handle many routine things in life; we begin to think we don’t need God’s help. As we make major life decisions without looking for God’s guidance, we are headed for a fall. As we face a new year, we need to resolve to depend more on God and less on ourselves. Pride will lead to only one inevitable outcome – – – ruin. We pray that 2024 will be a better year, and it will be for those who live by faith.

Father in heaven, help me to realize each day that I need Your guidance. I need thee every hour! Sometimes, I make decisions thinking I am adequate in myself. Help me to swallow my pride and to depend upon You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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