March 14

Morning

So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. — 1 Cor 10:12 BSB

It’s strange but true—there’s such a thing as being proud of grace. One person might say, “I have great faith—I’ll never fall. Maybe those with weaker faith will stumble, but not me.” Another might boast, “I have fervent love, and I can stand firm; there’s no danger of me straying.” But the one who brags about their grace actually has very little grace to boast about. Some believe their own strength and goodness will keep them standing, but they don’t realize that all strength must continually flow from God, the source, or it will soon dry up. Just as a lamp will burn brightly today but start to smoke and stink tomorrow if it’s not supplied with oil, so too will our lives if we aren’t continually sustained by God’s grace.

Take care not to place your confidence in your own abilities. Instead, let your confidence rest in Christ and His strength alone. That’s the only way to avoid falling. Spend more time in prayer. Devote more time to worship. Read the Scriptures with a hunger for God’s Word. Watch over your life carefully. Live closely with God. Look to the examples of godly men and women. Let your conversations be full of heaven’s fragrance, and let your heart be filled with a love for the souls of others. Live in such a way that people will notice you’ve been with Jesus and learned from Him.

Then, when that glorious day comes, and the Lord calls you home, may you hear Him say, “Come up higher! You’ve fought the good fight, you’ve finished the race, and now there’s a crown of righteousness waiting for you.” So press on, Christian, with care and humility, trusting in Jesus alone, and make this your constant prayer: “Hold me up according to Your Word.” He is able—only He is able—to keep you from falling and to present you faultless with great joy.

Evening

I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue. — Ps 39:1 BSB

Fellow traveler, don’t be quick to say, “I’ll go here or there, and I’ll be safe from sin.” The truth is, you’re never more vulnerable to sin than when you assume you’re secure. This world is full of dangers, and it’s difficult to walk through it without getting your garments stained. The road is muddy, and you must step carefully. Temptation is everywhere—even in blessings—and robbers are at every corner, ready to steal your spiritual treasures.

You’ll face temptations even in the good things of life. Every mercy comes with a test. Even your joys can be a snare. If you finally reach heaven, it will be a miracle of grace, a testament to God’s power alone. Be on guard! When a person carries gunpowder, they take care not to go near a fire, and you must be just as cautious when you walk in this world, making sure you don’t fall into temptation.

Even the simplest actions can be dangerous if you’re not careful. There’s nothing in this world that fosters a Christian’s faith—everything seems bent on destroying it. That’s why we must constantly look to God, praying for His protection. Make this your prayer: “Hold me up, and I will be safe!” Pray, but also watch. Guard every thought, word, and deed with holy caution. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way without good reason, but if God calls you to face danger, make sure you go in fully prepared, holding up the shield of faith.

Don’t let the devil catch you unprepared. Though he can’t destroy you, he can wound you deeply. So stay sober, stay vigilant, and never assume you’re safe when everything seems calm. No one ever fell into sin by being too careful. May the Holy Spirit guide us in all our ways, so that everything we do brings pleasure to God.