May 12, 2026 Devo

As I sat with our verse for today, it resonated deep within me. God is speaking through Isaiah about a time when everyone on the earth will ultimately bow before Him. It’ll be the time when there will be no doubt who God is and that He is the King over all. Some people will be filled with dread and fear. Some will be filled with sorrow and shame. But others will be filled with gratitude, awe, and joy. And we will declare exactly what God has spoken. “The LORD is the source of all my righteousness and strength.”
Yesterday in my message, I was talking about how part of going “deeper” with God makes us more aware of who WE are as well as who God is. That means, as I spend time in His Word and time with Him in prayer, He makes me more aware of my flaws and sins. His Word becomes a mirror where I see myself for what I am rather than what I would like to believe I am. His Spirit brings conviction to my heart to want to grow, change, and become more like Him. But no matter how much I do that, I still fall short. That’s when I hold onto this important and amazing truth: HE is my righteousness! When God sees me, He doesn’t see all my flaws and failings. He sees His Son. My growth may make me a better man, but it is only as He envelopes me in His Son that I become a righteous one.
The second part of that verse is one I’ve learned the hard way. The Lord is the source of my strength. I used to lean on myself a lot. My wisdom. My ability. My willpower. My tenacity. My fortitude. But what I discovered was that my strength is never enough. I don’t have what it takes to be a good pastor. I don’t have what it takes to be a good husband or father. I don’t even have what it takes to be a good man. I need the strength that only the Lord can provide. Through Him, I can lead and shepherd with wisdom, courage, and compassion. Through Him, I can love selflessly and care for my family with both strength and gentleness. Through Him, I can live by what I say I believe. Through Him, I can BE the man God’s called me to be.
Jesus said, “I am the Vine, and you are the branches. Apart from me, you can do nothing. But if you abide in me and I in you, you can bear good fruit.” Amen, Jesus, we have found your words to be true. And one day, when we stand before Him, God will say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” And we will declare, “All glory is yours, Lord, because the LORD is the source of all my righteousness and strength!” That’s God’s Word for you today.