I recently took up canoeing. About a hundred yards from my house there is a good place to put my canoe in the Ohio River.

A couple of days ago, I was all set to go out on the water. I put the canoe on the caddy I use to wheel it to the river. I had my life jacket with me, along with a cooler filled with drinks and snacks. I was almost to the river before I noticed that I had forgotten something very important—my paddle!

Knowing that I wouldn’t get anywhere without this important piece of equipment, I left the canoe and went back to retrieve the paddle. Only then could I take my trip.

Some people seem to think they can get somewhere without Jesus. However, he says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).

Don’t be caught up the creek without Jesus!