GOD REVEALS TRUTH TO THOSE WITH CHILDLIKE HEARTS

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GOD REVEALS TRUTH TO THOSE WITH CHILDLIKE HEARTS

Day 288

October 15, 2024 • Matthew 11:25–26

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Matthew 11:25-26

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

Quick! You’ve just been given one of the greatest secrets of the universe. To whom will you tell it? Would you even think about sharing that secret with a child? More than likely you would head to the nearest phone and try to dial the president or some other world leader.

Jesus was known for his countercultural actions and sayings. After acknowledging the rejection he experienced in some of the leading cities around the Sea of Galilee, he made a declaration that probably shocked his listeners: God had revealed his truth to children. He explained his meaning a little further in the Gospel of Matthew: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (18:3).

Children accept truth at face value. They don’t “quantify” it or “shade” it fit their own beliefs. They simply believe. They also trust without reservation. Is that the kind of believer you are?

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME:

• I reveal my kingdom to those who are willing to trust me.

MY PRAYER TO GOD:

God, your assurance to your people is that you will keep them from all evil. Thank you that though evil may come, it has no ultimate power over me. I want to trust, not worry. Amen.

GOD IS ON THE THRONE

October 30, 2024

October 30 GOD IS ON THE THRONE Psalm 99:1 The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. In the darkest moments of our worst times it is difficult not to give in to despair. Every direction we turn we see trouble brewing. Meanwhile, where is God? Does he see? Does he hear our cries? Does he care? Has he lost control? Why doesn’t he do something? If that is where you find yourself today, a truth that can make a real difference is the promise above. God is on his throne. He reigns over the universe and rules over your life. No matter how bleak things seem, the fact remains that God is in charge. It’s interesting to read what happened when the curtains of heaven rolled back, so to speak, and allowed the prophet Isaiah (see Isaiah 6) and the apostle John (see Revelation) a glimpse of the Lord on his throne. The experience didn’t deliver either man from a life packed with trouble. But the reminder that God reigns changed each of them forever. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I am the King of the universe. • I am on my throne. MY PRAYER TO GOD: I praise you, Lord. By faith I proclaim that you reign over all. You are on your throne, and everyone and everything is subject to you. When my faith is weak and I am tempted to despair, remind me that you are still in charge. Give me a fresh vision of your kingship over the whole world—and over my world. Amen.

GOD SAVES THOSE WHO CALL ON HIM

October 29, 2024 • Joel 2:32

October 29 GOD SAVES THOSE WHO CALL ON HIM Joel 2:32 That whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: It’s not a flawless system by any means—what human invention is perfect in an imperfect world? Still, the 9-1-1 emergency telephone number is pretty amazing. As most people know, 9-1-1 is the digit sequence North Americans dial when they find themselves in emergency situations. In most cases, depending on where we are, we can press those three numbers on any type of phone to request—and receive—help from the police, fire department or EMT personnel within a matter of minutes. Long before the days of 9-1-1, the prophet Joel foresaw a terrible day of trouble and judgment. He urged, not a phone call to a fellow human being, but calling out, crying out directly to God. And he promised that the desperate pleas of humble people would never fall on deaf ears. The Lord, indeed, rescues all those who look to him. Jesus later said the same thing in different words: “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37). Are you facing a hard or terrifying situation? Call on the name of the Lord. He stands ready to help. And he is able to save. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME • If you call on my name, I will be faithful to save. MY PRAYER TO GOD: Lord, thank you for the promise to hear and answer my cries for help. Your rescue of me may not end up looking like what I imagined, but you do promise to deliver. Grant me the faith to believe this promise with all my heart. Amen.

GOD SUPPLIES ALL THAT YOU NEED

October 28, 2024 • 2 Peter 1:2–3

2 Peter 1:2-3 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, [3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: You’re going through a hard time. You feel abandoned and anxious. You feel helpless, powerless and clueless. Most people in such straits react in one of four ways. Some embrace the philosophy of hedonism. They try to escape their problems using the pleasures of food, entertainment, shopping, chemicals and so on. Others give in to pessimism or cynicism. Still others pin their hopes on humanism, which is based on human strategies and the counsel of others. A final group resorts to supernaturalism—mind readers, astrology and so on. The apostle Peter offers us a better response—pursuing an ever-deeper relationship with Jesus. In Christ we find grace and peace. As we come to know him more and more, we’ll experience his goodness, and we’ll better understand that Jesus provides all we need to live as we should. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME • I will bless you with favor and peace. • I give you everything you need for living a godly life. • You will receive my glory and goodness. MY PRAYER TO GOD: God, you bless me with grace and peace as I come to know Jesus more and more. Open my eyes, Lord. I want to see Jesus. Teach me how to develop a more intimate relationship with you. Amen.