GOD CAN BE FOUND WHEN YOU SEEK HIM

International Bible Baptist Church

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GOD CAN BE FOUND WHEN YOU SEEK HIM

Day 269

September 26, 2024 • Matthew 14:23

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September 26

GOD CAN BE FOUND WHEN YOU SEEK HIM

Matthew 14:23

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

Physical busyness is when we rush to and fro, trying to do this and that, and we end up not knowing whether we are coming or going.

Soul busyness is when our minds are spinning with worry or fear, and our hearts are heavy with care. Soul busyness explains how you can be on vacation, lying in a hammock with your eyes closed, and still be physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted.

What’s the prescription for busyness of soul? Jesus provides the answer. After expending energy healing the sick and feeding well over five thousand people, he desperately craved alone time with his Father. He knew that only the Father could provide the energy and counsel he needed. He just needed to be still and seek the Father.

God also desires some alone time with us. He can replenish our depleted energy and provide the wise counsel we need to keep going. When we seek him, he will be found.

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME:

• I am here for you.

• I can replenish you.

MY PRAYER TO GOD:

God, I sometimes run myself in circles and wind up exhausted. I truly need to be alone with you, to bask in your glory, to lean on your strength. I’m grateful that when I seek you I will find you. Amen.

GOD’S KINGDOM WILL LAST FOREVER

October 18, 2024 • Psalm 45:6

Psalm 45:6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. You have only to read the news on a continual basis to see how nations and regimes rise and fall. That’s because conquerors come and go. There will always be a new king, leader or politician on the horizon. This transitory nature of our world can be dismaying for those of us who crave permanence. For true permanence we have only to turn to God. In this psalm the psalmist declares the eternal nature of God’s kingdom. Unlike earthly kings who come and go, God’s kingdom will last for all eternity. The word temporary is not in God’s nature. Instead, we can count on him to always be King, always be just, and—best of all—always welcome new citizens to his kingdom. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I will be King forever. • I will be fair forever. MY PRAYER TO GOD: Almighty God, I can only echo the traditional coronation phrase, “Long live the King.” Your throne will last forever. In this world of passing regimes, the concept of forever is hard to fathom. But it gives me comfort nevertheless. Amen.

GOD’S PLANS SOMETIMES DIFFER FROM YOURS

October 17, 2024 • 1 Corinthians 1:27–29

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. “That’s the craziest plan I ever heard!” Scientists and famous inventors probably hear those words a thousand times. Some of these “crazy” plans have resulted in the development of many inventions we hold dear, as well as scientific theories—like gravity—we take for granted as true. God’s plan to work in our world often seems “crazy”. He uses the “foolish things” and the “weak things” and the “lowly things” to accomplish his purposes. This promise also shows us that God’s ways are not our ways. “ ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8). When things don’t make sense to us, it’s time ask God for wisdom to discern what he is doing. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • My ways are not your ways. • My plans are contrary to worldly wisdom. MY PRAYER TO GOD: Lord, I’m grateful that your “foolish” plans included me. I’d be a fool if I didn’t take you at your Word and trust you. Amen.

GOD IS CONCERNED ABOUT YOU

October 16, 2024 • Proverbs 17:17

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. The Old Testament book known as Proverbs is essentially a divinely inspired king’s best and most practical wisdom for everyday life. Not only did the king incorporate the above verse about friendship, he included another: “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). In other words, a true friend is faithful. He or she will be there through thick and thin, to the very end. “Faithful friend” is a perfect description of God. Now, think about the implications of that ancient wisdom. As your friend, God loves “at all times.” How does that alter your attitude in your current trouble? GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I am your friend. MY PRAYER TO GOD: O Lord, you are everything the Bible says you are—Creator, Sustainer, Provider, Father, Judge, Savior and King. I praise you for being the righteous ruler of the universe—and for making and saving me. But you are also my friend. I can count on you to stand by me in tough times. Amen.