GOD’S PLANS SOMETIMES DIFFER FROM YOURS

International Bible Baptist Church

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GOD’S PLANS SOMETIMES DIFFER FROM YOURS

Day 290

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

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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 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.