Once-A-Day Bible Promises - International Bible Baptist Church

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.

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.

GOD REVEALS TRUTH TO THOSE WITH CHILDLIKE HEARTS

October 15, 2024 • Matthew 11:25–26

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 INVITES YOU TO COME TO HIM FOR HELP

October 14, 2024 • Psalm 103:14

Psalm 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. When we are scrambling around during tough times, trying to figure out what to do, our minds have a tendency to dream up all sorts of unlikely scenarios. Money woes, for instance, might prompt us to imagine an out-of-the-blue phone call from a billionaire like Bill Gates, offering to bail us out. Medical problems can get us daydreaming about an invitation to come consult—for free, of course—with the world’s foremost specialists at a place like the Mayo Clinic. Bottom line—what we want most in times of trouble is understanding and help from someone with the power to deal effectively with our situation. God offers precisely what we want and need. He knows our every weakness and cares about them. We can trust that when we seek him for help in a situation, he’ll care enough to do something about it. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I understand your weaknesses. • I want you to come boldly into my presence. • I will give you mercy and grace in your time of need. MY PRAYER TO GOD: Lord, you know my weaknesses and the temptations I face. You are never too busy for me. Thank you for the total, unhindered access I have to you. Amen.

GOD HAS SAVED YOU FROM ETERNAL DEATH

October 13, 2024 • Romans 8:32

Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Whatever storm clouds are in your life right now, there was a time when you were facing an even greater crisis. You were an enemy of God. Spiritually speaking you were on death row, having been rightly convicted of high crimes against the King of the universe (see Romans 6:23). But God did a shocking thing. He put his one and only Son to death in your place. Jesus took your punishment, and then, perfect justice satisfied, offered you a full, eternal pardon. More than that, God even offered to adopt you into his family so that you could share all his riches. The point is this: If God willingly helped us out of our nightmarish predicament, does it make sense that he would allow lesser troubles to destroy us? GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I chose you. • I gave you right standing with myself. • I will give you my glory. MY PRAYER TO GOD: Lord, you have chosen me and called me to yourself. I do not understand such love, such grace. But I praise you. Thank you for saving me from sin. You declare me righteous solely because of what Christ has done on my behalf. If you cared enough to rescue me from eternal dangers, surely you care enough to see me through temporary trials. Amen.

GOD IS CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED

October 12, 2024 • Psalm 34:18

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. If we humans could write the script for life’s tough times, first of all, there wouldn’t be so many. We would then opt for more happy, “feel-good” endings—more diseases cured, more marriages saved, more kids saying “no” to drugs. In our version of things, God would be front and center—rending the heavens and making dramatic, “just in the nick of time” appearances. We’d have him speaking audibly—perhaps even holding daily briefings with lots of Q & A. He would tour disaster areas, giving out lots of hugs. As it is, in times of trial God often remains invisible. He speaks in whispers through the pages of an ancient book. He designates proxies to do all his hugging. His ways frustrate us, but they do not change the truth that he sticks by us when we feel brokenhearted or crushed. Do you have the faith to take him at his word? GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I draw near to those who are brokenhearted. MY PRAYER TO GOD: Lord, you promised your followers you’d be with us, even in our darkest hours. I wish I could see you or touch you or hear you. But even if I can’t, I trust you. Amen..

GOD HELPS YOU REACH YOUR GOALS

October 11, 2024 • Proverbs 16:3

Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. Ever set goals for your family? Perhaps you sat down as a family and decided on what you wanted to do or how you wanted to help each other grow. Setting goals together is a way of working as a team, as well as showing your love for each other. As a member of God’s family God wants to do the same thing with you: sit down together and work through your goals. Because he loves you and wants the best for you, he wants to hear your plans, hopes and dreams. Sometimes we make plans without consulting God because we simply want our own way. Some of these plans may succeed; others fail. God wants us to submit our plans to him for his approval before we act. In this way, we show our love for and submission to him. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • If you commit your plans to me, I will help you reach godly goals. MY PRAYER TO GOD: Heavenly Father, I’m glad you’re so interested in my life that I can come and talk to you whenever I want. Thank you for helping me set good goals. Amen.

GOD HELPS THOSE IN NEED

October 10, 2024 • Psalm 70:5

October 10 GOD HELPS THOSE IN NEED Psalm 70:5 But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O Lord, make no tarrying. People talk at length about the trials of Job, but how about the travails of David? Of the approximate 75 psalms attributed to David, a shockingly high number reveal a man in great turmoil. Psalm 70 is a classic example. The specific setting in which David wrote it is not known. But clearly he was—once again—in desperate need of rescue from some powerful adversary. And so he cried out urgently, acknowledging God as “my help.” David’s honest lament forces us to ask ourselves, “To what or to whom do we turn when times get tough?” Is prayer our first response, or is God our last resort? As one who spent a lifetime being delivered by God, David would likely urge us, “It’s only when you depend fully on the Lord that you truly experience his help.” GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I am your helper. • I am your Savior. MY PRAYER TO GOD: I am in need of your aid, God. Please help me before my troubles swallow me up. You are my helper and deliverer. I depend on you and not on my own wisdom or strength. Amen.

GOD KNOWS ALL ABOUT YOU

October 9, 2024 • Psalm 33:13–15

Psalm 33:13-15 The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works. When we are going through difficulties, we often feel somewhat invisible and greatly misunderstood. “No one really sees my struggle,” we think. “And even if they do happen to notice, they don’t really know what it’s like to be in this situation.” That may be true of our fellow humans, but God knows. According to today’s promise, God sees. And he understands. Theologians refer to this all-seeing, all-knowing attribute of God as his omniscience. Nothing about us or our situation is hidden from him. God has total insight into how we got to this place, what we’re thinking, what our motives and desires are, why we do what we do and what the future holds. The verbs in the passage above speak volumes. Notice that God “looks down.” He “sees.” He “considers.” Believing in God’s omniscience won’t make your troubles go away, but it will diminish your feelings of aloneness. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I see you and your situation. • I made your heart, and I understand you. MY PRAYER TO GOD: God, you see me and you know me. I feel alone and small and helpless. Thank you for the promise that you are always watching over me. You understand me and what I need to do. O, Maker of my heart, give me insight into what I am doing—and why—and what I need to do. Amen.

GOD DIRECTS YOUR WAYS

October 8, 2024 • Psalm 119:133

Psalm 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Going through difficulty is hard enough. Being in a mess and not having a clue what to do is even worse. It gets complicated because sometimes our choices seem limited and at other times we have numerous options. What do we do? How do we know what’s best? We trust God’s promise to provide guidance through his Word. Imagine God as a wise and loving Father accompanying an insecure child on a long, hard journey. The Father is forever watching and directing, helping the child to make wise choices. Don’t face your troubles—and certainly don’t make big decisions in the midst of trouble—alone. God wants to direct you. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I will guide you in the ways that are best. • I will help you make wise choices. MY PRAYER TO GOD: You promise to guide me in the way that’s best, Lord. Give me the sense and sensitivity to seek, to listen, to trust. I am so prone to wander off into dangerous places. Guard me and keep me from a stubborn, independent spirit. Speak loudly enough so that I can hear. Amen.

GOD LOVES YOU IN TIMES OF DISTRESS

October 7, 2024 • Psalm 59:16–17

Psalm 59:16-17 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy. It is the stuff of a first rate thriller motion picture. A delusional, paranoid king. A shadowy team of cold-blooded assassins. A young, innocent man running for his life. Only it’s not a fictional story; it’s a slice of history from the life of David. He is “exhibit A” of the Biblical truth that godly people incur the wrath of the ungodly (see 2 Timothy 3:12). In moments of great distress and crisis—and there are many recorded in the psalms—David demonstrates two refreshing qualities. First, he’s always honest. He doesn’t hide his feelings or mince words. He tells God all that is in his heart—good and bad. Second, he clings desperately to what he knows about the character of God. Reread the passage above. What truths about God can help in your tough time? GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I am powerful. • My love for you never fails. • I am your refuge, your place of safety in distress. MY PRAYER TO GOD: O God, you are powerful! Thank you for demonstrating your unfailing love to me day after day. When situations are bleak and hope seems gone, give me the faith to cling to you and look to you for salvation. Amen.