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

GOD ADOPTS YOU

October 3, 2024 • Galatians 4:4–5

Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Most people in the world would agree with the statement that “We are all God’s children.” It’s a nice sentiment. It just isn’t what the Bible teaches. According to God’s Word, unrepentant sinners are actually God’s enemies (see Romans 5:10 and Colossians 1:21). It’s only when we put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ that we experience forgiveness and adoption into God’s forever family (see Ephesians 1:5). For a Christian going through hard times this “adoption” truth is the best of all possible news. God is not just a powerful Creator or a righteous Lord, he is a loving Father. He sees your trials. He listens to your pleas. He cares and protects and supports. He is never harsh or impatient with you. He is never “too busy” for you. Take all the best qualities of all the best earthly dads you’ve ever known, add them together and multiply by infinity. That’s the kind of father God is. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • You are my child if you accept the salvation I offer. MY PRAYER TO GOD: Jesus, I do believe in you. I have accepted you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for revealing yourself to me. Thank you for saving me. Because of your grace and my faith I am a child of the living God. Amen.

GOD SATISFIES THE LONGING SOUL

October 2, 2024 • Psalm 63:1

October 2 GOD SATISFIES THE LONGING SOUL Psalm 63:1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Sometimes it hits like a lightning bolt. At other times it comes gradually—like waking up from a deep slumber. “It” is the sense that our lives are out of balance. We see ourselves as we truly are—frantic people, rushing through our days, trying so feverishly to have it all and do it all. We realize that all we have to show for our busyness is frustration and exhaustion. We experience feelings of regret, because we see (once again!) that whenever we choose a life jammed with nonstop activity, we are also choosing to shut the door on life’s greatest treasures—intimacy with God and deep relationships with the people in our lives. David made seeking God a high priority, especially when he felt threatened by enemies. Time with God was just the restorative medicine he needed, and it enabled him to live life without regrets. If we make time with God a priority, we can experience joy, rather than regret. He satisfies those who long for him. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I will satisfy the longings of those who seek me. MY PRAYER TO GOD: O God, sometimes I don’t truly know what I long for. I scramble around, searching in vain. Help me to long for you like I long for water or air. Amen.

GOD WILL DESTROY THIS WORLD AND ALL ITS TROUBLES

October 1, 2024 • Revelation 21:10–11

October 1 GOD WILL DESTROY THIS WORLD AND ALL ITS TROUBLES Revelation 21:10-11 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; In the first century, while exiled on the barren island of Patmos, the apostle John was given this vivid glimpse of eternity. Some call passages like this one a myth or fantasy. But the children of God know this snapshot of the future is anything but wishful thinking. Our heavenly Father reigns. History, as the old saying goes, is “His story.” The day is surely coming when the curtain will fall on this sin-scarred world. Finally and forever we will see an end to sorrows, death, crying and pain. In the midst of our tough times, we need to remember what the future holds—not uncertainty and fear, but the reassuring promise of a brand-new existence void of bad things and filled with God. “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). GOD’S PROMISE TO ME • I will bring an end to this old world and its troubles. • I am preparing a heavenly home where we will live together forever. MY PRAYER TO GOD: I praise you, God, for your perfect ways, your perfect plan and for the glorious future that awaits. Amen.

GOD DOES NOT WANT YOU TO BURN OUT

September 30, 2024

Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. Jesus’ admonition here prompted some wise guy to quip, “Jesus is saying here that if we don’t come apart and rest, we’ll eventually just come apart!” That’s the idea! There’s a work-rest, work-rest rhythm built by God into the very fabric of life (see Genesis 2:1-3). When we violate this natural order of things by excessive work or ministry involvement, we soon burn out. No wonder Jesus deliberately scheduled retreats for himself and his disciples—intentional trips into quiet or remote places. What about you? How long has it been since you really rested? God promises to give you rest, and if you’re seriously empty inside, he may even want you to take some extended time off. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • If you will pull away from your busy schedule, I will give you the rest you need. MY PRAYER TO GOD: Lord, I often feel drained physically, emotionally and spiritually. Give me the wisdom to recognize the warning signs of burnout. I can’t be effective for you if I am running on empty. I want the rest that you offer. Amen.

GOD WILL DEAL WITH DEATH—FOREVER

September 29, 2024 • Isaiah 25:8

Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; It’s easy to forget that caskets and crematoriums were not part of God’s original, perfect plan for the world. So why do we have funeral homes? Why do we attend graveside ceremonies in cemeteries? The apostle Paul explains it this way: “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). In short, death is the result of Adam’s rebellion—and ours—against God. Defying the King of the universe is the highest form of treason. Sin is a capital crime—meaning our whole world sits on a kind of death row. Yet God, in perfect justice and love, sent Christ to die for sins, to die in the place of sinners. And when Jesus rose from the dead, he served notice to every undertaker and every gravestone maker: “Your days are numbered!” In Christ death has been defeated. The grave can’t keep those whose trust is in Jesus. And at Christ’s second coming death won’t simply be defeated, it will be eradicated. He will swallow up death forever. That’s a great promise to keep in mind the next time you come face-to-face with death. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • By his death and resurrection my Son paid for sin and defeated death. • At his second coming my Son will abolish death forever! MY PRAYER TO GOD: Jesus, I praise you because you are the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in you will never die—at least not in the ultimate sense. Thank you for the hope of the gospel. Because of you, death has lost its sting. Amen.

GOD IS SLOWLY CHANGING YOU

September 28, 2024 • Philippians 1:6

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Busyness not only rears its head in our personal lives and careers, it is also evident in our approach to the spiritual life. Personal quiet times, small group gatherings, worship services, short-term mission trips, special seminars and conferences, outreach events, prayer meetings, church ministry obligations—the list of “good” activities is long—and exhausting! Some eager-to-grow followers of Christ try to do it all. They attend every church function. They serve on every committee. Inevitably these well-meaning believers experience deep disappointment. Despite their faithful efforts to change by plunging into a whirlwind of religious activity, they find they still struggle with sinful desires and old habit patterns. They are learning a crucial lesson: Spiritual busyness is not the way to holiness. God will patiently change us in his way and according to his timetable. We can relax. God is at work. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I have begun a good work in you. • I will continue my good work in you. • I will complete my good work in you. MY PRAYER TO GOD: O God, I praise you for your great salvation! You not only took away my sin, but you gave me a new nature that longs to please you. I’m glad you do not give up on me. Continue your work in me, Lord. I look forward to the day when your work is complete. Amen.

GOD IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR WEALTH

September 27, 2024 • 1 Timothy 6:17–18

1 Timothy 6:17-18 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Beware anyone who says that God promises a financial fortune to his followers. First, the Scriptures don’t say that. Second, the experiences of millions of faithful believers through the ages don’t back up such an extravagant claim. What the Bible does assert is that God owns everything (see Psalm 24:1) and sometimes gives his people great material wealth (see Deuteronomy 8:10-18). For reasons known only to God, those of us in the West have been especially blessed at this time in history. Compared to our brothers and sisters in many other parts of the world, we are rich. How can we respond? With humility. God is the one who gives us the ability to earn and acquire money and possessions (see Deuteronomy 8:18). With grateful hearts we can enjoy his lavish provision and use those resources to bless others in need. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME • Your money will not last forever. • I give you all you need for your enjoyment. • I bless you so you can bless others. MY PRAYER TO GOD: O God, thank you for your material provision. Keep me from being greedy or selfish. Help me find a God-honoring balance in my stewardship of the resources that you have put in my care. Show me practical and creative ways to use my money to do good. Amen.

GOD CAN BE FOUND WHEN YOU SEEK HIM

September 26, 2024 • Matthew 14:23

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 TURNS SORROW INTO JOY

September 25, 2024 • Psalm 30:4–5

Psalm 30:4-5 Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. When life turns ugly and stays ugly, it’s easy to become trapped in an emotional vortex. Disappointment, discouragement, disillusionment, devastation, depression—down and down we spin until we may finally believe God hates us, and all hope is lost. Psalm 30 by King David gives us a different perspective: the promise that hard times do not last forever. Whether our difficulties are trials intended to strengthen and test our faith (see James 1) or divine discipline intended to correct and train us (see 2 Corinthians 12), the fact remains that God is praiseworthy. He can be counted on to shower his people with favor. He will eventually turn your mourning into dancing (see Psalm 30:11; Isaiah 54:7-8; and John 16:20-22) GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • My favor endures. • You will not weep forever. • I will bring you joy. MY PRAYER TO GOD: Lord, you are holy and worthy of praise! I want to worship you at all times—when life is good and when it is difficult. Hard and sad times are temporary, but your favor is continually with me. Though I weep and mourn now, I want to believe—really believe—that you are in control. Amen.

GOD SEES EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU

September 24, 2024 • Proverbs 5:21

September 24 GOD SEES EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU Proverbs 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. Would you modify your behavior this week if you knew that your every word and deed were going to be recorded and shown on a big screen to your family, neighbors or fellow church members? Of course you would. You may even make some major changes. There’s nothing like a little accountability to make people “straighten up and fly right.” What we forget is that God does see everything about us. The verse above indicates that he knows our thoughts and motives. He monitors our conversations, plans and behaviors. And one day we will stand before the Lord and give an account for the way we have lived (see 2 Corinthians 5:10). As you ponder your schedule for the day ahead and the commitments you’ve made to people and activities, ask yourself: “What do I need to change in light of the fact that I will one day answer to God for the way I chose to live the life he so graciously gave me?” GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I see what you do. • I examine your actions. MY PRAYER TO GOD: God, nothing about me is hidden from your sight. What a sobering and convicting thought. Forgive me for the times I have foolishly acted as though you were oblivious to my lifestyle choices. Amen.

GOD’S WORK IN YOUR LIFE IS UNSTOPPABLE

September 23, 2024 • 2 Corinthians 4:16

2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. The physical signs are impossible to deny. Perhaps the wrinkles are spreading and deepening. Or your hair is graying. Certain clothes no longer fit. You find yourself unable to physically do what you used to do. Fact #1: You are getting older. Fact #2: Your body is wearing out. Fact #3: You have two choices: You can devote all your waking energies to trying (futilely!) to preserve your temporal body. Or, you can accept the inevitability of physical aging and focus your attention instead on what God is doing in you spiritually. That’s today’s promise. In the life to come God will resurrect and renew your body. It’ll be the ultimate makeover. But for now his focus is your inner self—changing you, maturing you. Is that your focus too? GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I am constantly changing you from the inside out. MY PRAYER TO GOD: My body is breaking down. O Lord, give me a sense of balance. I want to take care of my body, but I do not want to be like so many in our health and beauty-obsessed culture who are looking for some kind of nonexistent fountain of youth. You are renewing my spirit every day. Help me to depend on you. Amen.

THE LORD WILL ONE DAY BE WITH US

September 22, 2024 • Revelation 21:3

September 22 THE LORD WILL ONE DAY BE WITH US Revelation 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. What must it have been like for Adam and Eve to glimpse Eden that final time? Because of their foolish rebellion against God the world had fallen under a great curse. Innocence was lost. Perfection was ruined. Worst of all, their opportunity to live in God’s actual presence (see Genesis 3:8,22-24) was long gone. They would spend the rest of their lives remembering what was … and what could have been. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells the epic story of all God did to reverse Adam’s curse and to restore all things. In Isaiah 7:14, we find the curious promise of Immanuel (which means “God with us”). In John 1:14 we read about Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God, who came and “made his dwelling among us” so that, in Peter’s words, Christ could “bring [us] to God” (1 Peter 3:18). In Revelation 21, we see the culmination of this divine rescue mission. A holy God once again dwelling with and among sinful but redeemed people. It’s a face-to-face relationship (see verse 4). Revelation 22 goes on to describe a place very much like a garden. Remember that when God seems far away. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • As a believer in my Son Jesus, you are destined to live with me forever. • You are one of my people. I am your God. MY PRAYER TO GOD: Lord, despite the promise that you are always with me, sometimes I can’t sense your presence. Encourage me and sustain me with the promise that one day I will see you face-to-face. I will dwell with you forever! Amen.

GOD IS YOUR SOURCE

September 21, 2024 • 1 Chronicles 29:12

1 Chronicles 29:12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. There are occasions in life when all our busy labors pay off. The business deal or special event comes together perfectly. A boss notices our hard work, and we get a promotion or a raise. We’re able to purchase something that we’ve worked hard for. These are wonderful moments—wonderful and dangerous. To what or whom will we attribute our success? At the end of his reign, David commissioned a national offering for the soon-to-be-built temple. The people’s response was overwhelming. Looking at the lavish gifts of silver, gold and precious gems, David stood before the people and praised God. The great Hebrew king recognized the same truth we read in the New Testament “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I rule over everything. • I am the source of all riches and honor. • I possess all power and might. • I give strength and make great. MY PRAYER TO GOD: God you are in control of all things. Help me remember that you rule the universe and my life. You are the source of all good things—wealth, power and honor. What do I have, Lord, that I did not receive from you? Amen.

GOD KNOWS YOU INTIMATELY

September 20, 2024 • Psalm 139:1–2

September 20 GOD KNOWS YOU INTIMATELY Psalm 139:1-2 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Chances are good as you rush through a typically hectic week you sometimes feel misunderstood. A co-worker gives you a strange look. A family member overreacts to an innocent remark. Chances are also good that some days you don’t even understand yourself. “Why did I do that?” you sigh. Or “What in the world made me say that?” Well, here’s a bit of comfort: God understands you completely. He made you, and he knows what makes you tick. Your thoughts, your whereabouts, your needs—God sees it all. Next time you—or others—are having trouble getting a handle on you, turn to the one with perfect knowledge and insight. Rest in the knowledge of his absolute acceptance. GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I see your heart. • I know your thoughts and actions—everything about you. MY PRAYER TO GOD: Heavenly Father, you have examined my heart. You see me as I truly am—my failings and flaws, as well as my successes. Thank you for accepting me and for choosing to love and care for me. Help me to rest in your love. I want to follow your guidance. Amen.

GOD PROVIDES SUPERNATURAL STRENGTH

September 19, 2024 • Philippians 2:13

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. God wants us to live by faith (see 2 Corinthians 5:7 and Hebrews 11:1). Many times, however, we live by feelings. If we are moved by a rare desire to pray or reach out to a neighbor, we act upon it. But in the absence of such feelings we often confess weakness and choose to do nothing. The result is an unsatisfying, excuse-filled Christian experience. Now, consider the promise above. It says God is at work within us—giving us the desire to do right, meaning we can never honestly say, “I don’t feel like it.” And it’s not just new desires. The promise also guarantees the necessary power to do what needs to be done. Why would we choose to keep riding the “feelings roller coaster” when God offers us a radical new way to live? GOD’S PROMISE TO ME: • I am at work in you. • I give you the desire to obey me. • I provide the power to do what pleases me. MY PRAYER TO GOD: God, you are at work within me. Teach me to obey—even when I can’t sense the desire to do what is right. You give me new desires—and new power to live as I should. Wean me from the inadequate and immature excuse that “I’m too weak.” Your strength is sufficient for whatever I’m facing. Amen.