DAILY DEVOTIONALS: 12.4.15

Faithful Sayings
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

 

The adjective “faithful” is usually applied either to God or to those godly men and women who remain true to their words and convictions. However, there are eight New Testament references to words (or “sayings”) that are faithful.

 

Six of the references to sayings that are faithful are found in Paul’s pastoral epistles as he gave counsel to young pastors Timothy and Titus, the first being our text for the day. Here are Paul’s faithful sayings: (1) “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”; (2) “If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work” (1 Timothy 3:1); (3) “Bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things” (1 Timothy 4:8); (4) “If we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us” (2 Timothy 2:11-12); (5) “They which have believed in God [should] be careful to maintain good works” (Titus 3:8). The sixth reference is a command that any “bishop” must continue “holding fast the faithful word [same as ‘saying’] as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9).

 

The final two references are in the Bible’s last two chapters, stressing that the words of Revelation are indeed true and believable. After stating His glorious promises for the future life, Christ told John: “Write: for these words [i.e., ‘sayings’] are true and faithful” (Revelation 21:5). Then, after the magnificent description of the Holy City, the angel said: “These sayings are faithful and true” (Revelation 22:6).

 

All the Bible’s sayings are true, of course, but these that are specifically called “faithful” surely warrant our special attention. HMM
 

The Settled Word
“Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119:89)

Most who read the Bible regularly are probably familiar with these sweeping statements from the Scriptures.

• “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
• “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18).
• “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
• “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:25).

On this foundation, the psalmist made additional promises to his Lord in this stanza (Psalm 119:89-96). He noted the affliction that almost took his life (v. 92) and the wicked who tried to destroy him (v. 95), common enough occurrences among the godly. But in spite of the troubles in life, this godly man knew that the evidence abounds for God’s faithfulness throughout the earth (vv. 90-91).

 

God’s 77 rhetorical questions to Job (Job 38–41) centered on the evidence of His control and care for the universe. These prompted the psalmist to reiterate his commitment to a firm familiarity with God’s precepts and a continual effort to seek them (Psalm 119:93-94).

 

He knew that the wicked would continue trying to destroy, and that human affairs limit the possibility of perfection. But the godly man would understand God’s testimonies, since they are sufficient to apply to all situations (v. 96). HMM III

 

He Rides Upon the Heaven
“There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.” (Deuteronomy 33:26)

 

Chapter 33 of Deuteronomy contains the last recorded words of a truly great man, Moses, “whom the LORD knew face to face” (34:10). Many times Moses had addressed the people of Israel with mixed blessing and warning, listing conditions for blessing and the inevitable results of rejecting God’s plan. But here, as he prepared for his impending death (32:48-52), Moses spoke only of God’s majestic character and the privileges of those who serve Him.

 

The God of Jeshurun (literally “upright,” here a symbolic name for Israel) is an active God, for He rides in His excellency across the heaven to help us, as we see in our text. He strongly acts on our behalf. “The eternal God is [our] refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (33:27). He is not like the gods of the heathen, who do nothing.

 

Next, He is a God of grandeur. Here He rides across the sky and the heaven; elsewhere we are told that He “rideth upon the heavens of heavens” (Psalm 68:33). He walks (104:3) and flies (18:10) “upon the wings of the wind.” “The LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet” (Nahum 1:3).

 

Finally, God is eternal. The “eternal God” with “everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27) assures us of eternal victory. “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Revelation 1:18).

 

Such was Moses’ God and the God whom we serve today—the One who showers us with incomparable blessings. Indeed, “who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD” (Deuteronomy 33:29) to have such a One as our God? JDM

 

I Didn’t Know How to Find What I Needed in the Bible
LYSA TERKEURST

"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV)

I closed my eyes and warm tears slipped down my face onto my pillow. I knew I should pray but quite honestly, I doubted God was listening. I could hear the kids fighting in the kitchen. More evidence I wasn’t measuring up. I knew I should get up and address whatever was causing the chaos between them, but I just didn’t have it in me. Not that day.

Not when the very foundation of my family was imploding. I mean, if your house is on fire surely you don’t stop to straighten a picture hanging crooked on the wall. The issues with my kids felt minor in comparison to the issues with my husband.

"I just don’t know how to fix things between us."

Those 10 words he’d said were running on repeat through my mind. Each time cutting deeper and deeper into the most vulnerable places of my heart.

I didn’t know what to do.

I didn’t know who to call.

I didn’t know how to pray and get some sort of answer from God.

And I certainly didn’t have a clue how to find something relatable to read in the Bible.

This is the desperate place I was in during the early days of my family.

The desperation. The helplessness. The days full of hurt and seemingly void of hope. I know those feelings deeply and personally.

That’s why my team and I are so committed to the work we do at Proverbs 31 Ministries. We are devoted to meeting women right where they are and helping them connect with God in ways that restore their hope, renew their relationships and, most importantly, revitalize their faith.

These women and families are literally begging for help. And we know if we connect their needs with God’s truth, their lives will dramatically improve.

Chances are if you’re reading this devotion, we’ve shown up in your inbox with words that the Lord gave us to make you feel less alone, more understood and more deeply connected with truths from the Bible.

More than 810,000 women are engaging more deeply with Biblical truth and growing in their relationship with the Lord because our Encouragement for Today daily devotions exist.

Yes, in a day and time where the world is trying to quiet Biblical truth, we’re determined to help people engage with God’s truth like never before. We’re determined to get people into God’s Word so God’s Word can get into them.

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If you’ve donated to Proverbs 31 Ministries before, thank you. Please know your investment is used to carry God’s Word around the world on a daily basis. Your continued support is a well-placed investment allowing you to truly know you’ve played a crucial role in fulfilling Jesus’ instructions for us to carry the Good News to those both near and far. Click here to continue your support.

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There are so many more to reach. We want to reach your friends and family and neighbors who have never known how to connect the life-changing truths from the Bible to their needs of today. And it is possible! We’re hearing from people every day who find our devotions, then begin a relationship with Jesus and start studying the Bible as a result. He has answers for all their greatest needs. As Isaiah 55:11 reminds us, God’s Word never returns void!

Dear Lord, I’m so thankful Your Word never comes back empty. I’m praying today for all those who have yet to know You in a deeply intimate way … especially my loved ones. Work in their lives, Lord, and use me as a vessel to show them Your Truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

When You Want To Behold His Glory
ALICIA BRUXVOORT

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14 (NIV)

When our fourth child arrived at Christmastime nearly a decade ago, no one was more excited to welcome a 7-pound miracle into our family than our firstborn, Lukas.

Though he loved his little sisters, 8-year-old Lukas had long yearned for a brother. He’d wished for one each year when he extinguished his birthday candles with a breathy blast, and he’d plead every night when he closed the day in prayer.

"Dear Jesus, can I PLEASE have a brother?"

He spent years waiting and wishing, pleading and petitioning, and finally, a week before those stockings on the mantle brimmed full, God answered his prayer with a brown-haired bundle of joy.

As we settled into our new routine as a family of six, I wondered how I would manage to appease all the eager hands vying to hold the baby. Surely the proud big brother would try to trump his sisters’ rocking-chair time.

But I soon learned that the pace of my 8-year-old’s life didn’t lend itself to sitting and cuddling, swaying and snuggling. There were snow forts to build and Legos to assemble, spelling words to master and math facts to learn.

Lukas left his little sisters to fight over "holding rights." When the sun was shining he remained content to merely smile at his baby brother as he sped by in pursuit of his next activity.

But when the noise of the day grew hushed and the girls were tucked snug in their beds, when the toys were returned to the closet and the snow boots were lined on the rug, my firstborn would sidle up to the rocking chair where I sat with his wish-come-true.

Then, before he climbed into his top bunk and pulled the covers to his chin, he’d ask, "Can I be holding the baby now?"

With a nod, I’d place our tiny bundle into his arms and watch as my eldest fixed his baby blues on his sleepy-eyed brother. Holding him. And beholding him.

One night as Lukas rocked the baby in wordless wonder, I asked him why he always waited until the day’s end to hold his brother.

"Mommy," my son said with a sigh, "it’s just easier to be holding the baby when my feet are slowed down."

Our "baby boy" won’t be snoozing through the holiday hoopla in his brother’s arms this year. (Chances are, he’ll be challenging him to a backyard race or trying to wrestle him to the ground in the light of our twinkling tree). But even though I won’t be making room for a cradle beneath those evergreen boughs, I will still search for ways to make room for a manger in the middle of our Christmas mayhem.

Because at the heart of this sacred season is a Baby who is the answer to all of our prayers.

Our key verse tells us, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us and we have seen His glory." God wrapped Heaven’s Hope in wrinkled skin and splintered wails and invited us to draw near to His gift of grace.

More than parties and pageants, gleaming lights and tinseled trees, Christmas is an invitation to savor the gift of our stable-born Savior and let the wonder of His love meet the deepest longings of our hearts.

But be warned: Not everyone spies His splendor.

If we want to see His glory, we need to slow our stride and still our souls. ’Cause according to the wisdom of an awe-struck 8-year-old, it’s just easier to "be-holding" the Baby when our feet are slowed down.

Dear Jesus, Please slow my feet so I can see Your glory this Christmastime and always. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

An Introduction to Christ

Revelation 1:4-8
The first chapter of Revelation gives a compact description of the Lord. In verses 4 to 8, John condenses the wonder of Jesus Christ to the bare but beautiful essentials of who He is:
Jesus Christ is the faithful witness. Jesus came to earth to more fully reveal the character and ways of the Father (John 14:9). The miracles He performed validated His claim to be the Son of God.
Jesus Christ is the first-born from the dead. The Savior bore our sins and died on the cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day. His resurrection proved that eternal life is possible for us, too, as Jesus taught in John 11:25: “He who believes in Me will live even if he dies.”
Jesus Christ is the ruler of the kings of the earth. It is the Lord who raises men to power, just as it is He who removes them (John 19:11; Rom. 13:1). Meanwhile, believers have access to a higher authority. In God’s throne room, we can beseech Him on behalf of our nations and lay claim to His promises.
Jesus Christ loves us and released us from our sins by His blood. Note the change of tense in John’s writing. The Lord’s love is ever-present, but He has freed believers from their past. Both the penalty and power of sin have been broken.

When people ask you about Jesus, introduce Him by guiding them through this mini-biography. In just a few sentences, John describes Christ’s character, divinity, and authority. The disciple was not timid about proclaiming the Lord. We shouldn’t be shy, either, when we serve so great a Savior.

Discovering Our True Identity

1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Many Christians are experiencing an identity crisis. They know they’re saved, but they don’t really know what to think about themselves. Let’s take a little test. Do you consider yourself a sinner saved by grace or a saint who occasionally sins? Both statements are true, but the first one dwells on your past identity, whereas the second focuses on the Lord’s perception of you.
If you are a believer, God’s Word says that you are a saint (v. 2). But too many of us still see ourselves as the same old sinner, who’s been forgiven and patched up and yet is basically unchanged inside. But the Lord says anyone in Christ “is a new creature; the old things passed away” (2 Cor. 5:17). That’s what being born again is all about. We can never go back to the way we were.
The solution to this identity crisis is to change the way we think about ourselves. If we don’t, we’ll rely on how we feel, and Satan will bombard us with reminders of our failures and sins. He wants to keep us focused on being a sinner, because he knows that the recognition of our sainthood will lead us to live like saints. We’ll be motivated and empowered to obey God, and the Devil will lose his foothold in our lives.

Jesus didn’t come just to save you from hell; He wants to live His life through you. In Christ, you have a new identity which has replaced your old one. If you will focus on who you are now, your actions will follow, and you’ll experience the enjoyment of a victorious Christian life.
Our Righteousness
Ephesians 2:1-10
Anyone who thinks of himself as a pretty good person ought to take a look at God’s assessment of humanity. He says we all come into the world spiritually dead and are ruled by Satan, his world system, and our own sin nature, or flesh. In the Lord’s eyes, we are children of wrath who deserve only punishment.
On the other hand, God is so pure and holy that He is totally separated from all sin and cannot look upon it with any favor or approval (Hab. 1:13). Everything He does is appropriate and beneficial; by comparison, even mankind’s righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isa. 64:6). Yet even though we have nothing of value to offer Him, the Lord wants us for His own and has done everything necessary to draw us close.
Those of us who have placed faith in Jesus Christ have been made spiritually alive in Him, and all our sins have been forgiven. There’s a striking contrast between what we were and who we now are in the Lord. But this change has nothing to do with how good we’ve been. Even the faith with which we respond to the Savior comes from God. We can never make ourselves righteous; it’s all a gift from Him. And once He declares us justified, we will never be pronounced guilty again.

God has said that in the ages to come, He wants to show the “surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us” (Eph. 2:7). For all eternity, we will be showered with this awesome demonstration of His love. As great as our blessings are now, they’ll pale in comparison to what awaits us in heaven.
Justice and Mercy
Romans 3:21-26
The sinful condition of mankind presents us with a dilemma: How can a holy, righteous God forgive our sins? If He deals with us only on the basis of His justice, every human being would suffer the eternal punishment of His wrath, which their sins deserve. But if He extends mercy instead of justice, no one would pay the penalty for sin, and God would then cease to be just.
There was only one way the Lord could stay true to His nature and at the same time forgive our sins. The solution was to satisfy His justice by pouring out His wrath on a substitute. Then the penalty for sin would be paid, and He would be free to extend mercy to sinners. This is the only plan that accommodates both aspects of His divine nature. So Christ came as our substitute; He took the punishment for our sin, enabling us to experience the Father’s mercy. Now, by placing faith in Jesus, anyone can be justified—that is, declared legally righteous.
God’s plan of salvation is simple enough for a child to understand. Yet at the same time, the complexities of the transaction that occurred at Calvary are far beyond human comprehension. Although we may not fully grasp what transpired there, we can know that the cross is the greatest possible display of the Lord’s love for us.

Can you even imagine the cost of your salvation? The magnificent plan of the Father and the willing cooperation of the Son prove your tremendous value in God’s eyes. From His perspective, you are worth all the pain and suffering that was necessary to secure your eternal presence with Him in heaven.
The Road of Discipleship
Galatians 1:11-17
After Paul's conversion, he disappeared into the desert for three years, during which time the Holy Spirit instructed him in the ways of God. He emerged, ready to communicate divine truth.
The Lord speaks to believers so that they will comprehend the truth, conform to the truth, and communicate the truth. These same steps form a roadmap to discipleship. What happened during Paul's desert years was only the beginning of a life-long process—God renewed his mind and transformed him into the image of Christ. For the apostle, that change began with connecting his rich biblical knowledge to the revelation that Jesus Christ was the Son of God.
Paul knew Scripture thoroughly, but the truth that Jesus was the promised Messiah made him reconsider the foundation he'd been trusting. Everything he knew about God had to be reevaluated in light of this new information. Paul had a history of wanting to please God, so the Holy Spirit no doubt found him a willing pupil.
The apostle's spirit had to be shaped according to the Father's will. And the Lord kept working on him long after Paul left the desert and began his ministry. Every person who reads his letters is a witness to the work of God in a submissive man.
The Lord's discipleship roadmap looks similar for every believer. Like Paul, you are the Holy Spirit's student, and the knowledge you reap from Scripture should be changing your life. Be like the apostle in this way to become a disciple maker by sharing what you learn with others.
Inspired Words
“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” (Luke 21:33)

 

The doctrine of plenary verbal inspiration, wrongly considered antiquated by many modern neo-evangelicals, is actually essential to the Christian faith. “All scripture [that is every word written down or inscribed] is given by inspiration [literally ‘breathed in’] of God,” not man (2 Timothy 3:16)!

 

We acknowledge, of course, that problems of transmission and translation exist, but these are relatively trivial in the entire context. We also acknowledge that the process of inspiration may have varied, but the end result is as if the entire Bible had been dictated and transcribed word by word.

 

This is the way Jesus Christ—the Creator, the Living Word, the Author of Scripture—viewed the Scriptures. “The scripture cannot be broken,” He said (John 10:35). “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18). “Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: . . . And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:25, 27). The Bible, therefore, every word of it, is divinely inspired, verbally without error, infallibly true, and of absolute authority in every area of our lives. The words of Christ who taught these truths are forever “settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89) and “shall not pass away.”

 

It is mortally dangerous, therefore, “unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book” to “add unto these things” as the cultists do, or to “take away from the words of the book of this prophecy” as the liberals do (Revelation 22:18-19). Would it not be much better to say with the psalmist, “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors” (Psalm 119:24)? HMM
 

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