Praying Pint – Page 5 – Quiet whispers from His word

Will Graham – Devotion

In August of 1949, my grandfather—a largely unknown young preacher at the time—was at a Christian retreat center in the mountains east of Los Angeles, California. A spiritual battle raged inside of him. A friend who had gone to Princeton Theological Seminary had repeatedly and passionately encouraged my grandfather to change his view on Scripture.

“People no longer accept the Bible as being inspired the way you do. Your faith is too simple,” the friend argued.

My grandfather, in his autobiography Just As I Am, shared, “I had no doubts concerning the deity of Jesus Christ or the validity of the Gospel, but was the Bible completely true? If I was not exactly doubtful, I was certainly disturbed.”

Ultimately, after intense and prayerful study of Scripture, my grandfather fell to his knees and cried out to God. He acknowledged that he didn’t know all of the answers or how to respond to his friends’ questions, but surrendered to the inerrancy of God’s Word by faith.

With the spiritual battle won, the difference in his preaching was immediately noticeable. He spoke with a newfound authority. By November, the Greater Los Angeles Crusade launched this obscure North Carolina evangelist into a household name.

By my grandfather’s own admission, you likely would have never heard of Billy Graham if not for his decision to accept the full authority of Scripture. Once the matter was settled in his soul, God used him to reach millions.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, similarly encouraged his spiritual son to rely on Scripture and make it the center of his faith. Why?

First, it has a divine origin, with God as the author. “All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16a). Not some Scripture. Not just the parts of the Bible that we like and that make us feel comfortable. No, all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God!

It is the self-revelation of God, penned by human authors under the control of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the Bible is totally reliable for both you and I. As was the case for my grandfather, if you hope to gain anything from the Bible, this has to be a settled point. Scripture is totally from God—its origin is divine.

Second, as God’s Living Word, Scripture is “profitable” for us in all facets of life (2 Timothy 3:16b). The Bible is not only the road map to Heaven, but also the compass for the Christian life. It provides everything needed to know God, to find salvation, to be convicted of sin, to be corrected and restored, and to guide followers in Christian discipline.

Finally, the Bible equips and completes us (2 Timothy 3:17). It gives us the prescription and cure for the disease of sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJV). As we are convicted of sin, confess it, are forgiven, and pursue righteousness, we mature in our faith and in our walk with God. Each new day of a Christian life should find us more and more like Jesus. From there, we are ready for “every good work” on behalf of the Kingdom.

Though circumstances, relationships, politics and culture shift and move like shaking ground, the Bible is everlasting—a firm foundation. It lights our path and meets our needs. Commit to filling your soul with the Word of God, and allow Him to guide your steps.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV).

Turning Point – Devotion

Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:24

In the Garden of Eden, God created a new man and woman according to His image “in true righteousness and holiness.” But righteousness and holiness were marred by sin. The story of redemption becomes the story of restoring righteousness and holiness in man and creation. We call the temporal restoration of righteousness sanctification and the ultimate, eternal restoration of righteousness glorification.

We find connections to the creation and re-creation story throughout Scripture. For example, 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” The practical application of that truth is described in Ephesians 4:22-24 where Paul says to “put off” the old self of unrighteousness and sinfulness and “put on” the new self of righteousness and holiness. Putting off and putting on are our part, our responsibility, as “imitators of God” (Ephesians 5:1). Giving us the desire and power to do so is God’s part through the power of His Spirit.

We don’t start a new day in dirty clothes; neither should we live a new life with an unrighteous heart.

Everything in Scripture has in view the promotion of holiness.

Turning Point – Devotion

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that…. Many nations shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.”
Micah 4:1-2

Today, the center of our spiritual worship is our local church; Paul refers to the Church today as God’s temple (Ephesians 2:21). In the Millennium, worship will change.

While believers will still gather locally, worship will once again have a central focus: Jerusalem and a new temple (Ezekiel 40–45). People from every nation will stream to Jerusalem to worship the King of kings and Lord of lords (Zechariah 8:23) whose government will emanate from the Holy City: “And the Lord shall be King over all the earth” (Zechariah 14:9). Today, we worship Him whom we have not seen “with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8). But in the Millennial Kingdom, we will worship Him whom we will see with our own eyes, for He will receive our worship in person.

As you worship the Lord today, bear in mind what your worship will be like in the Kingdom—for a thousand years and beyond.

Encouragement for Today – Devotion

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

It’s no secret that the world today feels so divided. And while we won’t always understand everyone else’s thoughts, opinions and ways of processing life, I think we can focus on areas where we are all more alike than different.

You see, we all have tear stains on our pillows and have faced:

Unforeseeable, life-altering circumstances.
Unresolved relationship tensions.
Unanswered prayer requests.

When our hearts get broken, it hurts. Grief stings. Hard stuff piled on top of hard stuff is disorienting for all of us.

We all carry a bit of sorrow or frustration or heaviness. And when we take time to remember this, compassion toward others grows in our hearts — because the reality is they’re hurting too. Maybe the truth that we’re all carrying some form of pain in our hearts means we’re a lot more alike than we are different.

Maybe today is a great day for us to reach out with compassion to another hurting human soul.

Make that phone call.
Leave that encouraging comment on social media.
Stop by just to say hello to a friend with her favorite coffee.
Pray more words over her than you talk about her.
Pick up some flowers and place them where she can see something beautiful.
Smile and take a photo of the two of you, proving life isn’t all bad.

One of the most compassionate things we can do for others is create a space where they know they’re welcome just as they are. Around a table. On a walk. Maybe even on a road trip. Initiating those moments where togetherness says, You belong. You have a place. You have a voice. You have people. You are loved.

I think Colossians 3:12 says it best: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

When you’re hurting, it can feel isolating if you aren’t sure how to talk about the hard things or who can safely hold your honest thoughts. But compassion allows us to love people who are hurting, empathize with their pain, and acknowledge their side of things, even if we can’t change the outcome or fix things for them. Only God can do that.

But what can we do? Invite. Initiate. Comfort. Pray. Release our desire to control things or change people and instead simply create space for the Holy Spirit to move. We can show up with Jesus in our hearts and compassion in our words and just be there.

So who is someone in your life who may need this today? Maybe shoot that person a quick text saying, “Hey, friend. Jesus loves you, and I love you, and I’m here for you.”

And if you’re that person who needs to be reminded she’s a little less alone in what she’s walking through right now, I’ll be that friend for you: Hey, you. Jesus loves you, and today isn’t the whole story. Keep going. You’re going to make it.

Father God, sometimes I forget we all have tear stains on our pillows. Please remind me that every person I come across needs compassion and that I might be the only one in their life right now who has the chance to help and the courage to care. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Turning Point – Devotion

I will extend peace to her like a river.
Isaiah 66:12

Frances Ridley Havergal was a popular singer, devotional writer, and British hymnist. One of her most well-known songs says: “Like a river glorious is God’s perfect peace, over all victorious in its bright increase.” Her imagery and inspiration came from the book of Isaiah.

Writing about the Millennial reign of Christ, Isaiah said, “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream” (Isaiah 66:12). Christ will establish global peace for the world just as He gives us His inner peace now. Havergal knew another verse from Isaiah too—Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.” Her chorus says: “Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest, finding, as he promised, perfect peace and rest.”

War has been with us since the days of Cain and Abel, but it isn’t eternal. One day God’s peace will flow through the world like a river. But even now, it can flow through our hearts when our minds are stayed on Him. Claim His perfect peace in your situation today.

Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand, never foe can follow, never traitor stand.

Turning Point – Devotion

Happy are the people who know the joyful shout; Lord, they walk in the light from your face.
Psalm 89:15, CSB

A. W. Tozer said, “The people of God ought to be the happiest people in all the wide world! People should be coming to us constantly and asking the source of our joy and delight.” Charles Spurgeon felt the same way, writing, “God made human beings as He made His other creatures, to be happy…. They are in their right element when they are happy.”

One day the world will be filled with joy when Christ returns. Isaac Watts wrote, “Joy to the World,” which is actually based on the Millennial passage of Psalm 98 about the Second Coming. But we don’t have to wait for the return of Christ to be happy. He lives in, among, and through us right now by His Spirit. Choose happiness today!

Francis of Assisi said, “Let us leave sadness to the devil and his angels. As for us, what can we be but rejoicing and glad!” And Jonathan Edwards added, “He has created man for this very end, to make him happy in the enjoyment of himself, the Almighty, who was happy from the days of eternity in himself.”

Man is more joyful and with reason to be full of joy…when Jesus is the fundamental thing in him.

Turning Point – Devotion

Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Isaiah 9:7

With the advent of DNA technology came the use of that technology in solving crimes. The Innocence Project, founded in 1992, has used DNA testing to overturn the convictions of more than two hundred wrongly convicted persons. Even in our modern criminal justice systems, it is still possible for justice not to be reached. In a fallen world, when justice is administered by fallible human beings, the outcomes can lead to injustice.

There will be no such injustice when Jesus Christ rules with perfect justice during the Millennium. As Isaiah prophesied, “And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears; but with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth” (Isaiah 11:3-4). The justice will be perfect because the Judge will be perfect.

If you have ever been judged unfairly without recourse, put your faith in the just Judge who will balance the scales “even forever.”

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Pathway to Victory – Devotion

The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

–Luke 19:10

Some atheists have a better understanding of Christianity than most Christians. Celebrity magician and atheist Penn Jillette once made a surprising comment about Christians who don’t share their faith (or, as he called it, “proselytizing”). He said, “I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, or whatever, and you think that it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward . . . how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that? I mean, if I believed beyond the shadow of a doubt that a truck was going to hit you, and you didn’t believe it, and that truck was bearing down on you, there’s a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that.”

Isn’t that an astounding comment from an atheist? Jillette was echoing the theme of the passage we’re going to study this week. Paul said, in essence, “If Jesus Christ is really central in your life, then you’re going to devote your life to attracting people to the gospel.”

In Colossians 4, Paul said one test of your Christlikeness is your relationship with God. Jesus devoted His life on earth to fulfilling God’s agenda. As Jesus Himself said, “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). If you’re becoming like Christ, then you will have the same devotion to God’s agenda of seeking and saving the lost.

That certainly was Paul’s priority. In Colossians 4:3–4, he wrote, “[Pray] at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.”

When Paul wrote these words, he was under house arrest, awaiting trial. Notice that Paul did not write, “Pray that God will open the doors of justice so that I can be free.” More important to Paul than being free was being faithful. Paul knew his purpose was to share Jesus Christ with as many people as possible, so his priority was opening the door for ministry. And if Jesus Christ is central in your life, then sharing the gospel will be your priority as well.

54.g. J.C. Ryle – Sanctification – 7.

Jhn 17:19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Eph 5:26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

Tit 2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

1Pe 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.

Col 1:22-23 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast

Heb 2:11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.

Jhn 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

Love (tenderness, attachment, devotion, passion, appreciation, compassion, warmth, unselfishness, benevolence, zeal, caring, kindness, treasure, deep affection),

Joy (rejoicing, happiness, delight, radiant, satisfaction),

Peace (calm, quietness, still, composure, at rest, contentment, security, joy, harmony, untroubled, at ease),

Long-suffering (patient, tolerant, uncomplaining, accommodating, forgiving, meek),

Gentleness (tenderness, lenience, mercy, forgiveness, understanding, sympathy, compassion, love, mild, peaceable, considerate),

Goodness (respectable, purity, just, fair, benevolent, decency, compassionate, tender, kind, helpful, thoughtful, polite, nice),

Faith (trust, belief, conviction, reliance, dependence, hope, persuasion, confidence),

Meekness (humility, humbleness, obedience, softness),

Temperance (self-restraint, restraint, moderation, self-control, self-discipline, self-denial)

Genuine sanctification will show itself in an habitual desire to live up to the standard which St. Paul sets before the churches in his writings. That standard is to be found in the closing chapters of nearly all his Epistles. The common idea of many persons that St. Paul’s writings are full of nothing but doctrinal statements and controversial subjects— justification, election, predestination, prophecy and the like—is an entire delusion and a melancholy proof of the ignorance of Scripture which prevails in these latter days. I defy anyone to read St. Paul’s writings carefully, without finding in them a large quantity of plain practical directions about the Christian’s duty in every relation of life, and about our daily habits, temper and behavior to one another. These directions were written down by inspiration of God for the perpetual guidance of professing Christians. He who does not attend to them may possibly pass muster as a member of a church or a chapel, but he certainly is not what the Bible calls a “sanctified” man.

Genuine sanctification will show itself in habitual attention to the active graces which our Lord so beautifully exemplified, and especially to the grace of charity. A sanctified man will try to do good in the world and to lessen the sorrow and increase the happiness of all around him. He will aim to be like his Master, full of kindness and love to everyone—and this not in word only, by calling people “dear,” but by deeds and actions and self–denying work, according as he has opportunity. Christ will never be found the Savior of those who know nothing of following His example. Saving faith and real converting grace will always produce some conformity to the image of Jesus.

Genuine sanctification, in the last place, will show itself in habitual attention to the passive graces of Christianity. When I speak of passive graces, I mean those graces which are especially shown in submission to the will of God and in bearing and forbearing towards one another. This is the special point which St. Peter dwells upon in commending our Lord Jesus Christ’s example to our notice: “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: who did no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth: who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judges righteously” This is the point which occupies one third of the list of the fruits of the Spirit supplied by St. Paul. Nine are named and three of these, patience, gentleness and meekness, are unquestionably passive graces (Gal. 5:22, 23). I must plainly say that I do not think this subject is sufficiently considered by Christians. The passive graces are no doubt harder to attain than the active ones, but they are precisely the graces which have the greatest influence on the world. Of one thing I feel very sure: it is nonsense to pretend to sanctification unless we follow after the meekness, gentleness, patience and forgivingness of which the Bible makes so much.

54.f. J.C. Ryle – Sanctification – 6.