II PETER 1:3-4: “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” NLT

OBSERVATION: What can I do when the world seems to be spinning out of control? What can I do when I see the moral principles I believe in slipping away? What can I do when the pages of the Old Testament Prophets begin to sound like the daily headlines of our culture? There is only one thing I can do in times like these…

I CAN RUN TO THE PROMISES!

I am not talking about a little book filled with positive Scriptures that promise me blessings and rest. I am not talking about Christian platitudes so often used in times of crisis. I am speaking about the WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD’S WORD! God’s revelation, the canon of Holy Scripture, and every word from Genesis to Revelation is God’s provision for our life, our spiritual growth, and our ability to navigate these difficult and confusing times. When I don’t know where else I can go…

I CAN RUN TO THE PROMISES!

To lean upon the promises of God requires honesty and integrity. I do not try to wrest the Scriptures to make them fit my personal preference or need. I allow God’s Word to speak boldly, clearly, and with conviction into my life. I come to the Scriptures with a sacred reverence knowing…

“…No prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.” (2Peter 1:20-21)

Why did God speak? Why did God give us His exceeding great and precious promises? Why does He call us to abide in His Word, meditate upon His Word, and hide His Word in our hearts?

“These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”

There is only one way to escape from the corruption of this world. It is God Himself. His nature, His love, His mercy, His grace, His truth, His goodness, His holiness, His righteousness, His sacrifice! Our victory in these troubled times does not rest on what we do. Our victory rests fully in what He has already done on the cross of Calvary! When I feel dismayed, when the world seems to be overwhelming when I find my strength weakening…

I RUN TO THE PROMISES!

God’s Word is not a book – IT IS LIFE! It is the very living, breathing, creative expression of the nature of our Creator. As I abide in God’s Word I abide in Him. As I abide in Him I bear fruit. As I bear fruit I am able to help others who need encouragement. If I neglect to do this I find myself walking with my hands hanging down and with feeble knees. Yet, I hear the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to me today. I encourage you to listen so that you can hear it too!

“So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” (Hebrews 12:12-15)

Are you feeling discouraged this morning? Does it seem like hope is slipping away? If so, why don’t you join me and…

RUN TO THE PROMISES!

In Jesus’ Name!