Category: Devotion of the Day

CONFIDENCE AND COMMITTAL

I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
II Timothy 1:12

Paul’s confidence in Christ led to committal. In the home town of my boyhood days we had two banks. I had confidence in both, but committed my money to only one. A man might have utmost confidence in a bank but it will not keep his money until he deposits it. Paul made the deposit.

The housewife who, when told to endorse a check, wrote, “I heartily endorse this check,” was not unlike some of us in spiritual matters. We endorse the Bible as God’s Word and Jesus as God’s Son, but we do not actually “sign our name,” we do not make it personal. We believe, but we do not commit all we are and have to it.

Have you made the deposit? He will keep what you commit. Be sure your faith is confidence plus committal.

ASHAMED TO BLUSH

O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.
Ezra 9:6

Jeremiah lamented in a verse found twice in his book (6:15; 8:12) that his generation knew no shame and could not blush. He declared that God’s blessing had been withheld because they refused to be ashamed (3:3). Ezra is ashamed and blushes for the sins of his people.

People used to blush when they were ashamed. Now they are ashamed if they blush. Modesty has disappeared and a brazen generation with no fear of God before its eyes mocks at sin. There is no revival, because even God’s people will not humble themselves in sorrow for sin. Nothing is more needed than a sense of shame.

God give us Ezras and Jeremiahs who are ashamed and blush for their day and generation instead of defending it, lightly regarding the hurt of the land, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace. We are so fond of being called tolerant and broad-minded that we wink at sin when we ought to weep.