Perfect Witness

Perfect Witness

Genesis 21: ²⁵ Then Abraham rebuked Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had seized. ²⁶ And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor had I heard of it until today.” ²⁷ So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. ²⁸ And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

 

²⁹ Then Abimelech asked Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves?”

 

³⁰ And he said, “You will take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that they may be my witness that I have dug this well.” ³¹ Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because the two of them swore an oath there.

 

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After Abraham swore to never lie to Abimelech, he raised a concern that a well he dug was confiscated. Abimelech’s servants watched Abraham’s servants dig a well. When it was complete, they bullied their way in and took the well. Abraham wanted to live peacefully, so he approached Abimelech.

 

My Observations:

• In Revelation, GOD revealed HE has seven Spirits, which could mean completeness.
• GOD may have been the reason Abraham chose seven ewe lambs to be his witness.
• Ewe lambs are young female sheep, which could create an entire flock for Abimelech.

 

Seven seems to be perfection in GOD’s eyes. Abraham gave a perfect gift. Each time Abimelech would look at his flock, he would be able to remember where it came from and leave Abraham alone and at peace.

 

Abimelech’s servants would need to be told to stay away from Abraham. Abraham did as Abimelech did by giving sheep and oxen. It seemed more of a sign of peace than a bribe. Abraham and Abimelech made a covenant to not fight, but live together in peace.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD consider this conversation as significant enough to tell Moses?
• Have you ever given someone a gift of peace that will remind him or her of your resolution?
• Are you able to bring GOD’s peace to your argument or difficult situation today?

 

Hello reader, this is my daily quiet time with the LORD. Please feel free to read this and share it with someone who may need the message. I am going verse by verse through the Bible, attempting to understand it for application in my life. Here are all the messages. https://honordevotional.blogspot.com/

Promise Fulfilled

Promise Fulfilled

Revelation 10: ⁵ Then the angel that I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven ⁶ and took a vow in the name of God, who lives forever and ever, who created heaven, earth, and the sea, and everything in them. The angel said, “There will be no more delay! ⁷ But when the seventh angel blows his trumpet, then God will accomplish his secret plan, as he announced to his servants, the prophets.”

 

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“I will never do that again” I said in a halfhearted promise to GOD. I was either sick or in a lot of pain. This scared me to the point of making promises to GOD as if I could bargain my way out of the trouble.

 

• I thought that if I promised something to GOD, HE would stop the problem immediately.
• I did not think of the promise later on, so I did what I said I would “never” do again.
• I was reminded that I promised to “never” do whatever I did, but only in a gentle convicting way.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the mighty angel take a vow in the name of GOD, that there would be “no more delay!” All prophecies would be fulfilled and there would be nothing left to do for GOD’s plan for humanity to be known.

 

My Observations:

• There are still parts of GOD’s plan that are hidden to mankind.
• JESUS fulfilled HIS part of the plan, but there is still another part that is secret to us.
• GOD has revealed what HE will do, but not when HE will do it.

 

Not knowing causes frustration. I mean, as a kid, I was blessed to get Christmas gifts, and I wanted to know what was behind the wrapped gift. I would wait in anticipation for the time to open the gift. The same goes for waiting for GOD’s plan to be made known to humanity.

 

What is HE really going to do and when? Are the questions that plague us to this day. BUT GOD has not missed a single promise and HE will not miss any future promises. The reason the angel could promise there would be no delay, is because GOD was ready to do whatever HE was going to do. HIS promises cannot be stopped.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer go into detail about the vow the angel took?
• Have you ever asked the question “What is the purpose of life?”
• If you are going through trouble, will you seek GOD as your solution so HE can show you HIS “secret plan” for humanity some day?

Depend on the Promises

Depend on the Promises

Galatians 3: ¹⁵ My friends, I am going to use an everyday example: when two people agree on a matter and sign an agreement, no one can break it or add anything to it. ¹⁶ Now, God made his promises to Abraham and to his descendant. The scripture does not use the plural “descendants,” meaning many people, but the singular “descendant,” meaning one person only, namely, Christ. ¹⁷ What I mean is that God made a covenant with Abraham and promised to keep it. The Law, which was given four hundred and thirty years later, cannot break that covenant and cancel God's promise. ¹⁸ For if God's gift depends on the Law, then it no longer depends on his promise. However, it was because of his promise that God gave that gift to Abraham.

 

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“I will” are powerful words from GOD.  When HE makes a promise to humanity, HE has already done what HE said HE will do. Since I am stuck in time, I can only see what HE has already done in my life and what was written down in others. I cannot see the future.

 

• I have to have faith to believe in GOD’s promises
• I need to know what GOD’s promises are to believe them.
• Once I know what HIS promises are, I should live my life according them already happening.

 

GOD made promises to Abraham and JESUS before the Law was given to Moses. Paul explains something that is often overlooked. We try to live by “the Law” and forget about the “Promise” GOD made to Abraham before the Law was written. The primary promise is that JESUS would save the world and be “the blessing” everyone needs.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s promises to me have never been broken.
• My insecurities or lack of faith cannot affect GOD’s promises for me.
• Nothing can stop GOD’s love for me because HE promised to do so through JESUS.

 

Insecurity blinds to GOD’s promises. I mean, when GOD says “I will never leave you or forsake you” I have to believe this is a statement that has already take place. HE has never left me nor forsaken me for the entirety of my life.

 

To believe in GOD’s promises takes faith. I have to stop trying to figure out everything and let go of requiring evidence and “signs” daily. GOD said “I love you” and HIS promise should be enough. I gladly depend on HIS promise to “make my paths straight.”

 

Challenge

• What is GOD’s promise in this passage?
• Have you ever doubted GOD’s promises for you?
• Why do you think the writer is trying so hard to take the focus off “the Law” and place it on JESUS?
• Will you seek to know what GOD’s promises are for you so you can live an abundant life for HIM today?

Promise Kept

Promise Kept

Galatians 3: ¹³ But by becoming a curse for us Christ has redeemed us from the curse that the Law brings; for the scripture says, “Anyone who is hanged on a tree is under God's curse.” ¹⁴ Christ did this in order that the blessing which God promised to Abraham might be given to the Gentiles by means of Christ Jesus, so that through faith we might receive the Spirit promised by God.

 

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Nervousness made me think of wild outcomes. “My life is ruined” I said out loud when I failed a test or when the dean told me my grades were not up to par or when I lost a loved one. I took past wounds and used them to guide my thinking. I wanted to “see evidence” that a mistake would not catch me off guard so that I could “live.”

 

• Life made me place faith in what I could see.
• I thought I needed large bank accounts, great insurance and various comforts or pleasures to be categorized as “blessed.”
• I was blinded by what people called “blessed” and felt GOD did not keep HIS promises.

 

CHRIST gave up everything to save humanity. Paul explains this from the perspective of the Law and from the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT. He explained that GOD made a promise to Abraham to “bless” him because of his faith. This blessing includes a “promise” that all who believe will receive the “SPIRIT.”

 

My Observations

• Humanity will scoff at the HOLY SPIRIT as my prize.
• GOD wants me to see beyond this life to understand being with HIM for eternity is the true goal.
• JESUS died for me and was raised to life, so my faith in HIM gives me purpose which stores up treasure in heaven.

 

Whatever is in the heart will come out in words and actions. I mean, if hatred, rage, jealousy, fear, lust, or pride is in my heart, it will come out of my mouth or I will act on it. While GOD may forgive me, it does not produce fruit for HIM.

 

GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom daily and to turn away from the usual thinking I fall prey to. HE wants me to praise JESUS daily for saving me! When HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to live in me, HE wants me to feed HIM with acts of faith daily. I am glad JESUS kept HIS promise so I can received the “promised blessing.”

 

Challenge

• What is the blessing promised to Abraham?
• Have you ever doubted GOD because of the definition of “blessing” humans have tried to present?
• Will you seek GOD’s true blessing and allow HIM to lead you to grow HIS kingdom today?

Children of the Promise

 

Children of the Promise

Romans 9: ⁶ It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. ⁷ Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” ⁸ In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. ⁹ For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”

 

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“I’m going to build a new garage” were the words we overheard. This was great news to me because I would use the old garage as my private toilet when I did not feel like stop playing, and now it started to stink.

 

The next day, I got with my siblings and we tore a good sized hole in the garage. “What are you doing?!” was the shout. “We are tearing down the garage” we replied excitedly. The garage wasn’t planned to be built for months.

 

• There have been times when I believed in the promise, but could not wait for the result.
• There have been times when I could see the promised fulfilled in my mind, so I tried to help the promise come in my timing.
• There have been times when I was part of the promise, but not in a way I expected.

 

Abraham was promised that he would be the father of a countless nation of people who would follow GOD. He decided to help GOD with this promise by having a child with a younger woman. GOD’s promise was fulfilled through Sarah, the older woman. Paul’s explained Abraham’s impatience.

 

• GOD has a plan for me and wants me to watch HIM make it unfold.
• GOD has a promise for me, but it includes many other factors I cannot see.
• GOD has a place for me and HE is busy preparing it.

 

When GOD promises something, it will happen. I mean, HE promises things that seem impossible to me, so I try to help HIM out with my efforts. BUT GOD is forgiving. HE sees my futile attempts to “help” HIM and shows me grace anyway.

 

GOD is my FATHER because I believe in JESUS who died for me and is alive making a wonderful place for me. HIS ways are not my ways, HIS thoughts are not my thoughts and HIS plans are always fulfilled. I am glad I am HIS child and I believe in HIS promises.

 

• Is your family dysfunctional?
• Have you fallen into the trap of thinking you are not valued?
• Will you stop believing the lie and know you are a child of GOD and HIS promise for you is far beyond what you could ever think?

Pledge is a Promise

Pledge is a Promise

Acts 5: But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. ² And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. ³ But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? ⁴ While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

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“I’m going to call you” were the words I used in vain. I may get around to it or maybe not. Soon this lackadaisical attitude spilled into other areas of my life. “Yes, I will pray for you” would come out of my mouth but what I was praying about immediately flew out of my mind and I would not pray.

• There were times when I would agree to do something and not follow through.
• There were times when I would volunteer for something, get bored, and stop showing up.
• There were times when I would not complete what I said I would complete.

Ananias and Sapphira were aware of that everyone boldly sold their possessions to give to those in need. “How would it look if we did not sell?” they may have said to themselves. “How can we keep some of this and still look good?” may have been a thought. GOD spoke though Peter, condemning their choice.

• GOD wants me to be honest and say “No I cannot do that.”
• GOD wants me to keep my voluntary decisions as promises.
• GOD wants me to complete the things I start, not for myself, but as a vow to others.

Saying “I’m going to” voluntarily should not be done in vain to someone else. Saying “I’m going to pick you up” and not showing up could cause problems. GOD sees the large and small pledges and knows who will follow through and who will not.

HE wants me to say “Yes” to HIS calling, but only when I will follow through with HIS leading. If I say “Yes” but act like I said “No”, dire consequences could follow. I am thankful GOD gives me opportunities to say “Yes.”

• Have you volunteered and not followed through?
• Do you say you will do something so you will look good in front of people?
• Will you stop trying to please humans and seek to please GOD by doing what you say?  

Not When But What

Not When But What

Acts 1: ⁴ And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; ⁵ for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” ⁶ Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. ⁸ But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

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Looking at the clock I dreaded the displayed time. “Will we ever get out of school?” I said to myself. I looked back at the clock and only two minutes had passed. Another time, I glanced at a timeclock. “Will I ever get off work?” I said to myself. The smoke filled bowling alley had gotten on my nerves and I wanted to be home.

• Many times I have been impatient.
• Many times I wanted everything to be corrected right then and there.
• Many times I wanted to be delivered from a circumstance because the situation had gone on for years, with no end in sight.

JESUS explains “what” will happen, but the people wanted to know “when.” HE then says ““It is not for you to know times or seasons which the FATHER has put in HIS own authority.” He then gives them more of a glimpse into “what” they should be focused on.

• GOD wants me to focus on what HE wants me to do.
• GOD wants me to be prepared to speak about HIM at all times.
• GOD wants me to be a witness to HIM wherever HE sends me.

“Wait for the Promise of the FATHER” are words that are sometimes hard to grasp. BUT GOD gives me something else to focus on. HE sends me to HIS harvest, which is plentiful, and gives me plenty to do. Since many of HIS promises can take several human lifetimes, HE wants me to focus on “what” HE wants me to do with HIS kingdom.

GOD guides me to those HE seeks and only I can reach. HE sends many to do the same. “Wait on the LORD” are words I accept and while I’m waiting, I will praise HIM.

• Are you waiting on GOD?
• Have you been waiting on HIM for years or even decades?”
• Will you focus your attention on “what” HE wants you to do so you can take your mind off of “when” HE will deliver you or those you have been praying for?

A Curse may be the Answer to Mediocrity

Nehemiah 10: ²⁸ “The rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, musicians, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand— 

²⁹ all these now join their fellow Israelites the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the Lord our Lord.

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Keeping promises to GOD is one thing but to add a curse on top of the promise seems extreme. I mean aren’t GOD’s laws meant to be broken and HIS job is to swoop in, forgive me just in time and for me to get my way in spite of my sins?

Nehemiah and the tiny remnant of what used to be a thriving kingdom, took a vow to follow GOD and they added a curse on top of it. My guess is that a curse would fall on the person who does not follow what GOD says.

• By adding the curse, the people stated they fully understood the promise they were entering.
• By adding the curse, the people stated they were going to seriously follow GOD.
• By adding the curse, the people agreed not to blame GOD for their failure to follow HIM.

This act removed the safety net which is sometimes difficult. GOD’s grace is truly sufficient and HE has removed all of my sins. The battle comes in when I take sin too lightly. GOD knows how damaging sin is and desires for me to follow HIM, believe in HIM and trust HIM.

• Are you taking a mediocre approach to GOD?
• Do you find yourself in a rut with GOD, doing the same things from week to week?
• Is your faith, “faith” or is it habit?
• Can you radically follow GOD without harming others rather growing them?

A promise is a promise

Deuteronomy 23: ²¹ If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the Lord your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. ²² But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. ²³ Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the Lord your God with your own mouth.

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“LORD if you get me out of ‘fill in the blank’ then I will ‘never’ do ‘fill in the blank’ again!” I have said on many occasions when my back was against the wall as if I could bargain with GOD. Looking back on those ludicrous statements makes me cringe with fear as to how many promises of “never doing that again” I have not kept.

• When I’m scared I make frivolous promises with GOD simply to get out of the trial.
• When I’m lost I begin to bargain with GOD simply to find my way then I return back to the old me.
• When I’m feeling low I beg GOD to get me out by making promises I may not be able to keep.

GOD made promises that HE holds HIMSELF to.  HE cannot and will not go back on HIS word. When HE declares something, it will happen the way HE said it and how HE said it even if HE has to die in the process. I’m speaking about JESUS just then. In other words HE takes promises seriously.

• GOD wants me to think before I make a promise otherwise I’m in deeper trouble.
• GOD wants me to make promises as an act of worship and plan to keep them.
• GOD wants me to stop bargaining with HIM in order to get my way and make vows to HIM as an act of worship.

Getting out of a trial should not be the goal when I make a promise to GOD.  I may say something I didn’t mean or could not keep when I am in the heat of the moment. GOD wants me to quiet my mind down and think about my promise so I can keep it and not grow weary.

• Have you made a frivolous promise to GOD?
• Are you trying to get out of a trial and have no intention of keeping that promise?
• Won’t you review your promises before you make them to see if you can keep them?
• Can you make a promise to GOD as an act of worship today?

Keeping Promises

Numbers 30:1 Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of Israel. He said, “Here is what the Lord commands. ² Suppose a man makes a special promise to the Lord. Or suppose he takes an oath and agrees to do something. Then he must keep his promise. He must do everything he said he would do.

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“I promise I won’t do that again” were my empty words to the LORD as I tried to escape consequences of my actions many times.  Whether it was a ticket that I got off with a warning or a close call with something else, I found that the thing I would “never” do again would be done again, sometimes within 24 hours!

• GOD doesn’t like my empty promises.
• GOD doesn’t like when I use a promise to get my way and then not keep my promise.
• GOD doesn’t like when I don’t follow through with my promises to HIM.

A vow to GOD is important to HIM. HE doesn’t take my promises lightly even though I might.  It may be a character situation that HE is looking at.  HE knows a destructive path is built on deception and when I lie to HIM by making a promise I have no intention of keeping, HIS anger is stirred.

• GOD wants me to make special promises to HIM to keep our relationship close.
• GOD wants me to keep those special promises, showing HE is more special than anything else.
• GOD wants me to do everything I said I will do and not change my mind when the going gets good.

If I vow to give more when I am wealthy then I must give more when I am wealthy. In fact I need to start giving more before I get wealthy. If I vow to stop doing something, then I need to stop doing that thing unconditionally rather than waiting on GOD to orchestrate the perfect time.

Making a promise is special to GOD.  HE doesn’t want me to shy away from doing that.  BUT HE would rather that I not promise rather than making an empty promise that I won’t keep.

• Have you made empty promises to GOD?
• Have you broken your vow to HIM?
• Can you ask HIM for forgiveness of your broken promises and realize HE forgives you?
• Can you stop trying to fix your broken promises and focus on your relationship with GOD?

GOD’s promise to me

Leviticus 26: ¹¹ “‘I will live among you. I will not turn away from you. ¹² I will walk among you. I will be your God. And you will be my people. ¹³ I am the Lord your God. I brought you out of Egypt. I did not want you to be slaves in Egypt anymore. I threw off your heavy load. I helped you walk with your heads held high.

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Looking back at the mountain of sins I have committed I sometimes wonder “am I forgiven.”  I mean can GOD really forgive me for the candy I took when I was four? Or how about the time I lied about where I was going at sixteen? Or how about my present sins, can GOD really forgive these?

GOD says “Follow MY rules” but I break them all the time.

GOD says “Obey MY commands” but I ignore them at the drop of a hat.

GOD says “Trust in ME” yet I complain, doubt and worry.

These promises seem conditional and I have not met the conditions. What am I to do? I can’t go back and fix the sins I have already committed and I certainly am not crazy enough to think I will ever be sinless. Is there any hope?

GOD says “This is MY SON whom I am well pleased” which means I should focus on HIM.

GOD says “I am the way the truth and the life” which means my thought of saving myself is ludicrous.

GOD says “I helped you walk with your heads held high” which means I am saved from my lack of being able to follow HIS commands by believing in JESUS.

Many writers have said, “I am sinful” without saying “they are sinful.” GOD’s promises seem so distant until I realize HE loves me and pursues me in spite of me.

Are you feeling distant from GOD?
Do you think HE no longer loves you?

Can you stop feeding that lie and start believing HE really, really cares for you in spite of your actions?

Won’t you stop thinking your actions can control GOD and start believing HIS love for you is unconditional and everlasting?

HE will do what HE promised

Romans 4: ¹⁸ Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” ¹⁹Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. ²⁰ Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ²¹ being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.

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I had to stop saying “I promise” because of so many broken promises. Because of so many factors outside of my control the words “I promise” can become empty and shallow. “I promise I will call” or “I promise I will remember” are superseded by busy schedules and unforeseen circumstances.

The result of my broken promise can hurt the proposed benefactor.

• When I break my promises I am viewed as unreliable.
• When I break my promises I am perceived as being selfish.
• When I break my promises I am thought of as being “slick” or “shifty.”

It takes faith to believe GOD will keep every promise HE ever said.  So far HE hasn’t broken one yet. GOD said to Abraham, “You will be the father of many nations” and it came true.  Even at his old age, he and his wife conceived children. This was impossible! Imagine your ninety five year old grandparents having a child!

Any promise GOD said, HE will keep.

• When HE said, “anyone who believes in MY SON will be saved” HE meant it.
• When HE said, “I will never leave you or forsake you” HE meant it.
• When HE said, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see GOD” HE meant it.

GOD has promised so much that it is hard to believe HE loves me as much as HE does. Wealth, fame, popularity, great relationships are all part of HIS promises. You have got to be kidding, HE promised all that? YES!

GOD is building mansions in a place where the streets are paved with gold where I will know everyone and they will know me where everyone cheered for me when I first believed that JESUS saved me from eternal separation from HIM. 

• Do you believe GOD’s promises for you?
• Do you know all the things HE promised you?
• Can you take time to read your Bible to see what GOD has promised you?
• Will you begin to act like one of HIS children instead of acting like a child?

I probably lied to you!

Matthew 5: ³³ “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ ³⁴ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; ³⁵ or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.

³⁶ And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. ³⁷ All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

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Many times people would say “please pray for me” and I would say “I will” but I rarely followed through. It seems like the events of the day would bring something greater in my life that would distract me from following through with my promise.

“I’ll call you” or “I’ll come over” or “I’ll do it” have been empty words that have easily come out of my mouth but to make it worse I added the dreaded words “I promise.” Why did I go and do that?  I have even said to GOD, “I promise I’ll NEVER do that again if YOU would only…”

• A promise is a form of worship for GOD can never break HIS promises.
• A promise is a commitment that GOD expects me to keep.
• A promise is a way of changing the direction my life is going to do something special.

There is something quite special about GOD’s Bible that I have just recently noticed. HE has bound HIMSELF to HIS own words. Quite honestly, If I were GOD with all of HIS amazing power, I would try stuff and if it didn’t work out then I would tell everyone, “I changed my mind, we are going in a new direction.”

GOD never changes HIS mind like a leaf blowing in the wind, so HIS promises are ultra-dependable. HE expects me to behave the same way or recognize my limitations.

• When someone asks me for a favor I can say “Yes” or “No” if my limitations permit.
• When someone asks me for a deadline I can say “Yes” or “No” if all conditions are met.
• When someone asks me to pray for them I can say “Yes” and pray right away instead of failing my promise.

A double minded person can never be trusted. I have to keep my commitments knowing I am limited by GOD’s plans. My new statements should be “I will do this or that if GOD says the same.”

• Are you bound by your words or do you make empty promises?
• How many promises have you made recently that you have broken?
• Can you change some of your empty way of talking and keep your commitments?

A promise is a promise!

Hebrews 8: ¹⁰ This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel
   after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds
   and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
   and they will be my people.
¹¹ No longer will they teach their neighbor,
   or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
   from the least of them to the greatest.
¹² For I will forgive their wickedness
   and will remember their sins no more.”

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My childhood was mild compared to some in my neighborhood. I may have stolen some money from my parents to buy a popsicle, but that kid is going to jail for stealing a car. I’m pretty good right? As I mentioned before, sin is personal.  I can look at someone else all I want and GOD won’t budge.

Even the least of sin is wicked to HIM. HE cannot and will not hang around evil when it’s all said and done.  HE gives me ample time during this life to turn to HIM and believe. One day however HE will reveal the promises HE has already kept.

-GOD has already put HIS law in every heart so there is no excuse for not believing in JESUS.

-GOD is already GOD and HIS people are still being collected daily.

-GOD sent me to persuade people not to reject HIM, but one day all teaching will end.

-GOD is building a place for the least to the greatest but the “greatest” are currently the “least.”

-GOD already has forgiven my wickedness from the smallest to the greatest sin.

-GOD has already forgotten the sins I’m going to commit.

GOD’s promises are strong and dependable in fact they are about the only thing I can depend on in this life.

-Do you know GOD’s promises for you?

-Are you afraid HE will go back on HIS word?

-Can you realize what GOD has done and is doing for you?

I can be certain GOD loves me!

Hebrews 6:  ¹³ When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, ¹⁴ saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” ¹⁵ And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

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Fast pace was the atmosphere at work. Someone asked me for an extra report and I said “of course” but in the back of my mind I knew I couldn’t get it to them because the workload was too great.  Now I had a dilemma, go home and tell them I couldn’t do it or stay and not see the family.

After working thirty six hours straight I finished the report.

• Promises are meant to be kept, no matter how small.
• The words “I swear” has heavenly implications we don’t understand.
• Broken promises to GOD seem to be worse.

Have you ever done something bad, got hurt in the process and found yourself saying “I swear GOD I will never do that again.” Well those were my words on many occasions regarding a variety of sins.  I didn’t want the consequences GOD would dish out so I figured HE would back off if I told HIM what HE wanted to hear.

BUT GOD wants something different from me. HE wants me to keep my promises instead of telling people what they want to hear. Why, because HE always keeps HIS promises and cannot lie to me.

• GOD said HE loves me so I believe it.
• GOD says HE loves every human who believe in HIS SON, so I believe it.
• GOD says I will have eternal life so I believe it.
• GOD says HE will be with me always even till the end of the world so I believe it.

I have told GOD and others what they wanted to hear in order to get out of consequences or feel good about the situation, BUT GOD never does that. If a circumstance is going to cause pain, GOD will tell it like it is for example HE said I will face many trials and tribulations because I belong to HIM. HE wasn’t lying!

GOD also promises me HIS generosity, HIS love, HIS comfort and HIS peace.  That is something I can be certain about!

• Do you doubt GOD’s love for you?
• Do you think HE has left you?
• Do you realize GOD will NEVER leave you no matter the circumstance?
• Do you know GOD’s love for you cannot be compared to anything?

Have "Unshakeable" faith!

Romans 4:20Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." 23The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, 24but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.


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I'd like to say my faith is "unshakeable", but it's not. I think I have "circumstantial" faith rather than "unshakeable" faith. What do I mean? When the circumstances are right, then my faith is strong. I can brag and boast about what GOD is doing and tell others to clean up their act.

 

When things are going wrong, watch out! I'm the first to run out the door screaming "help me!" Unshakeable faith is not like that. 

• When I have true faith, then GOD is first and my plans are second. 
• When I have true faith, people around me are affected in a positive way. 
• When I have true faith, I watch GOD do HIS thing and I don't care how long it takes. 
• When I have true faith, there is no question that GOD is in control of the circumstances.

Paul writes about Abraham who is credited as the "man of faith." Abraham was a scoundrel and a liar like me, yet he believed what GOD said about having a son in his old age. He and Sarah were supposed to have a miracle baby in their old age. He believed this would happen and his faith didn't waiver.

• GOD wants me to believe in HIS promises. 
• GOD said HE would "never" leave me nor forsake me. 
• GOD said HE has great plans for me. 
• GOD promised to protect me. 

GOD also said there would be problems while I live on this planet. HE knows there are people who have not fully given their heart to HIM and their faith is shake able. HE knows there are people who will try a little of everything just to cover the bases.

 

When I was younger, I was superstitious. I wouldn't step on cracks for fear of breaking my mother's back. I would read horoscopes and fortune cookies. I believed in the news as a predictor of the future. Now that I have matured in faith, I believe in GOD.

• I believe GOD's SON is about to return. 
• I believe GOD is shaking the world up so we will notice something BIG. 
• I believe GOD is continually working in my life to reveal truth. 
• I believe in GOD.

 

Belief that JESUS died for my sins gives me "unshakeable" faith. My words, actions and life should reflect GOD's grace and mercy daily. By showing this, I show others the example of "unshakeable" faith!

• Does your faith waiver?
• Are you nervous about something?
• Where does faith come from?
• Do you believe GOD has a great plan for you?

 

Keeping your "promises" is important to GOD.

Matthew 5:33"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' 34But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

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Promises today are thrown around as empty words. People make promises to get their way and when its time to be accountable they are no where to be found. How dare they! Wait, what about me? Do I make empty promises?

I thought about the times I was in trouble and I thought it was because of a sin that I had just committed. I remember saying to GOD, "LORD if YOU would just help me through this situation, I 'promise' I will NEVER do 'that' again!" Never is a long time.

GOD sees through my ploy to manipulate HIM and to get my way. HE doesn't want an empty promise made to HIM or "by" HIM to another person. GOD has to keep HIS promises. This is just who HE is. HE cannot lie and once a promise or law is set in motion, HE cannot and will not revoke it.

HE put some promises in place that HE will keep.

• Accept HIS SON and you will be saved.
• Reject HIS SON and you will be eternally separated from HIM.
• Love others and HE will bless you in heaven.

His promises ring true today as they were when the ink wasn't dry when they were first written. GOD doesn't want to lose one single human, but HE will not break HIS promise of the consequences set forth by rejecting HIS SON. That's taking promises seriously.

Now back to me. If HE takes promises this seriously, HE expects me to do the same. HE doesn't want me to try to make HIM a liar. HE wants me to be faithful to other humans when I say I will do something.

When people ask me to pray for them I have to admit I used to say OK, I will. It seems like the busy day would get in the way and I would forget. Broken promise. Now I simply pray for the person right away. I got that from my sister.

GOD takes HIS promises seriously and HE expects us to do the same. The great thing is, HE has forgiven us for the broken promises of the past, and HE rejoices our efforts to keep the promises we will make in the future.

• Have you broken a promise?
• Did you call 'that' person?
• Have you 'honored' your parents the way they should be honored?
• Are you refusing to hold up your end of the marriage vow because of how you feel?
• Are you stealing from work (even a paper clip)?

GOD keeps HIS promises.

Psalm 112:1 Praise the Lord!How joyful are those who fear the Lordand delight in obeying his commands.2 Their children will be successful everywhere;an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.3 They themselves will be wealthy,and their good deeds will last forever.4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly.They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.5 Good comes to those who lend money generouslyand conduct their business fairly.6 Such people will not be overcome by evil.Those who are righteous will be long remembered.7 They do not fear bad news;they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.8 They are confident and fearlessand can face their foes triumphantly.9 They share freely and give generously to those in need.Their good deeds will be remembered forever.They will have influence and honor.10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated.They will grind their teeth in anger;they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

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I noticed that GOD uses the word "will" a lot in this passage. HE never says "maybe." Since GOD understands and knows everything we will go through HE can easily keep HIS promises.So I thought, where is the wealth? Where is the stuff? Then I read the passage again, this time from a less selfish view. GOD calls me to obey HIS commands. HE gives me a list of things to do.

• Be Generous
• Be Compassionate
• Be Righteous
• Give Generously
• Conduct Business Fairly
• Be Confident
• Trust in the LORD
• Be Fearless
• Be Generous
• Have good deeds

This great Psalm full of promises depends on me. In spite of my circumstances I must be faithful to GOD and not worry whether HE is holding up HIS end of the bargain. Too many times I don't put my trust in HIM and I check to see whether HE is doing HIS part. I set selfish expectations of what "wealth" looks like. I act like the spoiled child who says "yeah, but I don't have the gold Ipod." When I do this, I can't recognize the wealth GOD has provided for me.

GOD said I would be wealthy and my good deeds would last forever. HE said I would not be overcome by evil. HE promised that my children would be blessed and HIS light would shine on me.

All I have to do is be able to accept bad news. What bad news? Verses 7 and 8 jumped out at me. You mean that sometimes I will hear bad news and I will have some people who don't like me? Yes! I should expect my plans to go off track. I should expect adversaries. I should expect stuff to break and for some people to break their promises.

BUT, I should keep my trust in the LORD. I shouldn't look over HIS shoulder to see if HE is doing HIS job. HE gave me plenty to do. I have noticed that when I am generous even in lean times, I am wealthy in ways I didn't expect. I end up with plenty of true friends. I end up wealthy in wisdom and love. My spirit gets excited and I rest easier.

• Can you expect bad news and put your trust in the LORD?
• Are you setting selfish expectations on GOD?
• Do you recognize the blessings HE has given you already?
• Do you believe HE will provide for you?