Promises?

V22 n44

In this country, we have just completed a national election (as most people have probably heard). One thing that candidates do in and during their campaigns, is to make all kinds of promises to the people, in order to try to obtain their vote. Yet, how many of these promises do you really think will ever be kept?

Often times, for those of you that are parents, have you asked your children to do some chores, or their homework, or a variety of other things; and the children quickly promise to do them. Yet, how often are these promises kept? Does it take constant reminders and prodding to get them to keep their word?

This also is the time of year, when people are quick to make all kinds of promises or resolutions for the coming year. They will make all kinds of promises and resolutions which “they hope” that they can or will be able to fulfill. What exactly is it that you have promised or resolved to do, through and in the coming year?

2 Peter 1:2-4, 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. KJV

People as a whole, are often quick to forget the scriptures that tell us to take no thought for tomorrow. Yet, for many, they will try to figure out or plan the next week, the next month, or in some cases the next year. They get so caught up in that which the world is doing, they forget or neglect that which the Word of God clearly states or sets forth.

How many of you have made new year resolutions or promises to God; and yet for today, have neglected or ignored His Word? Most people forget that it is now faith that will enable them to get through this day, by staying faithful to God and His Word. One needs to adhere to, continue in, or abide in His promises to get through this day, as one of His. It is His word that should be a lamp to your feet; His light that should shine and illuminate your every step on this path called life. It is when each and every step that we take, is ordered of the Lord, that one can be assured of being on solid ground, and not sinking sand. So then, the question is, how can a person have laid out plans for the entire next year, and yet not have allowed the Lord to direct their every step through this day?

Many times a person will make promises to God when moved by emotions or feelings (2Cor 5:7); or when following the example of other people, and that which they are saying or doing. They allow man’s traditions and doctrines to dictate to them how they should act and live; in other words, how they should conduct their every day life. (Col 2:8). How often are you doing things each day, or week, or month or year, because this is what you have seen others do? And yet, have neglected to see if it is in line with God and His Word?

Ezekiel 36:25-27, 25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. KJV

2 Corinthians 1:20-22, 20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. KJV

How well do you know the promises of God? Are you aware that these promises have been made freely available to you? (1Cor 2:12, 2Cor 11:7). Many have heard God’s promises, some have even acknowledged God’s promises, a few can even recite or quote God’s promises. Yet, the question is; how many hear and listen to God’s promises, and then apply them to their life, that is, they live them and apply them to their daily walk?

Over the last few weeks, what was it that occupied the greater parts of your thoughts and life? Was it the traditions and idols of this world? (Jer 2:19-22, Deut 12:2-4, 1Kings 14:23-24, 2Kings 17:10-12, Jer 3:13, Ezek 6:13, Isa 57:13, Gal 4:10, Col 2:16). Have you been rejoicing in the presents and gifts that the world gave you? Or, in the gift that God has made available to you, by and through Christ Jesus?

Hebrews 9:14-15, 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. KJV

It is a new testament, a new beginning, a new life by and through the gift that has been given by God, to whosoever would believe. This is the ability (the gift, Eph 4:7), or in other words, the power which will enable you to get through this day. (Now faith, Heb 11:1). This is the promise that God has made from the beginning (Gen 3:15, Isa 7:14), and all of the way through the old testament, until the culmination of the manifestation of this great and precious promise from Father, to you. (Gal 4:4-5, Eph 1:10-11).

Galatians 3:13-16, 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. KJV

Though we or other people will give and break their promises, God is always true to His Word. Today, what will you do with the promise that God has made to you?

That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka