Promises, promises

Have you ever promised something and then realized that you were not going to be able to keep your promise? Newly married men and women promise to love, honor and cherish one another until death finally separates them. Unfortunately, many of those promises are broken within the first year of marriage ending in annulment or divorce. 

Maybe at some point you have promised your kids that you would take them bike riding, to a baseball game or on a trip to Disneyland only to have an urgent issue comes up at work and there goes your promise. New Years Day is a special time to make and break promises. Many sign up for annual gym memberships on January 2^nd only to have them canceled and prorated February 3^rd. Many people often promise to quit smoking but we all know how that one goes.

From the beginning of time humans have been making promises only to eventually forget about them completely. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s I was a member of a Christian organization whose name boosted that they  intended to be keepers of their word; which on most days made me feel like a complete hypocrite. The organization is now out of business and no longer making that promise. Yes, human beings are “Promise Breakers” and I have often thought of starting an organization with that brand but you can use it if you so desire because the shoe probably fits you too.

The good news is that God can’t break a promise. God is not surprised by anything and He can’t learn anything new. When he writes something it usually is in stone. He cautions us not to be too hasty to make a vow with Him because He will hold us to that vow. He means what He says and says what He means. That is very comforting to me in these last days.

If we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory is there any way to be saved? “The blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin” 1 John 1:7.  So what shall we do if our lives are totally screwed up? “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. 

Is this life we live here on earth all there is? “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16. In the words of Jesus Himself “I say emphatically that anyone who listens to my message and believes in God who sent me has eternal life, and will never be dammed for his sins, but has already passed out of death into life.” John 5:24.

But my life is so hard? Being a Christian isn’t easy and bad things still happen to me? “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

Can I lose the gift of salvation? “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” John 10:29. “I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38, 39.

But my life is draining all my strength out of me? “Trust in the Lord God always, for in the Lord Jehovah is your everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:4. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord of Hosts.” Zechariah 4:6. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary: and shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.

The bible is so hard to read and I don’t understand it? “He reveals profound mysteries beyond man’s understanding. He knows all hidden things, for He is light, and darkness is no obstacle to Him.” Daniel 2:22. “No mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord. But we know about these things because God has sent His Spirit to tell us, and His Spirit searches out and shows us all of God’s deepest secrets.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.