Meaningful Promises

Salespeople and politicians make promises all the time.  However, their promises are often meaningless because their intentions are self-serving. Others may make promises and are unable to deliver due to circumstances beyond their control. We can count on God’s promises because they come from His sincere heart and God’s greatness overcomes all obstacles.

In II Samuel 7:21-22 King David says, “Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it. Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” God’s promises come directly from His heart for His people and because of His greatness, He will never fail to deliver on His promises.

Faithful Relationships

It is funny how relationships change over the years. Strong relationships at one point in time may weaken or neglected as we age, move, and change jobs. Even relationships within families can change due to different roles as we mature.

I Corinthians 1:9 says, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Fellowship can be defined as sharing in relationship. The fact that God called us into fellowship with Jesus separates our faith from the world’s religions. Our faith is a sharing relationship with Jesus in which He provides salvation, redemption, peace, steadfast love, and hope and we simply follow Him.

Take the Load Off

We like to find ways to lighten the loads that we carry through life. At times we can learn something that lightens the load. Sometimes we acquire new technology that makes things easier. And we have the blessings of other people that come to our assistance.

In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” We often try to carry burdens that were not meant for us. Jesus does not give us burdens in the form of religious rules. In fact, He offers to stoop down and help carry the burdens that we already have, thus making the load light and easy.

God With Us

People often speak about feeling the presence of someone, even though that person is not physically with them. Maybe they feel the presence of a deceased loved one as they experience growth or success. It is sometimes the feeling the presence of a trusted mentor as they progress through a shared interest. How much greater is the knowledge that God walks with us, even in our struggles, and He provides everything that we need.

Deuteronomy 2:7 says, “For the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He knows your going through this great wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing.”‘ Even when we are going through the wilderness of troubles and God seems far away from us, He is walking through this wilderness with us and giving us everything that we need.

Refuge From the Storms

Last week, some dangerous storms passed through the area. Strong winds became tornadoes in some areas and knocked down trees and power lines in most areas. It took several days to restore the power everywhere. When storms like these come, our first thoughts are always to find refuge and protect our families.

Psalm 5:11-12 says, “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” When we find the circumstances of our lives to be difficult, we can run to our God and find refuge from the storms. God will cover us with His favor and protection, allowing us to receive His peace. Then, we are able to express joyful exultation.