Solemn Promise

Often, we see in movies that a dying person promises loved ones that they will be watching over them and be ever present with them, even after their death. The promise is designed to comfort and encourage people about to experience loss. The promise is designed to strengthen and tell the grieving loved ones that they will not be alone.

In Matthew 28:20 Jesus tells His disciples, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Though He was leaving His disciples on earth as He ascended into heaven, Jesus made the promise of never leaving them. This comfort is designed to make them and us strong and unafraid because His presence, power, and love will be upon us no matter what we may be going through. As His disciples today, we can trust that we will not be left alone or forsaken. Unlike the promises in the first paragraph, Jesus has the power and authority to fulfill His promises, so He can be fully trusted.

Search For Wisdom

Sometimes, we come across an idea that becomes very interesting to us. We want to learn more about it, so we begin to search for information. As we continue our quest for information, the subject generates even more interest, and we go deeper into our information search. Our research may even lead us into action like new hobbies or services to others.

Romans 11:33 says, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” We should always seek deeper wisdom and knowledge of God. Like a successful miner, we will find precious jewels of wisdom for life whenever we search His Word.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Oh, how I love it when my wife makes chocolate chip cookies. There is nothing like the taste of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. Fortunately, she usually bakes a supply that lasts a couple weeks. Unfortunately, there still is a limit to these morsels of goodness.

Psalm 31:19 says, “Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind.” God’s goodness is abundant toward those who trust Him. He stores His goodness up to be ready for us when we depend on Him and He activates His goodness when we take refuge in Him. His goodness is available to us in an unlimited supply.

Job Application

If you’ve ever applied for a job, certain things are expected. You may fill out an application or prepare a resume. You words will be designed to demonstrate that you are qualified for the position. Then you may be called for an interview, where, again, your words will be carefully constructed to confirm that you are qualified.

Isaiah 6:8 says, “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.'” God’s qualification process is entirely different. He calls everyone of us, without respect to our qualifications, because we would never be able to qualify. When God calls you, how will you respond? Every day, He calls us to Himself, and wants us to do something or say something. A popular worship song says, “It’s not time to be silent. Don’t you dare hide your light!” Today, is the day for us to respond to God’s call and say, “Here I am! Send me.”

Trust Versus Fear

Suppose you are driving down a rural highway through the mountains. You are enjoying the views and not paying much attention to your speed. Then, you see a police car. Your automatic reaction is to look at your speedometer and slow down, no matter at what speed you are currently driving. Why is that? It is because, when we are doing something wrong, we naturally fear getting caught and punished. However, when we are doing the right things, this fear is not within us. Righteousness leads to trust and vice versa. When we are walking in a trusting relationship with God, fear is removed.

Psalm 112:6-8 says, “For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.” The phrases “fear not” and “do not be afraid” are spoken by God hundreds of times in God’s Word. He promises to protect us and keep us. He has all authority and power. What then shall we fear? If we are walking in righteousness, trusting God, He removes all fear and replaces it with peace.