Levels of Promises

From my experience, promises come with different levels of fulfillment. A casual promise is an expression of the intent to do something, but may or may not come with the actual implementation of the promise. Then there is the contractual promise that guarantees implementation of action or legal consequences ensue. We also have promises based upon the integrity of the promiser. We trust this person to follow through on what they said they would do. Our trust is based upon knowledge of the promiser’s integrity and is probably based upon prior experience with the guarantor.

Romans 4:16 says, “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring, not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.” Faith means trusting in another, not in one’s own efforts. Faith therefore corresponds exactly to grace, which involves trusting God’s gift of unmerited favor. We can trust God to fulfill His promises because He is always faithful to His Word and to His promises, and because He cannot lie. Since it is fully within His ability to deliver on His promises and He is full of grace when delivering on His promises, we know that He will do what He says He will do. Therefore, we can have faith in Him and His promises.

Sound Advice

Sometimes I amaze myself, but not in a good way. I will take financial advice from a trusted consultant. I will adhere to instructions from trained medical professionals. I will listen to advice from friends on a variety of subjects. But I often ignore the truths and wisdom of God’s Word. How can I be so foolish as to reject the One who possesses all knowledge, wisdom, and understanding?

Proverbs 13:10 says, “By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.” Wisdom comes from listening to truth and wise counsel, always available in God’s Word. Insisting on our own way and opinions only leads to disagreements and trouble.

Not Just a Copy

If you visit an art store, you will be able to purchase prints of an original painting or photograph. Most likely you will have to go to an art gallery to purchase original artwork. The prints look just like the original, but don’t have the feel of the originals.

Hebrews 1:3 speaking of Jesus says, “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” Jesus didn’t come just to teach us how to live, as simply a good teacher. He didn’t just come to show us the way to God. He is the Way. He came as God Himself, showing us exactly who God is in His glory and power. The world wants to diminish who Jesus Christ is, because He puts a light upon their lives and exposes their darkness. But Jesus Himself claimed to be God and His life reveals the glory of God.

Fake Images

Lately, many popular people, scenes, and posts have been demonstrated to be fake, or misleading at best. Whether it is an instagram posts with bold claims or fake imagery or the bold claims of some self-proclaimed prophet, their stories and ideas have been shown to be greatly exaggerated, if not downright untrue.

Joshua 24:14 says, “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness.” It does no one any good to act like they love God, for He requires our hearts to possess a sincere faith and faithful worship. God desires those who diligently seek His wisdom and walk a life of true faith.

Wedding Feasts

It seems to me, a casual observer, that wedding meals are getting more elaborate. Some have become so expensive that guests are asked to contribute. At a wedding, there is great cause to celebrate, but the occasion can get a bit overblown. The wedding feast of the Lamb of God, however, will be the greatest cause for celebration and God has prepared a feast that could never be matched. At these wedding, Jesus will be married to His bride, the church of God, true believers in Him.

Revelation 19:6-8 says, “Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! for the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure, for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.'” On the Sunday of Jesus’ resurrection from the grave, the disciples could celebrate His gift of salvation and victory over death. When Jesus returns for His children, we will celebrate His victorious rule over all peoples and the marriage feast of Jesus with the bride made up of those who have trusted in Him. This celebration will never end as those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will spend eternity with Him.