Promises? No! Promises!

Years ago a firm handshake and a sincere look in the eye meant that “my word is my bond as long as I live.” No more questions were required, and no exceptions were included. “If I said it I meant it, and I will do it. I will not deny what I said nor offer any excuses if I fail!”

How different it is today. Contracts, warranties, and agreements are written with clauses that are vague, difficult to understand, and often need the interpretation of an attorney. Word of mouth promises rarely last longer than the time it takes to speak them.

How different it is with God. In Psalm 105 we are reminded of His faithfulness to Israel. If He said it He did it. If He promised something, there is proof in His Word that He made it happen. All of the promises He made have been fulfilled, and provide proof that “God is a Man of His Word.” This should give us courage for today and hope for the future.

Some Biblical scholars who have carefully researched His word have identified 3,000 promises in the Bible! Furthermore, all of them, except one – Christ’s second coming - has been fulfilled. And, we can be confident that He will fulfill that promise at the appointed time. If He said it, He did it – or, we know, will certainly do it!

So, here are two great promises we can claim right now:

“The Lord is a stronghold in the day of trouble!” Whenever we can’t handle “things,” we have His unfailing word that He certainly can! We can claim this promise!

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in My name.” What a wonderful, never-ending, open-ended promise if we call on Him in faith and trust.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to take You at Your Word: To claim Your promises and know that You will fulfill them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 105:8a He always stands by his promise.

Promises? No! Promises!

Years ago a firm handshake and a sincere look in the eye meant that “my word is my bond as long as I live.” No more questions were required, and no exceptions were included. “If I said it I meant it, and I will do it. I will not deny what I said nor offer any excuses if I fail!”

How different it is today. Contracts, warranties, and agreements are written with clauses that are vague, difficult to understand, and often need the interpretation of an attorney. Word of mouth promises rarely last longer than the time it takes to speak them.

How different it is with God. In Psalm 105 we are reminded of His faithfulness to Israel. If He said it He did it. If He promised something, there is proof in His Word that He made it happen. All of the promises He made have been fulfilled, and provide proof that “God is a Man of His Word.” This should give us courage for today and hope for the future.

Some Biblical scholars who have carefully researched His word have identified 3,000 promises in the Bible! Furthermore, all of them, except one – Christ’s second coming - has been fulfilled. And, we can be confident that He will fulfill that promise at the appointed time. If He said it, He did it – or, we know, will certainly do it!

So, here are two great promises we can claim right now:

“The Lord is a stronghold in the day of trouble!” Whenever we can’t handle “things,” we have His unfailing word that He certainly can! We can claim this promise!

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in My name.” What a wonderful, never-ending, open-ended promise if we call on Him in faith and trust.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to take You at Your Word: To claim Your promises and know that You will fulfill them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 105:8a He always stands by his promise.

Wonders And Miracles

Have you ever planted a seed in a jar, placed it in a window where the sun’s warmth and light were at work and watched in “wonder” as God brought life to that small “package?” Left in darkness, little, if anything, would have happened. But when the seed was placed in soil, nourished by the sun and the life-giving elements in the soil, its thirst quenched by water, a “miracle” took place. It “did” what God created it to do.

Some might question the difference between the words “wonder” and “miracle.” We often watch in awe when we do not understand what is going on around us. Sometimes things that “amaze” us are easily explained by someone who knows more than we do. Then, when we understand what happened, we may still be filled with wonder, but it is no longer a mystery. It’s like God’s love for us. We wonder “why” and “how” He loves until we know Jesus.

A miracle, however, is some event or action that cannot be explained. It is an extraordinary event that demonstrates God’s power. Without giving us any warning or making any announcement, He “invades what is going on” and unpredictably changes things to let us know “who is in charge!” What has been, no longer is, and what will be cannot be predicted. It was obvious in the journey of the Israelites: God unexpectedly saved and protected them. So, the Psalmist wrote, “Remember His miracles.” It was His grace that saved them.

But what about miracles in our lives? “By His grace, we can be saved.” Like them, He will save us, too. Now, that’s a miracle all can enjoy!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your love, mercy, grace and salvation. May we never forget these miracles! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 105:5 Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given.

Wonders And Miracles

Have you ever planted a seed in a jar, placed it in a window where the sun’s warmth and light were at work and watched in “wonder” as God brought life to that small “package?” Left in darkness, little, if anything, would have happened. But when the seed was placed in soil, nourished by the sun and the life-giving elements in the soil, its thirst quenched by water, a “miracle” took place. It “did” what God created it to do.

Some might question the difference between the words “wonder” and “miracle.” We often watch in awe when we do not understand what is going on around us. Sometimes things that “amaze” us are easily explained by someone who knows more than we do. Then, when we understand what happened, we may still be filled with wonder, but it is no longer a mystery. It’s like God’s love for us. We wonder “why” and “how” He loves until we know Jesus.

A miracle, however, is some event or action that cannot be explained. It is an extraordinary event that demonstrates God’s power. Without giving us any warning or making any announcement, He “invades what is going on” and unpredictably changes things to let us know “who is in charge!” What has been, no longer is, and what will be cannot be predicted. It was obvious in the journey of the Israelites: God unexpectedly saved and protected them. So, the Psalmist wrote, “Remember His miracles.” It was His grace that saved them.

But what about miracles in our lives? “By His grace, we can be saved.” Like them, He will save us, too. Now, that’s a miracle all can enjoy!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your love, mercy, grace and salvation. May we never forget these miracles! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 105:5 Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given.

His Strength

“Remember, don’t BLT,” said the surgeon. Of course, that got my attention immediately.

Then he explained, “Do not bend, lift or twist. If you do, you will damage or destroy the work that I did on your spine. You must ask for help from others if you want to heal properly. If you are seated, get help to stand. Do not lift anything that weighs more than five pounds. And, turn your entire body rather than twist if you want to see something that is to your left or right.”

As I was wheeled from the hospital to begin the trip home, I could not imagine how different my life was going to be. Being dependent on others has always been difficult for me. But thinking of his orders and my false pride forced me to admit how often I had failed at one thing or another because I refused to ask someone for help. Even God. Certainly, “pride does come before a fall.”

“Look to the Lord and His strength,” said the Psalmist. How easy it sounds but how difficult it is for many of us to do. God wants us to depend on Him and seek the help and counsel of others. If we don’t, the likelihood of failure looms large. Our strength is limited, but He is not.

But there is something more to be learned here. When I come to the end of my strength and am unable to do what He has called me to do and ask others to help me, they share in my ministry. So, two things happen: I realize the blessings that can come from depending on others because they are able show His love by helping me. Also, I can share my calling with them. It’s all good!

Prayer: Lord, Your ways and Your Word and Your wisdom are gifts we do not deserve but desperately need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 105:4 Look to the Lord and His strength; continually seek Him.