Friday, March 16, 2012

Genesis 1:26-29, James 2:5, Ephesians 1:13, Romans 1:1-32, Hebrews 11:1-13, Genesis 3:15, Hebrews 11:39-40, 2 Peter 1:3-4, James 1:12, 2 Peter 3:13, 2 Peter 3:4-9, Psalm 119:123; Faith and trust
A promise is only as good as the person who makes it. Someone has observed: "America is always a land of promise during an election." The political candidate who promises jobs and a utopia but can't deliver; the bridegroom who promises lifelong commitment, then is unfaithful to his wife; the soldier who pledges loyalty to his country but goes AWOL--all demonstrate that promises can be empty.

Receive

God promises, however, are never empty. They are totally trustworthy. It seems like you can find gracious promises on almost every page of His Book. Though many of His promises are already completed, there are loads more yet to be fulfilled. God made promises to the first couple as soon as He created them, assuring them of His provision and His purposes (Genesis 1: 26-29).When they broke faith with their Creator and sinned, their future seemed hopeless. But God promised them a Savior (Genesis 3:15). And His promises endured and flourished down through the generations of Old Testament history. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David and others received promises from God, assuring them of a wonderful future, although they often didn't see the fulfillment during their lifetimes.
Now is a good time for you to take your Bible and turn to Hebrews 11:1-13. Note especially verses 8-10 and verse 13.
  • What was Abraham's response to God's promise (11:8)?
  • What was Abraham looking for in the future (11:10)?
If Abraham and others didn't see the fulfillment, what good was the promise? Well, God's promises are the soil in which faith grows. Look at Hebrews 11:13.
  • Does it say they died hopeless? How did they die? What had they seen in the promises God gave them? How did it make them look at this life?
Why does God delay the fulfillment of many promises? Read Hebrews 11:39-40 very thoughtfully. What does it say about "us," we who also wait in faith?

Reflect

Because of the birth and ministry of Christ Jesus, you, as a believer, share in God's promises. Try to find the promises that include you in each of the following verses. Jot them down.

Respond

The psalmist expressed something in Psalm 119:123 that all believers should look for--the final outcome of our salvation. Memorize this short verse from the ESV:
"My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise."
And read 2 Peter 3:4-9. Our Lord is coming! Are you ready?

My Comment: Even when life gets very hard to bear I stand on the promise of His word which is what the first Christians (they were not called that originally) were being hunted and persecuted and murdered in atrocious ways, they clung to the promises of God knowing they were saved and would be with their Lord soon. It did not matter to them whether it was because they died in the arena and the Lord came to take them home or He came riding on a horse or a cloud they trusted Him, believed in Him and were secure in His promise to them that they were His and He would take care of them.
With my hubby slowly wasting away before my eyes I trust in Him to some day take him home. I have faith He will heal him either before my eyes physically or by taking him home to our Father in Heaven I know His promises is real and to be trusted.
I do not know why God has not healed him yet I know there is a reason. Maybe to bring our children and Grandchildren into relationship with God, maybe to strengthen our faith and grow us spiritually, maybe to help someone else going through the same thing or a terminal illness. We may never know until we see our Lord face to face yet we like the first Christians know God is just and true and we trust in Him at all times. Loved ones I pray you have accepted Him as your Savior, as your God and have placed your trust and your faith in Him who loved you so much He gave His all for your sin. It was a free gift yet with all gifts one can choose to accept it or reject it. I pray you accept it and let Him grow your faith because you place your trust in Him.
Abba, I pray You open the hearts of all who read this, remove the scales from their eyes and unstop their ears. Help them Heavenly Father to trust in You and the Sacrifice of Your Son Jesus the Christ and place people in their lives to help them in their walk with You. Forgive them Father for their unbelief and remove their sin by the grace of Jesus our Lord and King. In the Name of Jesus. Amen

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