Thursday, February 4, 2016

Pondering God's Promises, Part I

Hey Friend,

I don't know about you, but I have made promises that I haven't kept.  I may have had really good intentions, but for some reason I failed on the follow through.  I tried so hard with my children not to do that - to let my "Yes" be yes and my "No" be no.  I didn't want to be a promise breaker, but the simple fact is that at times I failed.

In the Bible it says that the Lord our God is One.  I am so thankful that God IS One...by that I mean that He is consistent, steady, never contradicting Himself, or changing His character. 

I am not that way.  I am duplicitous in nature - I can be deceptive in my behavior. I can be two fold our double.  One day I can be cheerful and generous.  The next day I might be moody and stingy.  One day I might make good on my promises and the next day I may fail.  Why?  Because I am made in God's image, but I am fallen and sinful. This double nature makes us/me different from God. 

There is nothing fallen or sinful about God, therefore He can be trusted to make good on His promises.

In my wanting to spend more time with God and be in His presence, I decided to delve a little deeper into some of my favorite and cherished promises from God in the Bible.  I invite you to slowly read God's promises.  Let them sink deep into your heart and I will share what nuggets of truth He revealed to me in my digging.  Concordance and Commentaries in hand, and prayers to the Holy Spirit for guidance, here's what I found:

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his mercies  never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  (Lamentations 3:22-23)

I am so thankful that every day is a new day.  Every day the slate is wiped clean.  God withholds His wrath, and instead pours out mercy with each sunrise.  Note that it says "mercies" which is plural.  God is faithful to ALL His covenant promises. 

Mercies = compassions, kindnesses, promises, great love

His faithfulness is beyond measure.  For you math majors - beyond infinity lol.

Because God IS love, all His actions are in keeping with His loving nature.  That's cause for great praise!

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  (Matthew 6: 31-33)

The pagan model of prayer was more of a "business partnership" with their gods.  Kind of like a contract:  If you do this then I'll do that.  Not so with the One true God.  He already knows our hearts, our thoughts, and what we need.  God is a Father who delights in meeting the needs of His people. He wants to meet your needs!

God wants a relationship of intimacy (Seek Him first), not a business partnership.  God desires that we seek Him first and He delights in taking care of the rest of our needs. Keep our focus stayed on him and seek being in right relationship with Him and He'll take care of the details.  We were made for intimacy with God.  He doesn't need our filthy rags of righteousness, He WANTS our hearts.  He wants your heart!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
(Jeremiah 29:11)

This is a favorite verse that is written in graduation cards.  I believe we are somehow mistaken when we think that God's plans to "prosper" us equate to material riches or everything working out wonderfully in this life. 

In this particular verse the word "prosper" is the Hebrew word "salom" or peace. 

salom =peace, well being, safety, feelings of satisfaction

God has plans to prosper us - to give us peace and a sense of well being and satisfaction.

Also, the Hebrew word for "future" is "ah rit" which means final destiny, at the end, on the other side (not in this lifetime).  We/I get upset with God when things don't work out well in this lifetime.  Not that God doesn't give us good things in this lifetime...He certainly does.  But, our ultimate peace, satisfaction, and well being will be when we reach the other side and are with Him in Heaven. 

I know I get caught up in always relating scripture to this lifetime.  God, however, has an eternal timeline that we would do well to stay focused on.  I can just hear God saying, "Hold on...the best is yet to come and it will all be worth the wait and the cost!" He is building a mansion in Heaven just for you!

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  (Matthew 11: 28-29)

As Jesus often does, I believe He is speaking on two different levels here.  The poor Jewish follower knew what it was like to be weary (kopiao) or physically tired from relentless hard labor of lifting burdens (or heavy loads).  This was often done by using a yoke. Like someone offering a weary laborer a cup of water - Jesus speaks of offering refreshment to this laborer. 

We may not be lifting heavy loads, literally, but we need rest and refreshment when we are tired from life's heavy burdens (emotional and mental as well as  physical).  Jesus is the only one who can give us the refreshment that we so desperately need. He's holding out the cup of water to you!

On another level, the Jewish people spoke of carrying the "yoke of God's law" (The Commandments).  Obeying the law could be hard work - carrying a heavy load with a yoke.  Jesus, here, is offering His yoke - the yoke of the New Covenant.  He tells the people that His yoke, unlike the old yoke, is easy and the load is light. 

We will find refreshment under the New Covenant of grace by Jesus' sacrificial offering of atonement for our sins. 

We are no longer under the load of the law...our load has been made much lighter by what Christ accomplished.  What pure refreshment that brings!!! Jesus' gentle and humble heart stoops low to lift the heavy yoke from our shoulders and replaces it with His yoke of love, grace, mercy, and compassion. He's offering this gentle yoke to you.  Will you take it on and leave legalism behind?

I am by no means a theological scholar.  My written word is not the gospel truth, but by digging into just these four promises from God, there is such great and deep truth to be mined.  These are just a few of the insights God revealed to me.  Every promise is filled to the brim with His great love for me/you.

As a lover of words, I love looking at the original Greek and Hebrew in which scripture was captured.  Also understanding some things about the culture, the times, and the history sheds a whole new light as well. 

I invite you to join me next week for Part II of Pondering God's Promises.  I can think of no better Valentine's gift to give yourself :)

Meanwhile I invite you to share your favorite promise(s) from God.  Maybe I'll dig into it for next week. 

Dear Heavenly Father,  I thank you that you are the One true God - that your character is constant and never changing.  I praise you that you are faithful and that I can count on your promises to me.  Great are ALL you promises - just like your mercies that are new every morning.  Thank you for your Word that speaks of your great love and compassion for me.  You know my heart even before I utter a word and before time began you already had a great plan for me to give me my one true hope of salvation.  Great is your faithfulness O Lord!!  I can never stop singing your praises.  Thank you for the peace, the refreshment, the intimacy, the love beyond measure that you offer to me.  May I know how fully I am blessed.  In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

Be blessed...



"Nothing terrifies a terrorist more than books in the hands of little girls."  (Bob Goff, Author of "Love Does")

Here at Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc. we are getting Bibles and textbooks into the hands of little girls (and boys) in the Middle East.  We are getting them off the streets and into Christ centered classrooms.  Just because a child is orphaned or impoverished doesn't mean that they don't deserve love and the hope that an education affords. 

Will you join us in our work of literally saving lives?  Check out our work thus far and our dreams at the "MISSIONS" tab.  So many in the world have turned their backs on these innocent children...will you help them know they are loved and raise them up to love others with the love of Jesus?

Send contributions (all sizes welcomed) to:

Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc.
103 Silver Lining Lane
Cary, NC  27513

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35 comments:

  1. Such wonderful and life-giving promises! We serve such a loving and amazing God!

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    1. Kathryn,
      Yes, you said it, life-giving!! When I feel so depleted and lifeless, turning to His wonderful promises restores life unto me! An amazing and loving God indeed!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  2. Hi Bev! What a great reminder of some of God's magnificent promises to us. He is so faithful to them and us even when we are not. Visiting today as your neighbor at #CoffeeforYourHeart.

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    1. Pam,
      I am SO glad that God is not just like me...He is ALWAYS faithful...I am not. So glad you popped in to visit! Welcome!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  3. I'm so grateful to have an intimate relationship with Him, rather than a business partnership! Beautiful, Bev! #livefreeThursday

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    1. Crystal,
      I think for many of us, it's a challenge to think that the God of the Universe wants to live in a loving and intimate relationship with me!! To be loved "just because" is a true gift!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  4. Terrific, Bev! The passages in Lamentations 3 are some of my favorite in Scripture {although it is hard to choose, isn't it!} Thanks for taking us there today ... new mercies every morning! How very blessed we are ...

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    1. Linda,
      It was really fun, and enlightening to dig into these promises I've read so many times before. It's just like God to have something new and beautiful to reveal. Always so good to have you here, friend!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  5. Dear Bev, These promises and your meditation on each one seemed like virtual stepping stones toward gratitude, hope, and joy. So uplifting! Thank you. My current favorite promise is from John 13:7. “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." Granted, it's not a well-known promise and definitely taken out of context, but God used this verse one morning to minister to me BIG time. I felt him speaking the words to me, regarding a situation I faced at the time. It was a holy goose-bump moment for sure!

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    1. Nancy,
      His promises and His words - when we let then speak to our heart - can bring goose-bumps. His word (constant through time) speaks to us just as powerfully in our moments as it did to His disciples a long time ago. Like the verse you quoted, I often need to be reminded to trust in the Lord and not to lean on my own understanding of what I see in the here an now. As for the future - God has that. That's where I can place my trust. Thanks so much for sharing your insights and experiences!
      Blessings to you sweet friend,
      Bev

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  6. I love how you break down scripture. Very rich post, Bev. Looking forward to Part 2. Much love. xoxo

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    1. Thanks Beth - as always for the encouragement. I love digging into scripture and into the nuances of words in Greek and Hebrew. This was a post that was fun and uplifting to do!
      Love and ((hugs)),
      Bev

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  7. I read recently how earth shattering Jesus' words were to both Jews and Gentiles that he encountered because he was talking about a God who was so PRESENT with his people. The Jews were used to worshiping a God who was accessible only in the temple and only by the high priest and only on a schedule of sacrifice. The Gentiles were used to worshiping gods who were interested only in themselves and . . . well you've read the myths too. We take so much for granted in the accesibilty we have to our great God.

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    1. Michele,
      Yes, Jesus was revolutionary in His teaching about God. He spoke of a God who was indeed present and wanted a close and intimate relationship with His people. We are His people, therefore, He wants that with us too - mind blowing really!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  8. Great post, neighbor. And, yes, God is the Giver of all the good things. Why wouldn't we want to be in an intimate relationship with Him? Thank you. Blessings to you!

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    1. Mari-Anna,
      Thanks for taking the time to stop by! Welcome! When we truly get to know God's loving heart, yes, why wouldn't we want to be in an intimate relationship with Him?
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  9. Oh, Bev! This is so good, and exactly what I am studying in my Priscilla Schrier #armorofgod study this week. I've missed your words, friend. I took an extended holiday due to a hand injury and now I'm suffering through pain in the other hand. Who knew a person could hurt themselves by typing too much. God is teaching me patience and balance, and the enemy has placed a big target on my back. But I'm not scared....

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    1. Sarah,
      So sorry to hear about your hands...so long sports injuries...hello writers cramps!! When you are working for the Lord and advancing His kingdom, the enemy does lock you in his crosshairs. Might I refer you back to my post, "When You're Under Attack". Praying for you to stay strong. We are all works in progress regarding patience and balance!
      Blessings to you,
      Bev xx

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  10. Thank you my dear friend. I needed to be reminded of these promises today.

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    1. You're welcome Barbie...always good to have you here!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  11. You chose such good promises. I love the promise in Lamentations - His mercies are new every morning. To know that I can start each new day with a clean slate makes it easier when I have messed up the day before. The Bible is full of promises so I'm not sure how you are going to be able to narrow it down next week!!! Hope your week is blessed!

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    1. I see we're neighbors at Holly's and Kelly's today. Love that we are hanging out together! :)

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    2. Hi blogosphere buddy lol,
      Always so good to be linked up next to you!! You're right...so many wonderful promises to choose from. I've got my work cut out for me!! You are in my thoughts and prayers sweet friend,
      Always,
      Bev xx

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  12. I love the promises Bev. One thing I've learned about you since reading your posts and comments. You love the Lord, you're consistent and you're dedicated. I admire that. Keep up the good fight!
    God bless!

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    1. Christy,
      That's one of the nicest and kindest things someone has said to me in a long time. Thank you for your sweet and uplifting words. I try my best and offer it up to the Lord...we'll keep up the good fight together!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  13. Beautiful promises, Bev. Just yesterday I was reading in Joshua, Not ONE of the promises the Lord made to Israel failed. ALL came to pass. (Betsy paraphrase.) Your post is reminding me again of all his promises. Fulfilled in Christ.

    And Christy is right, by the way! Keep up the good work!

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    1. Betsy,
      It was so good for me to go "mining" and be reminded of these wonderful promises to me/us. Praise that all the Lord's promises to Israel came to pass - not one failed.
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  14. So beautiful that God's mercies are new every morning. What a great God we have. Lamentations 3:22-23 really spoke to me. Thank you.

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    1. Rachel,
      I love Lamentations. Joining with you in thanking God that His mercies are, indeed, new every morning. Hope this morning is a good one for you, friend!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  15. Bev, thank you for this reminder. I can be really hard on myself sometimes, but God's grace is sufficient. It covers all those times I don't measure up and keeps me moving forward. And I can't think of a better Valentine's gift either. So thankful for you.

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    1. Abby,
      This Valentine's Day resist that urge to be hard on yourself and bask in these promises, by God, that say you are wonderful and of great worth to Him. You are wonderful to me too!!
      Blessings and hugs,
      Bev

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  16. I'm like you, Deb. I love to mine the truths of God like looking for gems to keep in my heart. I love all that you've mined for us here today and truly appreciate all the research and effort it took to write this post, my friend. You are a blessing to many!

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    1. Beth,
      When I dig into scripture, I find it's not work...it's like you said - uncovering gems!! And what beautiful gems they are! Thanks for your words of encouragement!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  17. There is so much wisdom here. I was especially encouraged by Jeremiah 29:11. What better thing than peace that passes understanding? God prospers me by guarding my heart and mind when I offer all of my burdens to Him, and while life may not change, I do. I gain His peace and joy. Thank you for your encouraging words today. Joining you from Coffee for Your Heart.

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    1. Debbie,
      Thanks for stopping by!! I, too, was comforted by the fact that God prospers me by giving me that peace that passes understanding as you pointed out!! Peace, now, and an eternal future with Him...now THAT's a promise!!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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