"What's your promise?" I said to my daughter as I peered over her shoulder to look at the promise card she was given. What's a promise?
Something you vow to someone? Evidently I take it for granted that God vows to do something for me at the start of the new year. The fact is He speaks all year round. But He chooses to honour the eagerness and anticipation around this time and I choose to wait at His feet with extra caution. Almost like the little child who tries to avoid being naughty especially around Christmas time.
It amazes me how the promises of God are always eternal. Take for instance the verse from Genesis 28:15
"Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”
Genesis 28:15 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/gen.28.15.NKJV
To me, it sounds like a lover's pledge. But the thing is, what has He spoken to me. For one , it is "I am the resurrection and the life." Or "I am your exceeding great reward." May be on a sober note, "Blessed are you when men shall revile and persecute you for my sake for great is your reward in heaven”
This is One true blessing that came from the mouth of God Himself. I wonder how gladly I accept it! Well, the disciples did for certain: when they had been beaten for preaching Jesus, they went back “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.”
This is One true blessing that came from the mouth of God Himself. I wonder how gladly I accept it! Well, the disciples did for certain: when they had been beaten for preaching Jesus, they went back “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.”
This is a revelation who God is and what it means to be His! Earlier on we are told, when they were just warned and let go, they were afraid and they prayed about it. This rejoicing, therefore is surely not humanly possible. No wonder Paul says the message of the cross seems foolish to many. But this is the promise. The apostles got it right as we hear Stephen speaking to his accusers, “But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt till another king arose who did not know Joseph. This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live.”
Acts 7:17-19 NKJV
http://bible.com/114/act.7.17-19.nkjv
I might just not understand why when the time of promise drew near and the people multiplied greatly, they did not become the super power and rule the world. But God’s promise is a true lover’s pledge. It comes to pass and stands firm during the toughest of times.
He clearly tells me what to expect- an abundant life with Him in the midst of death, hatred, dirty politics and confusion. He clearly shows me why I shall never lose hope. He is the one who has given His word to make me into what He wants me to be- as much as I allow Him. And I intend to wholly submit.
Acts 7:17-19 NKJV
http://bible.com/114/act.7.17-19.nkjv
I might just not understand why when the time of promise drew near and the people multiplied greatly, they did not become the super power and rule the world. But God’s promise is a true lover’s pledge. It comes to pass and stands firm during the toughest of times.
He clearly tells me what to expect- an abundant life with Him in the midst of death, hatred, dirty politics and confusion. He clearly shows me why I shall never lose hope. He is the one who has given His word to make me into what He wants me to be- as much as I allow Him. And I intend to wholly submit.
And this is why I am waiting eagerly for another promise, another revelation about this love this everlasting love that my Saviour has for me! Happy NewYear!
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