06.14.2023 God's Promise

That famous promise God gave Abraham—that he and his children would possess the earth—was not given because of something Abraham did or would do. It was based on God’s decision to put everything together for him, which Abraham then entered when he believed. If those who get what God gives them only get it by doing everything they are told to do and filling out all the right forms properly signed, that eliminates personal trust completely and turns the promise into an ironclad contract! That’s not a holy promise; that’s a business deal. A contract drawn up by a hard-nosed lawyer and with plenty of fine print only makes sure that you will never be able to collect. But if there is no contract in the first place, simply a promise—and God’s promise at that—you can’t break it.

Are you like Abraham, having great hope in the reality of God's promise in your life? As believers, we should be overflowing with God's promise in our lives. God's promise to Abraham was a one way gift, from God to Abraham. Abraham didn't do anything to earn it or fulfill it. It was a 1000% gift from God to Abraham. It was a 1000% commitment from God to Abraham. God would not fail Abraham. The only requirement on Abraham's part was that it would be necessary to trust God to fulfill this unbelievable promise in His time and in His way.

Do you believe in God's promise to you? Do you believe that God has a wonderful life planned for you as a member of His family? He's gifted you uniquely with talents, abilities and the people He's put into your life story. He's gifted you by putting brothers and sisters in Christ along side you. If you are married, He's gifted you a partner for life, to love and to cherish, to care for in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. If you've been gifted children, He's blessed you and entrusted you to help grow His creation. If you haven't received children, you are still a strong loving influencer of others around you as an aunt or uncle, big brother or coach/mentor.

I want to take you back to Pastor Eric's message of June 4th. Do you remember his visual for representing the Triune God? Please reflect back on that powerful visual message. I'd ask you to prayerfully reflect on this: How has the Holy Spirit poured into your life through others? I'd also ask you to prayerfully reflect on how you have poured your life into others? I pray that you are looking for opportunities going forward to join Him in pouring yourself into other's lives. When you do this, you've experienced His promise once again, just as Abraham did.

 Dear Abba, You amaze me each and every day through the gifts You have given me. May You guide my thoughts, words and actions each day so that I may be the gift that You desire me to be to others. In Your Holy Name, I love You! Amen

Trusting God completely means having faith that He knows what is best for your life. You expect Him to keep His promises, help you with problems, and do the impossible when necessary.

There are no coincidences in life. What person that wandered in and out of your life was there for some purpose, even if they caused you harm. Sometimes, it doesn’t make sense the short periods of time we get with people, or the outcomes from their choices. However, if you turn it over to God he promises that you will see the big picture in the hereafter. Nothing is too small to be a mistake.