Promise for Today - In His Image

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them...

Genesis 1:27-28a NKJV

God has a reason, a design and a plan for everything He creates. We may not know or understand a large part of it, but that doesn't matter. Mankind was created in His likeness.

The original plan was that our nature would be like His, but it didn't take us long to fall, did it? One thousand, one hundred, eighty-nine chapters in the Bible, and by chapter 3, we'd already fallen. The fallen nature of man just wants to be blessed. And in our fallen nature, we started the "What about me?" saga. It doesn't want to work for it, to have to earn it - it's that whole I-didn't-ask-to-be-born-You-owe-me selfish, self-focused and self-consumed attitude.

The good news is that those who choose to follow God, to walk in Christ's footsteps - to pick up their Cross and be redeemed from the curse of sin - they can once again be the image of God. The redeemed nature wants to give and to bless others. That's following God. He's not asking us to do anything He hasn't already done Himself. You see, He gave us our very breath of life and then He gave us the opportunity for Life abundantly through the death of His Son. He gave - after we had already fallen.

"For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds." Titus 2:11-14

Prayer:

Father,
          We want to be more like You. Redeem us unto every good work, Father, according to Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - You Think You Know

All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”

Acts 9:21 NLT

Saul of Tarshish. You had to have known him. He studied under Gamaliel. He had all the respected heritage and lineage. He was known! And he pursued and persecuted followers of Christ! He had them chained and dragged back to Jerusalem to throw them into prison for perpetrating the Way. That's what he called following Christ (who also called Himself the Way, the Truth and the Life). How many times they asked, "Isn't he the one who is arresting followers?" Isn't this the same one? They knew of him, but they didn't want to know him.

Saul thought he knew all about Jesus until he met Him on the Damascus Road. And then knowing Jesus in Truth turned Saul's life upside down and completely around.

The hometown folk questioned Jesus, too, when He was among them. Scripture tells us they were amazed at His wisdom and His power to do miracles, and yet because they knew him, they scoffed, "Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?" Matthew 13:55. And the rest of the verse tells us, "they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him..." because they thought they knew Him.

But they didn't recognize the Messiah, the Son of the living God, our Rock and Redeemer, Saviour and King, our Hope, our Peace and Light of the World, Lord of lords, the Great I Am. You think you know Someone... do you?

Prayer:

Father,
          Open our eyes to see You in all Your glory! Unveil our sight so that we may see past our finite view. We want to know You in Your fullness. We want to know You as You want to be known. We want to know You more. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Promise for Today - Keep the Flame Burning Brightly

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
Isaiah 42:3 NLT

Candles are still very popular, and they continue to gain in popularity. Did you know you can purchase a candle that smells like dirt? Truly! And if you like food-scented candles, how about trying the pizza, popcorn, bacon, nachos, coffee, or cotton candy candles? And those who are into the great outdoors but can't get there through work or weather, these will carry you through - lawn mower clippings scent, campfire candle, pigskin candle, or s'mores. And how about this? A Hippie-scented candle - I can't even imagine what would go into that, and I'm not sure I want to know! 

Whatever the scent, no matter if it's 2 for a dollar or $40 a candle, none of them burn without a wick. And the wick has to be properly maintained for the candle to do all it's supposed to do and for the time it's supposed to do it. FYI - Wicks should be trimmed to 1/4 inch before each time the candle is lit. The reason is that carbon accumulates on the end of a wick and can weigh the wick to one side so that the candle burns unevenly. That nobby of carbon on the end of the wick can also prevent oxygen from getting to the flame, or if the wick gets too long, it cannot draw wax all the way up to the top. Both can cause the flame to go out because the wick itself will then start to burn, which also produces the black soot. It gets ugly rather quickly.

I know you don't need a lesson in candle care, and you might be asking what all this has to do with anything in the eternal weight of things. Well, I can't seem to get away from today's Scripture. I keep seeing the smoldering wick of someone who is overwhelmed by life, the person who sees no way out, the smoldering wick of a life that has borne much pain, and wants to believe someone cares - that they matter. They want to believe... and we glance over and think, "They're okay, I still see some light..."

You know who they are - they're burning themselves out and spewing soot all over everything around them, where once they burned brightly, cleanly. Now, there's that faint red glow on the wick that's burning itself out, no light left, just a little smoke because it's drowning. However, if they could just get a little breath of life blown their way to feed the flame... or get a little help to get rid of the weighty carbon nobs of accumulated sin so they can once again draw from the wellspring of life to keep the light burning.

Does that make any sense? Have you seen them? Is it you?

Wicks have to be tended for the candle to maintain a clean flame. Each candle is created to burn for a certain length of time, and that time is NOT accomplished if the wick is not tended properly. And if they don't burn for the length of time for which they were created, how many will not see the Light? Let us care for each other and keep the flame burning.

Prayer:

Father,
         Please, trim what needs to be trimmed in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Breathe Your breath of Life on us to fan the flame of Your Light to the world. As this world becomes darker, Father, cause our flame of fervor for Your Truth to burn ever more brightly so that all are drawn to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - The Heart Knows

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.

1st Thessalonians 4:16-18 NLT

Have you ever watched the YouTube videos of soldiers returning to their families? From the youngest to the oldest, the depth of honesty in their response is overwhelming. All pretense, any pride for the sake of appearances, and all self-consciousness are thrown aside, and what you experience is the intense integrity of the love and the long-anticipated reunion... and I cry every time with the overwhelming emotion of it.

In every situation imaginable, people are going on with their day-to-day living, doing whatever they need to do to cross one more day off the calendar toward that homecoming, but inside is that deep longing, the on-the-edge gnawing awareness that a part of you is missing and will soon be coming back. And the closer the day looms, even when you don't know the exact date, the more you feel it. The heart knows...But it's very clear in those videos whose hearts are involved and who are just observers...

Are we anticipating the return of Christ in that same manner? Are we crossing off the days that make it one day closer to His return? We don't have the exact date, but we know it's soon. Can't you feel it? The heart knows... Is your heart involved or are you just an observer? Will it be a grand reunion or grave regret? The choice is still yours. He loves you. Give Him your heart today.

Prayer:

Father,
           Our hearts are responding to Your most famous act of love - You loved us so much that You gave Your only Son, so that whoever would believe in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. How extraordinary that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and we believe in our heart that You raised Him from the dead, we will be saved. We can hardly stand to wait much longer. I know You're the only One who knows when You will send Jesus so we can be reunited. Even so, come quickly, Lord! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - The Familiar Phase

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV

I stand amazed at what God teaches me through the eyes and hearts of my grandchildren; perhaps because my heart is the least guarded and the most full when I am with them.

I remember years ago when my youngest granddaughter had gotten hurt during gym class and she was not happy. She was also upset at the thought that it might take a few days to feel her best again. We had just left the Chick-fil-A drive-through line during this part of the discussion, when she asked if we could drive by her old house since we were so close. Yes, we would drive by, but no, we were not stopping.

When we turned onto the street, she started naming neighbors and pointing to their houses. At that time, she was smart beyond her five short years and proclaimed, "There's my old house, Granna! All of my memories are there... I miss my old house. "
I slowed the car a little and she said, "It doesn't look the same..." which presented the perfect opportunity for a teaching moment.
"That's because you don't live there anymore, Baby. Your memories are of Mommy and Daddy, and MawMaw and PawPaw, and all that love, but they don't live there anymore, either. You wouldn't want to live in the house without your Mom and Dad, right?" And she agreed.

How many times do we do something similar? We get hurt and we want to run back to what's familiar - an old relationship, an old habit, the way we used to live - whether or not it's good for us. The "new house" might seem like a wilderness, but the good news is that God is aware of that. He promised to make a way in that wilderness. He promised to make life-giving streams in the wasteland of new. He wrote it all down so we wouldn't forget. You don't want to go back there and be without God the Father...

Revelation 21:5 tells us, He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

It's our Promise for Today - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!"

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for making a way for us in the wilderness and for providing life-giving streams in what feels like a wasteland. Thank You that all Your Words are trustworthy and true. Help us to keep moving forward and to keep our eyes on You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Worth Repeating - Because We Were There

You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

Psalm 32:7 NKJV

This afternoon, I watched again The Hiding Place - the story of the ten Boom family as told by Cornelia "Corrie" ten Boom. There are many things that amaze me about this testimony of their lives. Still, I rejoice that the Holy Spirit reveals more Truth each time I watch it (which isn't often, because I cannot bear to dwell on the horrors that people without Christ are able to inflict upon other humans).

Today, I realized on a whole new level that the true hiding place was not the home where the ten Booms hid and helped hundreds of Jews to escape. It started way before that! One cannot face such atrocities and live to testify and teach of God's love and forgiveness unless one is living God's Word. The truest Hiding Place is the triune Godhead, where the ten Boom family had already hidden their hearts and lives with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:2-3 NKJV, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Psalm 119:11 NKJV, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You."

Betsie ten Boom said to her sister and then made Corrie promise to tell the world,
"No pit is so deep that He [God] is not deeper still. They will believe us because we were here (in Ravensbrück Death Camp)."It is in the darkest places that the Light of God shines brightest. The Light of His love HAS overcome... It will for you, too, if you choose to let it. If you struggle to forgive, inhale His Word and breathe out His love.

Where have you been that God has kept you? Tell it! They will believe you because you've been there...

Corrie closed the film with this quote, "With Jesus - even in our darkest moments - the best remains, and the very best is yet to be!" Praise His Holy Name!

Prayer:

Father,
           Help us to see Your hand in all things. Help us to see as Corrie saw that "This is what the past is for! Every experience [You] give us, every person [You] put in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only [You] can see." May our lives be lived to Your perfection! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - (Guest author) Waiting Well

But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.
James 1:4 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

Patience is extremely important for people who want to glorify God and enjoy their lives. If we are impatient, the situations we encounter in life will certainly cause us to react emotionally.

The next time you have to wait on something or someone, instead of just reacting, try reminding yourself, "Getting upset will not make this go any faster, so I might as well enjoy the wait." Then perhaps say out loud, "I am developing patienceas I wait, so I am thankful in this situation." If you do that, you will be acting on the Word of God rather than reacting to the unpleasant circumstance.

Remember, patience is a fruit of the Spirit that God wants to develop in your life [note: see Galatians 5:22-23 ESV]. Don't merely think about how hard and frustrating it is, but think about how blessed you can be as you learn the art of waiting well.

Prayer:

Father,
          I am grateful that You have planted patience in my spirit and that through You, I can react properly to any situation. Help me today and every day to exercise patience in all things. *************In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Devotion from Joyce Meyer's "The Power of Being Thankful"

Promise for Today - Crowd or Core (guest author)

Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him. 

Mark 3:13 NLT

When crowds are drawn together, either by something sensational or by the offer of something free, they can be extremely difficult to handle! Then the inner drive of the individual to be first, to see all there is to see, or to get all there is to get, multiplied by a few thousand, becomes a practically irresistible force. They can be very fickle, too. If they receive what they are seeking, they can be adulatory, but if they are denied or disappointed, they may become ugly in a flash.

The “huge crowd” (Mark 3:7) that followed Jesus as He headed for the lake was liable to get out of hand, and Jesus knew it. People were eager to touch Him in a quest for healing, but there were also many deranged people and people driven by demonic forces. No doubt some of Jesus’ avowed enemies were in the crowd, too. In other words, the situation was potentially explosive. So Jesus quietly asked the disciples to ensure that a boat was made available “in case he was crowded off the beach” (verse 9).

When the day’s ministry passed without incident, Jesus made His way into the hills and “called the ones he wanted to go with him” (3:13), so that they might become “his regular companions” (3:14). In all probability, they had little idea what Jesus expected of them, but they soon found out.

First and foremost, he was looking for “a few good men” who would put a personal relationship with Him at the top of their agenda. So “they came to Him”  - not to an institution, not to a movement, but to a Person who would capture their hearts, change their lives, and become their reason for being. Jesus became their Savior, their Lord, their friend, their leader—their very life. This was their calling, and to this they responded.

The center of the disciples’ call was companionship with Jesus, but the circumference was a commission to serve the world. They would be given the task of spreading the message of Christ, fueled by their personal experience of Him, preaching His kingdom in ever-widening circles to the ends of the earth (see Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). This commission was not without cost, however, since many of them died a martyr’s death.

Jesus had His crowds, but he worked primarily through a core group. There is fickleness in a crowd, but faithfulness in the core—with the sad exception of Judas Iscariot. There is momentum in a mob that can easily get out of control, while there is drive and direction in a dedicated nucleus that is not easily diverted from its purpose. Where there is no dedicated core, the crowd rules—how unruly! Where there is a committed core, the core controls the action. Jesus showed us that Truth - and the church dare not forget it!

In a world where bigger is often automatically regarded as better, the church should not forget that it is not difficult to attract a crowd of spectators. The real challenge is to call out a core of committed believers.

Guest author - Stuart Briscoe

****************

Prayer:

Father,

           We want to be Your core of committed believers, following Your Word and Your Way. Help us, Father, to cast aside anything that is not of You and anything that would hinder our commitment to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Measure for Immeasurable Measure

…with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
Matthew 7:2b NKJV

I know people who cook by throwing a little of this and a pinch of that and a shake or two of the other and voila! Perfection… I’m not one of those people. In my whole life, I can count on one hand (with fingers left over) the number of times I’ve actually produced something edible using that method. However, give me a recipe with measurements and I’m good to go. Sometimes I even increase the measure of a certain ingredient or two to enrich the flavor. I feel confident doing that because I know the base measurement.

I understand how important measurements are, and not just in cooking. I used to be a carpenter. You’d better know how to read a tape measure AND have one suited for the job. A 36-inch door will not fit in a 35½-inch frame. Oh, it may hang, but it won’t close. Nor will a six-foot, flimsy tape measure be the best help when building an eight- or ten-foot anything.

I've been thinking about the immeasurable amounts of God’s astoundingly generous grace and munificent mercy in my life. It overwhelms me. I am humbled beyond measure when I take the time to consider what God has done for me. And then I considered the times I’ve had less-than-loving thoughts for or about others – the grudgingly-offered grace or the miserly measure of mercy I bestowed. Throwing a little of this and a pinch of that…

God set the base measurement for mercy and grace. He gave His all for all. Should we do less? We need to be able to read His measure so that we have what we need to do the tasks that have been assigned to us. Measure for immeasurable measure.

Prayer:

Father,
           You are measureless. Your footsteps too large, Your love too much, except by Your grace. Help us to live and give our lives by Your measure. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Promise for Today - The Way to Your Happy Place

My child, do not forget what I teach you. Always think carefully about my commands. If you obey them, you will live a long life. You will have peace in your mind. And you will enjoy your life.
Keep hold of faithful love. That will be like a beautiful necklace that you always wear. Think about what it means to love other people. If you do that, you will make God happy. People will also be pleased and they will respect you.

Proverbs 3:1-4 EASY

Trust in the Lord completely. Do not think that you understand things well enough for yourself. Whatever you are doing, remember that the Lord is with you. Then he will show you the right way to go.

Do not think that you are already wise enough. Obey the Lord and refuse to do evil things. If you do that, it will make you healthy and strong.

Show that you respect the Lord in the way that you use your money. Offer the first part of the harvest from your farm to him. If you do that, you will store more food than you need for yourself. You will have more wine than you can drink.

My child, if the Lord warns you that you have done something wrong, accept it. Do not be upset if he warns you. He is doing it because he loves you. When a father loves his son very much, he warns him when he does something wrong.

Anyone who finds wisdom is in a happy place! So is the person who has learned to understand things.

Wisdom helps people better than silver or gold will ever help them.

Wisdom is more valuable than the most expensive jewels. Nothing that you might want for yourself is as good as wisdom.

Wisdom is ready to give you a long life. She will also give you riches and honour.

Wisdom will be your guide through a happy life. She will lead you in ways that keep you safe. Wisdom is like a tree with fruits that give life to the people who pick them. The Lord blesses everyone who keeps hold of wisdom.

The Lord used wisdom to create the earth. He understood the right way to create the heavens. He used his knowledge to pour water from under the earth into the rivers and seas. He caused the clouds to send down rain.

My child, always keep hold of wisdom and a good mind. Make sure that you keep them safe. They will give you strength in life. You will enjoy life, like a beautiful necklace that you wear.

You will be safe as you travel through life. There will be no danger to make you fall down. When you lie down to sleep, you will not be afraid. You will sleep well with peace in your mind. You will not be frightened of any trouble that might surprise you. Trouble may destroy wicked people, but you will know that you are safe. The Lord is the one who will take care of you. He will protect you, so that no danger can hurt you. 

Do not refuse to help those people who need help. If you are able to help them, do it! If you can give your neighbour the help that he needs, do not say to him, ‘Go away! Come back tomorrow, and then I will help you.’

Do not think of ways to hurt your neighbour. You should help him to trust you.

Do not quarrel with other people if they have done nothing to hurt you. You have no reason to accuse them of anything wrong.

Do not be jealous of cruel people. Do not try to copy the things that they do. The Lord hates wicked people. But he makes righteous people his friends.

The Lord curses the homes of wicked people, but he blesses the homes of righteous people. The Lord laughs at proud people who laugh at other people. But he is kind to humble people.

Wise people will receive honour. But fools will only have shame.  

Verses 5-35

Prayer:

Father, 

         Help us to keep our eyes open and focused on You. To walk only where You lead us. To bless and help those who need help. Keep our hearts softened to Your will and way. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

Promise for Today - Remembering to Rebuild the Landmarks

But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.
Deuteronomy 4:9 NLT

My Pastor taught about it today - I am struck by the importance of passing down to the generations what God has done. I am reminded of how precious memories become when memories of someone are all we have left. We tell ourselves we'll never forget, but we do.

We rarely build physical landmarks to remind us of what God did "in that place on that day." But the older I get, the more I think about who will tell the stories of what God has done for us. It's important for our children to know. It's more important for our grandchildren to know. It's most important that we remember and give God the honor and praise that's due to Him!

I have begun to ask the Holy Spirit to bring all things to my remembrance so that I may testify of God's faithfulness to me, to my children and grandchildren. I want to write them down and put them in a binder for easy access to all the generations of my family. I want my heavenly Father to get His proper due and I want the generations to know of His wondrous works in the history of their lives. We must remember the times...

Prayer:

Father,
          We pray Your Word* - Take us by the hand. Lead us down the path of Your Truths. Mark the milestones of Your mercy and love, God, and rebuild the ancient landmarks in our lives. Let Your Name and faithfulness be glorified in our generations. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

*Psalm 25:6 The Message

Worth the Repeat - In Silence

The man gazed at her in silence to learn whether the LORD had prospered his journey or not.
Genesis 24:21 ESV

This is an amazing chapter in the life of Abraham, his son, Isaac, and Eliezer, his servant.

Abraham sent Eliezer to find a wife for Isaac. He gave him very explicit instructions and prayed that God would prosper Eliezer in his journey (make it successful). When the servant arrived in the region, he prayed to the God of Abraham with very explicit requests for what the girl would do in order to make his journey successful. No sooner had he finished the words in his heart when Rebekah showed up at the well and began to do what Eliezer had silently prayed. 19 'When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw water for your camels also, until they HAVE FINISHED drinking.” 20 So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran again to the well to draw water, and she drew for ALL his camels.' [emphasis mine]

I did some research on this. Camels drink between 30 and 50 gallons of water at a time depending on whether they have one hump or two (even though they don't carry the water in their humps). So Rebekah drew water for 10 camels! Now 5 gallons of water weighs about 41.5 lbs so if she only drew 300 gallons that would weigh 2,490 lbs or 1 1/4 US tons. If they were the two-hump ones at 50 gallons per camel, that's 500 gallons which would be 4,150 lbs- over 2 US tons of weight in carrying water!! How many trips do you make to fill that trough? It was no easy task, that's for sure.

When he saw that she also began to water his camels, he could have said something and acknowledged her work, but he "gazed in silence to learn..." He could have settled for good enough when she filled the trough the first time, instead he "gazed in silence to learn..." For how long? I have no idea how long that took, do you?

Do we have the patience to wait "in silence to learn" - to see the promise of God fulfilled in its entirety?

Prayer:

Father,
           Teach us well how to hold our tongue. To wait in silence before You so that we may learn... Our lives are in Your hands. It is not in us to direct our own steps—we need You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - As We See It

Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.
Matthew 7:15-20 NLT

Look at that piece of fruit - it looks SO good! You can't wait to sink your teeth into it. You pick it up and find that the hidden side is rotten, bruised, or has a wormhole. You can't go by looks. Looks are deceiving.

It's the same with people we meet. Or teachers we might listen to - whether online or in person. And that's much more dangerous and harmful. They might look good. They might even smile, but the point Christ makes in this passage is that we must examine the fruit. Do their words line up with God's Word? Are they consistent? Does their lifestyle portray God's love and seek after His holiness? Are they transparent in their walk with the Lord?

Do NOT be deceived by the way something or someone looks and/or by empty promises.

Prayer:

Father,
          We pray for the gift of discerning the spirits, whether they be false or of You, as included in 1 Corinthians 12:10. Holy Spirit, lead us into all Truth, and do not let us be deceived. As we spend time with You and Your Word, help us to rightly divide the words of Truth to share with others. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Who is He to You?

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Matthew 16:13-16 NKJV

Have you ever stopped to define exactly who or what Jesus is to you? I mean, in your own words - based on your history with Him; your relationship?

Is He more than an icon of the church? More than the Man whose body is depicted on the Cross? Who is He to you in the good times of your life? Is He different for you in the bad times? Do you talk to Him more in the bad times than you do in the good times - or vice versa?

Is He more than words on the pages of your Bible? Is He more than Someone you read about? Is He more than the One we sing about at church? Have you ever personally sung Him a love song?

How many times has He just shown up with exactly what you needed when you had no idea how it could or would happen?

He is indeed the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Do you have favorite memories of Him?

What do you say - Who do you think He is? Who is He to you?

Prayer:

Father,
           There are so many imitations, substitutions, false representations of You and Your precious Son. Holy Spirit of Truth and wisdom, guide us past ALL that is not of You. Open the eyes of Your people to see You, and open our hearts to know You for who You are. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - It Ain't Easy

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32

Forgiveness. It ain't easy. Whether real or perceived, offenses happen. What we do with them determines how we live from that moment on... unless we choose - yes, choose! - to forgive. Unforgiveness casts a shadow and colors everything we do. Matthew 6:14 NLT tells us, "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you." That sounds easy. However, verse 15 explains, "But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." We tend to want to hold on to the offenses so we can still be angry. The Word tells us that he who angers you controls you. We cannot walk in freedom unless we choose to forgive. It ain't easy. It takes a lot of practice.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to grouse, gripe and grumble? Carp, complain and criticize? Sometimes it's so stinking easy that you catch yourself in the middle of doing it before you even realize you started. I hate it when that happens. Wouldn't it be just as easy to look for the good in something rather than the bad? Wouldn't it be just as easy to smile as smirk? Wouldn't it be easier to love our neighbors as ourselves if we looked for their gifts rather than focusing on their guilt? If we made a practice of giving instead of goading? Oh, I know, I know... that's HARD! It doesn't happen easily unless we practice...

We practice a lot of things in an effort to improve how we look and how we are perceived by those around us. Many people are motivated by not wanting to be judged. These thoughts determine even what we wear. God's Word gives us great instruction for what to wear. Colossians 3:12-14 The Message, "So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."

Wear love. There cannot be love without forgiveness. It ain't easy, but through Christ, all things are possible.

Prayer:

Father,
           According to Your Word, Since we have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, help us to throw off our old, sinful nature and our former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes. Help us to put on our new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. And to walk in forgiveness. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Cutting Covenant

Then the Lord told him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession.”

But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, how can I be sure that I will actually possess it?”

The Lord told him, “Bring me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” So Abram presented all these to him and killed them. Then he cut each animal down the middle and laid the halves side by side; he did not, however, cut the birds in half. 

After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses. So the Lord made a covenant with Abram that day and said, “I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt to the great Euphrates River..."
Genesis 15:7-10, 17-18 NLT

"So the Lord made a covenant with Abram..." The phrase "to cut a covenant" comes from this practice, where BOTH parties would walk between the divided parts, invoking a curse upon themselves if they failed. This was covenant sealed with the shedding of blood. 

The ritual of cutting an animal in two and walking between the severed pieces communicated that a person was pledging their very life to fulfill their promise. Astonishingly, none other than God, in the form of a burning torch, walked the path between the severed pieces. God had made a promise to Abram, and now, with this ritual, He was telling the terrified man, "I pledge My own life for the keeping of My promise. I am willing to suffer and die in order to follow through with My love for you and all the peoples of the earth. I am a God who keeps a covenant at any and all cost to Myself." (Excerpts from Strong's Concordance)

Throughout history, mankind has failed and continues to fail in the promises we make to God. This extraordinary act of inexpressible love and care - God's unique passage as a smoking oven and flaming torch in Genesis 15 - showed He took the curse upon Himself, guaranteeing His unbreakable promise. 

The ritual foreshadowed the Cross, where God's promise was sealed by Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice, who took the penalty for us because of our inability to keep our part of the covenant.  Mark 14:24 NKJV,  And He [Jesus] said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many." He fulfilled it and sealed it for all eternity in the Crucifixion; Jesus' body broken and spilled out for us. 

Prayer:

Father,

          We pray as Paul prayed. For this reason we bow our knees to You, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that You would grant us, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with might through Your Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith; that we, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that we may be filled with all the fullness of God.
       Now to You who can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to You be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Promise for Today - Salt and Light

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
Matthew 5:13 ESV

What does it mean to be "salt of the earth" in today's world? These are people who are honest and reliable, humble and genuine, hardworking and trustworthy. The kind of people you're glad to know. Oftentimes, someone who mentors others just by the way they live their day-to-day lives. That's who we're supposed to be. Jesus said so.

In biblical times, salt was used to preserve food and also to add flavor to it. Translated, that would mean that followers of Christ are meant to slow down moral and spiritual decay in society. The example we set as Christians adds richness and goodness to life, making things better.

But what happens if the salt has lost its taste? (In other words, what if there are lies and dishonesty? Betrayal? Moral failure?)
As Christ followers, verse 14 tells us we are the light of the world. A city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. Light to shine for all to see. In the same mode as salt of the earth. Verse 16 instructs us that "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

We are called to be salt and light, to be ambassadors above reproach to lead others to Christ.

Prayer:

Father,
           Help us to clearly understand Your directives for our lives so we may be a light that shines to show others the path to You. Keep us ever mindful of the responsibility to bring honor and glory to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Almost

After 150 days, exactly five months from the time the flood began, the boat came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. Two and a half months later, as the waters continued to go down, other mountain peaks became visible.

After another forty days, Noah opened the window he had made in the boat and released a raven. The bird flew back and forth until the floodwaters on the earth had dried up. He also released a dove to see if the water had receded and it could find dry ground. But the dove could find no place to land because the water still covered the ground. So it returned to the boat, and Noah held out his hand and drew the dove back inside. After waiting another seven days, Noah released the dove again. This time the dove returned to him in the evening with a fresh olive leaf in its beak. Then Noah knew that the floodwaters were almost gone. He waited another seven days and then released the dove again. This time it did not come back.

Noah was now 601 years old. On the first day of the new year, ten and a half months after the flood began, the floodwaters had almost dried up from the earth. Noah lifted back the covering of the boat and saw that the surface of the ground was drying. Two more months went by, and at last the earth was dry! Then God said to Noah, “Leave the boat..."

Genesis 8:3b - 16a NLT

Nearly. Just about. Approximately. Close to. All but. Not quite. Almost - conveying the meaning of being very near to a state of completion, but without fully reaching it. We think only of it raining for 40 days and 40 nights, just shy of 6 weeks, completely overlooking the timeline of the ark adventure. In reality, it stretched out over a year, floating in a vessel that included pairs of every kind of animal and bird known to mankind. Cargo that had to be fed and cared for by the 8 passengers onboard. AND there's nothing in Scripture that says God caused all the animals to be unable to make a sound. So, I think it's safe to say it was not your normal cruise line...

Five months later, the ark landed on the mountains of Ararat. The earth was still flooded. There was no getting off. So, they were there for another two and a half months before they saw other mountain peaks. Another almost 6 weeks before Noah initiated the first fly-by. 

Three weeks later, and it was New Year's Day. Just think about how many people you know who were SO ready to begin a new year just a few days ago. They would want off that boat... but not yet, because the floodwaters had not dried up. Almost, but not quite. Two more months of watching the ground dry.

How many times do we find ourselves in situations where God has led us to fulfill His purpose and plan for us, but we're 6 weeks in, and we're done with the waiting? Or arrive in 5 months and have to wait for 2½ more months before we see any indication that we're moving forward? Would we jump off in the mud, or would we wait obediently for God's direction to leave the boat? 

We're ALMOST there. Wait just a little longer...

Prayer:

Father,

           We thank You for having the Master Plan. We confess we do not always understand, but this we know. You are God. You are faithful and trustworthy, All-Powerful, and All-Knowing. Impart Your wisdom and understanding to us. Give us Your Strength to see this through to the end of the age. We give You all praise and glory in Jesus' Name. Amen

Promise for Today - He Answered

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
Psalm 3:3-4 ESV

King David was on the run to hide from his son, Absalom. And in verses 1 and 2, his focus is on how many are his foes and their taunts, declaring that his God will never help him. Then there's a shift. David's spirit rises up within him, and he remembers who and what God is. No matter how many enemies! No matter the situation! No matter how overwhelming the circumstances seem!

It's so hard when we find ourselves in situations that are overwhelming, when the enemy of our souls reminds us of our past sins and mistakes, and keeps piling on the guilt and shame. satan wants us to think that no one can see or hear the trouble we're in. There's no help for us. We'll have to go it alone. LIES!! That's why it's SO important to read and know God's Word so we can know God and all that He is to us, for us, and in us.

"But You, O Lord, are a Shield about me, my Glory, and the Lifter of my head." Protection and salvation from the enemy, lifting our heads above what's trying to drown us. Lifting up our heads so we can see His glory and call out to Him for help.

I know it can be hard to ask for help. Not everyone hears the cry. And some who hear don't or won't answer. But our Promise for Today? "I cried aloud to the Lord, and He answered me from His holy hill."

Yes! The Lord hears and answers. Selah (pause and think about that!)

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for Your written Word - the perfect reference manual to learn about You and to know who You are and who You want to be in our lives. Give us a clear understanding of it and write it on our hearts, Father, lest we forget. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Refreshed

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25 NLT

Even though we have more ways to communicate than any other generation before us, isolation has disrupted our lives in ways we never imagined could happen in the 21st century. French philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote, "All of humanity’s problems stem from the man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone." I don't know about all of humanity's problems, but I do know that the quarantine and social distancing took a toll on people's relationships.

While the world is calling for people to be kind and to check in with and care for those within their sphere of influence, as Christians, we should be leading the charge. We are called to love as Christ loved and gave Himself for others. Are we doing that? Unfortunately, I have heard many say they themselves are weary of everything and haven't the energy to give to others.

So, have we let our relationship with the Lord languish, too? If we're not spending time with Him, in His Word, we won't be filled with anything worth giving to others. To that, I have to say, get plugged in again. January is a great time to start with a new Bible reading plan. Acts 3:19 tells us times of refreshing come from being in the presence of the Lord. 

I think I would have to amend Monsieur Pascal's statement to read, "All of humanity’s problems stem from the man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone WITH GOD." The world needs to be refreshed. Let's get to it.

Prayer:

Father,
          According to Your Word in Acts 3:18, we repent and turn back to You so that our sins will be removed, and so that times of refreshing will stream from Your presence. Open our eyes to see those around us who are in need of being refreshed. Give us divine appointments, we pray. In Jesus' Name. Amen

The Annual New Year Promise for Today

NOTE: The Promise for Today has been offline for the month of December because I had surgery on December 1st. I'm recovering nicely and looking forward to sharing with you again.

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...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...
Joshua 24:15b NKJV

New Year's Day marks the anniversary of the first Promise for Today that I sent to a handful of friends and family members in 1996. When I first started sending out the Promise, I used other people's devotions from books I had. Sometimes, I would elaborate and add my own comments. Those of you who know me know that written words are my passion... but I started with the works of others.

Eleven years later, my beloved former pastor, Doc (Dr. Howard O. Jameson) challenged me to step up, to make it personal and write from my heart about how God's Word affects me, rather than from someone else's heart and perspective. It has been the most challenged commitment of my life.

The Promise started with the following excerpt from Max Lucado's book, "When God Whispers Your Name". Every year, I send it out as the first Promise of the New Year to remind us of our choices.
Max Lucado writes:

It's quiet. It's early. The coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.

For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I am free to choose. And so I choose.

I Choose Love ... No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I Choose Joy ... I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical ... the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I Choose Peace ... I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I Choose Patience ... I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I Choose Kindness ... I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I Choose Goodness ... I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I Choose Faithfulness ... Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I Choose Gentleness ... Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I Choose Self-Control ... I am a spiritual being ... After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

Prayer:

Father,
           We choose You. Thank You for the power of Your Word to change our lives and our choices for how we live the life You have given us. In this New Year, please give us the courage to walk in the conviction of Your Word. Father, we ask that You guide us in EACH step of life. I pray Your provision and protection over those You have allowed me to touch with Your Word. Let us be ever mindful of You, Lord, the Author and Finisher of our faith. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen