The Promise

My devotional today stated that a promise is valuable only if the one making it is trustworthy. I can agree with that. 

      I was raised to follow-up whenever I made a promise to do something. In fact, the definition of a promise is a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen. 

     Have you ever had a friend tell you he would do something, but it never got done? What a disappointment! I was told one time in a program I was involved to “not expect and you would not be disappointed.” That is true, but it takes away from the hope of completion. 

     So, what should I do when I make a promise?

 

P roceed with what I stated I would do

R ise up and getting started with what I promised to do

O vercome any desire to not follow-through with the promise

M ake my promise happen

I mplement a plan to compete the promise 

S et in to get it done

E nd the job- in other words, complete the promise! 

 

     What I need to remember is the example Jesus set when He made a promise. He did not just say He came to save. He actually died on the cross to save. He didn’t just say He would rise the 3^rd day. He arose the 3^rd day. He didn’t just say He was going away to prepare a place for me. He has actually prepared a permanent place for me. I trust in that. Jesus didn’t just say He would send a Helper. He actually sent the Helper, the Holy Spirit, and He live within. Jesus keeps His promises!

Die to Live

Genesis gives us a bit of genealogy from the first man, Adam, on down to the days of Noah. These men, just as I am, were created in the image of God. "Male and female, He created them" and they lived a very, very long time, but in the end they all died, except Enoch, who God took. 

     I know that one day I, too, will die but long before I reach the ripe old age of these men. However, between when these men lived and I was born, God sent Jesus. He gave me the Holy Spirit to guide me in a different way than when God walked and talked with these first men. 

     Jesus gave me a special way to see death. One day I know that I will die, but I have been given a promise that will not be broken. This promise is that I will rise to live forever in a place Jesus has gone before and prepared for me. How do I know this? God said, "If you believe in the Son, you shall not perish but have everlasting life." Then Jesus said, "I go and prepare a place a place for you and will come again to receive you." What a profound hope and joy this gives me!

Genesis 5

 “And all the days that Adam lived were 930 years, and he died.

And all the days of Seth were 912 years, and he died. 

And all the days of Enos were 905 years, and he died.

And all the days of Cainan were 910 years, and he died. 

And all the days of Mahalaleel were 895 years, and he died. 

And all the days of Jared were 962 years, and he died. 

And all the days Enoch were 365 years; 

     Enoch walked with God, and he was not; for God took him.

And all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died. 

And all the days of Lamech were 777 years, and he died.”