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Promises
Too often through all our
years fears sneaks in
with complaint or criticism
pulling us away from
curiosity and new beginnings
ability to open our hearts
to changes and new directions
unless we turn instead
to God's ongoing promise of
daily offering peace and love
in all circumstances.
Walking with us step by step.
Psalm 107:21: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness and for His wonders to the sons of me!"
Reading: Acts
2:25-26
“For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for
he is at my right hand so that I will not be shaken; therefore my heart was
glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will live in hope.’”
Peter shifts his audience’s knowledge once again to remember
history—to remember prophecy fulfilled in David, by God’s hand.
Despite the battles—the betrayal—the barriers David faced throughout
his life he never doubted God’s word.
“I will not be shaken,” he
said. Despite his own sin, his family torn apart, political power struggles,
lies, jealousies and much more, David chose life and faith and hope.
“To live in
hope,” he had continued. How under the grueling wars he waged did he claim
gladness of heart?
I wish I could say that even when I’m holding tightly to my beliefs I
maintain gladness of heart and am not shaken, but I cannot. Even when I cling
to hope my emotions still ricochet all over the place at times. I think because
I keep looking at the darkness resignation enters and courage weakens.
But David looked at the Lord at his right hand. His sight kept focus
on God’s promises and power. A power that overcame Jesus’ death.
Lord, help us to see Your light and live in it—regardless of our sin
and our circumstances. Let us see the gladness of Your timeless Presence in the
midst of our own history and respond with a thanksgiving that cannot be ignored
or silenced.
Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:24
“And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every
kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.’
And it was so.”
Reflection
Questions
1.
Why do you think it is difficult for us to
accept God’s promises as including us in the here and now?
2.
How does that sense of forgotten tempt us to
wander away from God’s plans?
3.
Or encouraged a sense of coldness in our hearts?
4.
What word from the Lord do you need for a fresh
vision now?
Share: What
helps you to ask in hope and anticipation?
Reading: Acts 2:16
“No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:”
‘Do you remember when…’ are often words leading into stories around
campfires and holidays when friends and family gather. And some reply to the
proclamations as ‘that didn’t happen’, or ‘you’re imagining it.’ Or perhaps, a
special circumstance is brought back from memories with a deep sigh and results
in joy. Or a bit of sorrow that a dream didn’t get fulfilled.
And often we still take that same attitude into our present lives.
It’s too late. That is meant for someone else—not me. I no longer care. I’ve
had too many disappointments to try again. It’s just another false promise.
Not only are we ourselves in the hand of the Lord, but all that
surrounds us. Our times make up a kind of atmosphere of existence; and all this
is under diving arrangement. We dwell within the palm of God's hand. C.H.
Spurgeon made this comment based on Psalm 31:15, “My times are in Thy hand”,
noting that we are never apart from God and, “Storms and calms vary the
seasons at the divine appointment.”
Peter reminded his audience that
the words of the prophet Joel were meant for now. In their own time they were
the recipients of the almost forgotten prophecies. Hear the words again he
said; listen to the promise.
When John the Baptist began his ministry he reminded his
listeners of Isaiah’s words, “Make ready
the way of the Lord.” Jesus
began His first sermon with Isaiah’s words of prophecy, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me..”.
The promises were spoken in the past, but the time is now.
Lord, please keep us from wandering away from Your plans and visions
You once ignited in our hearts and dreams. Give us clarity to recognize the
ones we do need to let go of if Your Spirit says no, but also give us courage to grasp those still
ahead, and especially those we need to remember right now regardless of the
atmosphere surrounding us.
Psalm of Worship: Genesis 1:16
“God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and
the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.”
Reflection Questions
1.
Can you identify the lures that pull your sight
to the left or to the right of God’s path?
2.
How do you cope with them?
3.
What promises from God are you still wondering
about?
4.
What would you need to have more confidence in
His protection?
Share: What
previous word from the Lord has steadied your walk in a time of weakness?
Reading: Joshua 23
“..that not one thing has failed of all the good things that the Lord
your God promised concerning you; all have come to pass for you, not one of
them has failed..” Joshua 23:14
Joshua’s time of leadership has come to a close. He reminds Israel
that everything they have achieved came because they walked with God and that
He fought for them. He warned them to not ever consider, “turning aside from it neither to the right nor to the left….but hold
fast to the Lord your God.”
The California coast abounds in hiking trails with breathtaking views
for beginning hikers through to accomplished rough terrain trailblazers. And
each trail is marked by maps and signs where to beware—where not to go—where
the seemingly solid cliff could become treacherous and unstable. And yet residents and visitors alike
often take their chances and go off the solid trails into danger. Some times
they succeed and then others follow their example with life threatening
results.
Satan tried to lure Jesus to take a different path that promised power
and riches and fulfillment. His reply, “Begone
Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him
only.’” Onlookers of Jesus’ ministry did not always see the promises behind
His words. Even His disciples struggled to understand then and now.
Yet His promises never fail.
Lord, we need Your courage and strength to walk your path in
faithfulness. And in seasons when we stumble and our hands begin to loosen our grip,
please hold fast to us. Keep our sight fixed on You.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 143: 8
“Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put
my trust.
Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”
Promises
Words sworn
many years ago
kept in full
kept in faith
many despaired
wondered if truly able.
Lord gave
promises
not one failed
all delivered
all complete
none withheld
power His alone.
Light of life.
Reflection
Questions
1.
Make a list of all God’s promises you have
already received.
2.
Under what circumstances do you find doubts
begin to cloud your trust even though you know His faithfulness?
3.
What promises are you still waiting upon? In
anticipation or in anxiety? Why?
Share: What
scripture promise are you holding onto for today?
Reading: Joshua 21
“Not one of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house
of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” Joshua 21: 45
As the Lord had sworn the Levites received an inheritance of towns and
pasturelands within the lots of all the tribes.
As the Lord had sworn all Israel received the lands that He had
promised their ancestors.
As the Lord had sworn to their ancestors He gave them rest on every
side.
In His time.
“For God so
loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting
life.” John 3:16
Jesus promised to preach the gospel to the poor, to proclaim release
to the captives, to free the downtrodden, and recovery of sight to the blind.
Jesus promised to take up our burdens, and listen to our prayers, and
send His Holy Spirit.
Jesus promised His Presence, His refuge, His strength, His
forgiveness, His mercy and so so much more.
Jesus promised He will return.
In His time.
Forgive us, Lord, for the many times we allow our doubts to cloud Your
promises. Help us to remain as faithful to You as You are to us. And to
remember that in Your time all will be fulfilled.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 141: 8
“But my eyes are turned towards you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek
refuge; do not leave me defenseless.”
Protect
Promises made in
haste
often broken,
chisel rims in
relationships
divide motives
build barriers.
Promises made in
love
offer hope,
consistently
fulfill
replenish
divine words
build communion.
Reflection Questions
1. How have broken promises affected your
spiritual relationship with Jesus?
2. Have you found it difficult to
acknowledge and accept Biblical promises? Why?
3. Or have they been a relief for you? How?
4. Have you made a promise to a loved one or
to the Lord that you still need to fulfill? What do you need to be able to
fulfill your commitment with love?
Share: What scripture promise continues to sustain you in
difficult times?
Hebrews 12:2, “and has taken his seat at the right hand of
the throne of God.”
Personally we have all made promises that we could not keep.
Perhaps made in haste and forgotten, or deeply sincere but without the means or
the authority needed to see them through to completion.
We have also all had promises broken to us, and so we are
either leery of promises or consider them casual commitments when others make
them. Especially from those in power.
Publicly our world history is replete with misused and
manipulated promises made in almost every field of our lives: political,
educational, financial, and spiritual as leadership at all levels break their
words. Abuse their positions.
When Jesus went to the cross the disciples thought He had
broken His promises made when He began His ministry. That the authorities had
won. His hope, spoken from Isaiah, given at the beginning of public ministry,
now merely dust.
“The
Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to
the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of
sight to the blind, To set free those who are downtrodden, To proclaim the
favorable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19)
Purpose shattered.
When in reality, Jesus completely fulfilled all the promises
God has made to His people forever. Past, present, and future promises all
completed by Jesus’ grace and mercy.
Words now concrete—irrefutable.
Jesus fulfills His promises through absolute authority. Protects His promises. Exercised through immeasurable sacrificial love.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 93: 1-2
“The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty;
The Lord has clothed and girded Himself with strength;
Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be
moved.
Thy throne is established from of old; Thou art from
everlasting.”
SKY
Woven in the heavens
star lit reminders
shower
whole world
read in the darkness
of the night skies
remember
promises
prophecies
possibilities
dark clouds can only
shroud,
not contain
story written
from the beginning
firmament’s
thread.
John 20
Key Matthew 13:30, “Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned but gather the wheat into my barn.”
Due to a combination of late rains, busy schedules and unexpected detours, our lawn became neglected. The grass was so high neither the dog nor we could find his balls. The neighborhood cats were happy. They crept through the tall grass stalking birds and mice. But the weeds are not hidden. They stood above the grass in odd places. It was a surprise to see the spots they inhabited. I would never have known unless they grew to such a height. Deep within me Lord are weeds that I do not even recognize. You know what they are and where they are. And alongside are the seeds You have planted, slowly growing, taking a very long time. Both together. Both battling for my attention and interest. Both affecting my choices and my character. Yet You have promised deliverance. A time when the dross will be consumed. And Your promise protects me in the meantime. Thank you Lord for Your gathering time.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 75:2 At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity.
Scripture: Exodus 12:41, And it came about at the end of four hundred and thirty years, to the very day, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. Abraham was the first patriarch of Israel to whom God’s promises are recorded. God promised him a great name, blessings, a great nation, and multiplied descendants as the stars of heaven and sand on the seashore. Israel passed these promises along to each generation. They knew them to be true. God also told Abraham his descendants would be enslaved and oppressed for four hundred years. Had Israel forgotten God’s word? Had they become so enamored of Egypt’s gods that they thought God’s prophecy a myth? The time had come. God knew the very day Israel would leave captivity. He had promised a limit, a release. We are reminded in Ecclesiastes “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven”: for birth, death, plant, uproot, kill, heal, tear down, build-up, mourn, dance, throw stones, gather stones, search, keep, throw away, tear apart, sew together, be silent, speak, love, hate, war, “and a time for peace.” I need my vision prodded to look beyond the immediate. My own memories repeat time after time that You have interceded on my behalf, Lord, and brought Your limits to bear on my circumstances. Forgive me my forgetfulness. Psalm of Worship: Psalm 69:13 But as for me, my prayer is to Thee, O Lord, at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Thy lovingkindness, Answer me with Thy saving truth.
Scripture: Exodus 17:16, and he said, “The Lord has sworn; the Lord will have war against Amalek from generation to generation.” There are battles won once for all, not to be repeated. There are battles warring like invading ants, a persistent, continual threat. God proclaimed victory over Egypt. God promised permanent war versus Amalek. Jesus said, “It is finished!” On the cross He vanquished sin and death. Victory, once for all. Yet it is a battle repeated with each decision an individual makes to accept or deny His truth. Daily our lives pound with unbelief, disbelief. We battle fear for a lifetime. Yet Jesus’ outcome changes not. It is done. “The Lord has sworn.” He is warring against Amalek in each generation, calling His people to Himself, standing in the breach. Thank you Lord, that You fight for me. Thank you for Your victorious outcome. May I stand my ground when each skirmish hits, firm in Your conquest. Psalm of Worship: Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.
Scripture: Exodus 6:5, ..; and I have remembered My covenant. 6:6-8, I will…(repeated seven times) “Sorry, I forgot.” How many times have we spoken those words or had them spoken to us? Whether the forgetting is accidental, or intentional, it hurts. In our packed days we attempt to meet everyone’s needs, but, somehow, sometimes, that one seemingly unimportant request is forgotten, and a piece of trust gets chipped away. When it happens repeatedly we lose confidence in that individual, or others lose confidence in us. No longer dependable. God tells Moses “I have remembered My covenant.” Then He details seven distinct actions He will take to fulfill His promise. Dr. J. Vernon McGee calls these the “I Will’s of redemption.” Clearly God commits to Moses that His hand will save, His power will bring forth new life, His grace will establish relationship to Himself. We can depend on God’s pledge too, even when it seems we’ve been forgotten. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand.” Keep the grains of mistrust from rubbing across my mind, Lord, on the days when You seem absent. Help me remember that You will not forget us or forsake us. Just as the sun follows its course above the storm clouds, so do You keep me on Your path during the darkness. Psalm of Worship: Psalm 105:42 For He remembered His holy word With Abraham His servant;
Scripture: Exodus 4:29, 31, Then Moses and Aaron went…So the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord was concerned.., then they bowed low and worshipped. Abandoned. Any time a newspaper heading includes this word we cringe. The image cuts too close. Ignored, rejected, shut out are all painful emotions we have experienced. We identify with them. But abandonment sounds so final, so forlorn. Moses and Aaron took God’s promises to heart, and then acted upon them. They brought their people hope and the knowledge of God’s love. The people worshipped. In gratitude. In relief. In response. When we know someone cares enough to ask after our needs and to acknowledge our lives, our spirits lift. A caress hugs us inside. Somehow the burdens we carry lighten. How many people to-day live lives colored with a sense of abandonment? Almost every person we meet is lonely. How can I/we tell them God has heard their pain and answered their cries for help? He has answered with His love through Jesus’ cross. “I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” Lord, open my heart to love and my ears to listen. Psalm of Worship: Psalm 94:14 For the Lord will not abandon His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance.
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