STANDING ON GOD’S PROMISES

The Bible abounds with God’s promises to his people Israel. However, by adoption, we Gentiles have also come into that inheritance as God’s chosen people. God is not man to lie, (Numbers 23:19) as a result the majority of these promises have been fulfilled through Jesus, the Messiah. Few promises pointing to the return of our Lord Jesus, who is expected to come and take the Church, his Bride, with him, are in the pipeline and are yet to be fulfilled. Our Lord Jesus admitted that the specific timing of this event is unknown even to him; only the Father knows. “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36)

God’s promises are directed to us believers; they do not have a shelf life. Rather, it depends on how we receive and react to them. If we claim them for ourselves and believe that they can take effect in our lives so be it. The measure of faith that we exercise will determine the results they can have or how effective they will become. God promises eternal life to those who believe in his Son. It is a gift; we cannot earn it by our good works. There is no charge; we need only believe. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) If we exercise our faith by believing, we shall surely have eternal life. For those who want to ‘examine the gift horse in the mouth,’ it is not very evident. “And this is what he promised us – even eternal life.” (1 John 2:25)

God’s hand is not short to accomplish anything; he is the God of the impossible. “For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37) Our attitude should be to grab each promise and run away with it. God says “I will never leave you nor forsake (abandon) you.” (Hebrews 13:5) Nothing is more reassuring than knowing that God is always with us. Therefore, he was able to say to Joshua; “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) God gave Joshua divine protection. He still gives it, to those who desire it. God says to those who want to know him to search for him. “...those who seek me find me.” (Proverbs 8:17) “...those who seek me lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10b) “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) Have you knocked and not gained entry? “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and ALL (just imagine) these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)

Some people are attracted by the promises with financial incentives; these we tend to know of head. “And my God will supply (meet) all your needs according to his glorious riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6)

Here is a random selection of promises which portray that God wants to bless us. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Our Lord Jesus towards the end of his ministry gave us this assurance. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-2) “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” (Luke 17:6)

Are you generous, Jesus recommends; “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)“Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10) “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” (John 14:12-13) “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12)

Wouldn’t life be different if we begin to claim these promises for ourselves beginning this New Year?