SEARCHLIGHT
Who can you really count on to keep their word?
SCRIPTURE
"O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven and earth. You are the God who keeps his kind promises to all those who obey you and who are anxious to do your will." 2 Chronicles 6:14 Living Bible
SPOTLIGHT
Did you ever make a pinky promise with a friend when you were very young? That is when two friends lock their two small fingers (pinkies) together to declare that a promise has been made between them. It signifies that if the promise is broken, the person can break the finger of the one who broke the promise. The good news is that God does not make pinky promises because He is the very best at making and keeping promises. Just read the above Scripture focus.
People often make unrealistic promises. In Super Bowl commercials, someone identified promises that were made but were impossible to keep. An automobile manufacturer promised to make you a better parent. A TV Network promised the best way to never miss out on life was to spend life watching their network. A watch company promised to make you stronger. A candy bar company promised to give you overwhelming confidence. The good news is that God cannot make unrealistic promises because there is no one like Him in heaven or on earth. He is the best Promise Maker and Promise Keeper. You can count on Him!
People can easily make promises but can quickly break them. In 1916, Woodrow Wilson ran for reelection on the slogan “He kept us out of war.” Within 29 days after he was sworn in, he asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany. In 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson promised not to send American troops to Vietnam, but he did. In 1988, George H.W. Bush promised, “Read my lips: no new taxes.” Two years later he signed a tax increase. The good news is that God never makes a promise that He will not keep. He is God and God cannot lie. He will not change His mind. You can count on Him! [Numbers 23:18-20; Titus 1:1,2]
Making a promise means someone is declaring that some particular thing will happen. Receiving a promise means someone can confidently expect something to happen. How many people have been painfully hurt because their marriage partner did not keep their marriage vow “till death do us part.” The good news is that what God promises, God will forever carry through. Our Scripture focus clearly states that God will always keep His promises to anyone who wholeheartedly loves and obeys Him. You can count on Him! Just look at any of the Bible characters who loved God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. They may have experienced struggles and tribulations, but God always kept His promises for them. Remember Job and Paul. Both testified to God being faithful to His word.
God makes several promises to you in 2 Chronicles. This is why our Scripture focus today is so very important to you. Check out 2 Chronicles 7:14 where God promises to send a spiritual awakening if you and other believers meet the conditions. God promises to be with you when you choose to be with Him. [2 Chronicles 15:2] God promises that He will fight for you so you can win your battles. What you think are your battles are really His battles. [2 Chronicles 20:15-17; 32:8] You will be glad to read the promise in 2 Chronicles 30:9 where God promises to always be kind and merciful toward you.
YOU NEED SOMEONE YOU CAN COUNT ON. God’s promises are “Yes” and “Amen.” You can count on Him!
SOMETHING TO DO
Are you enjoying God’s promises? Are you counting on God? What are you facing that requires God’s intervention? Find a promise in God’s Word and let Him keep it for you. God is the best Promise Maker and Promise Keeper. Obey Him and do His will. Then you will become a promise receiver who will never be disappointed.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Almighty God, there is no one like You. You are the one and only God whom I choose to worship and reverence. Thank you for being the best Promise Maker and Promise Keeper. Thank you for blessing me with so many promises in your Word. I choose to obey You, honor You, and do your will. Thank you for blessing me by fulfilling all the promises that apply to my life. Thank you that I can count on You, my Savior and Lord. AMEN!