Devotion / Promises...promises...
A well-known Chinese proverb about promises looks like this:"一诺千金" (yī nuò qiān jīn). Its translation is a promise is worth a thousand jin [ounces] of gold. Those words are credited to Ji Bu, a military general who lived during the Han Dynasty (around 200 B.C.) His words point to the high value people need to place on keeping their word.
From proverbs to promises
Around the world--in every civilization--proverbs have been penned about how important it is that people can be trusted to keep their word. It is undoubtedly a reaction to how often we have been disappointed by promises that never come true. Promises kept reveal much about the character of a person.
In the Bible, the book of Proverbs speaks often about God's character and his promises. Proverbs 25:14 warns that broken promises are worse than rain clouds that don't bring rain.
God keeps his promises
More importantly, though, Proverbs 30:5-6 reminds us that our God keeps every promise that he makes. In a world of disappointments, frustrations, and broken promises, those words are a wonderful promise in themselves.
Today, let's focus on seven great promises our loving God makes to us, his people.
I will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5)
I am your strength (Psalm 46)
I will fight for you (Exodus 14:14)
I hear your prayers (1 Peter 3:12)
I have wonderful plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11)
I will give you peace (John 14:27)
I always love you (Isaiah 54:10)
This is only a small collection of passages that could be listed. Yet how great is God's grace and mercy to us that he fills the Scriptures with these wonderful reassurances of his love. He testifies that everything works together for his children as part of his mighty plan.
1 Timothy 2:4 reveals that God wants ALL people to be saved and to come to know his saving truth. 316NOW sees the promise embedded in these words and is working tirelessly through God's Holy Spirit to share the saving Gospel with the people of China around the world.
Jesus is the proof
Our Savior Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises. His coming, his ministry, his life, death, resurrection, and ascension – all stand as testaments to the great truth that God keeps all his promises. Your prayers and support for 316NOW help us share Jesus with those who have yet to learn of the wonderful promises of God.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord God. Thank you, Jesus. We count on your promises. They are our sure hope in life and death. We look forward to your promised return and to our future home in the mansions of heaven.
by Dave Payne