God's Promises

My pastor sent us an article by Sinclair Ferguson, to read for reflection this week, "Boldly and Expectantly Leaning on the Promises". Here he says there are two places in the New Testament where right living is seen as the direct consequence of trusting God's promises. Writes Paul to the Corinthians: "Since we have these promises...let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit..." (2 Cor. 7:10). The "promises" to which he refers are God's covenant with his people that he will 1) be with them, 2) receive those who "touch no unclean thing," and 3) be a Father to them (2 Cor. 6:16-18). Paul's reasoning is If this is what God promises to be to His holy people, let us make every effort to be such holy people. If these are the riches that await me, let me walk on that path of holiness that leads to them. Here holiness is a direct result of living in the light of the divine promises.

What a great article to start the New Year off with; "May God's promises similarly renew your life. I must resolve to remember, read and rely on God's promises to govern my life-style. He has promised to never leave me, then I must never leave Him either.

I haven't had the easiest year during 2007, and at times I did not handle my situations with a calm composer. Remembering His promises along with knowing the whole contents of how to govern my life-style and knowing His promises will ease my sufferings. I want to live with poise in times of a crisis and pressure like Ferguson said.

These are from my notes on my Pastor's sermon two Sundays ago:
"When you go through trials, keep your mind on Jesus, keep your hope upon the thought Jesus is coming. Anguish will come to an end, and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. There is HOPE and that one is Jesus He will be your light."

During this Christmas season, I purchased three little ceramic plaques, one says Hope, another Love and another Peace. I put them up above my fire place, I plan to keep them there this whole year of 2008, they will be my reminder to have Hope in His promises and, to Love Jesus while keeping an open communication with Him, which in return will give me Peace of understanding His promises.

Peter writes in a similar vein: "God has given us His very great and precious promise, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires" (2 Peter 1:4)

I must continue to Bloom for my King!
QB