May 13, 2020
The Bible is full of promises (over 7,000). It is God’s operating system. He commands us to do something, promising a great reward when we obey. If you think clearly about this and know something about the nature of God, you will understand that this is all for our good. God is not trying to rule over us to merely show His power … He’s seeking to help those He’s created find the best path for their lives. Notice 5 commands in the opening verses of Proverbs 3 and their glorious promises.
1. OBEDIENCE
If you remember and obey Me from the heart, I will give you life and peace.
My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. (Proverbs 3:1-2)
2. BALANCE
If you balance your life with kindness and truth, you will find favor with God and man.
Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:3-4)
3. TRUST
If you trust me with all your heart in all your ways, I will lead you.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
4. HUMILITY
If you stay humble and fear Me and turn from evil, I will heal and refresh your body.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones. (Proverbs 3:7-8)
5. GENEROSITY
If you honor me materially by always giving Me the first fruits, I will provide all your needs.
Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine. (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Every man or woman must decide if they believe God. Will He do what He promised? Even without the promises, the path that God outlines here for us is the best path. But God motivates us and blesses us with the promised results if we will simply listen and follow.
Father, thank You for the incredible simplicity of Your commands and Your promises. Thank You that You are not trying to harm me when You give me direction, but to help me step into the best life. Give me grace to understand and simply obey You … and then, be grateful for Your faithfulness.
March 11, 2025
God knows what He is about. Always include in your request the greatest prayer—the prayer of surrender. “Lord, Your will be done.” This is the prayer, when humbly prayed, that will always be answered and yield the most valuable result from the God who loves us best ... even if the answer is hard.
March 05, 2025
Every created man or woman must make their choice. What will you do with God? Will you embrace or reject Him? Draw near or run away? Trust and serve Him or doubt God and serve yourself? This foundational choice determines everything.
March 04, 2025
As you evaluate your faith, is it “God and?” God and others. God and the world’s ideas. God and my best thoughts thrown in. God and some money. God and a clear path. Or simply: God. Are you vainly clinging to the idea that you need more than Him?
