The Promises of God

II Peter 1:1-4

We are living today in a world when a promise doesn't mean much.  In our society, a person’s word has lost much of its value.  In years gone by, a man’s word was his bond.  Business was often conducted by a handshake agreement.

Now we have to have a lawyer, contracts, and all kinds of agreements to insure that one will keep his promise.  I sure am glad that it's not that way with the Lord.  We can rest assured that whatever the Lord says He will do.

Today, let’s look at some of the promises found in the Bible:  

1. P = Peace of mind (read John 14:27).

A.  Today’s world can't supply this peace.  People today are turning to many things in search of peace, e.g., liquor, drugs, sex, etc. Only the Lord can give any lasting peace to a person’s life.  

2. R = Rest from labor (read Mat. 11:28-30).

     A.   The world today is running at breakneck speed.  It seems as if there is never enough time to do the things we need to do.  As someone once said, "Slow down and smell the roses."  The Lord had some good advice for all when He said, "Rest in the Lord and wait patiently on Him."  

3. O =  Opportunity for service (read Phi 4:13).

     A.  Let’s look around us and see how the Lord can use our lives.  Our part is to make ourselves available; the Lord’s part is to provide us with the ability.  

4. M = Mercy for our needs (read Heb. 4:16).

     A.  As we live our daily lives, we often make mistakes.  I sure am glad that we serve a God of mercy.  Always remember the promise of Psalm 23:6.  It sure has been a lifesaver in my life.

5. I = Instruction for direction (read Psalm 32:8).

A.   I sure am thankful for God’s leadership in my life.  Daily He guides us in the way we should go if only we are willing to listen to His voice.  God will never lead us where we should not go.

6.  S = Strengths for weaknesses (read Isaiah 41:10).

A.     As kids growing up, we often leaned on Mom or Dad.  It seemed that they were always at the right place at the right time.  Their strong arms were always there to pick us up when we fell. 

God still wants to do that for us.  Only He can give us the real comfort that we need in times of weakness.

7.   E = Escape from temptation (read I Cor. 10:13).

A.  There is no greater source of help in time of trials and trouble than the Bible.  The Bible coupled with prayer will always show us a way to escape if only we will seek it.

8.      S = Security of the future (read John 14:1-6).

     A.  In the world we live in today people are searching everywhere for security.  They are looking to their possessions, power, and pleasure.  It is so sad today that many have no real hope for the future.  Only the Lord can provide a person with any lasting security.  Read John 10:27-29.

In closing, I hope that the promises of the Lord are more real to you now than ever before.  As a child of God, we can lay claim to these promises daily. 

If you are not a child of the Lord, I pray today that the Holy Spirit would lead you to make that decision before it is too late.  If you are ready to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please click on God’s Plan of Salvation. 

May God bless is our prayer.