WHAT IS A PROMISE? WHAT IS HIS PROMISE?

A promise is, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, a declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen.   Because of a promise made by someone or oneself, we have made the decisions we have made.  In most cases, man was not trustworthy and had not lived up to the promises. The consequences were painful. 

The Word of God teaches us not to trust in man.  It says, “There is nothing more deceitful than the heart of man; who can understand it? Man’s heart is sick in need of healing”.  Which means you cannot trust what a man promises. He will make promises at times out of necessity, fear or selfishness. The only man anyone can trust is Jesus, the Son of God, our Savior.  His word is bond.

The Promise of God is not just a declaration or assurance.  His promise is a covenant.  A covenant is a promise that cannot be broken.  What has been promised to us in the Father’s word is sealed in the Blood of Jesus.  His words will not, cannot return unto Him void.  The Bible tells us His words will accomplish what it was sent out to do.  And remember His words have already gone forth.  When Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished”.  That was a covenant spoken then. Meaning everything concerning our lives has been completed.  Everything the Father has said about you is already done in the spirit; we have the responsibility of manifesting it through our faith and our words. 

Let us review some of the covenant promises that Father God has said about us, and it is up to us to believe, then put that belief to action through faith, which leaves us to live by that faith. 

 Provision and presence

●    God provides for all needs, Psalm 23:1 and Matthew 4:4.

● God promises to be with his people always and never to leave them. Deuteronomy 31:6, Matthew 28:20

●   He promises to strengthen those who are weak and weary. Isaiah 40:29–31

●   God is a safe place and a refuge for those who trust in him. Psalm 46:1, Proverbs 18:10

●    He promises to uphold those who love his name.         Psalm 91:14–15

Forgiveness and salvation

●     God promises forgiveness for sins, particularly when people confess them.1 John 1:9

●     He offers salvation to all who believe in his Son.    Romans 10:9

●     Those who believe in God's son have eternal life.John 3:16

• The Holy Spirit is given to believers. Acts 2:38, Ephesians 1:13–14

Purpose and hope

●    God has a plan for his people to give them a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

●    He will use all things in a person's life to make them more like Christ. Romans 8:28–29

●   He gives peace to those who trust in him and asks them not to be anxious. Philippians 4:6–7

●      God promises to meet needs and give wisdom. Philippians 4:19, James 1:5

End times

●        Jesus will return for his followers. John 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17

●        God will make all things new and right in the end. Revelation 21:5, Revelation 21:4

●        He promises to provide eternal life. Titus 1:2, 1 John 5:11

I can go on and on.  There are 66 books of the promises of God in the Bible. Search them out and read for yourself. I named only a fraction of the promises.  Psalm 35:27 expresses that God takes pleasure in the well-being and success of those who serve Him. This "prosperity" or shalom is not limited to material wealth, but includes peace, wholeness, health, and general well-being. It means God desires for His servants to thrive in all aspects of their lives.  His covenant to us that He will be faithful to do what He said. 

What we have to discipline ourselves to do is found in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. [a].  When a man makes a promise to you, ask the Lord to show you, their heart. When the true heart of the man is shown to you, then you will know whether to put your trust in him/her.  If you let the Spirit of God lead you in all decision-making, you will not go wrong.  Remember, the Father has nothing but good things waiting for you.  He will not fail you. He can’t.