Thursday, March 26, 2009

standing on the promises

(here is a long post to make up for my lack of posting)

Promise-
1. a declaration that something will or will not be done, given, etc.
2. an express assurance on which expectation is to be based
synonyms: word, pledge, covenant

Today I was reading Sinclair Ferguson's article Boldly and Expectantly Leaning on the Promises. He asks the question, How am I to live my life in the light of God’s promises? Here are his three points-
1. I must know what God's promises are.
2. I must feed my mind on the promises of God.
3. I must let God's promises govern my life-style.

The statement it makes to the Lord when I am not reading, memorizing and trusting in His promises is that I have little or no expectation. I know His promises for me are good. And my prayer is that I would have a greater desire to know them and allow them to govern my life-style. Not only is it an opportunity to quiet the lies in my own heart, but is a way the Lord uses us to minister to those we love.

Three promises that serve me in the day to day:

When I am anxious, Philippians 4:6,7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." His peace which is beyond our understanding WILL guard my heart.

When I am tempted to be short with Jeremy and I remember that "the Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" towards me always. (psalm 103:8) How that should push me to strive to be like Christ, and show the same love to my husband.

And when times are good the Lord always calls to my mind the verse in Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that he is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" His character never changes, He is always good to the one who rest in him.

Two questions: Which of Ferguson's three points do you need to grow in?? What is one promise of God that you love?

1 comment:

Sarah Smith said...

ummm perfect timing ange :) perfect.

definitely 2 - feeding my mind on God's promises. which, in turn, will lead me to 3 - letting my life be governed by them.

the one that God has been impressing on my heart lately is "no one who's hope is in you will ever be put to shame."

thanks ange. love you.