Broken Promises

This year, 2012, marks our next Presidential race in America.  Politicians and Presidential hopefuls stand on stage in fancy suits, fancy shoes, and coiffed hair telling Americans how they will be their "savior" in all issues facing our lives.  From economic depression to environmental issues, each hopeful will boast of his or her power to save.

Our world as a whole has many needs.  Political candidates world wide make promises of how they will improve worldwide conditions...if only you vote them into office. 

But Government cannot make the changes that people need the most.

Our basic needs are spiritual in nature and cannot be satisifed by political solutions.  It's only when we are changed inwardly through the Holy Spirit that we can then change the world around us.

God's promises are the only promises that never fail to be kept.  After all, a promise is of value only if the person speaking that promise can follow through.

Here are 7 Promises of God to us:

What can be said about God's promises to us?

1. He has promised to supply every need we have. The Bible says: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". That's Phillipians 4:19. Now notice, God has obligated Himself only to the extent of our needs. That would include food, clothing, shelter, companionship, love, and salvation thru Jesus Christ. It would not include the multiplicity of luxuries that we have come to think of as needs.
2. God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us. (II Corinthians 12:9). in fact, He has made provision for our salvation by His grace through faith. Read Ephesians 2:8. It is through an obedient faith that we have access into the grace of God according to Romans 5:2.
3. God has promised that His children will not be overtaken with temptation. Instead, He assures us that a way of escape will be provided. This promise is recorded in I Corinthians 10:13. Jude wrote: "Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present your faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" (Jude v 24). Darius, King of the Medes, said to Daniel, "Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee" (Daniel 6:16). He did deliver Daniel from the den of lions.
4. God has promised us victory over death. He first resurrected Jesus by way of assuring our resurrection. Peter said: "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses" (Acts 2:32). Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (I Corinthians 15:3,4). Later on he adds: "but thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 15:57).
5. God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve Him faithfully (Romans 8:28). It may be difficult for us to see and understand how this is accomplished at times, but God has promised it, and He will deliver.
6. God has promised that those who believe in Jesus and are baptized for the forgiveness of sins will be saved. (Read Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38).
7. God has promised His people eternal life (John 10:27,28). In closing, let me appeal to you to live so that the promises of God will be yours.

 Changing the world is a daunting, seemingly impossible task.  When we look out at the world and the shape it's in, we are overwhelmed.  What can we do?  Where do we begin?  We must first look up to the One who can bring true hope and change.  He has the answers the world needs.

Let us not forget to look inward...because if we hope to be God's hands and feet in this world, we must first know and share His heart.

* Taken from LifeLessons Bible Studies For Life, The Roads Less Traveled Learner Guide, Winter 2010-2011.
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Questions and Answers to Share with Your KoTH Partner:

1. Do you trust more in politicians than in God to create change in our world?
2. As God's instrument of peace and love, how can you help create change in today's world?
3. What issue is most concerning to you in modern-day America?
4. Do you pray about this issue and ask God to help bring about change?
5. When a politician makes a "promise" to you, what will your response or thought be?
6. Which promise of God touches your heart the most today?
7. How can you pray for your KoTH partner this week?