Merriam Webster defines the word promise (n) as a a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified. Synonyms of this word are: oath, troth, pledge, vow and word. As a verb, the word means: to pledge to do, bring about, or provide. Other synonyms include covenant, pledge and swear. When we substitute these given synonyms for the “root” word promise in sentences we can say:
- The Lord made a covenant to us, His bride that…
- The Lord through His Word states that…
- Yahweh has sworn that…
God’s promises are a spoken or written commitment. If God says He will do something, then He will. If God says He will refrain from doing something, He will.
Joshua in his final words to the children of Israel reminded them, “Not one of the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed—all of them came about.” Chapter 21:45. He also said “And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.” (Joshua 23:14)
As I reflected on my “regular” state of spiritual amnesia, I realized that at its root, were two things. Not knowing the promises of God and not holding them to my bosom.
The solution: study God’s Word and live by it.
What good is it studying/reading the Word and not practicing it? It’s like a man beholding his face in the mirror and immediately forgetting what he looks like.
Let’s take a look at what Brother James has to say. I prefer the literal translation the Message gives in this regard.
“Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.”
James 1:22-24 MSG
God makes two types of promises:
Unconditional Promises – This is a promise that is made without attaching any conditions whatsoever.
Conditional Promises – This type of promise is subject to certain qualifications or requirements. This is why it is important to understand the context of a promise. It is not wise to pick a random promise and claim it for our own. Perhaps that promise was conditional and we do not meet the requirements.
“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Num. 23:19)
Believing and Living in the promises makes us over-comers. Not living in the promises leaves us defeated.
Promises of God – Why does it matter?
The promises of God matter because:
- They are a reflection of who our Father is
- They validate who we are to our Father
- They help to undergird us with strength
- They help us to remain hopeful (in this life and for the next)
- Please chime in below with other reasons
So fellow sojourners of the Word, join me in this venture to be not only hearers of the Word but doers also.
What are some guidelines we aim to utilize and remember?
- Study the context. What do the surrounding verses say? Who is being spoken to?
- Is the promise conditional? Look for the word “if” in the context.
- God gives us promises to help us submit to His will, not to make Himself bend to our will.
- Do not presume to know when the promise will be fulfilled
Until next time remember, His Promises are our Guarantee…🙌🏽
I am so thankful that God’s promises are eternal 🙂
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Amen big brother 🙌🏽
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I had done a study on a some of the promises of God last year and it was wonderful to delve into them.
Thankyou for this 🙂
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Beloved…please feel free to chime in all over this blog to share what you have learned 🤗. You can also email me with any promises you have studied that we can all glean from too ☺️
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Thanks for that. Will keep that in mind 🙂
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You’re very welcome 😊
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The Lord has given you a powerful and refreshing message to share with us Sis!!!
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us….2 Corinthians 1:20
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Big Brother! Keep your little sis in prayers as this journey unfolds please 🙏🏽
Yes, all glory be to God for His teaching to us all about His promises 🙌🏽.
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Indeed!!!!! Indeed!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Such an apt and detailed exposition on the the subject of ‘promise’. More insight in God’s Word.
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Thank you for reading and giving feedback Ayansola, I truly appreciate it ☺️
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Thanks Deandra! You made so many truthful points about the promises of God. You’re right that we must remember some of His promises are conditional and require us to do our part. The verse in James you mentioned is a great example, because if we want victory we must DO what God’s Word says and not just hear it. 💕
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Big sister! Why does seeing you always make me smile each time?
Indeed you are right, we have a part to play and we must do it!
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Awww so sweet of you to say. I’m always glad to see you too. I look forward to your post and your comments on mine. 💕 Always keep in touch no matter what: drawingclosertochrist@gmail.com. Let me know if you’re ever in SFL 😁
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Definitely! Will be keeping this email in a safe spot ☺️
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James reminds us that we are experts in self-deception.
I appreciate the lesson on unconditional and conditional promises.
I think the key to the promises also is believing in our heart it will happen.
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Vernon, we certainly are, no ands, ifs and buts about it!
Thank you for sharing that key, it sounds as though you are saying we need to have unmovable faith?
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Amen to unmoveable faith!
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Amen ☺️☺️
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Precious friend, how wonderful this post is! It reminds me of the old Hymn, “Standing On The Promises of God”….. I could hear the refrain while reading this and I am so glad we can stand upon His promises because He never changes and what He says is eternal….His promises to us. Love you!
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Now you have me singing too Viv, “Standing, standing, standing on the promises of Christ my Savior…”. Praise the Lord for such glorious hymns 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽. Such a comfort knowing our Daddy’s promises are true ☺️. Love to you too 🤗🤗
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🎶🎶🎼🎹🎸🎤oh yay!! I love it. This is such a lovely way to start our day sis. Big hugs! 🤗😚
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Indeed…thank You Lord for giving us a hymn to sing as we go through this day. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
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🤗😚🤗😚💖💖💖💖
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Excellent. Amen.
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Bless you beloved gramma ☺️
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You are welcome, Grandaughter of the Heart.:)
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Huge smile on my face 😁😁😁😁😁
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This is an excellent post and very informative and practical!
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Thank you, Valerie. May the Lord continue to teach us all ☺️
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Nice one…
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🙌🏽 Blessings to you…
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❤
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God’s word and promises are sacrosanct. He will always bring His promises to fulfilment. Thank you for sharing and God bless you. I just nominated you for the sunshine blogger award. If you are interested you can participate. Have a blissful day
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Indeed they are! What a delight that knowledge is to us 🙌🏽🙌🏽. Thank you very much for this beautiful nomination beloved, I appreciate it greatly. Also, thanks for swinging on by and leaving your heartprint 🤗
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You are most welcome sister❤ your posts are so motivational
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Thank you! I give God praise for His continued inspiration, truly 🙌🏼
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Amen, Deandra! I love reading faith-building posts like this. Thank you.
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Blessed be the name of the One we always hope for and in. You are very welcome Bill. Let us keep sitting at our Master’s feet ☺️
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Amen. His promises are true and His word is reliable.
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How great is our God! There is something intriguing about God’s “if/then” promises. If I do this, God says He will do that. “Seek ye first the kingdom…and all these things will be added…” As we seek Him, we become more like Him, and He adds to us what we need; which in my experience goes well beyond what I ask or think. His love works in mysterious ways to bring about His perfect will as I participate according to His holy instruction. Blessings Deandra! ♥
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Your response is quite insightful, Jacquie. We are indeed required to respond with participation to God’s invitation through our obedience. What continues to blow my mind as you aptly state, is our Father’s ability to add/bless us with “well beyond” what we ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 says “more than we could ask, think or imagine.” Hallelujah! Our Father is a rewarder of all who diligently seek Him. One Pastor said this, “God owes no man, He pays and even leaves a tip” ☺️
Peace be yours always, sweet friend.
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Amen! Blessings to you 💕
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I absolutely enjoyed reading this. Thanks for reminding me of the importance of God’s promises.
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Beloved, thank you for stopping by, reading and commenting. Your comment has provided me with a “mental” nudge to remember our Father’s promises – even when the way seems dark and dreary 🤗.
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To God be the glory! It’s so amazing to connect with other writers of the faith. It won’t t be the last time. Blessings on your blog.
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🤗🤗 Thank you very much. May the Lord draw us closer to Him as we continue to hold the blood stained banner high 🙏🏽
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Amen!
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I love that you said we need to know God’s promises and hold them close!
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My dear Lily, I believe that’s the only way we can survive day to day – hiding His Words in our hearts.
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God’s promises are exceeding great and precious promises – 2 Peter 1:4. Great post 👍
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Amen 🙏
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🤗🙏🏽
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Follow my blog
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Excellent post! 😊
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Thank you! 🤗. Also, thank you for swinging by and reading beloved.
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I’m standing on the promises He has given me! They SHALL come to pass! I’m waiting for when He gets ready to perform the work. Until then, I will praise Him, worship Him and keep reading His Word! Thanks for this post! What an awesome reminder to hang on to what God says He will
do. His Word does not lie! 🙏🙌💃
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Amen dear friend! Bless the Lord forevermore. Hold on, let me get my stomping shoes too okay, let’s go and declare that we will stand on the promises and we will not move because we know they shall come to pass. Thank you for declaring some things today in the atmosphere Renee! We are not shifting our position. We are not shifting our focus. We will wait until our change comes 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
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Lots and lots of good information in this blog, Preciousone. Job well done! The Scriptures you included are spot on! I love your steadfastness in your pursuit for living and understanding God’s word. You are truly a patriot in the service of the Lord. May God continue to richly bless and keep you, my child. Love always, Mother Fowler.
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Oh Mother Fowler, it’s so beautiful hearing from you today. Thank you for stopping by and leaving encouragement, it means a lot to me. I accept that blessing pronouncement and pray that our Lord will continue to add strength to your bones, peace and joy to your heart and grace for your soul. Love you 😘
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Oh my goodness this post was written just for me. I am amazed at how spot-on this is. God made me a promise last year (right around the time you wrote this, actually) and I have truly wrestled with it. He let me know, however, that it is conditional and I’ve got to say, this pandemic and all this time at home has caused me to start slacking but after reading this, I’m going to get it together. The fact that I have no idea when this promise will actually be manifest (let alone HOW it will be manifest) has also been quite difficult to grapple with but I am going to leave that to God and stop presuming to know, as you suggested. Thank you so much for this. God bless you.
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Hey Tausha J, welcome!
I must say His promises are really like that. Many times He will give us instructions and then when we have walked in obedience there is a manifestation of what we were promised, or what He’s had in mind.
I’m thankful that the Lord has used these words to speak to you, even on today. My prayer is that you will buckle those sandals and get moving.
His love be yours always ❤️
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Yes, I’m definitely going to buckle my sandals! Thank you so so much!
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You’re welcome, Sis! Happy trodding!
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