Daily Reading: Genesis 17
Scripture Focus: When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” (Genesis 17:1-2)
Devotional Thought: A group called Promise Keepers was formed in 1990. The name “Promise Keepers” derives from the covenant that God fulfilled through Jesus Christ. In Christ, God kept all the promises that he made to mankind and as we rely upon him, he will help us keep our promises. In 1995, I joined several men from our church in NY to attend a Promise Keepers rally held in RFK stadium in Washington DC. More than 52,000 men were there to learn about becoming a successful modern man. There were 13 1/2 hours of preaching, praying and hymn singing on Friday night and all day Saturday. It was an awesome experience.
A covenant is a promise. Who is making the promise? It is God, El Shaddai, “God Almighty” and He will keep His promises. His promises continue to our day in the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15). Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 1:20 “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” But think about our scripture focus, verses 1 and 2. Abraham is 99. It has been more than 25 years since God first made promises to him. More than 25 years of endless waiting for Abraham and Sarah and there still was no child. Do you think Abraham was getting tired of waiting? Do you think Abraham and Sarah were doubting God and His covenant promises? Have you been waiting maybe years for an answer and God has still not responded? A prayer request not yet answered? Take heart. Remember that God is a promise keeper.
Pastor Dale
Prayer: Father in heaven, I thank you for your promises and the confidence I have in you as the ultimate Promise Keeper. Help me to follow your instruction to Abraham to walk before you and be blameless. Amen
Psalm of the Day: 13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered his voice, hailstones and coals of fire. 14 And he sent out his arrows and scattered them; he flashed forth lightnings and routed them. 15 Then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils. 16 He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. 17 He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. 18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support. (Psalms 18:13-18)
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