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December 2000 Table of Contents
From My Heart To Yours
Promises
By Jackie Evans
 Have you ever thought about how loosely we use the word 'promise'? Starting with when we were kids making a promise to our friends, then, just to back this promise up, we added, "Cross my heart and hope to die" if I don't keep this promise. Before long, it was broken without a thought. And so it goes, even into adult life. I really believe that when Christians make, a promise, to their employer, to their co-workers, to their family, and most especially to God, it is made with the ultimate intention of keeping it but our human nature doesn't always allow this. Most promises are eventually broken.
I love music! (It's a good thing since music is my business) Even though I can't sing a note that anyone here on earth would be blessed by hearing, I still enjoy singing. I listened to a sermon by Pastor Michael Durso lately that expresses my sentiments on this. He said God filters our voices so that when they get to heaven they all come out beautifully!
I also love the Talley Trio. Jerry and I are blessed to count Roger, Debra and their daughter Lauren as friends. They have a CD out entitled, simply, 'Talley Trio' on which they recorded 'He Won't Take Back One Promise', written by Kirk Talley and Phil Cross. I play this CD every day on my way to the office and this song blesses me to no end. Sometimes I almost have to pull over and shout when the chorus comes on.
The song begins:
Promises are made to be broken today
Forever and always are things thrown away...
Then after a few measures comes the mighty chorus:
He won't take back one promise He's given to us
He won't let us down after lifting us up
You can take Him at His word, In His Name you can trust
He won't take back one Promise He's given to us!¹
Isn't that great stuff? Not even ONE promise He made to me will He ever take away from me. I can stray from God, I can quit church, I can become a bad person, but if I come back to Him, I have His promises waiting for me to claim.
What are some of His promises? Glad you asked!!!
John 3:16 I can have everlasting life with Him
1 John 1:9 If I confess my sins, God will forgive and cleanse me (I have this verse paraphrased on my checks, just above the signature line I just figure that everybody to whom I send a check needs to know God forgives)
Matt. 6:33 Seek God first and all my needs will be taken care of
Phil. 4:19 God will supply all of my needs
I Thes. 4:17 Jesus is coming back for us
Heb. 10:23 God is faithful
Prov. 3:5 -6 Trust in God with all of your heart and He will direct your paths
Heb. 6:12-20 God guarantees His promises with His word; God can't lie; therefore, His promises are unchangeable.
God made a personal promise to Pastor Cymbala. In a recent sermon (as well as noted in his book, 'Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire') Pastor Cymbala cited a time early in their ministry when they were having a very difficult time financially. He said God promised him that he would never have to worry about feeding, clothing or any other necessities for his family…IF he would only lead His people to pray.
In January, God made a personal promise to Jerry and me concerning the ministry of J & J Music. At that time, we didn't understand what it meant but we relaxed in the comfort of knowing that whatever lay ahead, God was walking with us. We have seen his faithfulness every step of our journey this year.
As a child of God, be encouraged! God wrote his promises just for you. Whatever you are facing, you don't have to face it by yourself.
Let me leave you with Joshua 1:5: "No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will never leave you or forsake you!"
Love Ya!
Jackie
¹Kirk Talley and Phil Cross Kirk Talley Music & Cameron Hill Music BMI
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