A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 38

2 Corinthians 5:17 - 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

New – new, as respects form, recently made, fresh, recent, unused, unworn as respects substance of a new kind, unprecedented, novel, uncommon, unheard of

Creature - the act of founding, establishing, building etc, the act of creating, creation, creation i.e. thing created, of individual things, beings, a creature, a creation, anything created, after a rabbinical usage (by which a man converted from idolatry to Judaism was called), the sum or aggregate of things created, institution, ordinance

   I may be a little odd, but one smell I love is a NEW smell. New shoes, New car, New clothes, I love the new smell. I have actually been known to sniff a new book or two, after I have bought them of course. I have thought, “What is it about the ‘new smell’ that I love?” I think it’s because that the “new smell” is unadulterated by life. A new car smell, to me, is much better than an old car. The old car has had food spilt, drinks dropped, bodies in and out, and numerous other things that has made the car not smell so good. A new car on the other hand has been washed, cleaned, and kept spotless.

   Let’s take an example from the old and new car, shall we. Our old nature would be compared to the old car, stinky because of the stench of spoiled attitudes, sin itself, rotten desires, and countless other things in our life. We can do many things to try to cover the smell, maybe we hang the pine scent of kind words on our life, maybe we put the Lysol of giving on our lives, or what about the Fabreze of good works, church attendance, or anything else good you can name. The problem with all these “solutions” is that the cause of the smell is still present. All the above mentioned cover and may even temporarily kill the odor, however you are still presented with the same problem of the reoccurring “old nature” smell.

   The question becomes, “How do I get a fresh start, a new beginning, a new clean feeling?” The answer is found in our promise today, GET IN CHRIST. Only Jesus is qualified to clean out, straighten up and put your life on the right track. His blood is the only cleaning agent that will truly wash away every spot and stain. When a person trusts in Christ as personal Lord and savior, He simply makes us into a new creature. Now That’s A Promise to Ponder!!

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 37

2 Corinthians 5:17 - 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Man – whoever

  London businessman Lindsay Clegg told the story of a warehouse property he was selling. The building had been empty for months and needed repairs. Vandals had damaged the doors, smashed the windows, and strewn trash around the interior.

   As he showed a prospective buyer the property, Clegg took pains to say that he would replace the broken windows, bring in a crew to correct any structural damage, and clean out the garbage.

    "Forget about the repairs," the buyer said. "When I buy this place, I'm going to build something completely different. I don't want the building; I want the site."

   Compared with the renovation God has in mind, our efforts to improve our own lives are as trivial as sweeping a warehouse slated for the wrecking ball. When we become God's, the old life is over (2 Cor. 5:17). He makes all things new. All he wants is the site and the permission to build.

Ian L. Wilson.

   This Promise is for ANY who will accept Christ as personal Lord and Savior. He will cleanse, purify, and destroy the old life of sin and He will build a NEW, everlasting, and abundant life in its place. Now that’s A Promise to Ponder!!

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 36

Luke 2:9-10 - 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

   What is the response to God’s glory? FEAR. I wander what went through the shepherds minds that night when out of nowhere an angel appeared to them. I don’t think that UFO’s were discussed as they are today. I wander if they tried to hide behind a tree, each other, or even among the sheep. I know that when I have been afraid in times past I have hidden from what I thought was a threat. The Bible says that the shepherds were sore afraid. They were more than just startled they were scared out of their boots.

   The glory of God shone round about them. It would be an awesome experience to see the glory of God shine around us today. I feel that if we were to truly see God’s glory we would also be afraid. We would fear that we had to give an account for our Earthly lives. We would be afraid that judgment was upon us. We would be sore afraid that God would require an answer from us. Fear over all is not good. The fear of God on the other hand is a very healthy thing. The book of Proverbs speaks to this very much. The fear of God should help us live a faithful Christian life.

   This Christmas fear God and in fearing God you will be given great peace, God’s blessing, comfort and many other rich blessings. He will calm all Earthly fears and anxieties. He will tell you, Fear Not. The only fear we need to ever experience is the fear of God, because one day you and I will without a doubt stand before God and give an account for what we have and have not done. So Fear God and Fear Not anything else for behold I bring you good tidings of Great Joy, Christ has been born, crucified for your sins, raised victoriously over death, hell, and the grave, and He will come again to receive us unto Himself. Now that’s A Promise to Ponder!!

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 35

Luke 2:8 - 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

   Upon the arrival of majesty the rich is called, the famous are invited, and those with the most connections appear on the guest list. This is the way it is with every person in majesty or power; they are untouchable to the general public. There was One, however who came and did not appear to the wealthy first, instead the arrival of this king was announced to a bunch of, poor, stinky shepherds, social outcasts. While the wealthy magi did come to see Jesus it was not until two years after He was born that they saw Him. The shepherds were the FIRST. The magi followed a strange star, the shepherds heard the news from God’s “personal” messenger, with choir background. While the magi appeared with wealthy gifts, God’s “personal” invitation to see His only begotten Son went out to shepherds who had nothing to give.

   What does this all mean? First, Jesus is not “untouchable” to the general public. Instead He says, “28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28, “37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. Jesus does not hide behind, guards, security, or his wealth, instead the King of Kings says “Come” no appointment needed.

   Secondly, this shows us that Jesus does not come only to the wealthy, pretty, the ones who smells the best, or the most sanitary. The shepherds were poor, rough, stunk, and did not have access to the most sanitary conditions. Jesus loves you no matter where you stand in life.

   We can go on and on with what all this means, however it will suffice to say that the invitation to come to Jesus is still open to the public. “13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13, 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21 Now that’s A Promise to Ponder!!

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 34

Luke 2:7 - 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

   Christmas is approaching quickly and the question arises “Have you any room for Jesus?” We would all like to say “Why, of course there’s room for Jesus.” I have noticed something over the years of ministry. Many, Many people say there’s room for Jesus, but they don’t live like it. In biblical terminology that’s called a “hypocrite”. People are looking forward to Christmas because of the family time, vacation time, presents, and an array of other reasons however we tend to only give Christ the “due benevolence” on Christmas day when we spend three to four minutes reading the Christmas story. Christmas is about CHRIST.

   Once Christmas is done we begin to think about the New Year and everything we plan to accomplish in the upcoming year. I want to encourage you today that as you begin to turn your attention toward Christmas and the New Year please make, not only room for Jesus but, Jesus PRIORITY in your life this year. Revival can only occur if Christians are awoken out of our sleeping state. There was no room for Jesus in the inn at Bethlehem, will there be room for Jesus in your heart, “inn”, for Jesus this year. If you are not 100% sure that you are on your way to heaven I would love to show you how you can know. If you are facing a trial and need someone to pray for you send me a message or contact me and I will put you on my prayer list. If you would like to have Miracle Morning Ministries share “A Promise to Ponder” seminar, revival meetings for adults, teens, or children, or if you are a pastor or know a pastor who needs someone to fill a pulpit please contact our ministry at 931-319-8626. We would love the opportunity to be a blessing to your church family through music, prayer support, and preaching.

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 33

Luke 2:7 - 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

   Many times people condemn the inn keeper for not finding a room for Mary and Joseph. We must, however, realize that at the time Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem there was a tax that was being taken and everyone was to return to their town of origin. Bethlehem was not a great metropolis by any means. It was only a small town. I live in a small town and if everyone who was born in this town was required to return it would not take long for the town and all the inns to be full and overflowing. The people who came to town first would get the best choices for rooms to stay in while those who came later would only have what was left over, if any rooms were leftover. Why do I make this point, because the same would be true in Bethlehem at the time of the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph had to travel slowly because she was pregnant and about to give birth. Anyone who has travelled for any distance with a pregnant woman knows that there are “special” needs that must be met.

   As Mary and Joseph reach the small town of Bethlehem they begin to search for a room. I do not know how many inns there were at the time. My town has three small motels. Bethlehem may have had about the same. What would you do if you saw a VERY pregnant woman and her husband trying to find a room and was unsuccessful? If you or I lived in the town I would hope we would take them in. If we were strangers in the town ourselves and had a room of our own, I would hope we would either make room for them in our room or simply let them have our room. It would not make sense for the inn keeper to kick out someone who has already paid for their room, it would be rude to his guests and it would be bad for business.

   No, we cannot place all the blame on the inn keeper for rejecting a pregnant woman that happened to be pregnant with our Savior. We must put the blame solely on…the WHOLE POPULATION of BETHLEHEM. EVERONE was guilty of letting Jesus be born in a feeding trough for animals, in a stable. Even at His birth Jesus began to fulfill prophesies such as the one proclaimed in Isaiah 53:3 - 3 He is despised and rejected of men…we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Jesus is still looking for a place in our life whether Christian or lost and undone. He says “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20 Now that’s A Promise to Ponder! Please don’t keep Jesus out, let Him in and let Him set on the throne of your life.

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 32

Luke 2:7 - 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

   She holds the King of kings, Lord of lords, Prince of Peace, Almighty God, and Savior of the world in her hands. She gives Him the very best she can, swaddling clothes and a manger full of Hay. Just as Mary’s best offering was nothing that was of value, we to have nothing to offer Jesus. We must come to Him empty handed and He will fill our hearts with His presence, love, and peace.

   I was teaching on this verse to a group of third through sixth graders and as I did a third grader upon hearing the description of Christ, “the King of glory, Riches of the universe at His disposal, Almighty God came to a manger, a feeding trough.” said “that’s a long way away from having everything.” That third grader at that moment finally understood Christmas. Christ came and was not laid in a bed of ease for His life was not to be one of comfort, He was not born in a beautiful palace for He was to be a reproach among men, He was not born to a wealthy family for He came to give of Himself and offer the eternal wealth of everlasting life to all who believe. As another student told me while teaching this verse, “He came because He loved us.” He too grasped the meaning of Christmas at its root.

   I lay two challenges before you 1. If you are a Christian share the gospel with others, do not be afraid for Christ is with you to give you strength and wisdom. 2. If you are not a Christian, repent of your sin, place your faith in Christ, and receive His gift of everlasting life. He will give it to you no matter where you are in life He gave His word, He Promised. Now that’s A Promise to Ponder!

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 31

Luke 2:7 - 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

    Jesus, God incarnate, left His heavenly home, where He sat King of kings, Lord of lords, all powerful, and had the riches of the universe at His disposal, to be born, not in a palace with nurses, great pomp, or Earthly wealth, but in a stable, wrapped with simple strips of cloth, and laid in a lowly manger. So what is the significance of this? Jesus went from being the richest of the rich to the poorest of the poor (2 Corinthians 8:9 - 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.), in so much that as a grown man he did not have so much as a hole to lay his weary head, he was “homeless”. (Matthew 8:20 - 20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.) Jesus can minister to the rich and poor alike. No one on this Earth can say that he/she is to poor or too rich for God to save him/her. Jesus cannot be put into a particular class such as rich, middle class, or poor. He has been all of them. So no matter a person’s “status” in life or what “class” someone is in, God can, desires to, and will save that person. All that must be done for salvation from eternal damnation is simple, repent of sin, turn to Christ in faith, and ask Him to a personal savior. When a person does this Jesus reply’s John 6:37 - 37 “…him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” Now that’s A Promise to Ponder!

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 30

Luke 2:7 - 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

   Jesus, the fulfillment of a promise made by God in the Old Testament, kept by God, in His timing (Galatians 4:4 - 4 But when the fulness of the time was come , God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,), seen in the New Testament. We as people have a tendency to rush. We want to keep things going, this why we have microwaves, fast food restaurants, day planners (to keep all our appointments in), cars, computers, and the list goes on and on. We are an impatient species. We try to get things accomplished now, now, now!

   While we can try to rush here and there the fact is that we are all on God’s time table. It is according to God’s good pleasure that we are even able to do anything. We read the Bible and we try to get “spiritual fast food” by MAYBE reading one or two verses and then a quick prayer which many times takes a minute or less, then we are on our way feeling as if we actually did something profitable. Once we leave our place where we spend two to three minutes with God we put His will for our lives on the back burner, we put God in a small hideaway and forget all about Him.

   On the other hand when we face a sudden trial in life we expect God to spend time with us, comforting us, healing us, and making us feel better. What happens if that does not happen? We become bitter and say that God does not care about us, we begin to doubt all we have “believed in”, and we begin to question God. The simple truth is, we cannot spend “fast food” time with God and really expect Him to be our Genie in the bottle that will simply come as we desire and do what we command.

   We can expect, however, that God will supply, take care of, and help His children in His timing. He will, whether we are good or bad, love us. He will, whether we have spent quality time with Him or not, always make time to hear our prayers. Why? Because that’s the God He is. He’s a good God. He’s a gracious God. He will fulfill His promise in the fullness of time. Now that’s A Promise to Ponder!

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 29

Isaiah 9:6 - 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Prince - prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain, chieftain, leader, vassal, noble, official (under king), captain, general, commander (military), chief, head, overseer (of other official classes), heads, princes (of religious office), elders (of representative leaders of people), merchant-princes (of rank and dignity), patron-angel, Ruler of rulers (of God), warden

Peace - completeness, soundness, welfare, peace, completeness (in number), safety, soundness (in body), welfare, health, prosperity, peace, quiet, tranquillity, contentment, peace, friendship, of human relationships, with God especially in covenant relationship, peace (from war), peace (as adjective)

We have taken a close look at this verse over the past few days. Today we end with a simple thought.

Prince of Peace

By: Caleb Bowling

When times of trouble are upon you, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

When loved ones forsake you, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

When friends are scarce to be found, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

When anxiety comes hard upon you, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

When foes are on every hand, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

When there is no hope to be found, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

When life has you backed into a corner, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

When waves of stress come upon you, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

When Satan has you thwarted, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

When the question arises in your heart, “Where can I turn?” You can rest in your Saviors arms because Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 28

Isaiah 9:6 - 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Everlasting - perpetuity, forever, continuing future, ancient (of past time), forever (of future time), of continuous existence for ever (of God's existence)

   Take just two seconds and, if you’re married take your wedding band off, but WHATEVER YOU DO DON’T LOSE IT, PLEASE- This will also work with a coin or something circular. Now look at it and find the beginning of the ring, or circular object. I’ll wait… found it yet…. How about now… Well, if you tried the exercise you have not found the beginning, unless it is somehow marked. Now let your object represent God. Just as you were not able to find the beginning of your object so God has no beginning. He is everlasting. He always has been, ancient (of past time), He is, and He always will be, continuing future, forever (of future time). In other words He is, of continuous existence for ever (of God's existence). God is outside of time. He is not restricted by time. He is everlasting.

   It is impossible for me to know everybody’s background and whether or not you had a loving protective father, or a father who was absent whether he was a work–a-holic or whether he simply left. I can however guarantee you that I know one thing beyond a shadow of a doubt, everyone, that is a Christian, has a Father who will never leave, will always love, care, protect, yes even discipline us. He always does what is right for us. He is NEVER selfish, instead the Bible says in Psalm 40:5 “Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” WOW!! Go ahead read that one more time! That’s how often your Heavenly father thinks about you! Since He is everlasting He will ALWAYS think about you like this! This why Jesus came to the Earth, even before you or I were born Ephesians 1:4-5 – “4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” Simply put, He had a plan way before the Earth was even created. He thought of you before He created the first atom or the first Adam. What a Savior! He is our everlasting Father. Now, That’s a Promise to Ponder!

  

   This Promise is for those who are born again, if you do not know Christ as personal Lord and Savior. Claim the Promise that if you repent of your sins and place your Faith in Jesus to take you to Heaven and the Bible says He will save you!!(Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 16:31, John 3:16)

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 27

Isaiah 9:6 - 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

 

 I admit that I am very glad the God I serve is THE MIGHTY GOD. He is not a mighty God, but THE MIGHTY GOD!! Many, many times the true meaning of Christmas is overlooked. We watch Hollywood movies that say Christmas is about, giving, family, “Christmas miracles”, fun, and many other things. While these things may be good and o.k. these are only a result of the true meaning of Christmas.

   When you look at a manger scene the meaning of Christmas lies in the hay. The mighty God, the One who created the world and all that is in it (Gen 1:1), The God on whom we depend for the very breathe we take, and the very God Himself that sustains the universe, loved the human race so much that He would descend from having limitless power to possessing only limited strength. (Luke 2:7) Have you ever stopped to ponder the fact the Mary taught Jesus! Mary changed Jesus’ diaper, nursed Jesus, taught Jesus to walk, and talk! I can’t even begin to fathom that God would love us so much that He would come as one of the MOST dependent being on this Earth, a BABY! He very well could have simply beamed Himself down as a grown man, however He gave up everything; the praise, the power, and the glory of paradise for the purpose of becoming the least praised, the least powerful, and above all the most humble being on this Earth. That, my friend, is LOVE. He came to this planet to die on the old rugged cross so we may have eternal life! He promises that He will come back and receive us unto His own. The fact that He came to the Earth in the manner He promised, He died as He promised, He ascended to Heaven as He promised, and He sent the Holy Spirit as He promised, we can rest assured that HE WILL come back as He promised. Now That’s A Promise to Ponder!

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 26

Isaiah 9:6 - 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Counsellor - to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan, 2) counsellor (participle)

   When someone faces a situation that they don’t know how to handle whether physical, spiritual, mental, or psychological they seek council. The question is what kind of council is sought? Family, friends, pastors, professional, everyone seeks council at some point in life. Many times the council sought is not the best, such as those that turn to “the cards”, astrology, and other occulted practices. Even some Christians will seek after some of these practices. We tend to turn to those around us and forget to turn to Him that is WITHIN us. We forget that we as Christians have an all expense paid Counselor that dwells in us 24/7. Jesus is full of wisdom and knowledge. According to Isaiah 28:29 (listed below) He is “wonderful in counsel”. He will not only give good, great or even wonderful council, but because He is God His council found in the Bible is PERFECT and always CORRECT. He will also share His council with us freely and give us a “mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.”(See Below). Now that’s A Promise to Ponder!!

   This Promise is for those who are born again, if you do not know Christ as personal Lord and Savior. Claim the Promise that if you repent of your sins and place your Faith in Jesus to take you to Heaven and the Bible says He will save you!!(Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 16:31, John 3:16)

Isaiah 28:29 - 29 This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.

Zechariah 6:13 - 13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

Luke 21:15 - 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

1 Corinthians 1:30 - 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Colossians 2:3 - 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 25

Isaiah 9:6 - 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

   The following is an excerpt from John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible. I trust this will bless you as it did me!

“…he is wonderful in his person, and in the glory and beauty of it; that he should be God and man in one person, and have two natures, so different from each other, united in him; that he, being truly God, should become man; and that he should be born of a virgin; wonderful in the disposition of his mind, and in the qualities he is possessed of; in his love to his people, and his sympathy with them; in his humility, meekness, and patience; in his wisdom, conduct, courage, and greatness of soul: wonderful in his life; in his private life many wonderful things are recorded of him; as the direction of the wise men to him by a star, and their worshipping of him; the preservation of him from Herod's cruelty; his disputation with the doctors in the temple at twelve years of age; and his living such a mean and obscure life for thirty years together: and his public life was nothing but a continued series of wonders; his baptism in Jordan; his temptations in the wilderness; his doctrines and miracles, and his transfiguration on the mount: wonderful in his death; that he should die at all, who is the Prince of life, the Lord of life and glory; that he should die with his own and his Father's consent, and that for sinners, even the chief of sinners; and by dying procure life for us; abolish death; destroy him that had the power of it, the devil; and obtain eternal salvation and redemption: the circumstances attending his death were marvellous: such as the darkness that was upon the earth; the rending of the vail, and cleaving of the rocks: wonderful in his resurrection from the dead, which was by his own power, before he saw corruption, at the time signified by types and prophecy, and with the same body exceedingly glorious; and which has an influence on our justification, regeneration, and resurrection: wonderful in his ascension to heaven, both in the manner of it, in a cloud, and in the effects of it, receiving gifts for men, and giving them to them; in his entrance into heaven; session at the right hand of God; and intercession for transgressors: wonderful he will be in his second coming to judgment; the signs of it are many and marvellous; the manner of it wonderfully glorious; the different effects of it on men, filling some with joy, and others with terror; and the things that will then be done; as the raising of the dead; placing all nations before him; separating the righteous from the wicked; pronouncing their distinct sentences, and executing them; in a word, Christ is wonderful, in all he is, has, or belong unto him; in his person, offices, and relations; in his people, who are for signs and wonders; in his doctrines and ordinances; and in the manifestations of himself and of his grace to his people, now and hereafter; nay, the word signifies not only "wonderful", but a "miracle" itself, as Christ is in his person, see ( Judges 13:17-19 )” (Emphasis Mine)

 Now That's a Promise to Ponder!!

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 24

Isaiah 9:6 - 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

   Have you ever taken a moment to simply think about the names of God? Isn’t it great to know that God is what you need Him to be when you need Him to be that for example you have to make an unexpected trip to the emergency room. We all know what this entails. $$$$$$ and lot’s of it! So now we have an unexpected bill and we need healing. So who do you call on? JEHOVAH-JIREH: "The Lord will Provide." and JEHOVAH-ROPHE: "The Lord Who Heals". Let’s take a look at some other names of God:

• JEHOVAH-NISSI: "The Lord Our Banner." Ex. 17:15. God on the battlefield, from word which means "to glisten," "to lift up," See Psalm 4:6.
• JEHOVAH-M'KADDESH: "The Lord Who Sanctifies" Lev. 20:8. "To make whole, set apart for holiness."
• JEHOVAH-SHALOM: "The Lord Our Peace" Judges 6:24. "Shalom" translated "peace" 170 times means "whole," "finished," "fulfilled," "perfected." Related to "well," welfare." Deut. 27:6; Dan. 5:26; I Kings 9:25 8:61; Gen. 15:16; Ex. 21:34, 22:5, 6; Lev. 7:11-21. Shalom means that kind of peace that results from being a whole person in right relationship to God and to one's fellow man.
• JUDGE: Psa. 7:8, 96:13.
• JEHOVAH ELOHIM: "LORD God" Gen. 2:4; Judges 5:3; Isa. 17:6; Zeph. 2:9; Psa. 59:5, etc.
• JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU: "The Lord Our Righteousness" Jer. 23:5, 6, 33:16. From "tsidek" (straight, stiff, balanced - as on scales - full weight, justice, right, righteous, declared innocent.) God our Righteousness.
• JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH: "The Lord is There" (Ezek. 48:35).
• JEHOVAH-SABAOTH: "The Lord of Hosts" The commander of the angelic host and the armies of God. Isa. 1:24; Psa. 46:7, 11; 2 Kings 3:9-12; Jer. 11:20 (NT: Rom. 9:29; James 5:4, Rev. 19: 11-16).

   So who do you need? Simply whisper His name. If you can’t remember the Hebrew simply call on “Jesus”. He will know how to handle any problem you face. After all He is our mediator. Now that’s a Promise to Ponder!!

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 23

Isaiah 9:6 - 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

   I have read this passage many times and have associated the government being placed on Christ’s shoulder as a bad thing. I have, through study, been proved wrong in this assumption. This actually denotes royalty. According to John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible – “…and its being said to be "upon his shoulder" is an allusion to magistrates having a key or rod laid on their shoulders, as ensigns of their office, or carried by their officers for them...” It shows the authority of Jesus. As you glance at the verses below you can see that Jesus has indeed been given great power and authority. It is encouraging to me to realize that the God I serve is Big and Mighty enough to not only bear my burdens, but the world and all that exists. Christ has been given a GREAT responcability, however we can rest assured that, as physical worldly leaders do sometimes, Christ WILL NOT lose control or make a wrong decision. How can we know that this will happen every time? The proof is in the pudding: Jesus has ALWAYS kept every promise He has made in the past. Look at this verse; it was a promise to the children of Israel hundreds of years before Jesus came the first time. You can read the New Testament to see that everything that is said about Him in this verse is true. So any time you read a promise in God’s Word; That’s a Promise to Ponder!!

Isaiah 22:21-22 - 21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

Psalm 2:6-12 - 6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed , ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry , and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Jeremiah 23:5- 6 - 5 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Zechariah 6:12-13 - 12 And speak unto him, saying , Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying , Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: 13 Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

Zechariah 9:9-10 - 9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. 10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.

Matthew 11:27 - 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

Matthew 28:18 - 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

1 Corinthians 15:25 - 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

Ephesians 1:21-22 - 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named , not only in this world, but also in that which is to come : 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

Revelation 19:16 - 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 22

Isaiah 9:6 - 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

   When a father sees his new born son he looks at him with great anticipation of what he will grow up to be. Will he be president, play football or some sport, will he be a lawyer, or will he be an astronaut? These are only a few things that flood the mind of a new father (I speak from experience). I don’t think many parents would say I want my child to be homeless, friendless, and die a horrible death. Yet this is exactly why Jesus was born.

   Holly and I have made it a practice to dedicate our babies to God and His will as soon as we find out we are pregnant. The result? Sierra, our oldest was born 4 months premature, lived 20 days and passed away, Corban was born 3 months early, spent 3 months in the NICU and three more months with a heart monitor, We had a miscarriage after 12 weeks of pregnancy, and finally Harmony Grace was born a couple of days late. One thing we have learned from this practice is that God is in control even when things don’t turn out as expected. What did Joseph think when he saw this child lying in the manger. This child was given to mankind as a gift. What gift would He bring? This child, Jesus, would bring the gift of eternal life through His death, hope to the hopeless, strength for the weak, help for the helpless, mercy for the condemned, grace for the undeserving, and love to the loveless. When Joseph saw Jesus I wonder when it struck him that his “step-son” was King of kings, Lord of lords, the great I AM, and the Lord of hosts. I wonder if Joseph had a shouting spell when it did hit him exactly who Jesus was. Maybe we should spend a moment shouting the victory, praising our great God, and worship Him for the gift He has given us: after all unto us a son is given. Now that’s a Promise to Ponder!

John 1:14 - 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 3:16-17- 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Romans 6:23 - 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 8:32 - 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

1 John 4:10-14 - 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 21

Isaiah 9:6 - 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

   God Almighty, the all Sufficient One, The Self-Existent One, Provider, Healer, Sanctifier, The Lord of Peace, Shepherd, Judge, The Lord of Hosts, King of kings, Lord of Lords, The Most High, the Timeless God, etc. stepped from the portals of Glory, where He was worshipped without pause, Had no troubles, no strife, no persecution, and no worries, yet He left ALL that for one reason… You and Me!! He did not come as a king, prince, or ruler of any sort. He did not come to a metropolis, or to a town full of extravagance, He did not come with great pomp, or trumpets blowing. No He came meek and lowly as a babe in the small town of Bethlehem, placed in a manger full of hay, with only the cattle to see His coming. It is true that the angels appeared to shepherds who came and worshipped. He didn’t even have the “In crowd” come to see Him first. It took two to three years before the magi saw Him. He came as a child for the Jews as Messiah, and for the Gentiles as Savior of the World. This prophecy was kept! God does exactly what He says He will do and you can take that to the bank. Now that’s a promise to Ponder!

For unto us a child is born  - “This clause respects his (Jesus) humanity, his incarnation and birth, which is spoken of in the present tense, though future, because of the certainty of it; that he should really become man, assume a true body, and a reasonable soul, partake of the same flesh and blood with the children, be made flesh, and dwell among us: and this was to us, "for us":…” (John Gill's Exposition of the Bible) emphasis mine.

Isaiah 7:14 - 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Luke 1:35 - 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Luke 2:11- 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

A Promise to Ponder Volume 3, Issue 20

Isaiah 9:6 - 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

   It is December 1st and all attention now turns completely to Christmas. Many will focus on the gifts exchanged, while others simply feel stress because of the holiday, yet others feel depression, others will go to Christmas cantatas held by churches, watch the classic Christmas movies, and some will even participate in the programs watched. Christmas truly is a busy season for many however I want to place a challenge to everyone. Don’t get so caught up in the “Hype” of Christmas, instead focus on Christ. Instead of stressing over Christmas, lay that stress at the feet of Christ and worship Him. Instead of becoming overly excited about the presents that will be received plan a special time with family and do the “unthinkable”… give some of the excess toys, clothes, food, money, or whatever else you can think of, away to someone in need. Do not be so concerned about the cost of the gift or that it is the newest, “best” gift. Be concerned instead that your family draws closer to Christ this Christmas.

   If you are one of the many that face depression, try to remember that Jesus loves you the way you are and that He does not need you to “perform” for Him. He simply wants you. If you are facing depression go out and serve others and see that there are others that you can bless. Fight your flesh and go out. Do not seek your own pleasures instead seek to please God by serving others. He is, after all the “Counsellor”. So turn to Him and He will help.

   During the days leading up to Christmas I will focus on the Christ child. We will take a look at several things throughout the Bible about Who Christ. A Promise to Ponder will begin to be written once again Monday through Friday, so tell your friends, neighbors, and folks at church. Help spread the news that there is A Promise to Ponder!

A Promise to Ponder Volume 2, Issue 19

2 Corinthians 1:21 - Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

Anointed - 1) to anoint, enduing Christians with the gifts of the Holy Spirit

   Now here is a word that can cause some great discussion among believers. The “anointed” has been used by many people in many ways. One thing can be agreed on by all Christians and that is the fact that anointing only happens to those who are truly born again. Anointing has always been a sign of setting someone apart for a particular purpose, in the Old Testament prophets would anoint kings and in the New Testament according to this verse and also Revelation 1:6 He hath made us kings and priests. When a person becomes born again they become anointed by the Spirit of God to be a priest and a king! The question becomes what other types of anointing does God give us? Let’s take a quick look at some scriptures…

• Psalm 45:7& Hebrews 1:9 - …thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

• Isaiah 61:1- The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek;…(We are also commanded to do this in the gospels, Mark 16:15)

• 1 John 2:27 - 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (This is the anointing of wisdom, not of man, but if God.)

While there are others, for the sake of space I will simply whet your appetite.

   I simply want to encourage you that you have been anointed to do great things for God, after all you a king and priest. The question we should spend a minute thinking about is “Am I living a life that proclaims to others that I am anointed?” It is made clear that God is the one who anoints, Jesus made a way for us to be anointed by His death, burial and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit is the one in which we are anointed. We can do nothing to receive the anointing, it is all God and that’s good news because we know that God does ALL things well. So go forth oh anointed one and live a victorious, set apart, and anointed life because your anointing is not of this world by the flesh, but of the God of this universe, and your anointing CAN NOT be undone. Now that’s A Promise to Ponder!

Anointed

Psalm 45:7- 7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Hebrews 1:9 – 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Isaiah 61:1 - 1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted , to proclaim liberty to the captives , and the opening of the prison to them that are bound ;

Acts 10:38 - 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good , and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

1 John 2:27 - 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Revelation 3:18 - 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich ; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed , and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear ; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see .

Verses that have to do with Anointed however the English word is not found in these passages:

Isaiah 59:21 - 21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.

John 3:34 - 34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

Romans 8:9 - 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Revelation 1:6 - 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

1 John 2:20 - 20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

A Promise to Ponder Volume 2 Issue 18

2 Corinthians 1:21 - Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

Stablisheth – 1) to make firm, establish, confirm, make sure

   My Strong and High Tower, Rock of Ages, Shield, Corner Stone, Strength, Buckler, Creator, and risen Savior with all power given to Him. This is a short list of things the Bible calls God. When God is pictured in the Bible He is NEVER weak, He is quite the opposite. If anyone is fit to stablish the Christian it is indeed the God of the universe. We were sinking in a miry pit. We had fallen into a hole in which we could not dig ourselves out. Simply put we were on “sinking sand” without hope. This is the true condition of the lost person, however God is waiting, longing, and anticipating the time when someone receives Him into their heart. The moment a soul turns to Him He reaches down and lifts that soul out of the yuck, mud, mire, and stench of sin and washes, cleanses, purifies, and stablisheth – make firm, establishes, confirms, and makes sure – that soul. What does He establish us in?

• in the faith - Colossians 2:7
• To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God - 1 Thessalonians 3:13
• every good word and work - 2 Thessalonians 2:17
• also see 2 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 Peter 5:10

Take that, maul that over in your mind for a while. Now that’s a Promise to Ponder. This is so rich I will have to save the other half of this promise for next time.

Stablisheth

Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught , abounding therein with thanksgiving.

1 Thessalonians 3:13 - To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

2 Thessalonians 2:17 - Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 - But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

1 Peter 5:10 - But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while , make you perfect, stablish , strengthen , settle you.

NEW SCHEDULE for A Promise to Ponder

    I want to thank everyone that has made comments on "A Promise to Ponder". I also want thank everyone for reading and sharing the post with others. Due to my VERY busy schedule and possible opportunities I will be writing "A Promise to Ponder" on a weekly basis. Please feel free to contact me via facebook, my ministry account on Plaxo.com (connect with Caleb and Holly), or directly post a comment on my posts @ miriclemorningministries.blogspot.com. God Bless. I will post on EVERY Monday. God Bless and I look forward to hearing from you all soon.

A Promise to Ponder Volume 1 Issue 17

2 Corinthians 1:20 - For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Yea – 1) yea, verily, truly, assuredly, even so

Amen – 1) firm, a) metaph. Faithful, 2) verily, amen, a) at the beginning of a discourse - surely, truly, of a truth, b) at the end - so it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled.

   Have you ever had someone make a promise to you then broke it? It hurts doesn’t it? Promises are made by people all the time without really thinking, we just say “O.k. I promise I’ll…” and then sometimes, if anyone is like me, we forget to do what we promised. We as the human race may forget to do all we say, however, according to our verse today ALL the promises that God makes will be kept. We can read through God’s word and see many promises that He has made and we can rest assured that God will do what He says.

   If you have ANY questions about God’s faithfulness to fulfill all His promises all you have to do is read the Bible and you see for yourself the promises God made and kept all through the Bible. The Bible reinforces itself by not only making an argument, but backing it up. Look at the words at the top and see their definitions. These words tell us that the promises made by God will assuredly happen and we can stand firm on what He says. Why would God make sure He keeps His promises? His “reputation” is on the line, “unto the glory of God”. Every time God keeps a promise He has made His glory is seen and He receives the glory as well. When God promises something He lays it all on the line. When God lays everything on the line you can be sure He will not let you down.

   Simply put this verse promises that because of Who God is He will keep all the promises made by Him. He will NOT disappoint. HE will come through every time. Now that’s a Promise to Ponder.

A Promise to Ponder Volume 1 Issue 16

2 Corinthians 1: 5 - For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

the sufferings – 1) that which one suffers or has suffered, a) externally, a suffering, misfortune, calamity, evil, affliction, 1) of the sufferings of Christ 2) also the afflictions which Christians must undergo in behalf of the same cause which Christ patiently endured, b) of an inward state, an affliction, passion, 2) an enduring, undergoing, suffering

Abound/aboundeth – 1) to exceed a fixed number of measure, to be left over and above a certain number or measure, a) to be over, to remain, b) to exist or be at hand in abundance, 1) to be great (abundant), 2) a thing which comes in abundance, or overflows unto one, something falls to the lot of one in large measure

Consolation – 1) a calling near, summons, (esp. for help), 2) importation, supplication, entreaty, 3) exhortation, admonition, encouragement, 4) consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment, a) thus of the Messianic salvation (so the Rabbis call the Messiah the consoler, the comforter)

   The life of a Christian is a difficult one. The Christian is called by God to be separate from the world (Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 6:17). God tells us that the Christian life will be difficult (Matthew 5:11-12, John 15:18-19). I understand you are not saying “WOW I love this promise!” right now, but hold on. In this life trials will come as the Bible states in many places such as: Romans 5:3, Romans 12:12, 2 Corinthians 1:4, just to name a few. You see our verse today tells us that we must suffer in this life as Christ suffered in this life. As a matter of fact the verse says that “the sufferings of Christ abound in us”. Make no mistake about it if you are living a separated, holy life for the Lord suffering WILL come.

   Now that I have you completely depressed about living for the Lord, let me say that this verse does not end there. Can I hear a PRAISE GOD!! I know that’s what I’m saying. The “bad news” is done let’s move on to the “good news”. “Our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” God says that He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you. He also tells us to cast our burdens on Him because He cares for us. God tells us time and time again throughout the Bible how valuable we are to Him. Sin stained sinners are important enough to God that He would send Jesus, His only begotten son, to Calvary to die a shameful, bloody death. Those who receive Christ as personal Lord and Savior are important enough to God that He lifts them out of the miry pit of sin, sets them on a solid rock and makes them a child of the King. He does not stop there He makes us joint-heirs with Christ, builds a whole new city, actually a whole new world, to live in and that is only the tip of the iceberg. This verse in particular says that “Our consolation aboundeth by Christ.” You see when we go through a trial, which will come, we can summons Christ for help and He will come to our side. He will exhort, admonish, encourage, console, comfort, and refresh us. In Christ we can find solace. “Why?” It is His nature He is “the Comforter”. He has sent the Holy Spirit also “the Comforter” to live in us, therefore we are NEVER comfortless. When you’re going through a tough spot remember 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “3. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” Now that’s A Promise to Ponder.

A Promise to Ponder Vol. 1, Issue 15

1 Corinthians 13: 13 - And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Faith – This is best defined in Hebrews 11:1- “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Hope – 2) expectation of good, hope, a) in the Christian sense, 1) joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation, 3) on hope, in hope, having hope a) the author of hope, or he who is its foundation, b) the thing hoped for

Charity – 1) affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love

   1 Corinthians 13:13 is the last verse in a very eye opening chapter. Throughout this chapter Paul makes it very evident that the Christian life is ALL about one thing, CHARITY/LOVE. Paul basically tells us that a Christian life lived only through “tradition”, or only “Going through the motions” is not a Christian, separated life. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 tells us 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Paul then goes on to define love in the next few verses “4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” Then he tells us that many things will pass away “9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” Paul has now weeded out things that will vanish and he finishes with our verse for today. “13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” While many things will change through this life there are three things that will not change faith, hope, and charity.

   Of these things Charity is the greatest. Why? Because without love we would not have anything to put our Faith in, nor would we have Hope. Look at these few verses. Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Ephesians 2:4 “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” 1 John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” 1 John 4:10 “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” You see without God’s love we would not be capable of selfless love. Our Christian life is based wholly on love. We are to be like Christ so we are to LOVE others.

   What is the promise? It’s this; God will stop loving when God ceases to exist, our Hope is solid and our Faith is sure. Though things in this life change three constants you can depend on, Faith, Hope, and Love. Faith will comfort you through a trial, Hope gives you something to place your Faith in, and Love will get you through the trial because it is the greatest of the three.

A Promise to Ponder Vol. 1, Issue 14

1 Corinthians 13: 12 - For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

a glass – 1) a mirror, a) the mirrors of the ancients were made, not of glass, but steel

darkly – 1) an obscure saying, enigma, riddle, 2) an obscure thing

   Have you ever looked in a foggy mirror? How well were you able to see to comb your hair or, for girls, put make up on? My guess is that you probably couldn’t see very well. This is a picture of what this verse is saying. Right now, in this life, we cannot tell what will happen. We cannot say for certain that we will be somewhere at a certain time. Why? Because we don’t know 100% that we will not become ill, receive a call, or message that will drastically change our plans, get into a wreck, or be admitted into the hospital, or for that matter die. The Bible says in James 4:13 - 15 “13. Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” You see this life is uncertain, it is like a foggy mirror while you may be able to see an outline you cannot see the details. There is only One who can see all the details and that’s Christ. This is why we must learn to depend on Him and trust Him in this life.

   The second portion of our verse states “but then face to face”. There is coming a day when all things will become clear. What do you do when you can’t see yourself in the foggy mirror? You wipe it off with a towel or a cloth of some type. When you do this all becomes clear and you now see yourself face to face, clearly. I’m sure you have heard the old saying “Hindsight is 20/20”, well when we reach Heaven we will understand the things of this life that we did not and will be able to focus completely on Christ. It is wonderful to me to know that though I don’t understand all that God is doing right now He knows exactly what is taking place and why. This means we don’t have to worry about the “why” to this life, only the “how”. We need not say “Why has this happened?” we can say “How can I serve God more effectively through this?” So, if there is something you have been trying to find out the “why” to, stop fretting and give it to God because He knows the “why”. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” Now that’s a Promise to Ponder.

A Promise to Ponder Vol. 1, Issue 13

1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

   I will not give any definitions for this verse the words are easily understood. The concept in which I would like to bring out in this passage is that God is NOT racist, He has NO favorites, and He wants ALL to come to Him. It is a comfort to know that when a person comes to God He does not say “Oh, sorry you’re the wrong type of person.” The children’s song says it best “Jesus loves the little children all the children of the world, Red and Yellow, Black and White they are precious in His sight Jesus loves the little children of the world.” One type of person does not receive a partial portion of the Holy Spirit while the other gets all the Spirit. No, this is not true at all. The Bible, in this verse plainly teaches that it does not matter to God whether a person is Jew or Gentile, whether bond or free He makes us all the same. The Bible says in Colossians 3:11 “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” Now that’s a Promise to Ponder!

A Promise to Ponder Vol. 1, Issue 12

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Workmanship - 1) that which has been made, 2) a work, a) of the works of God as creator

before ordained - 1) to prepare before, to make ready beforehand+

   In a society where everyone is all about, “What I think.” “What I’m doing.” “I am my own person.” And “With enough positive thinking I can do anything I want.” We hear a lot about self esteem, “IIII….” This is what the world is about. What is God about? Well…. We are told in the Bible in Phillipians 2:3 “3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” As we study the Bible we find two things are evident 1. Life is not about I, it’s about God. 2. Life is not about I it’s about others. Let’s focus on the first point; Life is not about I it’s about God.

   First we must see that we are God’s workmanship. We have not done anything on our own. Jesus said in John 15:5 that “…without me ye can do nothing.” Every breath is given by God to us. The strength we have to minister, work, and serve others is ALL given by God. Try as we may there is nothing in this life; including life itself; that God has not mercifully given us.

   Next we see that according to this verse we as Christians are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. While good works will not save you, it is part of God’s plan that we Christians serve others. Are we to act in our own interest? NO. This life is not at all about what I can gain, but what can I give. God will bless as we serve others first.

   Finally we can see in this verse that this has ALWAYS been God’s plan. It was before ordained that we should walk in them (good works). Why is good works so important to God if they do not take anyone to heaven? Because God knew from before time that it is good works that will bring glory to God. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Good works are so important because it is by our works that others will see Christ in us. Because it is the nature of this flesh to do what is “best” for self, it truly makes people stop and consider what is different when a person does good works simply to help others. I have had people tell me before that everyone does nice things for others only because they want something in return. It was then I was able to point them to Christ. So, go out in the power of God and do good works, after all you as a Christian have been created for that purpose. Now there’s a promise to ponder.

A Promise to Ponder Vol. 1, Issue 11

Ephesians 2:9 - Not of works, lest any man should boast.

   Once again no definitions are needed for this verse. I do not know of a more clear verse in the Bible. I hear people all the time say that they have been good people and that they should make it to heaven. This verse states that there is NOTHING we can do to earn our way to heaven.

   The first three words of this verse tell what he is saying, the last five tell us why. We cannot work our way to heaven because it would give cause to say, “Look at what I did! I’m such a good person.” or it would give cause to say, “Wow! that’s all you did. Man I was much better than you I bet I’ll have a bigger mansion.” This is called boasting. Boasting is a sin, God is sinless and will not, nor can He by His nature, allow sin in His presence. So this fact alone makes it impossible to earn our way to Heaven where God lives. Think about it for a second, we work our way to heaven and are able to boast; which is sin remember; about all we have done to get there, God comes over and says “I’m sorry but I cannot allow sin into Heaven and because you have sinned you must be forever thrown into Hell. You were good on Earth but now you messed up.”

   So what’s the promise? We don’t have to bear the burden of earning our way to Heaven, it’s paid. WOW! A free trip to live with Almighty God in Heaven and all we have to do is place our faith in Jesus to take us there. I must admit I definitely like God’s plan better than my own. Here God puts it in black and white we are not responsible for Heaven God is, and guess what, He is and has been faithful enough to hold up His end of the bargain. Now that’s a Promise to Ponder!

Promise to Ponder Vol. 1 Issue 10

Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

   I will not put any “Definitions” today because we have already looked at grace. As for Faith it is defined for us in Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

  

   This verse has caused some misunderstandings among some Christians. I have personally heard this verse taught two different ways. 1. I have heard that Faith is not of ourselves, it is a gift from God. Therefore one can only be saved if God gives that person the needed faith for salvation. 2. I have also heard that Grace is not of ourselves, it is a gift from God. Therefore we must place our faith in Christ and His grace, which is not of ourselves, but a gift from God is given to us. I will tell you that I personally adhere to the second way of thinking. I will not go into that discussion in length I only want you to know where I stand and where I am coming from. That being said let’s take a look at this verse.

 

   Does anyone deserve to be saved? Does anyone deserve Heaven? The answer to these questions is, no. We do deserve death because of our sin. We do deserve hell because we have all sinned. It has always amazed me how people get upset at God because something didn’t happen the way they wanted or they didn’t get what they felt they deserved. When this happens many people will become bitter and say God is not just or loving how could a just and loving God let….happen. (You fill in the blank) The fact is, because of God’s justice sin must be paid for. Rom 6:23 says “The wages of sin is death…” Death is the only payment acceptable for our sin. This is hell/ separation from God. This is just. However God stepped in and shows His love, Romans 6:23 finishes by saying “…But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” This is God’s love and grace. Grace – Receiving what we don’t deserve. We DON’T deserve eternal Life, yet God’s grace says here take it, it is a gift to you. A murderer does not deserve to be let go, but grace is when the victim’s father comes to the murder, pays his penalty, then dresses him in the finest linen and takes him to be his son, adopts him and makes him part of the family. That is grace. WHAT!? It’s unthinkable that someone would do something like that. I know, however the truth is, it has been done already. We are the murderer, our sin is the reason that Jesus Christ died on the cross. Our sins murdered Him. ( yet He laid down His own life) God’s grace steps in and says in Rom 8:15-17 – “15 … but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Now that’s grace, not of ourselves. It is not possible for anyone to show grace to themselves grace is only shown to others. All we have to do to receive this gift is place our faith in the finished work of Christ. Now that’s a Promise to Ponder!

A Promise to Ponder Vol. 1, Issue 9

Ephesians 2:7- That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

ages to come - 1) for ever, an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity, 2) the worlds, universe, 3) period of time, age

Exceeding - 1) to surpass in throwing, to throw over or beyond anything, 2) to transcend, surpass, exceed, excel, 3) excelling, exceeding

    If you were to look closely at Ephesians 2:1-7 you would notice that it is two sentences, according to the punctuation. The 1st sentence takes place in verses 1- 3. This sentence describes who we were before we were made alive to God. Verses 4-6 make up the second sentence which describes what GOD has done for us. At this point we are left asking “Why would God show us such kindness?” God answers this question in today’s verse. He wants to show His grace throughout eternity! He wants to show us off for all eternity and say “Look what I can do and behold my grace.” You may think this sounds selfish of God, however I will tell you that I never have minded when put on a pedestal, and if you’re honest you probably haven’t either. We become God’s “prized possession”, His trophy of grace. As God's trophy you be sure that God will take very good care of you. He keeps His trophies polished and shiny. How great is that!

    God quickens us so He can show His EXCEEDING riches of His grace. We are told that God is rich in mercy in verse 4 and here we are told He is exceedingly rich in grace. Isn’t it good to know that the God you serve, as a Christian, is rich in more than money? He is rich in mercy and grace. Has God not been good to us? He took us as we were, filthy, unclean, servants of the Devil, and were the children of wrath(vss1-3), then He bestowed His great Mercy and grace with which He is rich in both, cleaned us off through the blood of Jesus Christ, and has put us on “display” before all the universe and spiritual world for all eternity. What a great God!

A Promise to Ponder Volume 1, issue 8

Ephesians 2:6- And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:


raised us up together – 1) to raise together, to cause to raise together, 2) to raise up together from mortal death to a new and blessed life dedicated to God

made us sit together - 1) to cause to sit down together, place together, 2) to sit down together

heavenly - 1) existing in heaven, a) things that take place in heaven, b) the heavenly regions , 1) heaven itself, the abode of God and angels, 2) the lower heavens, of the stars, 3) the heavens, of the clouds, c) the heavenly temple or sanctuary, 2) of heavenly origin or nature

    When I was growing up there was a word that made me either feel happy or sad, depending on how it was used. That word is used in this verse as well. The word? And. I know… I can hear you asking, WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? When I was child I had to do chores. MY mom would say “Caleb, you need to clean your room and wash the dishes and sweep the floor and mop the kitchen floor and when you’re done with that, don’t forget to do your homework.” Yes the word AND could make me feel sad. At times my mom could take the same word and make me very happy sometimes she would say “When you get done with your work we will go to the store and then we will go to the park and cook out and we will play games.”

Ah, yes the little word and gets ignored so many times, yet it is very important. The same is true in this verse as well as in verses 1and 5. Let’s take a look at this word and see what all God has done for us. We will start in verse 1 of this chapter.

• you hath he quickened vs. 1

• hath quickened us together with Christ vs. 5

• (by grace ye are saved;) vs. 5

• And hath raised us up together vs.6

• and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: vs.6

Why did God do this for us? No other reason than He is rich in mercy (vs. 4), He has great love (vs.4), and He has great grace (vs.5).

I just cannot get over the fact that, though we were in sin running from God; He STILL did all this for us! He has taken us and set us WITH Christ in Heavenly places! In other words our seats are forever reserved for us by Christ. We’re as good as there in Heaven. Our seat with Christ in Heaven has already been paid for and reserved for us, Christ is simply “keeping it warm” for us. If you are a Christian your name is written down and “the card” reads reserved forever, paid for in blood, and signed by the King of kings. Now that’s a Promise to Ponder.

A Promise to Ponder Vol. 1, Issue 7

Ephesians 2:5 - Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

dead - 2) metaph. a) spiritually dead 1) destitute of a life that recognises and is devoted to God, because given up to trespasses and sins 2) inactive as respects doing right b) destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative.

hath quickened us together with Christ - 1) to make one alive together, a) of Christians, with Christ

by grace - 2) good will, loving-kindness, favour a) of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues

      I would like to take verses 4 - 5 and break them down the following way:

Ephesians 2:4 – 5

But God, who is rich in mercy, - We have already discussed God’s rich mercies, but it is still good to see it again in black and white isn’t it?

for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, - Not only does He have love for us, He has GREAT love for us. He has so much love for us that He loved us even though we were dead to God in our sins. Here’s another great verse for this, Romans 5:8 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

hath quickened us together with Christ, - God has made us ALIVE to Him and DEAD to sin. We are made alive TOGETHER WITH CHRIST. Praise God we are alive just as Christ is alive…FOREVER!!!

(by grace ye are saved;) – We cannot work for our salvation it is given to us through God’s great Mercy and Grace.

        I have noticed one thing in these verses. God’s Great Love, Mercy, and Grace all go hand in hand. Because God has great love he shows mercy , not giving us what we Do deserve…Hell, and in turn by extending His mercy He then bestows His grace, giving us what we DO NOT deserve…Salvation, Eternal Life, Heaven, Christ, and too much more to mention here. Now there’s a Promise to Ponder!