Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Throughout my life, I have received many promises. As you know, not all promises are the same when people make them. Some promises are kept and some are broken. My wife and I have been involved in many building applications and remodels in our 8 years of marriage. I have worked in various capacities in the construction world and have learned that time is an abstract construct in this realm. My wife, who has no construction background, has learned the hard way that “I’ll be there in the morning to run the plumbing,” actually means, “Don’t hold your breath, but I hope to start that job in the next 3-5 business years”. Promises in the construction world can be like pinatas - they were meant to be broken. DISCLAIMER: The thoughts and ideas in this devotion do not reflect the promises made by the skilled contractors involved in Venture Church.

Paul is writing to the Galatians here in chapter 3 to break down these legalistic ideas floating around, starting with the foundation of the promise with Abraham. In Genesis, we see Abraham (he had many sons) declared righteous by his FAITH in God’s promise. What was God’s promise? In Genesis 12:1-3, God promised that He would form a nation of Abraham’s descendants in that of Israel, gave Canaan to the Israelites under Joshua, and “in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed”. It is through Abraham’s line that Jesus Christ, the seed or blessing, was born.

Knowing how the story plays out, the “families of the earth”, certainly are blessed to have the Savior of the world. Paul is describing how a man’s promise has weight, indeed, but there is no questioning the promise of the Creator of the universe. We have an inheritance that was based on the promise God gave to Abraham. This promise is given to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ according to verse 22. Notice that in Scripture, this promise doesn’t read, “Valid at participating locations through (insert expiration date)”. This promise holds eternal weight!

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Take a few moments to reflect on the promises of God.
  
• The Author of all life knows how the story ends. Do you want to be a part of that story? Do you want the people you come in contact with every day to be a part of that story?
  
• Read Genesis 12.
  
• Prayer: God, we thank You for Your promise. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Please give me the dedication to read Your promises, safeguard them in my heart and mind, and give me the courage to share Your promises. I pray for opportunities to share Your Gospel message and give me the words to say. May Your Spirit move ahead of me to soften the hearts of those I encounter. In Jesus' name. Amen.