A PROMISE IS A PROMISE!

We've been quite busy in the last week or so, as we put our house on the market, bought a smaller one and still are preparing to take a trip or two for graduations and weddings. So, my blogging routine has been sorely disturbed.  But today, I promised myself, that I would blog this particular message.  So, yesterday's message in my journal was based on Matthew   23:22  "A promise is a promise.  God is present, watching and holding you to account, regardless."

Jesus was scolding the Pharisees for dictating to the people when and how a promise became acceptable and true... by swearing on the scriptures, shaking hands  or raising your hand to God.  In one of these ways, you could identify an honorable promise.  This is rather like kids.  If they crossed their fingers they didn't have to keep the promise or  they would swear something was true even if it wasn't.  Just like kids.... poppy-cock!  A promise is a promise and God will hold you to it.

We utter a promise when we marry.  We accept a promise to pay a debt.  We promise in court to tell the truth.  We even promise that we will do what we have said we would do. And for the most part, I think most people do tell the truth as they know it to be.  Sometimes what we tell is our opinion only and then it becomes true as far as we are able to ascertain. It would be nice if we could swear in court, " I promise to tell the truth as I understand it to be." But, no takers, so far.

Everyday I make promises to myself.  Today, I will definitely exercise.  Tomorrow I will definitely iron clothes.  I will get at my Bible journaling right after breakfast.

I need to make more promises for myself...and keep them.  But, I admit, I fear I will not keep for one reason or another any promise I have made for myself.  Myself doesn't have to get mad at me for a  broken promise.  Other people might.  Oh, shame for shame.  Woe is me.  I guess I need to pray.....

Lord, right now, this moment, I admit this hesitancy to make promises...much needed ones...to myself.  I am now so aware that a broken promise to myself is like broken promise made to you.  I freely admit to you that I hesitate to make a promise I may find an excuse not to keep, or  forget about, or decide it to be unimportant after all. Forgive my hesitancy and my mistrust and help me see the importance for determination and willingness to  promise myself and you when a promise is needed.  Amen.

Lord, I am so glad that I am in your care!!

Your...Jo