PROMISE MAKING – PROMISE BREAKING – Some devotional thoughts From the Edges

PROMISE MAKING – PROMISE BREAKING

Scripture focus – Matthew 28:20 “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

There are a couple of promises that I think we need to be reminded of this morning. The first promise that has been made to us by God is that God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will always be with us. We are reminded of us in Matthew 28:20 at the end of the Great Commission to go into all the world that surely, or as some versions of scripture read – “behold” to know for sure – the presence of God will always be with us.

A few other places in scripture that carry this reminder is in :

John 14:18 – “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

Hebrews 13:5 – “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”

These scriptures should not only be foundational to us, but a constant reminder that when we are afraid or when we doubt that God is still here with us, surrounding us, dwelling within us – bringing us to the place that we are longing for, many times without knowing.

The second promise that we should be reminded of is where Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit where Jesus says in John 14:26, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

We have received not only promise of presence but the promise of comfort, advocacy, a teacher, a guide, a companion, and so much more. This is what we as followers of Jesus as Christians should come to realize that we not only a remembrance of God – but a living, active, comforting, compelling God who is present and alive.

Pentecost reminds us that God keeps His promises. Jesus had told the disciples to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit—and they did. The outpouring wasn’t just a display of power; it was the launch of a movement that would change the world. The same Spirit that came like fire is still alive in us today, empowering, guiding, and filling us with boldness. God doesn’t just promise presence—He delivers power.

Now how about us. Have we kept our promise that was made to God. Maybe at our baptism, maybe in church confirmation, or just a promise to always recognize God’s presence. Maybe we made a promise when we were in trouble and afraid and we called out for God, making a promise or commitment to God. Have we kept those promises?

Are we at a place in our life when we are saying we are not experiencing or feeling God’s presence that the reason is we haven’t kept the promises we have made to God. Yet in the midst of it all God has remained faithful to us.

Some ways that we can be remined and try diligently to be reminded of and keep the promises that we have made to God are:

Starting your day with prayer – Acknowledge His presence and ask for guidance.

Meditate on His words – Reflect on scriptures like Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5 to remind yourself that He is always with you.

Trust in His promises during challenges – When facing difficulties, lean on His assurance that He will never leave you.

Practice gratitude – Recognizing His blessings strengthens faith and deepens your connection with Him.

Serve others – Jesus’ presence is often felt through acts of kindness and love.

These are just a few – but it all begins by accepting the invitation that has been issued to you by Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus offers rest to those who are burdened:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Promise kept is when we live in to the promise we made to experience Jesus with our whole heart, mind, body, and soul when we accept Him as Lord and Savior of our life. This is where new life begins, and the ultimate promise is made that should never be broken.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, fill us again. Let us not grow cold while waiting, but trust that what You’ve promised will come. Empower us today to live with boldness and faith. Amen.