Yes, it’s January. That means it is the coldest month of the year in Minnesota. Brrrr! The days still have very few hours of sunlight.
Is that what you thought I would say or did you think, “Not January again, that is New Years resolution month! Ugh, will I have to struggle through some resolutions again?”
No, I am not going request that you start this year with resolutions which are difficult to keep for so many people.
Instead, let’s think about promises that are always kept. Pastor Rick Warren claims there are 7000 promises in the Bible. God always keeps His promises. A very small list is:
Psalm 145:9 The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all He has made.
Psalm 100:5 For the Lord is good and His love endures forever. His faithfulness continues through all generations.
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Isaiah 54:10 “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Matthew 7:9-11 Jesus promised “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus promised “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.”
John 14:27 Jesus promised “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 6:47 Jesus promised “I tell you the truth. Anyone who believes has eternal life.”
Mathew 10:42 Jesus promised, “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”
Mathew11:28 Jesus promised, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
John 1:12 But to all that believe in Him, He gave them the right to become the children of God.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
How great to read a consistent theme of God being good; of God loving us; and God having good gifts for His children.
On second thought, maybe it is worthwhile for a New Year’s resolution. Find and memorize one Bible verse per month that centers on a promise from God that especially touches you.
Or resolve to live Psalms 37:5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and He will help you.
That would make for quite an interesting 2025 seeing God keep that promise in your life.