God's promise

Well, the scripture for today is from Romans - chapter 4:6-13.  As usual I had trouble understanding it so I went to the commentaries and eventually the Message.

And this is what I understand.  The promise that God gave to Abraham is there for everyone.  And it is not  based on  our obedience, behavior, ritual. It is based on God's love for all people.  Here is what is in the message:

13-15 That famous promise God gave Abraham—that he and his children would possess the earth—was not given because of something Abraham did or would do. 
It was based on God’s decision to put everything together for him, which Abraham then entered when he believed. If those who get what God gives them only get it by doing everything they are told to do and filling out all the right forms properly signed, that eliminates personal trust completely and turns the promise into an ironclad contract!
 That’s not a holy promise; that’s a business deal. A contract drawn up by a hard-nosed lawyer and with plenty of fine print only makes sure that you will never be able to collect. 
But if there is no contract in the first place, simply a promise—and God’s promise at that—you can’t break it.


The promise is really that we are blessed to be a blessing.  So, on this rainy Tuesday morning with a lot of emotional upheaval about getting rid of stuff before a move and surrounded by fears about coronavirus all around us  - what does it mean to me?

I think I need to concentrate on the blessings that I continue to receive. Gratitude that God loves me no matter what. 

The process of sorting through documents and other belongings brings up alot of memories and emotions.  First there is the vague sense of guilt and shame that I have so much and it is often disorganized.  Then there is the anxiety of not knowing what I may need later.  I think I have an idea that for some people this is easy and for me it is truly fraught  And finally, there are the good and not so good memories that the papers and other stuff bring up.

Then there is the corona virus which also brings a variety of emotions to the fore.  Are people overreacting or is this a real scary thing?  I am now serving a church with a lo of people in their 80s and 90s.  Should we think about not meeting?  And how about the trips that are planned in my future?  What is going to happen here?

So, I start the day with this text which is a reminder of the promise of God.  The promise of presence and love and strength.  It helps me to get a better perspective on everything and to settle myself down.  This much I know to be true - if I don't center myself in the presence and love of God I am in trouble.

Here is a prayer for today -

I am serene because I know thou lovest me,
Because thou lovest me, naught can move me from my peace,
Because thou lovest me, I am as one to whom all good has come.
Amen