This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. ~ Titus 1:2.
 
Think of a time when someone made you a promise and went back on their word. It could have been your spouse, or a friend; someone you elected to office or your employer; or perhaps you broke a promise to yourself or someone else. Human promises, no matter how well-intentioned, are easily broken.

Now consider God’s promises. These words, “God, who does not lie, promised,” is situated within the larger verse of Titus 1:2, which states that, “in hope of eternal life, God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.” It’s so easy to overlook this truth in the greater context of the sentence (which is a promise) but consider the weight it carries.

Think about moments in your life where God has kept some of these promises:
~ God, who does not lie, promised to never leave you, nor forsake you (Deut. 31:8).
~ God, who does not lie, promised to withhold no good thing from you (Psalm 84:11).
~ God, who does not lie, promised that nothing can separate you from his love (Rom. 8:38).

God doesn’t disappoint us or let us down. In fact, He promises to walk through our disappointments with us and give us hope and perseverance and power- more specifically His power (Eph. 3:20). He doesn’t make promises that He doesn’t intend to keep.

Before the beginning of time, God promised us hope and eternal life, and Jesus fulfilled those promises on the cross. It is finished! You don’t need to walk on eggshells for fear of losing His favor. He promised you that it’s already yours. In fact, God promised that you have a double portion of prosperity and everlasting joy (Isaiah 61:7). And that promise is not dependent upon you.

When we walk through our lives believing that we have already inherited God’s promises, the lens through which we view everything, including hardship, changes.

God, who does not lie, promised that He is working everything in my life for my good and His glory. I can trust Him to keep His word in every circumstance because He made this promise to me, and He does not lie.

Dear friends, be blessed with God’s promise to you in Isaiah 58:11, “the Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” May you trust this promise because you believe God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.
Claire Savageau – May 24, 2022

“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” ~ Luke 11:13 NLT

The verse above in Luke 11:13 has often caught me off guard.  It’s the “how much more” that causes me to pause.  Was Jesus implying that no matter how good our gifts to our children might be, the Holy Spirit is far beyond comparing with those?  And is the “much more”, not just comparing the quality of the gift, but also the quantity of the gift of the Holy Spirit?

Like you, I thank God for giving us his Spirit to live in us, empowering us to live a life pleasing to him.  Without his Spirit, it would be impossible.  He helps us in so many ways.  The Holy Spirit counsels us, comforts us, guides us, cleanses us, protects us and intercedes for us when we have no words to pray. Since he lives in us, our relationship is intimate, personal and up close. 

I love that the Spirit is always with me, so I am never alone.  He is the security, literally the down payment, we have for our future in eternity with Jesus. With the promise of God’s Spirit comes the power to produce rich fruit in our character like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.

As the Spirit of truth, he guides our thoughts to align with our Lord’s mind.  His presence gives us access to the very thoughts of God.  When reading the Bible with the Holy Spirit, the author, it comes to life. How often have you been led to a Bible verse, just when you need it the most? 

But perhaps my favorite verse concerning the Holy Spirit is Romans 5:5, “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”  When Satan accuses us, and causes us to question if God still loves and accepts us, if we allow him, the Spirit of truth will step in and enable us to win the battle for our mind. Then he confirms that we belong to the Father by filling us with his love.

The attributes of the Holy Spirit are infinite.  But I pray that, as you take time to ponder the ones above, they will lead you to ask for much more of the gift our heavenly Father has promised us. Let’s pray daily, “Lord, fill me to overflowing with much more of your Holy Spirit!”

Dear friends, be blessed as you choose to believe that God has given you the ability to live a life of love, joy, peace and power through his Spirit in you.  May you grow more confident and hopeful as you partner more and more with the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ May 12, 2022