" A VOW IS A PROMISE "

Good Morning,

I'm so grateful that you chose to stop by and visit. You inspire me to strive to be better at what I do in the Body Of Christ. You make me into a better man than I otherwise might have been. Caring for you is my honor and always my pleasure, lifting you up to the Throne of Grace.

How often do you vow or promise to do something for another,I believe that we should not have to make promises. Has anyone ever asked, do you promise, and if so, how does that make you feel? Are you known for keeping your Word or for being Casual with your words? Oaths, or Vows, were common, and Jesus told his followers not to use them,He said that their Word alone should be enough.

Please recognize the fact that making vows rashly and then reconsidering them does not put you in a very good light. God takes vows seriously and requires that they be carried out. We often have good intentions when making a vow because we want to show God that we are determined to please him. Jesus, however, says it is better not to make promises to God because he knows how difficult they are to keep.

(21) " WHEN YOU MAKE A VOW TO THE LORD YOUR GOD, YOU SHALL NOT DELAY TO PAY IT, FOR IT WOULD BE SIN IN YOU, AND THE LORD GOD WILL SURELY REQUIRE IT OF YOU. (22) HOWEVER, IF YOU REFRAIN FROM VOWING, IT WOULD NOT BE SIN IN YOU, (23) YOU SHALL BE CAREFUL TO PERFORM WHAT GOES OUT FROM YOUR LIPS, JUST AS YOU HAVE VOLUNTARILY VOWED TO THE LORD YOUR GOD, WHAT YOU HAVE PROMISED (Deuteronomy 23:21-23).

Now, if you still feel it is important to make a vow, make sure that you weigh the consequences of breaking that vow. It is better not to make promises than to make them and then later want to change them. It is better still to count the cost beforehand and then to fulfill them. (DON'T EVER MAKE RASH VOWS).

God the Father emphases the significance of always telling the truth. Why is it that we are so nonchalant with our words, we should not be breaking our word to anyone. Keeping oaths and promises is important; it builds trust and makes committed human relationships possible. The Word Of God condemns making vows or taking oaths casually, giving your word while knowing that you won't keep it, or swearing falsely in God's name. You know, oaths are needed in certain situations only because we live in a sinful society that breeds distrust. It's wise to be very careful as to what trickles out of our mouths,it's important to say what we mean and mean what we say.

Until Next Time...

Jim,