" WHY KEEP PROMISES "

Today's message is one that is necessary to repeat. This is the second or third time that our Lord has challenged me to share this subject with you. Our Word, Oath or Vow which ever way you wish to state it is very important to the Lord God. Now, Jesus also told His followers not to use them - that their word alone should be enough (James 5:12). Are you known as a person of your word? Truthfulness seems so rare that we feel we must end our statements with " I Promise. " If we tell the truth all the time, we will have less pressure to back up our words with an Oath or Promise. In My studies in the Word Of God I've learned that putting a hand under the thigh was a sign of making a Promise, much like shaking hands today. Few things were written in their culture, so a person's word then carried as much force as a Written Contract today. People seem to find it easy to say "I Didn't Mean That." God's people, however, are to speak the truth and live the truth. Let your words be as binding as a written contract. Moses reminded the people that their promises to God and others must be kept. Your word must be as binding as your signature. Breaking a Vow meant a Broken Trust and a Broken Relationship. Trust is still the basis of our relationships with God and others. A broken promise today is just as harmful as it was in Moses' day. Now, I suggest that we Think before we promise anything. Those who know me well are not put off when they hear me respond " WE'LL SEE. " Until Next Time... Jim,