January 11, 2012

GOD FOLLOWS THROUGH WITH HIS PROMISES. DO YOU?

Key Verse

"I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you -- the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you -- every living creature on earth." (Genesis 9:9-10)

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Central Truth

God demonstrates His grace and unconditional love by establishing eternal covenants, giving us a way to be restored to Him.

Reflections

My grandparents entered into a covenant with each other 69 years ago. They didn't have money for a ring; only their vows would state their commitment and faithfulness to one another. Today, my grandparents spend each day enjoying each other and helping many others in their family and community. If you were to spend five minutes in their home, you would know that God comes first in all they do.

I think it is amazing how God made the first covenant of the Bible to Noah and his descendants and every living creature that was with him, and I find it comforting that He remains true to His word today. Throughout the Bible, God made several covenants with His people, but I am most grateful and amazed at the "New Covenant" that God made with us through the blood of Jesus. By His grace, He has promised us salvation through His Son.

I wonder why it is so hard for us to keep our covenants? It is evident in the many marriages that fail, contracts that are broken, and people not keeping their word. I realize that our sinful nature lends to these failures and I have to think that my grandparents have the answer: keeping God first in all they do. When we put Him first, He will help us overcome our depravity. My grandparents learned this over many years of marriage and are living examples of His work.

When God entered into the covenant with Noah and the generations to come, He offered a rainbow as a testimony that He would keep His promise not to flood the earth so as to destroy all flesh. What is your "rainbow" that reminds you of your commitment to God?

Discussion Questions

1. Are you as committed to God as He is to you?

2. After you have sinned, how stubborn are you when it comes to restoring with God?

3. God set the rainbow in the clouds as a sign for Him to remember His covenant. What reminds you of your commitment to Him?

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.

  1. Ann lalanne

    January 11, 2012 03:22 PM

    Great job kasha! It was great to "see" you today!!

  2. Corinne Marvin

    January 11, 2012 04:25 PM

    Excellent! Thank you so much!

  3. Mary Laminack Clendennen

    January 14, 2012 10:14 PM

    Thank you Kasha. We are need to be reminded that God made covenants. My wedding ring is. covenant between God, me and Chris. Marriage is a covenate relationship. Thank you for your wonderful message. I love you, Aunt Mary

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Kasha Bartholomew

Kasha Bartholomew

Hi! My name is Kasha Bartholomew and I have been married to my husband, Ryan, for 17 wonderful years. In 2008, God blessed us with two beautiful children, Brenden Dallas and Karly Ryan, who will soon be turning 4. They started preschool this year, which makes for a big change in our morning routine.

I think it is neat that I married my childhood crush. We have known each other since we were small children. I thought Ryan was the cutest thing ever. Even though we played "kiss-and-chase" as children, I would never have dreamed we would be married someday.