My mom always said..."Don't make promises you can't keep"

We all make promises...often I find myself making promises I know I won't keep to my friends. I make promises like, "Yeah, I'll call you later," or "Let's get together soon - coffee, lunch, dinner?" I make these promises to myself too, I'll exercise everyday this week, I'll keep the house spotless all week, the list could go on.... I do this same thing to God. I'm not proud of it - but I do it. God, I promise I will spend more time with you and in your word. Lord, I will give my entire life and heart to you and my ENTIRE day I will focus on you and your plan for my life. While these promises are noble I can hear in the back of my mind the old phrase, "don't make promises you can't keep. Tonight, I learned this isn't just some old saying, it's biblical.

In Ecclesiastes 5: 4-6a the author (probably Solomon) says: "When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow that to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin."

There is so much packed into this scripture. Ecclesiastes 5 is focused on standing in awe of God. I am wasting my time spitting out empty promises to a God who is so much bigger and wiser than me. Instead of trying to make promises to Him I can't keep I will focus on standing in awe of Him. I will declare His might, His glory, His love, His creation, and I will stand in awe that a God who controls the waves, who can move mountains, who made the sun stand still would love me. I will meditate on His sovereignty and grace and mercy.

Dedicated to Steve Luther.

A wonderful man, husband, father, friend, and soon to be grandfather went to spend his eternity with the Lord a few hours ago. One of our long time family friends, Steve Luther had a heart attack on October 29, 2009 and suffered a 2nd heart attack 3 months later (to the day.) In the past 3 months he had done everything the doctors told him to and yet God still called him home this morning. What a difficult reminder that God has numbered our days and that we should live each one to the fullest. Embrace this new year you have been given and thank God for all of the blessing He has bestowed upon you. Don't be afraid to tell people you love them, soak your self in the word of God, spend time in fellowship, share with others the hope and freedom you have in Christ.