ESPN continues to air classic sporting events and last night they replayed Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. After being down 3-1 in the series, the Cleveland Cavs won three straight games (including Game 7) to become the Champs. Following the Cavs' first championship, the headlines read, “LeBron James Fulfills Promise to Bring a Title to Cleveland” and ”Cleveland Rocks: Cavaliers Deliver on LeBron’s Promise.” LeBron returning home and bringing a championship to a city and state who desperately wanted one is an incredible sports story. Despite all of the pressure and expectations, LeBron came through and did what he set out to do. In sports, athletes, coaches, and owners make many bold proclamations to the fans, and every once in a while they deliver on them. Making promises is very difficult in sports, as there are so many unpredictable factors at play, but it’s always fun seeing them come to fruition…like we did again last night! Although vows in sports just occasionally prevail, the Bible is filled with incredible and plentiful promises that we can always rely on because the God we serve is faithful and powerful. According to Numbers 23:19 (NLT), we can have a deep trust that God will deliver on His promises: “God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change his mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?” Here are a few we can cling to and count on, especially when everything else in our life is uncertain: Matthew 6:33 (NLT) directs us to "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." As followers of Jesus, Romans 8:28 (AMP) is especially comforting during this time: "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose." Let’s also remember the role that Jesus plays in the fulfillment of God’s plan in 2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV): “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 (AMP) gives us this assurance: "In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit as owned and protected . "The Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of God’s own possession , to the praise of His glory." Today, let's remember we can hold on to all of these encouraging promises from God’s Word for new life through salvation, provision for our needs, hope during trials, and eternal life with Him. Let’s be challenged to keep discovering all of the wonderful promises God has given us...while claiming them wholeheartedly and thanking Him for His faithfulness to complete them. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the many promises You give us in Your Word. Help me to cling to them and trust You to complete them. When I’m struggling, help me to remember Your faithfulness and the countless promises You’ve already delivered on. Thank you for Jesus, and it’s in His name I pray, Amen. Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways have you seen God deliver on His promises in your own life?
Which of these promises we shared, do you need to cling to the most today?
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