24/07/2017 - RESPECTING THE VOW

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that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’ Genesis 14:23

Nobody is called upon by God for no reason, but for having shown to be worthy of trust. Alas, better to do what the Lord commands than to follow our own aspirations.  For this reason, be faithful in the small and little things and when the large opportunities arise the Most High will count on you. Abraham proved his love to the Lord before going to battle and came home victoriously. Be careful: those who only think of God when in difficulty or in pain might not be answered.

In our walk with the Lord, we must be alert to the challenges presented to us and we must pray.  If we feel we have to vow we are not obligated to doing this but if we do, we must keep and fulfill the vow.  When we vow we give our not like those who don’t keep their word, do not keep good on their promise. word. You must understand: you are that which your word is. Even the lost do With God it is even more serious because we are dealing with the Lord of Lords.

The victory that Abraham won over  the four kings, Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Nations, was the Lord’s victory which used the patriarch and his 318 servants born in his house and his allies: Aner, Eshcol and Mamre.  Likewise, a victory over an illness, pain or cancer, for example should never be taken as being a merit of yours. Even the watch over a house is God’s doings but if you don’t recognize this, you will not be answered in your pleas and supplications.

The king of Sodom was so happy to see the deliverance the Lord carried out, by way of Abraham, that he only requested the souls. The patriarch could keep the booty or the plunder. Even though they took much from defeated kings, Abraham’s heart was faithful to keep the promise and this must have caused a great impression on those that were present. In eternity we will see how much we helped by keeping our promises.

Abraham refused the offer, as he had a pact with God to not take anything from the king of Sodom, from a thread to a shoe latchet so that this king could never say that he had made Abraham rich. Pay very careful attention to the Father’s declarations, during your moments of need; surely the Lord will demand them from your hands. It is a serious mistake to promise God something and to have to confess that you were not able to fulfill. Fools do this but we must be wise!

Vows must always be kept even if somebody doesn’t think so. Elijah kept his with the Syrian army commander when he wanted to reward him for having been cured of leprosy (2 Kings 5). Singles: do not fall in love with the person you helped or that helped you. If God had meant that person for you, you would have known her in another situation.  Never try to steal God’s glory for He will not forgive you. Honor your promise!

If God is the worker, all the glory should be given to Him; otherwise, the next time you need Him He won’t help or rescue you. Do not be driven by personal interest or greed; if you behave this way, the Omnipotent will not send you people to lead to Christ and to sanctification. If they offer you something that is illegal, like a job for a son of yours, say no! Believe this: our Lord knows how to take care of us.  Amen?

In Christ, with Love, 

R. R. Soares