Word for the day

5/22/25

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

I was reading another persons writing in regard to the difference between a promise of God and a principle of God.

I think it's helpful to discern the difference. We don't want to falsely hold onto a principle as though it's a promise.

Proverbs 22:6 is a principle as are the other proverbs of Solomon. We know this to be so because not everyone raised in a Christian household ultimately chooses to follow Jesus.

A few examples of principles would be: psalm 37:4 take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your hearts desires.

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20

A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 10:4

These are how God wants us to live life, not necessarily ultimate guarantees.

A promise, on the other hand, is assurance that something will happen. God always honors His promises.

Before we call on the promises of God, it's important to remember that we have a part to play. If He promises forgiveness to those who repent, then we need to ask for it. If He promises comfort to those in relationship with Him, then we need to run to Him in times of need. If He promises eternal life through His Son, Jesus, then we need to follow Him. Matthew 6:33 says "but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Remembering that we need to make the effort to seek His kingdom and take the steps to accept these gifts.

It's very important for us to remember that God cannot possibly love us more than He does right now. We don't have to earn His love or turn things around so that He will love us more. His love is already there for us.

When things are broken, and it feels everything has been stripped away, and you have nothing left, His love remains. This is His promise. 1 John 4:16

When times are dark, human promises are broken and betrayal threatens to break you, His love remains. This is His promise. Hebrews 6:13-30

When your heart hurts and the tears don't stop. When you don't know where to turn and one foot won't go in front of the other, His love remains. This is His promise. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

His plans are not for you to stay there. His plans are to give you a hope and a future. This also is His promise. Jeremiah 29:11

We are encouraged to live according to God's principles. All who do will be blessed by them.

We are encouraged to believe God's promises, to act upon them and consider them to be fact. God will do as He promises. Let's do our part today.

Thank you Heavenly Father for Your principles and Your promises. May we see the difference and may we always believe Your promises and live according to Your principles. In Jesus Name AMEN.