Didya know...

that there are promises and gifts galore just waiting for you? There are!!! The truly sad reality is that many Christians, people who have accepted Jesus as their Lord, are unaware. Either they've not learned or been taught Who they now are and Whose they are. These gifts and promises are not just idle words - they are given to us in our journey in this life. We are never left to our own devices... we are equipped and enabled to live and make a difference in our world!

Sometimes they seem to be there for the taking, other times there are 'conditions' and or 'requirements' to attain them. Quick example - did you know that you are blessed coming in and going out? Always. You are.

   "Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be 
    when you go out." (Deuteronomy 28:6, NKJV)

Ours. And yes, there is a 'condition/requirement'  

   "if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe 
    carefully all His commandments which I command you today..." (v 1)

Take the time and read the entire chapter. It lays out our blessings, but it also informs us of the curses of NOT following His requirements. Ultimately, it is always our decision as to what to do, how to act. 

Throughout scripture there are verses that give us the information about what the promises and gifts that are available for us. And yes, some come with definite instructions (still ours to accept or not) about what we need to do. There are over 50 verses that clearly state what our promises are. Examples:

   "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those 
     who trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7)

   "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."
    (1 Chronicles 16:34) 

   "For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness
    continues through all generations." (Psalm 100:5)

   "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the 
    Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting 
    shadows." (James 1:17)

   "The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will 
    never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be 
    discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8)

   "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we 
    drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these 
    things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But 
    seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things 
    will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:31-33)


   "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own 
    understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make 
    your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Were you familiar with all of these verses? If so, excellent. And... are you standing on those verses for your life? However, remember that these are only 7 of the over 50 verses that are ours! Never let anyone tell you that you aren't 'eligible'! Of course you are. And yes, you do still sin. But you have a way to redeem and become part of the family again - 1John 1:9-2:1. If nothing else, remember that you have one who sticks closer than a brother who is cheering you on and helping you to grow in understanding and stand on the Word.