Applying the Promises, Part 5

We have spent four weeks examining reasons why people hesitate to claim scripture for themselves. When all is said and done, the reasons add up to being comfortable where we are and not wanting to do the work of believing, or doubting the promises are for you, or not even knowing there are promises!

I shared with you in Part 3, the story of my husband's job search, and being led to read scriptures of provision during his interview. I believe this is the practical way to apply any promise.

First, find scripture that speaks to the situation you are in. We are so blessed to live in an age where we can search through BibleGateway or BibleHub and other resources and find our topic pretty quickly. If you are sick, search for healing scriptures. If you are in need, search for scriptures on provision. If you need direction, look for passages on guidance.

Be sure to read each scripture in context and ask yourself, is this promise for me? Study the word and see if it can be applied in your case. For example, promises to the royal line of David cannot be applied to someone not a descendant of David. But we New Testament believers can be grafted into the vine and claim promises for the Children of Abraham. (See *Galatians 3:29)

You have to do the work of studying. What are the conditions? Have I met them?

Once you've determined this promise is something you want to claim for yourself, I have found the best way is to write the promise out with your name in it and start meditating on that scripture, praying God will bring it to pass.

For example:

2 Peter 1:4 New Living Translation

⁴ And because of his glory and excellence, he has given Jerralea great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable Jerralea to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

I can become more like Jesus and escape worldliness. What’s the condition to this promise? Back up and read verse 3:

 

2 Peter 1:3 NKJV

as His divine power has given to Jerralea all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called her by glory and virtue,

 

Verse 3 actually gives us another promise – we have everything we need for a godly life. I receive these things as I grow in KNOWLEDGE of Him. How do I know more about Him? Read the Word, pray and listen to preaching. 

I have to do the work.

Here is another scripture passage a child of God can claim if she is obedient and walk in His ways, Deuteronomy 28:6-9:

Wherever Jerralea goes and whatever she does,
    she will be blessed.
“The Lord will conquer Jerralea’s enemies when they attack her. They will attack her from one direction, but they will scatter from her in seven!
“The Lord will guarantee a blessing on everything Jerralea does and will fill her storehouses with grain. The Lord her God will bless her in the land he is giving her.
“If she obeys the commands of the Lord her God and walk in his ways, the Lord will establish Jerralea as his holy person as he swore he would do. ¹⁰ Then all the nations of the world will see that Jerralea is a person claimed by the Lord, and they will stand in awe of her.

Wow, if you’re obedient, you can claim that promise, too! 

(Read the rest of chapter 28 to find out what happens if you're NOT obedient!)

Are you claiming your promised land?

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Did you miss any of this series? You can click on the following links:
Claiming Your Promised Land, Part 1

Comfort and Claiming Your Promised Land, Part 2

Are the Promises for Me? Part 3

Encounter or Experience, Part 4

 

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I just want you to know how highly I value those of you that make your way to the Journey to read my words! I believe encouraging others with the written word is a worthy calling. Thank you especially to those who respond. You make it worthwhile.

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