MY PROMISE RING

All scripture is inspired by God
and profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, for
training in righteousness;
so that the man of God may
be adequate, equipped for
every good work.
II Timothy 3:15-16

Several years ago, a tradition was established that young dating couples came to appreciate. Jewelers sold simple but pretty rings usually with a small diamond on it for couples anticipating their relationship to eventually lead to marriage. A young man would purchase such a ring and present it to his girlfriend. The ring was a symbol of a promise of an engagement ring to follow when the time was appropriate. Not every young man takes this route, but for those who do, it sounds romantic and memorable.

Seven weeks ago, I entered our local hospital to have a knee replacement. Never, despite being warned, could I have imagined the pain, inconveniences, emotional and spiritual swings that would happen. I did something I had done before to help in anticipation of some such things that could occur. Satan is alive and well and will take advantage of our every weakness. Despite weakness, Satan must be met head on, but only in the power of the Holy Spirit and His Word.

I went, as I've done this same thing in the past, to an office supply store and purchased a silver ring for binding papers together. I then cut some 3x5 cards in half and punched holes in their upper left corners. On each of those cards on my ring is a verse of encouragment. I think at this point I have about 18 such cards on my ring. The title card says: “Precious Promises” on it. I'll give you the first few words of some of those Scriptures I felt I needed for coming days that would encourage and strengthen me. I give only the first phrase with no reference just to give you an example:

The Lord is my light and my salvation...
And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee...
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear...
Fear thou not; for I am with thee...
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed...
Call unto me, and I will answer thee...
The Lord is my strength and my shield...
Peace I leave with you..
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace...
Casting all your care upon Him...
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty....
Rejoicing in hope...

...and there are others. I've not given references because you need to fine your own promises for your own promise ring. You may use many of those but it should be of your own choosing.

There have been times I haven't been able to focus on a lot of reading, especially in the beginning days of surgery recovery. However, I had my Promise Ring with me all the time and was blessed in thumbing through those verses and praying through many of them at one time or another. Even now, I carry it in my purse. Many times while waiting (any number of places) it's handy to pull out and read/pray through. In it, I am blessed, comforted, strengthened and encouraged. By the way, it is a fun thing to make. It can even be made for a friend.

We should be in the Word as often as we can, just swimming around in it and soaking it in by large chunks. There are times,however, with a Promise Ring, we can still “snack” on the Word's sweet morsels of blessing. Make one for yourself and enjoy.

Father God, I thank You for Your Word. It serves so many needs in our lives. Thank You for Jesus, the Living Word. Help us to find our strength and help through Your written, inspired Word and to love doing it. In Jesus precious name....Amen