The Philippine Star

Strength for Today

- Used with permission from Guidelines Internatio­nal Ministries. To learn more about Guidelines and the ministry, send an e-mail to info@guidelines.org. You may also visit www.guidelines.org.

Acontract is an agreement made between two parties, which states the privileges and liabilitie­s of each person with a full rendering of responsibi­lities. In ancient times, there were two basic kinds of contracts. One was made by two equal parties, and the other was made when one party was superior to the other in rank or status. Actually, contracts in biblical times were not much different from those we use today.

Perhaps you’ve never thought of it before, but the Old and New Testaments are covenants or agreements between God and humankind. Archaeolog­ists and ethnologis­ts are quick to point out that both Testaments follow the basic covenant or contract agreement that was prevalent when the biblical books were written.

The contract or covenant God has made with you is like the one made by a feudal lord and a peasant. In no respect are the two parties equal, yet the one, out of considerat­ion and love for the other, showers blessing and goodness upon the other. And what has God promised to us who can never repay Him for His kindness? One thing is certain – both the Old and New Testaments make it clear – God has agreed to give forgivenes­s through His Son, Jesus Christ. He also gives His subjects power to live victorious­ly, extends forgivenes­s for our failures and gives grace for our needs. More than 32,000 promises are directly related to your needs and life today. God stands by, ready to fulfill His end of the bargain. Don’t take someone else’s word regarding what God will do for you as His child. Read the contract yourself. You will be amazed to discover His promises. And that’s very good news today.

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