Promises, promises:

I have always been a pushover for a beautiful rainbow. As far back into my youth 
as I can remember, there was a fascination with this particular phenomenon of 
nature's beauty. And, of course, being a minister, I learned early in my life that there
was special significance to rainbows in the historical account of most religions.

You know the story that God created the rainbow following a worldwide flood upon
the earth during the days of Noah as a reminder that he would never again destroy 
the world in a similar manner. According to Jewish history, God established the rainbow
as a perpetual token (or sign) by which we would be reminded of this covenant promise.
I always saw irony in the fact that even those who do not believe in the historicity of 
the Great Flood are still recipients of the beauty of the rainbow and the benefits of the
promise that it represents.

The dictionary defines a promise as a vow or declaration assuring that one will do 
(or not do) something. No doubt we have all been on both ends of broken promises. 
But promises made and our ability to keep and honor them are a critical measure
of character and integrity.

True faith is not based in any particular promise, but rather in the person behind the 
promise. The power of the promise is not in the promise itself but in its author. 
Therefore, confidence in any promise is based on one's faith in the person making it.

Without some degree of relationship (and therefore trust) in the promise's author, 
there is no real release of faith and hope in what a promise declares. Keep in mind
 that "promise" means to call to mind to someone's advantage for purposes of good. 
Do your promises mirror that definition?

Don't be afraid to make promises. And don't be afraid to keep those promises. Not only
will others benefit by your commitment and integrity, but you will begin to develop a 
strong and worthy reputation as a person of character and honor. Our world desperately
needs more promise keepers.

Creationists believe that every rainbow reminds us that the creator was not afraid to 
externalize his promise to us. He made certain that the entire world knew about it, and 
he was willing and ready to put his reputation on the line for all to see and judge. I strongly
suggest to you that we should do the same. You won't regret it. I promise.