The Olive Branch Markham • Audio Podcast The Olive Branch Church

Scripture: Luke 7:30-50, 1 Corinthians 13, Philippians 2:1-11

At some point, most of us have been the divisive person. And we actually felt quite okay about it — because, after all, we were biblical, we were being truthful, we had convictions, we were simply RIGHT. Of course we were! But, maybe we were a little disruptive, difficult, stubborn, proud and rude.

But it is okay to act like that when you're right...right?

Ephesians 4:1-7; John 17

Jesus prayed that the people who believe in Him or claim to belong to Him - would be ONE. Thousands of denominations make it crystal clear that His prayer wasn’t answered. Couldn’t Jesus just mash us all together into a lump of pieces-parts? Like, often we can't even be friends! But, why not?

Do you remember hearing a Bible story about a prophet and a gigantic fish? Yup, you got it - the story of Jonah and the Whale! It's a story of hide and seek... but this wasn't a game. Jonah was running - trying to hide from God, forever. You may think you know how it all ended, but God is not done with the story of Jonah. There's a message in it for us right now. The choices we make and our willingness to listen to God ultimately determines where we land.

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-34

We sometimes do this funny thing when it comes to making promises: it may feel or look like we're making promises to God and others, but in actuality, we are the hidden beneficiary of those commitments; looking for an angle or how a promise will benefit ourselves in some way.

Without a doubt, we know that God's promises are absolutely pure and they never fail. He gave Himself and His very life for us — unconditionally. Maybe it's time for us to peel back the layers of our own promises and look at them truthfully.

There’s a reason why Jesus took such a tough stand on marriage vows. Keeping them, even when life is hard - pays huge dividends. Breaking them or ignoring them, carries an ongoing price tag you may never pay off. Marriage vows are very serious. Really know who you’re making your promises to. Know yourself and decide if you can pay for it - and then make plans to do that. This is never based on how you feel when you’re 'in love’ - cuz trust me, you’re on love drugs! Keeping all the promises you make will take thoughtfulness, the power of God, and the best you can give… but the returns are amazing! It will be the best gift you give to yourself, your spouse, and the legacy you leave behind.

Here’s the question we all have to ask ourselves: Based on your track record, would YOU trust you? If your promise was a plane, would you fly in it? We trust that the airline industry will do all the things necessary to get us safely where we need to go. But there are times, as Jesus made clear, when we make promises and then spend our lives looking for loopholes when it gets inconvenient.

Now, if you want to live with character and integrity – if you want people to believe what you say; if you want to have good, trustworthy friends; if you want to finish well and leave goodness and love behind you; if you want to look forward in eternity to the reward for faithfulness, truthfulness, and self-control, then the trustworthiness of your word is your credit check.