"Raise your right hand and repeat after me, I..."

The Message version of the Psalms has been particularly interesting to read this year.  I find so many passages that are just plain RELEVANT.  For instance, Psalm 116 ^12-19 What can I give back to God for the blessings he's poured out on me?  I'll lift high the cup of salvation—a toast to God!  I'll pray in the name of God; I'll complete what I promised God I'd do, and I'll do it together with his people.  When they arrive at the gates of death, God welcomes those who love him.  Oh, God, here I am, your servant, your faithful servant: set me free for your service!  I'm ready to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice and pray in the name of God.  I'll complete what I promised God I'd do, and I'll do it in company with his people, In the place of worship, in God's house, in Jerusalem, God's city.  Hallelujah!  

Promises.  You've made'm, I've made'm.  And I have enough trouble keeping the promises I make to people who are HERE, in front of me, holding me accountable.  Making promises to God who, while He may be in my heart and mind, isn't here in front of me is easy.  What if He were?  How would he look?  Smile turned down into a frown?  One eyebrow raised in a menacing fashion?  Looking dismayed out from behind a hand raised to the forehead?  Eyes glancing at his watch or calender in anticipation of my failure?  Never!!

God's generous response to my foolish promises is His fore-knowledge that while my spirit may write checks that my body can't cash at least I was promising HIM.  What does He need that I can give him?  Nothing.  BUT, what do I have or what can I give Him as my "pledge"?  Obedience.  Pure and simple.  As the kids sing; "O, B, E, D, IENCE, Obedience is the very best way to show the I believe."