People who live in Alaska are often there because they love the great outdoors. They come to hunt, fish, and hike. Those very things can become a business for some, but most people in Alaska just like living where they can enjoy those activities, even if they have to work at something else.

When I lived in Alaska, my friends and I enjoyed those pursuits and we would often get into discussions about them. One of the topics addressed was equipment. What type of rifle, cartridges, and amount of grains do you use for whichever animal you hunt? What type of fishing rod, reel, line, weights, bait, etc. do you like for whichever sort of fishing?

Part of that discussion would also involve knives. I’ve always been fascinated by knives. Whether we talk about hunting, skinning, filleting, pocket, sheath, or whatever type of knife, I’m interested (except cooking or kitchen knives). Therefore, my friends and I would often find ourselves discussing brands of knives. We were always impressed with quality knives – those that were strong, could hold an edge, were reliable and dependable. One of the knives that always entered our discussions were Buck Knives. They are strong, long lasting, and have a fabulous guarantee.

How do I know they have such a guarantee? I’ve seen it. My friend found a Buck knife. He was way up on the steep rugged slopes on some Alaskan mountains. He was hunting Dall sheep. The location was steep enough and high enough that you get tired easily. Thin air will do that to you.

While hiking along one of those steep slopes, my friend paused to rest. He sat down on a handy rock to take a breather. Leaning forward, he put his elbows on his knees while he sucked in refreshing air for a moment. He glanced down at the ground and immediately realized that someone else had been there before him, resting at that exact same spot. There on the ground was a Buck knife. It had been there for a few seasons. It was corroded and useless looking. It was impossible to open.

My friend remembered that Buck had a guarantee that said if one of their knives failed, broke, or wouldn’t function, just send it back to them and they would replace it. That is exactly what my friend did with that Buck knife, and that is exactly what the Buck company did in return. They sent him a brand new knife of the same type – no questions asked.

I wish people were that reliable. People can be so disappointing. They make promises they never keep or follow through on – especially politicians. They borrow things that never get returned. They just aren’t dependable.

But, we as Christians, have a promise that we can count on. Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

God doesn’t lie! Hallelujah! We can count on the promises he makes – guaranteed!

– Just a Thought Dale Fillmore is lead pastor at New Day Church.