Hope

November 13th – Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews 11:1

Solomon, the wisest of all kings, tells us a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Eccles. 4:12) That’s how it is with faith, hope, and endurance. Together they form an unbreakable chain that allow us to have unwavering trust in God and His promises. Even without physical proof or evidence. Having a confident faith in the Lord strengthens us. Providing a firm foundation which guides our thoughts, choices, and actions. Making sure all align with God’s will. And that faith leads to hope, the driving force behind endurance. This empowers us to keep going through the challenges and uncertainties of life. All with the confidence that what we believe in, though unseen, is certain and trustworthy. And God promises to reward such faith. Including the treasures of eternal life, peace that transcends understanding, and a profound sense of purpose and meaning. Although unseen, we can be assured of God’s love, protection, and a future beyond this life. One filled with joy, restoration, and an eternity spent as His side.

November 13th – Hebrews 11:1 Read More »

November 12th – 1 Peter 1:6-7

1 Peter 1:6-7

An Indian guru once said, “The stones of a river start out rough, but with the current continually bumping and polishing them, they end up being beautiful.” I couldn’t think of a more perfect description of the Christian life. Each of us are as river stones. Rough and jagged around the edges, tossed and turned in the raging current of life. Yet we can find joy in the difficulties no matter how strong the river rages. Because the outcome isn’t just endurance, but a beautiful testimony that glorifies and honors the Lord. And as our faith is deepened, so is the hope we find knowing our suffering is only temporary. We perseverance knowing it will lead to a great honor. That honor being when Christ is revealed, we who have steadfastly held onto our faith, enduring through the trials of life, will receive honor and glory from the Lord as a reward for our commitment. No wonder our faith is called more precious than gold. For I can think of nothing more valuable than hearing the praises of my Savior.

November 12th – 1 Peter 1:6-7 Read More »

November 11th – Psalm 119:114-116

Psalm 119:114-116

Although we don’t know what challenges whoever wrote Psalm 119 was facing, it’s clear they found refuge and strength in God, placing their hope in His word. But what does it mean to place our hope in God’s Word? It’s more than just wishing it to be true. Instead hoping in God’s Word is a profound trust and belief in the promises, wisdom, and truths contained within it. When we hope in God’s Word, we lean on it as our perfect source of unchanging truth. We drink from it as a wellspring of comfort in times of distress. And we follow it as a roadmap for life’s journey. This makes our hope not one that is passive, but active, shaping our beliefs, actions, and decisions. it empowers us to stand firm against adversity, to resist the influences of wrongdoing, and to continue steadfastly in obedience to God’s commands. It’s a resilient hope that sustains endurance, enabling us to navigate life’s challenges and to live with unwavering faith in God’s promises, seeking to honor Him in all things.

November 11th – Psalm 119:114-116 Read More »

November 10th – Romans 8:18

Romans 8:18

Jesus warned that while on this earth, His followers would experience rocky times. (2 Tim. 3:12) And there’s not a single one of us who hasn’t been touched by suffering or faced trials. But the apostle Paul also tells us that nothing, absolutely nothing we go through on earth can compare to what awaits us in heaven. The glorious treasures we will receive, including spending eternity with the Lord, encourages to endure the trials of today with the hope of a glorious tomorrow. And that hope becomes the fuel sustaining our endurance. For it reminds us that our current struggles are only a chapter in the larger story of redemption. Yet while it hurts to go through the storms of life, they are only temporary. God is in complete control, guiding and loving us along the way. And He promises that the trial will last only as long as He allows. In the meantime we will continue loving, obeying, and praising Him in good times and bad. Finding joy and confidence that a brighter, more glorious future is on the horizon.

 

November 10th – Romans 8:18 Read More »

November 9th – 2 Timothy 4:7

2 Timothy 4:7

One of the greatest heroes in the Bible is Paul. He was tortured, shipwrecked, chased out of town, deserted by his friends, and jailed. And he endured it all with a heart of worship and praise for the Lord. I love how he describes his work for God as a great drink offering. Ready to empty himself fully for the advancement of God’s Kingdom. All in the hope of receiving a beautiful crown to lay at the feet of his Savior, Jesus Christ. I want to be a Paul. As the days grow darker, I want my hope and faith to grow stronger. Jesus promised in the last days, the persecution of Christians would increase, and many will turn away from their faith. They’ll trade the truth of the gospel for an ear tickling false message that feeds their egos, but not their souls. That’s why we must guard our hearts by knowing God’s Word and staying firmly planted in His truth. Jesus is returning soon. And when He calls me home I want to hear Him say, “Well done my good and faithful servant. You fought a good fight, finished the race, and most important of all, kept the faith.”

November 9th – 2 Timothy 4:7 Read More »

November 8th – Psalm34:17-18

Psalm 34:17-18

God wants us to come to Him with everything both good and bad. But sometimes the pain is so overwhelming, we can’t put it into words. And when it comes to crying out for help, the best we can manage is a deep groan. Yet often, these groans are some of our most powerful prayers. Because they come from the heart. And are raw expressions of our deep anguish, and struggles. They communicate the depths of our soul to God, who understands our unspoken cries. His nearness to the broken-hearted is a source of peace and strength, offering a life line of endurance when we need it most. It reminds us that in our vulnerability and pain, we are not alone. His love and compassion envelop us, providing a sanctuary for our wounded souls. Even in the darkest of times, God remains a constant and unwavering source of comfort and healing, ready to mend the broken pieces of our hearts. And instilling us with unwavering hope, as we are confident the Lord will deliver us from our troubles.

November 8th – Psalm34:17-18 Read More »

November 7th – Hebrews 10:37

Hebrews 10:37

With the state of the world today, I find myself crying out, “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” Oh how I long to hear the sound of the trumpets! Yet although I wish the rapture happened right now, this very moment, I need to be patiently thankful. After all, Jesus waited for me to accept His generous offer of grace and salvation. His sacrifice on the cross was an act of immense love and patience, ensuring that all have the opportunity for redemption. How could I not have a heart of love and gratitude as I await His glorious return. God’s timing may not align with our own, but we must persist in our faith and trust. To allow hope and endurance to empower us to persevere through the trials and uncertainties of life. Because God is in control. And the fulfillment of His plans is certain, even if it seems delayed. In this waiting period, hope sustains us, and endurance strengthens our faith, reminding us that the rewards of our patient trust in God are worth the journey.

November 7th – Hebrews 10:37 Read More »

November 5th – Romans 5:3-5

Romans 5:3-5

For Christians, hope is not wishful thinking but a robust, enduring virtue born from persevering through life’s trials. By lasting through the suffering and coming out the other side, our character is refined. And from this transformation, a resilient hope emerges. This hope is unshakable because it is rooted in the abundant love of God, which fills our hearts through the Holy Spirit. So rather  than seeing them as setbacks, we should view trials as opportunities for growth. A chance to develop a deep and enduring hope in God’s promises. Suffering comes for us all. Yet no matter what we face, we can embrace the challenge. Because every circumstance has the potential to shape us to to a better version of ourselves. And to strengthen our hope in God’s love and protection. It encourages us to glory in our sufferings. Because trusting in the process of endurance, leads to an ultimate outcome of hope that doesn’t disappoint. Because God never disappoints. And everyone of His promises are true.

November 5th – Romans 5:3-5 Read More »

November 4th – James 1:12

James 1:12

Society today puts great value in things. Always trying to, “keep up with the Joneses”, people strive for material wealth and riches. Christians too yearn for treasure. But ours is a perfect, eternal, imperishable inheritance. (1 Peter 1:4) A glorious one bestowed by God the Father to His children. All made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ. Many are the rewards that will be given in heaven, and one is the crown of life. An eternal crown given to all who persevered in their faith no matter what. Through suffering, testing, and trials, they endured, never giving up hope. Not counting the cost. We too, by enduring through challenges with faith and perseverance, can look forward to receiving the crown of life. This gives us hope, empowering us to withstand life’s tests, knowing that our endurance is a testament to our love for God and our unwavering faith in His promises. And one day, standing before His majestic, mighty throne, we’ll cast our crowns at His feet. Giving the Lord all of the glory and honor. (Rev. 4:10-11)

November 4th – James 1:12 Read More »

November 2nd – Romans 15:13

Romans 15:13

I love the quote which says, “Hope, like a fleeting ember, may dim in the shadows of despair, but it can be rekindled with the spark of determination and faith.” For followers of Jesus, hope is not a fleeting emotion. Instead it’s a profound, enduring quality that is rooted in faith and trust in God. When our hope is anchored in God, it becomes an unwavering force. This is because our faith in God is a belief in His unchanging character, promises, and eternal love. Even in the face of adversity we trust that He has a greater plan. And this trust sustains our hope. Our faith in God reassures us that He is with us. Constantly, God is guiding us through the storms of life, and working for our ultimate good. This assurance transforms hope from a fragile wish into a steadfast conviction. Allowing it to persist through the most challenging of times, providing comfort, strength, and resilience when we need it most. And by relying on God, we can experience a wellspring of joy and peace that empowers us to endure life’s trials.

November 2nd – Romans 15:13 Read More »