Hope

November 22nd – Romans 5:8

Romans 5:8 

I’m thankful that even though I’m a sinner, Jesus died for me

Romans is my absolute favorite book in the Bible, and chapter 5 is one of the reasons why. To me it sums up the message of the gospel beautifully. Once we were helpless, dead in spirit, and enemies of God. But through the grace and mercy of the Lord, not only can we have peace with our Heavenly Father, we can rejoice in hope. Hope that one day we will spend eternity with Him. Once we lived in darkness, eternally separated by sin from God. But because of His great love, God refused to leave us in that hopeless condition. So He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to provide reconciliation. Now, because of Christ’s death on the Cross, we are declared innocent and righteous before God. And through the blood of the Lamb, we become adopted sons and daughters in God’s family and heirs to His wonderful promises. And all of this is only possible through the amazing love God has for each and every one of us!

November 22nd – Romans 5:8 Read More »

September Psalm 3:3

Psalm 3:3

In 1927 a submarine of the Navy was accidentally rammed by a Coast Guard destroyer, and quickly sunk. Heroic efforts were made to rescue six known trapped survivors. They exchanged a series of signals with the rescue force, by tapping on the hull.  As the trapped men used the last of available oxygen in the sub, they sent a morse-coded message. “Is there any hope?” That’s a question king David must have asked as well. His son Absalom was attempting to seize his throne. Forced to leave Jerusalem and flee across the Jordan river, David didn’t know friend from foe. But He did know the goodness of God. David saw firsthand the awesome might and strength of God and how He cares about the troubles of those who love Him. God fought for David, and Absalom’s armies were swept from the field. And as God was David’s mighty Shield, so He will be for us. So when the question is asked, “Is there any hope?” we as Christians can give a resounding yes!  Through faith and the glory of God, though evil surrounds us, it won’t prevail!

September Psalm 3:3 Read More »

July 10th – Ephesians 1:18

Ephesians 1:18

Gratitude is important. God wants us to be thankful everyday for the blessings that He so freely gives us. But you know what else is important? Joy. The Lord wants us to feel the joy that comes with each gift He bestows. “You shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you” (Deut. 26:11) In His greatest blessing our Father in heaven, through His unmerited love, sent His Son to die so that we can live. And the joy of hope we have as we look forward to an eternity spent at His side should flood our hearts. Nothing in this world can surpass the riches of the glory set before us through Christ Jesus. Because of Him, God calls us beloved, righteous, and His. He blesses us abundantly  because of our inheritance through Jesus. And as heirs to the kingdom, knowing this should light up our hearts with great joy!

July 10th – Ephesians 1:18 Read More »

May 11th – Romans 15:13

Romans 15:13

I love how Paul refers to our heavenly Father as the God of hope. Because hope, joy, and peace, aren’t things we wish for just around the holidays. As a Christian, God wants everyday to be filled with the hope, joy, and peace that He alone provides. Each day through the power of His Spirit dwelling inside us, can be a good one no matter the circumstance. Our spirits fill with hope knowing that God wants only the best for us. And He always fulfills His promises. We have hearts that overflow with joy from the great love God has for us. A love shown in the daily blessings we receive. And we can rest in perfect peace when we see God as our refuge. Because when we make Him our safe place, we are tucked safely under the wings of the Creator of the universe!

 

 

 

 

 

May 11th – Romans 15:13 Read More »

April 30th – Ephesians 1:18

Ephesians 1:18

Throughout the Bible we’re told that God is Light. And from that Light stems goodness, love, and mercy. There are no greater gifts than salvation, and an eternity spent at the Lord’s side. Gifts that God sacrificed His own Son to provide. And gifts that He offers freely to all. That’s why Paul prays that the eyes of our hearts illuminate with the light of God’s hope. The hope of the riches of our inheritance through Jesus Christ. For it is through Christ in which we have become adopted heirs into the kingdom of God. Sons and daughters who no longer walk in darkness but in God’s glorious light. And it also this hope that should be a driving force in our lives. For until that glorious day when we are called home, we should be living a life that glorifies our Lord, reflecting His love in a hurting and dark world.

April 30th – Ephesians 1:18 Read More »

April 2nd – 1 Peter 1:3

1 Peter 1:3

Did you know Peter is often called the apostle of hope? Even as he watched his beloved Master, Friend, and Teacher, hang upon a Cross, he didn’t despair. Because through the blood of Jesus, Peter knew that now everyone who received Christ as their Savior can experience hope. And not just a wishful hope. But a living, confident, expectation through the resurrection of Jesus. Because of His great mercy, God doesn’t want us to remain dead in our sins. And so He offers us a grace we don’t deserve, and can never earn. A grace through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. And because of Christ’s great sacrifice, we now can be born again. Our heavenly Father chooses, sanctifies, and gives us great purpose. And our lips should offer continue praise and blessings to Him for all He is, and does!

April 2nd – 1 Peter 1:3 Read More »

September 27th – James 5:7

James 5:7

Endurance can be defined as the act of bearing or suffering; a continuing patience under pain or distress without being overcome. As Christians, our lives should be shining examples of patient endurance. One that waits expectantly and joyfully for the return of the Lord; no matter what. To illustrate patience, James uses the example of a farmer. From seeding until harvest, he must wait to see the result of his work in the precious produce of the soil. And the same goes for us. The work we do for the Lord, we do with the sweet anticipation of laying our precious produce before the Lord. For one day soon Christ will be returning. James tells us the “Judge is at the door”. So until then may we be over-comers of the world. Workers of God’s kingdom, who patiently endure the trials of life. And May we follow the advice of James who tells us to, “strengthen our hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (James 5:8)

September 27th – James 5:7 Read More »

August 13th – Romans 12:12

Romans 12:12 

I absolutely love the book of Romans. It contains much wisdom from the apostle Paul for our daily walk with Jesus. And some of his best advice is the way to handle adversity that comes our way. Rejoice in hope, be patient in trials, and always pray. We can rejoice knowing that whatever problems we face, God has already won the battle and given us victory. And the hope we place in Him, results in much needed rest and peace for our troubled souls. (Ps. 62.5) Endurance and patience in all things, especially the bad, keeps us from giving up and giving in before we see the light God promises at the end of the tunnel. And being constant in prayer keeps our mind focused not on the problem, but the problem solver. For prayer is one of our greatest weapons against the schemes of the Enemy. It is our lifeline to God. And we know that each prayer is carried by our great Intercessor, Jesus Christ, who lays them at God’s throne of grace, and sees everyone answered!

August 13th – Romans 12:12 Read More »

Psalm 42:11

The sons of Korah were Levities from the family of Kohath. Korah, the grandson of Kohath, led a rebellion against Moses during the Exodus. In response, God judged Korah and the 250 men with him, killing all except the sons of Korah. So you’d think the sons of Korah in their despair would turn away from God in bitterness and anger. But the Bible tells us that instead, seven generations later, they became caretakers at God’s temple, and were known as great leaders in singing and orchestral music in the tabernacle.

Instead of giving into the darkness, they let the light of hope in God fill their hearts. They returned to Him in praise and rejoicing. In our times of despair we too need to return to God. We need the comfort of being wrapped in His love, warmed by His light, and showered in His grace. So in good times, and especially bad, wait on God, hope in God, and in all things, rejoice!

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August 1st – Psalm 42:5

Psalm 42:5

Between politics, religion, and vaccinations, division is running rampant within our country. No wonder so many are feeling discouraged and hopeless. Friends are turning against friends. Family members aren’t speaking to each other. And violence against those with disagreeing opinions is on the rise. The psalmist in Psalm 42 knew that feeling well. He longed to go worship at God’s temple. But as Jerusalem was divided, those who lived in the northern area were banned from traveling south where the temple was located. Yet he refused to despair. For no matter the schemes of the Enemy to divide, hurt, and bring God’s people to ruin, when we put our hope in God alone, praising Him in all things, we have no room for discouragement. For hope brings with it joy, peace, and love. And as Samuel Smiles says, “Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey towards it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.”

August 1st – Psalm 42:5 Read More »