Living Hope

Living Hope

1 Peter 1: ³ Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope, ⁴ and so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people. He keeps them for you in heaven, where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away. ⁵ They are for you, who through faith are kept safe by God's power for the salvation which is ready to be revealed at the end of time.

 

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Feeling anxious about my pending job evaluation, I prepared my statement of the year’s accomplishments. When I sat in front of my boss, I could see that the evaluation was already written, signed and provided to me. It did not match what I thought.

 

• I put a lot of hard work into the job, only to get an average evaluation.
• I thought I did the right things to get recognized, but was told that other people performed better.
• I lost hope in the job, because I could not have worked any harder than 60 to 80 hours per week.

 

Peter discussed hope that cannot be stolen and will never decay. This hope is in GOD’s rewards in heaven for each of those HE calls HIS own.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s rewards for me are based on HIS love HE has for me.
• GOD sees what I  do for HIM and loves it so much that HE stores up rewards in heaven.
• GOD’s rewards are not based on human performance, rather HIS overflowing love for me.

 

Knowing that being born into sin seemed unfair to me. I mean, because I was born I deserve to go to Hell?! Yes. But the other side to the unfairness is quite amazing. Just by belief in JESUS not only saves me from eternal separation from GOD, but gives me unimaginable rewards that can never fade.

 

GOD provides me with living hope to look beyond this life. This hope propels me into action for HIM. I am glad GOD cares enough for me to save me and reward me greatly.

 

Challenge

• What hope is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever placed your hope in something or someone, only to be met with disappointment?
• Will you seek living hope that actively seeks what GOD wants so you can receive rewards in heaven beyond your imagination?

A Better Hope

 

A Better Hope

Hebrews 7: ¹⁵ The matter becomes even plainer; a different priest has appeared, who is like Melchizedek. ¹⁶ He was made a priest, not by human rules and regulations, but through the power of a life which has no end. ¹⁷ For the scripture says, “You will be a priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.” ¹⁸ The old rule, then, is set aside, because it was weak and useless. ¹⁹ For the Law of Moses could not make anything perfect. And now a better hope has been provided through which we come near to God.

 

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Trying to fix my car, I looked around my apartment to use what I had. I found a coat hanger that could be used as my bandage. I worked hard carefully bending the coat hanger into the shape I thought would work. I started the car and took off, proud of my solution. Weeks later, the coat hanger broke. It couldn’t handle the stress.

 

• I placed my hope in something temporary.
• I thought of the solution and I was proud.
• I had to keep going back to the temporary solution until I got it fixed permanently.

 

Paul, the assume writer, labels the Law of Moses as the “Old Rule.” He then says it could not make anything perfect. Before people lost hope, he then comes back and says three is “a better hope.”

 

My Observations:

• My hope in myself or other humans can be faulty, but when I place my hope in GOD, it is permanent.
• My hope fails when I put it in money, jobs or businesses, but when I trust in the LORD, my hope stands forever.
• My hope falls apart when I look at circumstances out of my control, but when I give my hope to JESUS, I understand that HE will work out all things for HIS good and to my favor.

 

Placing hope in the world may cause me to make some terrible decisions for myself and for other people. I mean, I may place my hope in the pleasures of this world to resolve the pain I may be going through. This may help temporarily, but the pain comes back, sometimes more intensely.

 

GOD wants me to have a permanent solution to all my problems. HE wants me prepared for difficulties, versus ready to wilt at even the lightest of problems. HE wants me to have “a better hope” which is in CHRIST JESUS. I gladly place my hope in HIM.

 

Challenge

• What hope is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever placed your hope in money or relationships, or jobs and lost that hope?
• Will you take your hope off of temporary things and place it on something permanent and everlasting, namely JESUS, who loves you and cares about this life and the everlasting one?

Hope Never Lost

Hope Never Lost

Colossians 1: ⁵ When the true message, the Good News, first came to you, you heard about the hope it offers. So your faith and love are based on what you hope for, which is kept safe for you in heaven.

 

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Special mementos were something I dragged around through life. One box contained pictures, cards and other items from my childhood through adult life. One day I would look at these items with fond memories, I thought. Unfortunately, the box got wet and moldy in transport from one place to the next. I had to toss everything.

 

• I wanted to hold onto that stuff.
• I labeled these items as special and wanted to keep them at all costs.
• I was unable to keep the items safe and they were lost anyway.

 

Paul admires those who have placed their faith in the Good News about JESUS when they heard about it. Since the Good News offers hope that cannot be tarnished, stolen or damaged by anything on earth, placing hope in this was the right move.

 

My Observations

• GOD has a special place for me that is far greater than this earth.
• My hope is based on the Good News of JESUS being raised from the dead.
• Nothing can steal, tarnish, dent, rip, crack, blotch, tear or ruin the rewards GOD has for me.

 

Shortsightedness makes me think things in this world can be special. I mean, material things like houses, cars, tech, clothes, art, jewelry and other items can sometimes make me temporarily feel special, but can be lost.

 

Since the world’s pleasures are temporary, I fall into a trap of a lifelong pursuit that ends up being hopeless. BUT GOD provides a remedy. “Let it go” is what HE says. Anything that cannot be taken into heaven is not worth losing my soul over. HE wants me to care about my relationship with JESUS and do the same for others. I am glad I can place my hope in something that will be eternally available.

 

Challenge

• What “hope” is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever placed your hope in something or someone and it or they got damaged?
• Do you have regrets in missing some event or thing?
• Will you learn about the Good News of CHRIST so you can place your hope in what HE has done for you and so you can see other people need to hear HIS wonderful message today?

Another Way

Another Way

Ephesians 2: In the past you were spiritually dead because of your disobedience and sins. ² At that time you followed the world's evil way; you obeyed the ruler of the spiritual powers in space, the spirit who now controls the people who disobey God. ³ Actually all of us were like them and lived according to our natural desires, doing whatever suited the wishes of our own bodies and minds. In our natural condition we, like everyone else, were destined to suffer God's anger.

 

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Growing up obeying the rules, I decided to step away from them to see what would happen. When I did not get struck with a bolt of lightning or get swallowed up by a fiery pit, I said to myself, “Maybe I can try more things that the rules say I shouldn’t.” When I found myself in deep trouble, I wondered how I got there.

 

• I was in a bad place with no hope.
• I felt I did not have a way out.
• I thought I was a disappointment to GOD and even HE would not help me.

 

Paul describes a progression towards a state of being that provides life. He spoke of a time in which the spiritual powers blinded people into following ways that would lead to GOD’s anger. Everyone suffered the natural condition. It seemed hopeless. BUT GOD had another way.

 

My Observations

• JESUS saw I could never achieve HIS required state of perfection so HE died for me.
• JESUS is GOD who became a human for me, was murdered by HIS creation and was raised from the dead, just for me.
• JESUS gave me another way that provides hope and a future.

 

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.”  GOD loved everyone enough to gave a gift. It is up to me to accept HIS gift and live inside of HIS path. Unfortunately there is an adversary who wants me to doubt GOD or blame HIM or question HIS authority or ways.

 

I then say things like “Why does GOD do…?” and “If GOD is so loving then why…?” I then question other people’s walk with JESUS and eventually my own. BUT GOD wants me to have a solid relationship with HIM. HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to dwell inside me and guide me to places of peace in stormy times. I am grateful GOD cares for me and I do not have to worry.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer is mentioning “the past?”
• Do you see there is an alternative?
• Will you seek a life that provides hope by asking GOD to handle all of your difficulties today?

Called to Hope

Called to Hope

Ephesians 1: ¹⁸ I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, ¹⁹ and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength ²⁰ which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world. 

 

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Needing cash, I thought of a plan. I would buy a lottery ticket, win and all my troubles would be over. I bought one ticket and waited for the weekly numbers to be announced. All of the numbers I selected were either one number higher or lower than the chosen. What are the odds?

 

• I had lost hope and wanted a quick fix.
• I prayed over the lottery ticket and did not win.
• I was reminded that my hope should be greater than money.

 

Paul writes a request to the LORD on behalf of the people . He wants everyone to have their mind opened by the HOLY SPIRIT to be enlightened to the “hope” GOD has called us to.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s hope is far greater than me being rich and powerful.
• Spreading GOD’s hope is valuable to HIM.
• Believing in JESUS gives me access to the same power that raised HIM from the dead.

 

Hope can be fleeting when placed in money, jobs, people or something other than GOD. I mean, even when I get money or a job or a group of people, all of these things change and sometimes have issues. BUT GOD is still there.

 

GOD is far greater than coping or getting a few dollars. HE has promises that can never be taken away. HIS power is unmatched and blessings are rich. HE opens the eyes to those who believe, so they may see HIS light and hope HE has called them to. I am grateful for HIS power and place my hope in HIM.

 

Challenge

• What things is the writer asking for?
• Have you ever lost your hope?
• Will you know that it is alright to acknowledge how hurt you have been and ask GOD to open your eyes to HIS rich and wonderful blessings for you that are far greater than anything the world has to offer?

According to Plan

According to Plan

Ephesians 1: ¹¹ All things are done according to God's plan and decision; and God chose us to be his own people in union with Christ because of his own purpose, based on what he had decided from the very beginning. ¹² Let us, then, who were the first to hope in Christ, praise God's glory!

 

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Not getting the job I really, really wanted felt bad at the time. But looking back, I am glad I did not get the position because I probably would not be writing this note today. In fact, as I review the disappointments in life, I can see how I was protected from myself.

 

• I have been disappointed.
• I have felt dejected.
• I have had moments where I had lost hope.

 

Encouragement was the thing Paul felt the people needed. He had been through a lot and knew those who follow JESUS would face some difficulties. He let’s everyone know that GOD did the choosing, so we must praise HIM because we now have hope.

 

My Observations

• GOD had a plan that included choosing me.
• GOD made a way back to HIM when I chose JESUS.
• I can praise GOD because my hope is in JESUS.

 

Things may not go according to my plan, but they will always go according to GOD’s plan. The things I feel are terrible and sometimes destructive, raise up people who believe strongly in JESUS. When CHRIST was born, the king at that time had all children killed off so he could remain in power.

 

Wars, famine and disease plague the planet, yet there are those who bow their knees to GOD, praising JESUS for their salvation. All these things are according to HIS plan which cannot fail. HE chose us and allowed HIS SON to be our Savior. I gladly praise HIM for HIS decision.

 

Challenge

• What “things” is the writer speaking of?
• Do you think that life should only have “good” moments because you believe in JESUS?
• Will you be encouraged that HE loves you, especially through your trials, and has a wonderful plan for you today?

 

Origin of Hope

Origin of Hope

Galatians 1: ¹¹ Let me tell you, my friends, that the gospel I preach is not of human origin. ¹² I did not receive it from any human being, nor did anyone teach it to me. It was Jesus Christ himself who revealed it to me.

 

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Watching what people put their hope in was all I could do. I didn’t have enough money to buy the clothes they adorned themselves with or stuff they had, nor was I stronger or more fit than the next. I thought these were important because the rich and famous were studied, remembered and noted in daily conversations.

 

• Life seemed hopeless because I did not have what others had.
• Life seemed unfair because other people had more.
• Life seemed foggy because I couldn’t see my future getting any “better.”

 

Luke accounts for GOD’s calling on Paul’s life in the book of Acts. Three he mentions how Paul was blinded and heard the voice of GOD. His calling was supernatural and Paul was dedicated from that day forward to only spreading the Gospel of JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD calls all humans to serve HIM.
• GOD wants me and everyone else to exclaim the name of JESUS as the one and only Savior.
• GOD loves all HIS creations and has a supernatural calling for those who receive HIM.

 

People may say “yeah, yeah you were called” in a scoffing fashion. If so, then proof is not necessary. GOD’s calling on every human’s life is something that cannot be explained to those who choose not to believe.

 

JESUS is the one and only true Savior who deserves to be mentioned daily over celebrities and famous people. HIS calling is not to be cheapened by labeling it as “strange” or “stubborn.” The Gospel of JESUS does not originate from humans rather GOD HIMSELF. I am grateful JESUS revealed HIMSELF to me.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer seem to be mentioning something strange or unbelievable?
• Do you remember when you first believed that JESUS was and is the Savior?
• Will you consider that HE speaks to people daily through HIS word and true followers who test their actions through HIS word and who are guided by the HOLY SPIRIT?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS today so you will receive an abundant life?

 

Also for Us

 

Also for Us

Romans 4: ¹⁸ Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” ¹⁹ Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. ²⁰ Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ²¹ being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. ²² This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” ²³ The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, ²⁴ but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. ²⁵ He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

 

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As the preacher preached, I prayed for the people. Some of the fortunate had shoes but most did not. After hours of singing and a message that stirred the heart, many people gave their lives to CHRIST. They were filled with hope. Two years later when I returned, a person I had a long conversation with, was now spreading that hope.

 

It is exciting to hear what GOD is doing in other folk’s lives.

It is exciting to hear that GOD is still doing great things even in very tumultuous times.

It is exciting to hear people who are filled with hope because of GOD’s promise for them.

 

Paul finishes writing about Abraham explaining that he had hope in GOD against all odds. Abraham and Sarah, being very old, conceived a child against all “hope.” GOD did what HE promised and because of this, many people were given hope.

 

GOD wants me to have hope.

GOD wants me to remember the many great things HE has done and know HE will keep doing them.

GOD wants me to “not waiver through unbelief” regarding HIS promise for me.

 

Difficult times happen and when prayers for specific things seem to not be heard, we feel left out of the promise. BUT GOD is still there providing grace to those who are hurting. “What about me?” or “What about my family?” Yes, GOD sees you and your family and loves you. This hope was written just for you. I am glad GOD gives me eternal hope.

 

Does the situation you are facing seem hopeless?

Do you feel worn out asking GOD for the same thing over and over?

Will you believe HE has the power to do just as HE promises and allow HIM to guide your heart to see HE loves you and your family, in spite of the current situation?

What’s Important

 

What’s Important

Acts 27: ¹³ When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. ¹⁴ Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. ¹⁵ The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. ¹⁶ As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, ¹⁷ so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. ¹⁸ We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. ¹⁹ On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. ²⁰ When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

 

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When the thug put the gun down, I was scared and relieved. He walked away laughing as it was not really a gun, but a cigarette lighter shaped like a gun. Still, I thought “What if I got shot?” “What if I got killed?” “What if this was my last day?”

 

• There have been times when I did not see what was important.
• There have been times when I carried useless anger, hatred and worries around.
• There have been times when I thought I was going to die, so nothing else was important other than survival.

 

Luke continues to document the treacherous trip. A hurricane tossed the ship around with ease. The experts tried everything within their knowledge to keep the ship and the cargo together to no avail.

 

They soon realized the cargo was not important as their lives so they threw it overboard. This was not enough. They had to tear down parts of the ship that made them money, namely the cranes to load the ship.

 

• GOD allows storms in my life to grow me.
• GOD allows storms in my life to force me to throw away unimportant things.
• GOD allows storms in my life to show me where I really place my hope, but gives me a way to see I need HIM.

 

When life is really easy and I have plenty, it seems like I don’t cry out to GOD for help as much. I mean, I may mumble “Thank you” in a prayer here and there. But I also mumble “forgive me” as I fall into the sins of wealth.

 

GOD allowed storms in my life that seemed to last for years. Day after day, the worries of life would beat on me. I felt like giving up. BUT GOD showed me where to place my hope. The HOLY SPIRIT said “In the middle of the storm, praise GOD.” I did this and the storm felt less scary. I am thankful GOD is there with me in the storm.

 

• Are you going through a long period where things are going wrong?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS, because HE is there with you, feeling your pain and knowing how HE will deliver you if you place your trust in HIM today?

Same Hope

 

Same Hope

Acts 24: ¹⁰ When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. ¹¹ You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. ¹² My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. ¹³ And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me. ¹⁴ However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, ¹⁵ and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. ¹⁶ So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

 

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Passionately, I spoke “my side” of the plan. The other person spoke theirs. We had different ways of approaching the problem. The person we were both appealing to spoke up. “The goal is the same.” When I heard this I saw how other people could have a perspective on problems.

 

There were times when “they” were wrong and “I” was right.

There were times when “I” wanted to get “my” way.

There were times when it was “me” against “them.”

 

Paul was allowed to speak in his defense. He told the governor that he has the same hope as his accusers. That hope is in the resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Paul then says something peculiar. He mentions he tries to keep his conscience clear before GOD and man.

 

GOD wants me to have a great relationship with HIM through HIS SON JESUS.

GOD wants me to believe in HIS command to love one another.

GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom, telling people about JESUS to those who will hear it.

 

Arguments over GOD and JESUS are the last thing GOD wants. I mean, HE has given me peace in my salvation, why should I disrupt that peace with an argument or a bullying tactic? GOD will raise everyone, unfortunately those who do not believe in HIS SON will suffer eternally.

 

This makes me uneasy. GOD wants no one to perish, so I should feel the same way. HE has placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT in me and that makes me want to have everyone around me believe in the one who sent HIM, namely JESUS. I believe in the same hope which is the resurrection of all to stand before GOD someday.

 

 

What are you placing your hope in?

Do you believe in politics more than JESUS?

Will you place your hope in JESUS, so HE can give you’re the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside you and guide you to the path HE wants you on today?

Just in Case

Just in Case

Acts 17: ²² Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. ²³ For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.

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Picking up the penny made me excited. I would have “good luck” all day, according to the saying. I searched for more loose change and found more! I was having good luck. I started looking for “lucky” implements like shirts, clovers and team apparel. I even started reading horoscopes, just in case.

• At one point in my life I believed in luck.
• At one point in my life I believed in “the universe.”
• At one point in my life I believed in placing my hope in fortune cookies or winning the lottery.

Paul saw an altar amongst many altars to other gods. This one had an inscription “to an unknown god.” The people built this altar, just in case they missed a god. Paul knew this was his chance to speak about the one and only true GOD.

• GOD wants me to believe HE is completely what I need.
• GOD wants me to know HE does not need additions to HIS power.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE holds the universe in HIS hand and there are no random events.

What seems to be random to me is organized by GOD. HE knows all, sees all and is everywhere. The “bad” things that happen is due to free will, given by GOD. When I choose not to believe in GOD’s SON JESUS, who saved me, bad things happen.

JESUS wants and deserves total belief in HIM. I mean, HE forgives me when I panic and try to do things on my own, but loves when I put my trust in HIM. I am grateful HE has made the unknown, known by giving me the HOLY SPIRIT.

• Where are you placing your hope?
• Do you seek random events or try to play the odds or try to control your life?
• Will you let go of your “just in case” thinking and allow GOD to direct your path through JESUS who saved you?

Stable Relationship

Stable Relationship

John 6: After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. ² Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. ³ And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.

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After receiving a generous raise, I really enjoyed this boss. Finally, I was recognized for my efforts. The next year when raise time came around, I did not get as much, although I had put in a similar amount of effort as the prior year. I met with my boss to find out why.

“You have to do more than you did before in order to get a bigger raise” was the response. “Maybe I don’t like this boss as much as I thought” I said to myself.

• There were times when I based my opinions of people on what they could do for me.
• There were times when I sought to get more from people based on how much they gave me.
• There were times when I felt less thrilled with people who did not meet my expectations.

A great multitude of people followed JESUS near the Sea of Tiberias because they saw HIM heal other sick and diseased people. This made me wonder if they would ever get sick again. Would these people have all of their problems clear up because they were healed? Probably not.

• GOD wants me to see HIS power at work every day so I can praise HIM.
• GOD wants me to base my relationship with HIM as an eternal relationship.
• GOD wants me to stabilize my relationship with HIM so I can keep hope in front of me at all times.

Life can be stormy. When one thing clears up, two more problems pop up. There may be times when the sun never seems to shine on life for weeks, months or even years. BUT GOD is still with me through the storms. HE is there to heal me when I get hurt and clean me up when I get muddy.

GOD’s love for me is constant. HE loved me so much that HE died for me and placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT inside me. HE cannot get any closer to me than inside me. All HE asks is that I remain inside of HIM. I place my hope in HIM.

• Do you lose hope easily?
• What are you basing your hope on?
• Will you grow spiritually and stabilize your relationship between you and GOD today by asking HIM to give you more faith?

Hope Kept

Hope Kept

John 5: After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ² Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. ³ In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. ⁴ For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. ⁵ Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. ⁶ When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

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When the news of a friend getting a job reached me, I reacted unexpectedly. I was supposed to be excited and celebratory but instead I was upset and angry. “What about me?” I questioned GOD. With bills piling up and no income for years I wondered if my prayers were even being heard.

• When problems go for a long time, I feel like giving up.
• When issues stay around longer than expected, I feel like I am being blamed for something.
• When obstacles seem to get higher and higher, I feel like I cannot even lift a finger.

Unintended consequences occurred when an angel stirred up the Bethesda pool. First one in wins great health. I can only imagine how selfish I would have been if I were sick. I mean I would have given up living life to wait on the pool to magically stir and then I would be ready to jump in at any given time. BUT JESUS did not want that kind of dependence.

• GOD wants me to understand HE knows what I am going through.
• GOD wants me to know HE can heal my situation at any time.
• GOD wants me to place my hope in HIM and live life instead of waiting on “this” situation to be fixed.

“Do you want to be made well?” seems like an obvious question, especially from GOD, who knows everything anyway. This question made me think. “What is HE asking?” GOD seems to be questioning the desire versus the method.

People will do anything and spend any amount of money to be made “well” and I am no exception. GOD wants me well, but HIS method is to heal me spiritually first. When my spiritual eyes are opened, I can see HE has already healed me of any circumstance but this may not be seen through worldly eyes. GOD is where I place my hope, not on what I can see.

• Do you want to be made well?
• Where are you placing your hope?
• Can you trust the process that GOD has you in and know HIS reason for keeping you in this place is to reward you and not hurt you?

But we had hoped

Luke 24: ¹⁹ ‘What things?’ he asked.

‘About Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. ²⁰ The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; ²¹ but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. ²² In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning ²³ but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. ²⁴ Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.’

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Longing for better working conditions, I welcomed the new boss. Anything would be better than the last regime, I thought to myself. Unfortunately the announcement was modified and the new person was not going to take over our area. I felt lost again.

• There have been times when I hoped for something and it did not happen as I thought.
• There have been times when I wished something would happen but it did not happen the way I wanted.
• There have been times when I longed for something better to happen, but I got more of the same.

JESUS asked “What was going on?” to the men HE walked with. They explained that their hopes had been crushed because their Messiah had been sentenced to death by the ones who preached that the Messiah would come someday. They also explained that something strange was going on and the body of JESUS was missing and they heard JESUS was alive!

• GOD wants me to know that HIS plans are far better than what I could ever think of.
• GOD wants me to have patience with the current situation because it may not be as it appears.
• GOD wants me to see that in spite of the current circumstances, HE has the situation under control.

Back to the story of the change in plans to get a new boss. I was saddened that things would not change and they asked me what I would do differently. I explained and they asked me to step into a higher role, leading an area I was not familiar with. I was amazed just as the people were who heard the news that JESUS was alive.

GOD does not always reveal to me what is going on during the dark times, but HE does give me hope that HE is in control of every situation. I am grateful of HIS plan for me.

• Do you feel lost, anxious or scared?
• Has something extreme happened to you?
• Will you take a moment to understand that GOD is in control of your situation and HE loves you dearly in spite of what you can see?

Possibilities

Luke 24: ⁹ When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. ¹⁰ It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. ¹¹ But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. ¹² Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

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“I’ll never have a car” I said to myself disappointedly. I was not making enough money to buy another car and my old one was sold to me from a relative. Now the car was totaled and I had no means of getting around. “Here is one for sale that maybe you can afford” a friend said to me. I did not believe them.

• When I got low, I lost faith.
• When I got low, I lost hope.
• When I got low, I lost the desire to try.

The disciples did not believe the news of JESUS being raised from the dead. All was lost to them and even some great news would not pull them up into the realm of belief. They may have argued with the women who brought the great news in an attempt to douse their fire because misery loves company. BUT GOD had other plans.

• GOD says to me “Do not lose hope.”
• GOD says to me “Keep seeking ME and you will find MY kingdom.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the way the truth and the life.”

When things go wrong, it seems like GOD doesn’t care. I mean why did that loved one have to be hurt or even die? BUT GOD wants me to think differently. HE wants me to grow up and understand things happen in life but my relationship with HIM should not be based solely on good days.

GOD wants me to keep my faith in stormy days and know HE always keeps HIS promise. Unlike the others, Peter ran to the tomb to see if what the women said was possible. It was true and he now had a lot to think about. I am grateful GOD is loving me and giving me possibilities.

• Are you feeling low?
• Do you think all possibilities are gone?
• Will you stop thinking GOD is small and know HE can do the impossible, just as HE said?

Permitted Protection

Luke 8: ³⁰ Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?”

And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. ³¹ And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.

³² Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. ³³ Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.

³⁴ When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. ³⁵ Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. ³⁶ They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. ³⁷ Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.

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“He’s alright” nodded the person as I tried to get into a restricted place. I had not been amongst the lavish before so I never noticed the plain clothed guards at discreet entrances. Once inside, I could see why the rich and powerful craved these kind of places because I felt secure.

• There were times when I needed permission to pass through “security.”
• There were times when I was allowed into a secure place.
• There were times when I was the one who was guarded and protected.

JESUS permitted the demons to leave the possessed man and enter a herd of swine. HE could have said “No”, but instead allowed them to wreak havoc on the herd. HE protected the healed man from any more harm and danger. JESUS also allowed the townspeople to ask HIM to go away. HE heeded their request.

• GOD wants me to ask permission for any request.
• GOD wants me to realize HE has the power over any force.
• GOD wants me to know HE has the power to protect me and make me feel secure.

Humans can only temporarily protect me with their limited power. BUT GOD can protect me from every force that tries to come up against me. With HIS permission, I am allowed into HIS family. HE wraps HIS loving arms around me and places me in HIS hand for which no one can pluck me out.

• Are you facing something very large that seems impossible to get out of?
• Are you afraid of an outcome that is out of your control?
• Can you ask GOD for HIS permission to protect you and cleanse you today?