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?

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?

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?

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?

Excited Compassion

Mark 6: ³⁰ Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. ³¹ And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. ³² So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

³³ But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. ³⁴ And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. 

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After long days of serving many, I returned from a mission’s trip. We had served hurricane victims not only with repairing homes but with prayer and teaching. Anguish was replaced with hope for a few people. While this was exciting, it was still overwhelming because thousands more needed help.

• Serving can be exciting to me
• Helping someone have hope is the most incredible feeling to me
• Seeing someone appreciate compassion is awesome to me.

When the apostles returned to JESUS they had wonderful stories to tell. They actually healed the sick, drove out demons and gave people hope like never before. For the first time in some folk’s lives, they could see a way out of their misery. One problem was the huge number of people.

• JESUS saw me and in my misery and had compassion for me.
• JESUS saw me without hope and filled me up with true hope.
• JESUS saw me wandering like sheep without a shepherd and decided to guide me to a better place.

Compassion needs hope and that is what JESUS taught. HE saw the crowds of people who needed help that wasn’t temporary. HE told them of a new kingdom that would surpass liars, thieves and manipulators of the Law. JESUS points me to hope.

• Are you out of hope?
• Do you need help in your journey?
• Can you move closer to JESUS in spite of those who manipulate the truth?

Plan of Restoration

Micah 4: ⁶ “In that day,” declares the Lord,

“I will gather the lame;
    I will assemble the exiles
    and those I have brought to grief.
⁷ I will make the lame my remnant,
    those driven away a strong nation.
The Lord will rule over them in Mount Zion
    from that day and forever.
⁸ As for you, watchtower of the flock,
    stronghold of Daughter Zion,
the former dominion will be restored to you;
    kingship will come to Daughter Jerusalem.”

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Subpar insurance was all I could get because I was young, had accidents and a pile of tickets. The insurance cost me a mint but the broker told me, “just hang in there for twelve months and you can switch.” I watched the calendar like it was a clock. The days seemed to drop ever so slowly. If felt like the day would never come.

• Sometimes it feels like an eternity before I am restored.
• Sometimes it seems like restoration will never come.
• Sometimes it appears that I will not make it to the end of the waiting period and everything will come crashing down on my head.

Six months into the wait, it felt like the day would never come, but when three months passed, the waiting period didn’t feel as harsh. In fact I could feel a weight lift off my shoulders even though I was still in the situation. I could actually see myself out of the trial!

• GOD wants me to know HE has a plan for me that is prosperous and will give me hope and a future.
• GOD wants me to know HE will gather me along with the lame and others HE has brought grief to.
• GOD wants me to know HE will restore me.

Hope is what I was missing when I went into the problem. I mean I had to cancel plans of getting out of debt only to go in deeper because of my sordid driving. Life is like that. When I lose hope then I lose my way and I cannot reach full restoration. GOD is kind enough to tell me HE has a plan to restore me. HE wants me to keep going until I reach the day of the LORD.

GOD wants full restoration of every human, including me. It’s when I stop fighting who HE is, then I can be accepting of HIS plan. HE seeks me daily and wants me to turn and accept what HE has in store for me.

• Have you lost hope?
• Do you think you are at the end of your rope?
• Will you allow GOD to restore you?
• Can you stop believing lies and see that GOD does in fact have a wonderful plan just for you?

Hope in Days Ahead

Jeremiah 31: ³³ “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
    after that time,” declares the Lord.
“I will put my law in their minds
    and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.
³⁴ No longer will they teach their neighbor,
    or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
    from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the Lord.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
    and will remember their sins no more.”

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“The days are coming,” declares the Lord are the words I saw repeatedly in this chapter. After sitting for a while the only thing that came to my mind was “hope.” I mean it seems like GOD gets no gratification in disciplining me. In fact it seems like it hurts HIM. HE awaits a time to bless me.

• GOD says to me “I will make a new covenant with you.”
• GOD says to me “I will put my law in your mind and write it on your heart.”
• GOD says to me “I will be your GOD an you will be my person.”

GOD forgives me for all of my wickedness and remembers my sin no more. HE has fully restored me and all I can do is rejoice!

• What are you putting you hope in?
• Do you need a GOD sized savior?
• Will you allow HIM to restore you today, HIS way?

Saved From Fired and Drowned

Isaiah 43: But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
³ For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
    Cush and Seba in your stead.

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“It hurts me but I am looking to fire you” were the words of my former janitorial supervisor. “Are you drowned in paperwork” a former coworker asked me. Firing and drowning are strange concepts to me. I hope it doesn’t mean placing logs at my feet and lighting a match to burn me or holding my head beneath water until I suffocate.

• Sometimes the fires of life can get to me.
• Sometimes I feel like I am drowning in work, debt, pain or something else.
• Sometimes the waters knock me over and the fires burn my soul.

Fire also has been used to illustrate an unmet yet extreme want or desire. It burns from within and can cause me to turn away from GOD. Meanwhile water, while soft, can knock me over when it comes at me too fast, similar to the problems of life. When I try to hold back the raging river of trials, I seem to get flooded with worry. What am I to do?

• GOD says to me “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you.”
• GOD says to me “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”
• GOD says to me “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Only GOD can make those statements. HE is the only one who can protect me, my family, my community and my nation. GOD continues to say to me “No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” When GOD holds onto me, no one can take me out of HIS hand, not even myself. GOD’s salvation is as permanent as HIS promises. HE acts on my behalf and no one can reverse it.

• Are you being burned by the fires of life?
• Is life dishing out trials that are knocking you over like a flood?
• Can you slow down and see that GOD is holding onto you tightly in spite of the way you think about HIM?
• Will you call out to HIM today?

Have Some Heart for Dessert

Isaiah 7: ³ Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out, you and your son Shear-Jashub, to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct of the Upper Pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. ⁴ Say to him, ‘Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood—because of the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah.

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Returning home from watching a scary movie I opened the gate and walked to the back door of the house. My neighbor decided to play a prank and snarled from the separating bushes of our homes. I screamed and ran in circles! Interviewing for a company that wanted me to “Flip the image of a heart on screen during surgeries” made me nervous. I screamed and ran in circles!

• There have been many times in which I have been scared.
• There have been many situations where I have lost hope.
• There have been many situations that I could not see a good outcome so I backed out because of fear.

Life seems to bring many scary situations, sometimes daily. I almost had a head on collision once. I almost fell off of high places. I almost got hit by a truck. Each scary time makes me think, “Should I just hide in the corner of my house and never come out?” BUT GOD says different.

• GOD says to me “Be careful, keep calm” during situations, so I will not let my mind run away and spiral out of control.
• GOD says to me “Don’t be afraid” especially when HE prompts me to try something that seems extremely difficult or out of my knowledge or comfort zone.
• GOD says to me “Do not lose heart” because HE knows the many journeys HE will have me travel, I will face opposition.

Staying the course is sometimes extremely difficult. I mean it seems like big obstacles pop up at every turn that will make me want to quit. BUT GOD wants me to focus on HIM rather than the obstacle. My only weapon in many instances is praising GOD in the middle of the storm. HE is the provider, HE is the power and HE is the hiding place in the middle of the storm.

• Are you nervous about something?
• Do you see no way out?
• Can you stop looking at the problem and take a moment to praise GOD for what HE “is” doing?
• Will you “Be careful, keep calm, not be afraid and not lose heart” today because GOD is with you?

Keep Hoping

Psalm 31: ¹⁶ No king is saved by the size of his army;
    no warrior escapes by his great strength.
¹⁷ A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
    despite all its great strength it cannot save.
¹⁸ But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
    on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
¹⁹ to deliver them from death
    and keep them alive in famine.

²⁰ We wait in hope for the Lord;
    he is our help and our shield.
²¹ In him our hearts rejoice,
    for we trust in his holy name.
²² May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
    even as we put our hope in you.

  

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Tears flew down my face as I ran away from the Christmas tree without the toy I hoped for. Fear struck my heart as I stared in the place where my now stolen bike used to be and my hopes of riding were gone. Disappointment ran through my body as yet another job sent a rejection letter to my apartment and my hopes of moving back to the city seemed impossible. Why hope?

• When my hope is on what I want I get disappointed.
• When I place my hope in getting more of what I want I get my hopes crushed.
• When I place all my hope in what I think I get highly embarrassed when it does not come to pass.

Looking back, there were a lot of things I really, really wanted. I hoped and prayed and they did not come to pass. Then I sat and said once, “Why hope?” I mean I don’t get my way so why even have a hope. BUT GOD spoke to me peacefully.

• GOD said to me “My ways are not your ways.”
• GOD said to me “I have a wonderful, delightful plan for you that is much better than you can ever imagine”
• GOD said to me “Stand still and watch MY deliverance.”

Each time I try to use my might, wit or connections I find myself wanting, hoping, desiring until it hurts. BUT GOD wants me to focus on HIM in order to have peace. HE wants me to place my hope in HIM and let HIM decide my path. My hope needs to be place in HIS plan so my peace can be made whole. GOD wants me to keep trusting HIM.

• Are you uneasy?
• Do you feel a bit shaken?
• Can you place a small portion of your trust in GOD?
• Will you take a step towards HIM today by praising HIM?

GOD gives hope

Judges 2: ¹⁸ Whenever the Lord raised up a judge for them, he was with the judge and saved them out of the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the Lord relented because of their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them.

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Staring out the windshield, my mind pleaded with the bus driver to move a little faster. It was cold and the bus was late so I could miss my connection. I could see the other bus loading passengers as our bus crept sluggishly to the stop.

I ran out waving my arms and hands to no avail. My friend and I had missed the bus and we had to stand there shivering for an eternity! A car horn blew at us. One of the teacher’s saw us and gave us a ride all the way to school. (You could do that back then). She rescued us at the right time!

• Sometimes things look bleak and I lose hope.
• Sometimes things look impossible and I lose hope.
• Sometimes the word passes me by and I lose hope.

There have been many situations in which it “seemed” like there was no hope. After whatever expectation I set in my mind wasn’t met, I would desire to sit in the corner balled up like a baby. Just when I lose hope GOD does something different.

• When I stop fretting I can open my eyes to who GOD delivered to rescue me.
• When I stop pouting I can open my eyes to see who GOD sent to help me.
• When I stop feeling sorry for myself I can open my eyes to see GOD at work on HIS masterful plan.

Troubling situations never feel good. They cause me to groan and moan like the best of them. BUT GOD has delivered me from so many troubling situations, I can hardly count them. HE leads me besides still waters. HE restores my soul.

• Are you worried about your situation?
• Do you find yourself in the same cycle of worry and deliverance?
• Can you break the cycle and put your trust in GOD for good?
• Won’t you tell someone about HIS deliverance?

GOD’s Plan

Joshua 3: ⁷ And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.

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“What a nice sash. You must have worked hard. You will do well!” were the words from a gentleman from another country I remember to this very day. At that age I felt rather directionless and I was in the scouts.  I read my scout book and looked at what it would take to achieve badges.

I sewed my badges on my sash with pitiful stitching. Some were dangling pathetically while others were crooked and pinched. I had no idea what affect this gentleman’s profound words would have on my life. GOD elevated me to heights I never would have dreamed of.

• Sometimes GOD’s plan starts out with very simple roots.
• Sometimes GOD’s plan seems cloudy and I have no idea where HE will take me.
• Sometimes GOD’s plan looks pitiful and hopeless.

Nay-sayers seem to gravitate towards my plans. “You can’t do that” is the first thing out of their mouths. “The odds are against you, why try” is their follow on question. At times, my actions did seem futile and pitiful, BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says to me “I will begin to exalt you” right at the inception of any plan.
• GOD says to me “The battle is not yours” so any fight I face is going to be won.
• GOD says to me “I am with you, who can be against you” so obstacles and barriers have to bow down to HIM.

When GOD says HE has a plan for me, HE means it. The obstacles of life are a training ground for the strength I will need in another battle. HE grows me and cares for me along the way. HE exalts me in HIS time.

• Are you wondering where GOD is?
• Can you see GOD is with you and will never leave you?
• Won’t you stop trying to fight so hard and let GOD fight for you?

GOD’s promise to me

Leviticus 26: ¹¹ “‘I will live among you. I will not turn away from you. ¹² I will walk among you. I will be your God. And you will be my people. ¹³ I am the Lord your God. I brought you out of Egypt. I did not want you to be slaves in Egypt anymore. I threw off your heavy load. I helped you walk with your heads held high.

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Looking back at the mountain of sins I have committed I sometimes wonder “am I forgiven.”  I mean can GOD really forgive me for the candy I took when I was four? Or how about the time I lied about where I was going at sixteen? Or how about my present sins, can GOD really forgive these?

GOD says “Follow MY rules” but I break them all the time.

GOD says “Obey MY commands” but I ignore them at the drop of a hat.

GOD says “Trust in ME” yet I complain, doubt and worry.

These promises seem conditional and I have not met the conditions. What am I to do? I can’t go back and fix the sins I have already committed and I certainly am not crazy enough to think I will ever be sinless. Is there any hope?

GOD says “This is MY SON whom I am well pleased” which means I should focus on HIM.

GOD says “I am the way the truth and the life” which means my thought of saving myself is ludicrous.

GOD says “I helped you walk with your heads held high” which means I am saved from my lack of being able to follow HIS commands by believing in JESUS.

Many writers have said, “I am sinful” without saying “they are sinful.” GOD’s promises seem so distant until I realize HE loves me and pursues me in spite of me.

Are you feeling distant from GOD?
Do you think HE no longer loves you?

Can you stop feeding that lie and start believing HE really, really cares for you in spite of your actions?

Won’t you stop thinking your actions can control GOD and start believing HIS love for you is unconditional and everlasting?

Weak forces make me weak

Galatians 4: ⁹ But now that you know God—or rather are known by God —how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!10 

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Nimble footed was my practice as I hopped over each crack in the pavement. “Step on a crack, break your mothers’ back” was the superstition I was trying to avoid. I also took special care not to break any mirrors which was supposed to bring seven years bad luck. When things went wrong I wondered what superstition had I missed. Did I walk under a ladder or something?

• When I believe in “luck” more than GOD I’m on the wrong path.
• When I believe in “fate” more than GOD I’m on the wrong path.
• When I believe in “dates” more than GOD I’m on the wrong path.

I would attribute bad situations to Friday the 13^th or Halloween. It seemed like luck, fate and dates were running my life. BUT GOD has something different in mind for me.

• GOD’s power is greater than any worry I can have.
• GOD’s love is greater than any sin I can commit.
• GOD’s grace is greater than any doubt I can muster up.
• GOD’s mercy is greater than any malefaction I can commit.

My superstitions got in the way of having a clear view of what GOD could do in my life. I wanted things to go my way so I placed my hope in things far weaker than GOD. I searched for four leaf clovers and hoped the lottery would come through someday. GOD’s power is greater than any charm, scheme or luck I can ever fall into. I put my trust in GOD and HE has brought me peace.

• What have you placed your belief in?
• Do you trust other things outside of GOD?
• Can you turn your trust in GOD a little more today?
• Will you let go of one of your superstitions today?

Have heart, have hope.

2 Corinthians 4: ¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ^17 18 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

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My hard working parents bought me a gift for Christmas but it wasn’t what I wanted. I cried and couldn’t see their effort nor could I see that actually the gift was better than the thing I wanted until I began to play with it.

My car died on the side of the road in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere. I sulked and wondered why I had this raggedy car and couldn’t see that about ten minutes later a couple would pick me up and would pray with me. I guess I lose heart too quickly.

• When I focus on my momentary troubles I lose heart quickly.
• When I look at my current situation I build up worry quickly.
• When I see my immediate problem I create fear quickly.

Every time I think there is no hope, GOD steps in and shows HIS marvelous plan.  HE knew I would be in trouble and HE knew I would need the thing HE planned.  I fret, fray and fight the situation meanwhile GOD is busy handling what is going on.

• GOD renews my mind and SPIRIT daily.
• GOD gave me eternal glory that outweighs any situation.
• GOD is my guide to the other side of my problems.

HE placed HIS light in me to work out all situations, troubles and attacks. HE gave me another tool to fight fear and that is to focus on what is unseen rather than what is seen. GOD is on the other side of this and every situation which gives me hope.

• Have you lost your hope?
• Can you stop focusing on what you see and focus on what GOD is doing?
• Will you believe GOD has this situation all worked out with a better plan than you can see?
• Can you stop worrying for a short period of time to praise GOD today?

My prayer for you

Romans 15: ¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Since GOD owns “hope” I truly hope you put your trust in HIM today.

Since GOD owns “joy” I truly hope you focus on HIM instead of your circumstance today.

Since GOD owns “peace” I truly hope for an overabundance of peace so you can tell people about HIS SON.

When I focus on me I get quite worried. I have doubt and fears. When I focus on GOD who holds what I need, I receive hope, joy and peace.

Thank you for “always” being with me LORD. Amen

I “hope” it will happen

Romans 8: ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

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With wind and snow hitting my face staring down the street was all I could do to make the bus come faster. It was helpless to look at my watch because that seemed to prolong the bus. All I could think about was the warmth I would experience and then my mind would drift into imagining getting a seat this time.

My excitement turned into elation as an empty bus arrived with all the windows closed and the heat blasting!

• When I set a time on GOD to do something it is always wrong.
• When I think GOD should solve a problem my way in my time I guess wrong.
• When I see that GOD is taking HIS time I panic instead of being patient.

When there is a problem in my life GOD seems to be in no rush to fix it. The winds of issues spray in my face and it seems like GOD just sits there. I mean HE has all the power and here I am powerless to take care of the situation.

• Fortunately for me GOD provided the HOLY SPIRIT to bring comfort to me at the right time.
• Fortunately for me GOD gave me the HOLY SPIRIT who reminds me of times past HE has brought me through.
• Fortunately for me GOD imparted the HOLY SPIRIT to give me wisdom where I have none, patience where desire overflows and hope when defeat stares me in the face.

Faith is the substance of things “hoped” for, the evidence of things not seen. GOD wants me to have faith that HE “has” and “will” take care of everything. HE grows the hair on my head and watches over my feet. All of my situations are HIS to do as HE pleases so I will put my hope in HIM.

• Where is your hope?
• What are you hoping for?
• Are your hopes aligned with GOD’s plan for you?
• Are you living a life of purpose and faith or are you nervously waiting on evidence with doubt?