I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me.
-Philippians 4:13
Simple verse, well known, often quoted. But how much do you really BELIEVE it?
I'm sure you've heard someone say, "God will never give you more than you can handle." And I think that is partially true. Yes, I said partially. You see, I believe that, more times than not, tough things happen and we find ourselves in way over our heads. We CAN'T handle it...at least not on our own. We need help.
The apostle Paul had a lot of hills and valleys in his life. He talks about it a bit in Philippians 4:12... "I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need."
If anyone had a reason to "brag" about suffering, it was Paul. So how did he handle it? Did he turn and run away in fear? Was he paralyzed in despair? Did he give up on God? Not at all!! I'm sure he felt like doing all of those things at times in his ministry. But instead of giving in to his flesh, Paul moved forward in strength, boldness, and power. He fought the good fight and finished the race. How?
God.
Paul knew God's power. Not only that, but He believed in it.
God is our refuge, our fortress, our deliverer. He is our ever-present help in time of need. God is everything we need, when we need it. You can't do everything on your own. But you CAN do ALL things THROUGH GOD who enables you, equips you, and strengthens you. Believe it.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Hope In Victory - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 30)
In Him, we have victory!
Christ has died on the cross.
He has conquered sin and death.
Therefore, if Christ is in us,
we have the same victory!
Where Jesus has victory,
we have victory.
Where He has overcome,
we shall overcome.
-Big God by Britt Merrick
Do you ever feel like you are fighting an uphill battle? You have been walking the walk and fighting the fight but now your strength is waning and you feel like you have no more fight left?
Some of you may have been fighting something for so many years that your strength is running low. Others may be facing something so overwhelming that it seems too big to win. As tough as they are, we must look at these battles as strength-training for our faith, character, and endurance. Just as a muscle must be broken down first in order for it to be built back up stronger, so is the result in US by fighting and overcoming the trials in our lives. But some battles are just too much for us to fight on our own.
"Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
-Deuteronomy 20:3-4
Read that again. It says that the Almighty, all-powerful God goes WITH us to fight FOR us! With His death on the cross, Jesus has conquered sin and death and everything else you can think of. If you are a believer, the Bible says that through Christ, we are more than conquerers (Romans 8:37)! The weapons we have to use are so powerful that they can demolish strongholds and principalities (2 Cor. 10:4). We don't have to fight as the world fights because we have so much more power because of the God we serve.
Sometimes God calls us to fight and sometimes He tells us to simply be still and let Him fight for us. Regardless of what kind of battle you are facing, God is with you and He has the power to overcome anything. Therefore, so do you.
Christ has died on the cross.
He has conquered sin and death.
Therefore, if Christ is in us,
we have the same victory!
Where Jesus has victory,
we have victory.
Where He has overcome,
we shall overcome.
-Big God by Britt Merrick
Do you ever feel like you are fighting an uphill battle? You have been walking the walk and fighting the fight but now your strength is waning and you feel like you have no more fight left?
Some of you may have been fighting something for so many years that your strength is running low. Others may be facing something so overwhelming that it seems too big to win. As tough as they are, we must look at these battles as strength-training for our faith, character, and endurance. Just as a muscle must be broken down first in order for it to be built back up stronger, so is the result in US by fighting and overcoming the trials in our lives. But some battles are just too much for us to fight on our own.
"Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
-Deuteronomy 20:3-4
Read that again. It says that the Almighty, all-powerful God goes WITH us to fight FOR us! With His death on the cross, Jesus has conquered sin and death and everything else you can think of. If you are a believer, the Bible says that through Christ, we are more than conquerers (Romans 8:37)! The weapons we have to use are so powerful that they can demolish strongholds and principalities (2 Cor. 10:4). We don't have to fight as the world fights because we have so much more power because of the God we serve.
Sometimes God calls us to fight and sometimes He tells us to simply be still and let Him fight for us. Regardless of what kind of battle you are facing, God is with you and He has the power to overcome anything. Therefore, so do you.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Hanging On In The Dark - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 29)
Today's post is taken from a devotion in The New Women's Devotional Bible.
"Sometimes faith is just hanging on in the dark."
These words, spoken by a wise woman, were offered as solace to a suffering friend. Sometimes things just don't make sense. Sometimes we can't even manage to utter a prayer. In those dark nights--when life seems to suffocate us with sorrow--faith compels us to hang on. We've seen that Job, who suffered great losses, felt that way.
Think about it. We know the conversation God had with Satan at the beginning of this account, yet we are still appalled by the tragic events of Job's life. Job had no idea that Satan was tempting him because God was allowing his faith to be tested. No wonder Job reeled from his losses and grasped for answers. We can feel the pain and desperation in his voice when he cried, "Oh, that I had someone to hear me!" (Job 31:35) But throughout his trial, throughout his test, Job knew the Almighty was listening.
Have you ever felt that way? Perhaps your heart's cry surfaced in a winter season of your life--cold, dark, and endless. You may be in that barren season even now, with no one to offer you comfort or relief. Allow Job's words to comfort you as a fellow traveler on your journey: "Let the Almighty answer me!"
Job recounted his actions based on his heart for God, although he never knew what had happened in Heaven to instigate his suffering. While we may learn God's reasons later (sometimes only in eternity), for now all that is required is for us to "hang on in the dark" until God's light illuminates the way again.
The New Women's Devotional Bible
Zondervan
"Sometimes faith is just hanging on in the dark."
These words, spoken by a wise woman, were offered as solace to a suffering friend. Sometimes things just don't make sense. Sometimes we can't even manage to utter a prayer. In those dark nights--when life seems to suffocate us with sorrow--faith compels us to hang on. We've seen that Job, who suffered great losses, felt that way.
Think about it. We know the conversation God had with Satan at the beginning of this account, yet we are still appalled by the tragic events of Job's life. Job had no idea that Satan was tempting him because God was allowing his faith to be tested. No wonder Job reeled from his losses and grasped for answers. We can feel the pain and desperation in his voice when he cried, "Oh, that I had someone to hear me!" (Job 31:35) But throughout his trial, throughout his test, Job knew the Almighty was listening.
Have you ever felt that way? Perhaps your heart's cry surfaced in a winter season of your life--cold, dark, and endless. You may be in that barren season even now, with no one to offer you comfort or relief. Allow Job's words to comfort you as a fellow traveler on your journey: "Let the Almighty answer me!"
Job recounted his actions based on his heart for God, although he never knew what had happened in Heaven to instigate his suffering. While we may learn God's reasons later (sometimes only in eternity), for now all that is required is for us to "hang on in the dark" until God's light illuminates the way again.
The New Women's Devotional Bible
Zondervan
Friday, January 28, 2011
Hope In (Im)Perfection - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 28)
“My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and my talents and I lay them both at His feet.”
-Mahatma Gandhi
We all have standards and expectations put on us every day. Some by others and some by ourselves. If you are anything like me, I struggle with trying too hard to live up to those expectations. So when I come up short, I often feel frustrated and discouraged. I was so irritated with myself today because I was running 30 minutes late taking my child to school. Mom of the year! While that may not seem like a big deal to you, it is to me. I don't like feeling like I let people down. I hate feeling like I let myself down. And I truly hate feeling like I let God down. But the good news is this:
"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV)
Yeah, try as I may, I am not Super Mom. I never will be. But you know what? When I finally got to school to drop of my child, I saw that there were quite a few parents who were doing the same, some even pulling up as I was leaving. Imagine that.
Don't get caught up in expectations, you will never meet all of them. Don't get caught up in perfection. No one is perfect. Do your best with what you can and then lay the rest at God's feet.
-Mahatma Gandhi
We all have standards and expectations put on us every day. Some by others and some by ourselves. If you are anything like me, I struggle with trying too hard to live up to those expectations. So when I come up short, I often feel frustrated and discouraged. I was so irritated with myself today because I was running 30 minutes late taking my child to school. Mom of the year! While that may not seem like a big deal to you, it is to me. I don't like feeling like I let people down. I hate feeling like I let myself down. And I truly hate feeling like I let God down. But the good news is this:
God doesn't expect me to be perfect. In fact, He KNOWS I'm not!Doesn't that lift a huge burden off of your shoulders? It does for me! God knows all of my imperfections and weaknesses, and though He doesn't love them, He loves me. God sent His Son Jesus to die for my ALL of my sins. In accepting Jesus as my Savior, I don't have to walk anymore in bondage to my failures because I have been forgiven of them! And not only that, I know that God is working in my life to help me fix those imperfections and strengthen my weaknesses.
"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV)
Yeah, try as I may, I am not Super Mom. I never will be. But you know what? When I finally got to school to drop of my child, I saw that there were quite a few parents who were doing the same, some even pulling up as I was leaving. Imagine that.
Don't get caught up in expectations, you will never meet all of them. Don't get caught up in perfection. No one is perfect. Do your best with what you can and then lay the rest at God's feet.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Hope In No Change - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 27)
But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.
-Romans 8:25
A few posts back, I wrote about having hope in the midst of change. Change is inevitable right? But what happens when things DON'T change right away? You are hoping and praying for something to happen, but you aren't seeing anything happening. So what do you do now?
When you are truly seeking God and praying for change, but not seeing it, maybe God is simply wanting you to persevere. Most of us see trials as a bad thing. But in James 1, it tells us that trials produce perseverance, which is a good thing! Sometimes, we need to STAY in our trial so that God's work in us will be perfected and completed. Then, it says, we will lack nothing.
So how do we persevere?
-The biggest thing is to continue to pray, seek God, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will give you the things you need to get through.
-Continue to be obedient and submit to the things God wants to do IN you and THROUGH you.
-Change your attitude. Stop complaining. Or take it a step further and replace the complaining with encouraging and power-giving scriptures.
-Remember that change IS inevitable. Whatever you are going through is for a season and, one day, it will end.
God's delays are for a reason. In those times where God simply calls you to persevere, (as it's been said) you need to grab the end of that rope, tie a knot, and hold on tight.
-Romans 8:25
A few posts back, I wrote about having hope in the midst of change. Change is inevitable right? But what happens when things DON'T change right away? You are hoping and praying for something to happen, but you aren't seeing anything happening. So what do you do now?
Persevere.Let's look at the word perseverance... in the verse quoted above, the Greek word is Hupomone and it means "a patient, steadfast waiting for." Websters defines it: "to maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly."
When you are truly seeking God and praying for change, but not seeing it, maybe God is simply wanting you to persevere. Most of us see trials as a bad thing. But in James 1, it tells us that trials produce perseverance, which is a good thing! Sometimes, we need to STAY in our trial so that God's work in us will be perfected and completed. Then, it says, we will lack nothing.
So how do we persevere?
-The biggest thing is to continue to pray, seek God, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will give you the things you need to get through.
-Continue to be obedient and submit to the things God wants to do IN you and THROUGH you.
-Change your attitude. Stop complaining. Or take it a step further and replace the complaining with encouraging and power-giving scriptures.
-Remember that change IS inevitable. Whatever you are going through is for a season and, one day, it will end.
God's delays are for a reason. In those times where God simply calls you to persevere, (as it's been said) you need to grab the end of that rope, tie a knot, and hold on tight.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Settling For Second Best - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 26)
“Once you say you're going to settle for second, that's what happens to you in life.”
-John F. Kennedy
We went on a little family outing tonight to get a birthday present for my son. My daughter had saved up some money, so she excitedly grabbed her little purse, her heart set on a My Little Pony toy. We headed to the toy department and were thrilled when we saw a bunch of the toy she wanted in the clearance section. Come to find out, they weren't on sale at all, in fact, they were $10 over her budget. Instead of just giving in and buying it for her, we thought it might be a good learning experience. So we told her that she was just a little bit short, but encouraged her to not buy something just for the sake of buying something; instead save the money and wait until she had the full amount and we would come back and get it.
What she didn't know is that Daddy had a plan to give her the rest of the money after her responsibility chart was completed for the week. But she didn't want to wait and instead picked out a different toy. Knowing what I knew, I tried so hard to convince her to wait. I even asked her, "If you could have any toy in the whole store, what would you get?" She said, "The My Little Pony toy." I tried to reason, plead, hint...all to no avail. She walked out of the store, not with what she really wanted the most, but a suitable replacement. As we were leaving, my husband turned to me and said, "My heart is broken."
He wanted to give her the desires of her heart.
How many times have we settled for something? I'm not just simply talking about something horribly bad, but even those things that are "suitable replacements". We have our hearts set on something, but perhaps God's timing isn't right. He hasn't given you a "no" answer, but a "wait" or "not right now". However, in our own impatience and desire to get what we want when we want it, we settle for second best.
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!"
-Matthew 7:11 (NASB)
My husband and I wanted to give our little girl the desires of her heart in the worst way. It took all my self-control to not run back in the store and buy her that darn toy. But it would deprive her of a growing and teaching experience. In the same way, I believe that God wants to bless us with the desires of our hearts. He wants to give us good things. But even more, He wants what is best for us, and sometimes God's timing doesn't line up with our "want it now" attitude. Instead of waiting for what she truly wanted, my daughter wanted to take the easy route and go with what was right in front of her...the tangible. When in reality, she was less than a week away from getting the desires of her heart.
Don't mistake God's "not right now" with God's "no". Trust in God's timing and see the lessons He is wanting you to learn during the waiting season. Don't give up and settle for second best just because you can't have what you want when you want it. You never know...you may be less than a week away from the desires of your heart.
-John F. Kennedy
We went on a little family outing tonight to get a birthday present for my son. My daughter had saved up some money, so she excitedly grabbed her little purse, her heart set on a My Little Pony toy. We headed to the toy department and were thrilled when we saw a bunch of the toy she wanted in the clearance section. Come to find out, they weren't on sale at all, in fact, they were $10 over her budget. Instead of just giving in and buying it for her, we thought it might be a good learning experience. So we told her that she was just a little bit short, but encouraged her to not buy something just for the sake of buying something; instead save the money and wait until she had the full amount and we would come back and get it.
What she didn't know is that Daddy had a plan to give her the rest of the money after her responsibility chart was completed for the week. But she didn't want to wait and instead picked out a different toy. Knowing what I knew, I tried so hard to convince her to wait. I even asked her, "If you could have any toy in the whole store, what would you get?" She said, "The My Little Pony toy." I tried to reason, plead, hint...all to no avail. She walked out of the store, not with what she really wanted the most, but a suitable replacement. As we were leaving, my husband turned to me and said, "My heart is broken."
He wanted to give her the desires of her heart.
How many times have we settled for something? I'm not just simply talking about something horribly bad, but even those things that are "suitable replacements". We have our hearts set on something, but perhaps God's timing isn't right. He hasn't given you a "no" answer, but a "wait" or "not right now". However, in our own impatience and desire to get what we want when we want it, we settle for second best.
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!"
-Matthew 7:11 (NASB)
My husband and I wanted to give our little girl the desires of her heart in the worst way. It took all my self-control to not run back in the store and buy her that darn toy. But it would deprive her of a growing and teaching experience. In the same way, I believe that God wants to bless us with the desires of our hearts. He wants to give us good things. But even more, He wants what is best for us, and sometimes God's timing doesn't line up with our "want it now" attitude. Instead of waiting for what she truly wanted, my daughter wanted to take the easy route and go with what was right in front of her...the tangible. When in reality, she was less than a week away from getting the desires of her heart.
Don't mistake God's "not right now" with God's "no". Trust in God's timing and see the lessons He is wanting you to learn during the waiting season. Don't give up and settle for second best just because you can't have what you want when you want it. You never know...you may be less than a week away from the desires of your heart.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Hope In Loneliness - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 25)
I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out — plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)
Are you feeling alone, left out, abandoned? Life can be tough and all of us can relate to the feeling of loneliness. These past couple years have brought me more lonely points than I could have imagined. Ironically enough, some of my loneliest times have been when I am surrounded by people. Lonely doesn't always mean alone.
As cliche as it sounds, however, we are never truly alone. We have an omnipresent God... that means He is everywhere! He knows when you are hurting. He sees the tears you cry. He knows the desires of your heart.
"Ok, so if God knows all these things, then why do I still feel lonely? Why am I not receiving those desires of my heart?" Friend, I wish I had the answers to those questions. I have asked them many times myself. But even though I don't know the specific answers to your "why's", I do know this:
One of my favorite books to read to my daughter is "Oh The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. I want to share an excerpt that really spoke some great stuff about being alone...
"I'm afraid that some times
you'll play lonely games too
Games you can't win
because you play against you.
All alone!
Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you'll be quite a lot.
And when you're alone,
there's a very good chance
you'll meet things that scare you
right out of your pants.
There are some down the road
between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much
you won't want to go on.
But on you will go
though the weather be foul.
On you will go
though your enemies prowl.
On you will go
though the hakken-kraks howl.
Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.
On and on you will hike.
And I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are."
Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)
Are you feeling alone, left out, abandoned? Life can be tough and all of us can relate to the feeling of loneliness. These past couple years have brought me more lonely points than I could have imagined. Ironically enough, some of my loneliest times have been when I am surrounded by people. Lonely doesn't always mean alone.
As cliche as it sounds, however, we are never truly alone. We have an omnipresent God... that means He is everywhere! He knows when you are hurting. He sees the tears you cry. He knows the desires of your heart.
"Ok, so if God knows all these things, then why do I still feel lonely? Why am I not receiving those desires of my heart?" Friend, I wish I had the answers to those questions. I have asked them many times myself. But even though I don't know the specific answers to your "why's", I do know this:
GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE!He wants to love you. He wants to take care of you. He wants to give you hope. Satan, and even other people, will try to manipulate and exploit your emotions. Satan wants you so caught up in yourself and so paralyzed by despair, that you cannot and will not live out the plans that God has for you. Don't allow him that victory over you! Turn your loneliness into something great! Instead of dwelling on what you do not have, look for the things you DO have. Instead of further isolating yourself, reach out to others who are lonely too...visit someone in a convalescent home, take dinner to a "single" mom whose husband is deployed, volunteer for a Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.
One of my favorite books to read to my daughter is "Oh The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. I want to share an excerpt that really spoke some great stuff about being alone...
"I'm afraid that some times
you'll play lonely games too
Games you can't win
because you play against you.
All alone!
Whether you like it or not,
Alone will be something
you'll be quite a lot.
And when you're alone,
there's a very good chance
you'll meet things that scare you
right out of your pants.
There are some down the road
between hither and yon,
that can scare you so much
you won't want to go on.
But on you will go
though the weather be foul.
On you will go
though your enemies prowl.
On you will go
though the hakken-kraks howl.
Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak.
On and on you will hike.
And I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are."
Monday, January 24, 2011
Between Hope and a Hard Place - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 24)
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.”
-Exodus 14:13
The Israelites were stuck between a rock and a hard place. Really, they were stuck between a huge army of their captors and a vast sea of water. Here they were, on their way to the fulfillment of God's promise, and now their situation seemed all but hopeless. Surely this could not be what God had intended!
Long story short: the Israelites had been slaves in the land of Egypt for many years. God sent Moses to lead them out of Egypt and into the Promised Land of their home country. Finally, the ruler of Egypt agreed to let them go. However, soon after the Israelites left, he changed his mind and, gathering up an army of his best soldiers, went after them in hot pursuit.
When the Israelites saw the approaching Egyptians and realized they were trapped between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea, they complained to Moses, "It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" Can you relate? I sure can. In fact, I caught myself thinking along the same lines not too long ago. God told me to do something. I stepped out in faith. Now, I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. Impossible situations surround me on all sides. Surely this can't be what God intended?
Many people have faced discouraging and impossible circumstances and dead-ends while following the will of God. But it was exactly where He wanted them. Don't give up prematurely! Just because something APPEARS to be hopeless doesn't mean that it is. It isn't over until God says it's over. He has the final say.
-Exodus 14:13
The Israelites were stuck between a rock and a hard place. Really, they were stuck between a huge army of their captors and a vast sea of water. Here they were, on their way to the fulfillment of God's promise, and now their situation seemed all but hopeless. Surely this could not be what God had intended!
Long story short: the Israelites had been slaves in the land of Egypt for many years. God sent Moses to lead them out of Egypt and into the Promised Land of their home country. Finally, the ruler of Egypt agreed to let them go. However, soon after the Israelites left, he changed his mind and, gathering up an army of his best soldiers, went after them in hot pursuit.
When the Israelites saw the approaching Egyptians and realized they were trapped between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea, they complained to Moses, "It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" Can you relate? I sure can. In fact, I caught myself thinking along the same lines not too long ago. God told me to do something. I stepped out in faith. Now, I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. Impossible situations surround me on all sides. Surely this can't be what God intended?
What the Israelites saw as hopeless, was actually God-ordained.If you read the beginning of Exodus 14, God tells Moses exactly where to set up camp. In fact, God told them to "turn back" and "encamp by the sea". He even had them turn back instead of continue to move forward. You see, the Israelites were right where God wanted them...in a place where only He could help them. Only He could deliver them.
Only God could get the glory.So how does it end? God parted the waters of the Red Sea and the Israelites walked to the other side on dry ground. As Pharaoh and his men pursued them into the parted sea, God released the waters and all of the Egyptian army were lost. God had delivered His people out of an impossible situation.
Many people have faced discouraging and impossible circumstances and dead-ends while following the will of God. But it was exactly where He wanted them. Don't give up prematurely! Just because something APPEARS to be hopeless doesn't mean that it is. It isn't over until God says it's over. He has the final say.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Go Tell Peter - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 23)
Today's post is written by Sheila Walsh and is from the daily blog on the Women Of Faith website at http://www.womenoffaith.com/blog/.
Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
—Matthew 28:10
God’s Word is full of stories of those who messed up and were forgiven by God and restored to a place of far greater joy and purpose. I think especially of the apostle Peter. This rough and tough fisherman who was devoted to Christ took quite a fall when he heard the words, “I don’t know this man!” tumble from his own lips. I am sure he beat himself up over the next few brutal hours and days as Jesus was crucified and placed in a tomb.
On that glorious Easter morning, the women encountered an angel guarding an empty tomb. The angel told them to go tell Jesus’ disciples—and Peter—that they would see him in Galilee. There was to be no doubt that Peter should know that he was welcomed.
Have you messed up? Perhaps you are ashamed to even face what you have done. It may have been something that caused harm not just to you but to others. If so, have the faith to remember that with God all things can be made new. Your past is just that. But your future in him is limitless. All God looks for is a desire to begin moving in the right direction, and he will be there to embrace you.
Get Off Your Knees and Pray
by Sheila Walsh
Thomas Nelson
Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”
—Matthew 28:10
God’s Word is full of stories of those who messed up and were forgiven by God and restored to a place of far greater joy and purpose. I think especially of the apostle Peter. This rough and tough fisherman who was devoted to Christ took quite a fall when he heard the words, “I don’t know this man!” tumble from his own lips. I am sure he beat himself up over the next few brutal hours and days as Jesus was crucified and placed in a tomb.
On that glorious Easter morning, the women encountered an angel guarding an empty tomb. The angel told them to go tell Jesus’ disciples—and Peter—that they would see him in Galilee. There was to be no doubt that Peter should know that he was welcomed.
Have you messed up? Perhaps you are ashamed to even face what you have done. It may have been something that caused harm not just to you but to others. If so, have the faith to remember that with God all things can be made new. Your past is just that. But your future in him is limitless. All God looks for is a desire to begin moving in the right direction, and he will be there to embrace you.
Get Off Your Knees and Pray
by Sheila Walsh
Thomas Nelson
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Hope In A Desert- 31 Days Of Hope (Day 22)
"So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up."
Galatians 6:9 NLT
Moses had things pretty good. He was a prince living in a palace in Egypt, he had a lot of power and influence, and had access to pretty much anything he wanted. One moment changed it all. God had a greater calling. What could be greater than living a life of royalty? Living a life fulfilling your God-given purpose.
God had a different purpose for Moses' life. Moses went from the palace to the desert. There he met his future wife and began living out his new life working for his father-in-law. What a change of scenery! Definitely in humble circumstances, but that is exactly when God called him. Not when he was living the high life in the palace, but when he was faithfully working in the desert.
You can read about it in Exodus 3. Moses was tending to his father-in-law's flock when he sees a bush that is on fire yet not burning up. When Moses goes closer to investigate, God reveals Himself and gives Moses his marching orders (so to speak)...he was to go back to the land of Egypt and deliver the Israelites from the bondage of slavery. God was going to make him into a great leader, but not in the way Moses probably had envisioned it.
There was a purpose for the many years that Moses spent as a shepherd. He learned what it meant to work hard, which made him relatable to the people he would soon be leading. He learned how to survive in the desert, which would be helpful for the many years the Israelites would wander in the wilderness. God knew that it would take a special person to deliver His people from Egypt...a man of great character and experience. Those qualities don't come easy and don't come overnight.
Are you in a desert season of life? Be faithful where you are and with what you've been given. Let God use this time to mold you and shape you so that you can be ready when He calls you into your God-given purpose.
Galatians 6:9 NLT
Moses had things pretty good. He was a prince living in a palace in Egypt, he had a lot of power and influence, and had access to pretty much anything he wanted. One moment changed it all. God had a greater calling. What could be greater than living a life of royalty? Living a life fulfilling your God-given purpose.
God had a different purpose for Moses' life. Moses went from the palace to the desert. There he met his future wife and began living out his new life working for his father-in-law. What a change of scenery! Definitely in humble circumstances, but that is exactly when God called him. Not when he was living the high life in the palace, but when he was faithfully working in the desert.
You can read about it in Exodus 3. Moses was tending to his father-in-law's flock when he sees a bush that is on fire yet not burning up. When Moses goes closer to investigate, God reveals Himself and gives Moses his marching orders (so to speak)...he was to go back to the land of Egypt and deliver the Israelites from the bondage of slavery. God was going to make him into a great leader, but not in the way Moses probably had envisioned it.
There was a purpose for the many years that Moses spent as a shepherd. He learned what it meant to work hard, which made him relatable to the people he would soon be leading. He learned how to survive in the desert, which would be helpful for the many years the Israelites would wander in the wilderness. God knew that it would take a special person to deliver His people from Egypt...a man of great character and experience. Those qualities don't come easy and don't come overnight.
Are you in a desert season of life? Be faithful where you are and with what you've been given. Let God use this time to mold you and shape you so that you can be ready when He calls you into your God-given purpose.
Friday, January 21, 2011
When God Says No - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 21)
Some people think that prayer just means asking for things, and if they fail to receive exactly what they asked for, they think the whole thing is a fraud.
- Gerald Vann
I remember one night a while back I was cooking dinner and my daughter asked me for some more crackers. She had already had one bowl full and since it was almost time to eat, I told her no. Little did I know the reaction that would ensue. She got very upset. She walked away with that tiny lip out, walked into the family room, and announced to her Daddy, "I can't have crackers right now." It was the saddest little voice, it even cracked when she was trying to tell him. She then retreated to her indoor playhouse and laid there. It wasn't a temper-tantrum, she was genuinely sad. It broke my heart. I walked over to see if she was ok and she told me, voice still shaking, "Go away, I don't want to talk right now." I sat there for a few seconds and then told her, "Baby girl, just because I said 'no' doesn't mean I don't love you."
I walked away and that statement just hit me. I didn't really think about what to say to her, it just came out...out of my heart and my love for my daughter. I wasn't trying to be mean, I actually had a very valid reason...
How many times, when has God told me no, have I become devastated, upset, angry? Then retreat to my own personal hideout of my soul where I sulk and smother myself in self-pity? I know that it breaks God's heart even more than it did mine when He sees one of His precious children hurting and upset because He told them no. But He has a good reason! It's out of His immeasurable love for us. God's ways are so much higher than ours, how can we expect to fully understand Him in our immature human wisdom? Looking back on my life now, I am SO incredibly grateful that God closed doors that I was praying He would open. He was saying no to those requests so that I would later be able to receive something better. Like my daughter, I was asking for what I wanted, but God gave me what I needed.
The next time God tells YOU no, fight the urge to be led by your emotions. Look past your disappointment, look past what's right in front of you. Trust in the One Who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond all you can ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20)! And remember that just because God said no, it isn't because He doesn't love you. It's because He does.
- Gerald Vann
I remember one night a while back I was cooking dinner and my daughter asked me for some more crackers. She had already had one bowl full and since it was almost time to eat, I told her no. Little did I know the reaction that would ensue. She got very upset. She walked away with that tiny lip out, walked into the family room, and announced to her Daddy, "I can't have crackers right now." It was the saddest little voice, it even cracked when she was trying to tell him. She then retreated to her indoor playhouse and laid there. It wasn't a temper-tantrum, she was genuinely sad. It broke my heart. I walked over to see if she was ok and she told me, voice still shaking, "Go away, I don't want to talk right now." I sat there for a few seconds and then told her, "Baby girl, just because I said 'no' doesn't mean I don't love you."
I walked away and that statement just hit me. I didn't really think about what to say to her, it just came out...out of my heart and my love for my daughter. I wasn't trying to be mean, I actually had a very valid reason...
I was telling her no to something good so that she would be able to receive something BETTER!But in her little mind, she couldn't see past her immediate disappointment.
How many times, when has God told me no, have I become devastated, upset, angry? Then retreat to my own personal hideout of my soul where I sulk and smother myself in self-pity? I know that it breaks God's heart even more than it did mine when He sees one of His precious children hurting and upset because He told them no. But He has a good reason! It's out of His immeasurable love for us. God's ways are so much higher than ours, how can we expect to fully understand Him in our immature human wisdom? Looking back on my life now, I am SO incredibly grateful that God closed doors that I was praying He would open. He was saying no to those requests so that I would later be able to receive something better. Like my daughter, I was asking for what I wanted, but God gave me what I needed.
The next time God tells YOU no, fight the urge to be led by your emotions. Look past your disappointment, look past what's right in front of you. Trust in the One Who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond all you can ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20)! And remember that just because God said no, it isn't because He doesn't love you. It's because He does.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Jesus Calling - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 20)
Today's post is from the book "Jesus Calling", a daily devotional written as if Jesus were speaking. The reason I used this as today's post is that many times, we constantly dwell on our worries and troubles. As we continue to do so, the burden of our situation becomes heavier and heavier. God wants us to cast our burdens upon Him, not to hang onto them or try to carry such a heavy load on our own. Most of the time, this won't be a one-time thing and we will have to cast those burdens on God daily, hourly, however often you need to do so. God is there...
Come to Me, and rest in My loving Presence. You know that this day will bring difficulties, and you are trying to think your way through those trials. As you anticipate what is ahead of you, you forget that I am with you--now and always.
Rehearsing your troubles results in experiencing them many times, whereas you are meant to go through them only when they actually occur. Do not multiply your suffering in this way!
Instead, come to Me, and relax in My peace. I will strengthen you and prepare you for this day, transforming your fear into confident trust.
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28)
"Jesus Calling"
by Sarah Young
Thomas Nelson
Come to Me, and rest in My loving Presence. You know that this day will bring difficulties, and you are trying to think your way through those trials. As you anticipate what is ahead of you, you forget that I am with you--now and always.
Rehearsing your troubles results in experiencing them many times, whereas you are meant to go through them only when they actually occur. Do not multiply your suffering in this way!
Instead, come to Me, and relax in My peace. I will strengthen you and prepare you for this day, transforming your fear into confident trust.
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28)
"Jesus Calling"
by Sarah Young
Thomas Nelson
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Hope In Coming Back - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 19)
God's light will always lead us right back to the path. No matter how long the detour has been, return is only a shortcut away. -Beth Moore
There are so many reasons why people walk away from God. For some, it's a slow and steady slide. For others, it's a quick and reactive decision. But regardless of the reason, God's arms are open and waiting for you to turn back to Him.
I have been there. I'm sure most of us have.
One of the most familiar parables that Jesus tells in the New Testament is that of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15). A man's youngest son asks for an early inheritance. He receives it, leaves home, wastes all the money, and ends up lonely, hungry, and trying to earn any kind of wages from feeding pigs in a field. He finally realizes how stupid he's been and decides to return home and to his father to ask for forgiveness and for work. His father sees him from a distance and, running to meet him, greets his son with love and open arms. Not only that, but he threw a celebration to welcome him back home.
"If you come a little way to Him, when you are "yet a great way off" He will run to meet you. I do not know that the prodigal saw his father, but his father saw him. The eyes of mercy are quicker than the eyes of repentance. Even the eyes of our faith is dim compared with the eye of God's love. He sees a sinner long before a sinner sees Him." -Charles Spurgeon
Here's the beauty of the love of our Father: no matter where you are or what you've done, no matter the reason you walked away, we have hope in that grace, mercy, forgiveness, healing, and restoration are waiting for us the moment we choose to return.
There are so many reasons why people walk away from God. For some, it's a slow and steady slide. For others, it's a quick and reactive decision. But regardless of the reason, God's arms are open and waiting for you to turn back to Him.
I have been there. I'm sure most of us have.
One of the most familiar parables that Jesus tells in the New Testament is that of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15). A man's youngest son asks for an early inheritance. He receives it, leaves home, wastes all the money, and ends up lonely, hungry, and trying to earn any kind of wages from feeding pigs in a field. He finally realizes how stupid he's been and decides to return home and to his father to ask for forgiveness and for work. His father sees him from a distance and, running to meet him, greets his son with love and open arms. Not only that, but he threw a celebration to welcome him back home.
"If you come a little way to Him, when you are "yet a great way off" He will run to meet you. I do not know that the prodigal saw his father, but his father saw him. The eyes of mercy are quicker than the eyes of repentance. Even the eyes of our faith is dim compared with the eye of God's love. He sees a sinner long before a sinner sees Him." -Charles Spurgeon
Here's the beauty of the love of our Father: no matter where you are or what you've done, no matter the reason you walked away, we have hope in that grace, mercy, forgiveness, healing, and restoration are waiting for us the moment we choose to return.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Influencing Hope - 31 Days of Hope (Day 18)
Yesterday was a celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. My husband wrote a post about being a game changer... and MLK definitely fits that description.
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Martin Luther King Jr. was a man of great faith who inspired countless people to dream and hope. His inspiration continues to this day. Granted, the majority of us will not have as far-reaching an impact as he has had, but what about where you are now?
You have influence. How will you use it?
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Martin Luther King Jr. was a man of great faith who inspired countless people to dream and hope. His inspiration continues to this day. Granted, the majority of us will not have as far-reaching an impact as he has had, but what about where you are now?
WHO are you influencing?We each have our own individual circle... some circles are larger than others. God has put specific people in our lives that He wants us to influence. No matter who you are or what you do, no matter how large or small your circle, God wants to use YOU to touch people's lives in a great way!! Whether you are a teacher, a mom, a husband, a friend, a co-worker... you were placed into someone's life for a reason and part of that reason is to influence them.
My next question is this:Are you influencing them with hope or are you influencing them with despair? Are you challenging them to dream or allowing them to doubt? Are you speaking words of life or death? One of the best examples I can use is that of being a mom. God gave those precious babies to ME. I am to mold them, discipline them, encourage them, challenge them...the list goes on. God wants to use you in a variety of ways to impact those around you.
HOW are you influencing those in your circle?
You have influence. How will you use it?
Monday, January 17, 2011
Hope And Change - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 17)
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar
and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 46:1-4
John F. Kennedy said, "The one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable." Man, do I know the truth in that statement.
I, for one, have never been a huge fan of change. Some people thrive on it, but I tend to wince at it. My husband is one of those who can adapt pretty easily. I'm learning to. You would think with as many changes as I've been though in the past few years, it would be a piece of cake, right? I only wish.
To be honest, I'm not entirely sure why I struggle with it so much. Is it lack of faith or trust in God? Pride? Fear? Not being in control? Maybe a little of all of the above? I love the feeling of security. And for some reason, change has a way of messing everything up!
I can't think of a more fitting way to end than with one of the closing verses in the chapter of Psalms quoted at the beginning of this post...
"Be still, and know that I am God."
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar
and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 46:1-4
John F. Kennedy said, "The one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable." Man, do I know the truth in that statement.
I, for one, have never been a huge fan of change. Some people thrive on it, but I tend to wince at it. My husband is one of those who can adapt pretty easily. I'm learning to. You would think with as many changes as I've been though in the past few years, it would be a piece of cake, right? I only wish.
To be honest, I'm not entirely sure why I struggle with it so much. Is it lack of faith or trust in God? Pride? Fear? Not being in control? Maybe a little of all of the above? I love the feeling of security. And for some reason, change has a way of messing everything up!
But change is inevitable.Sometimes it's good and sometimes... well, not so much. But in those times of "not so much" my security should not waiver if I have my security in God! There are several "uncertains" in my life right now, therefore there are several circumstances where change is a possibility. When I start to feel anxious and unsure, I must remember that even though life changes, God does not. In the midst of uncertainty, I can be sure that God is with me every step of the way. My ever-present help. He knows what is going on and knows what is around the corner. And not only that, He also knows and desires what is best for me.
I can't think of a more fitting way to end than with one of the closing verses in the chapter of Psalms quoted at the beginning of this post...
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Hope Is A Choice - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 16)
Hope works in these ways: it looks for the good in people instead of harping on the worst; it discovers what can be done instead of grumbling about what cannot; it regards problems, large or small, as opportunities; it pushes ahead when it would be easy to quit; it "lights the candle" instead of "cursing the darkness."
- Anonymous
Someone once told me that hope is not a feeling, it's an action. When times are good, it's pretty easy to feel hopeful. But when things get dark and times are tough, it's a lot harder to look at the brighter side of life.
Get into the Word of God continually. Not just daily but throughout the day. Look up scriptures of hope and encouragement and strength. A good place to read is in Psalms. Then take those scriptures that speak to you, write them down, and put them in a place where you will physically see them on a regular basis. Yes, it's good to commit scripture to memory, but sometimes I need a visual reminder when my mind is stuck in negative mode.
Surround yourself with positive things and people. Don't allow yourself to be fed with depressing and/or negative stuff...television, music, advice, atmosphere, relationships. Philippians 4:8 in The Message Bible says this, "Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious— the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." I'd take it a step further and say don't just fill your minds with these, but surround yourself with people and things that exemplify them. Positivity breeds positivity.
Think about what you are thinking about. Whenever I'm going through a hard situation, it's so easy to go down a rabbit trail of pessimistic and self-pitying thoughts. Taking that path seems a lot more natural to me than to take the one of hope. Ironic right? No one likes that feeling of hopelessness, yet that's the direction we allow ourselves to move in when we have that mind-set. Try to realize when you are starting that negative thought pattern and force yourself to stop and think about something else. Ask God to give you strength and to fill your mind and heart with other things (i.e. Philippians 4:8 stuff).
Look for God in everything. You see what you are looking for, so look for God throughout your day. As cliche as it sounds, every cloud has a silver lining. Remember that God has a (good) purpose in every hardship. Look for that light in the darkness. It may be just a faintly glowing ember, but it is there.
Today I challenge you to "light the candle instead of curse the darkness" and choose to hope.
- Anonymous
Someone once told me that hope is not a feeling, it's an action. When times are good, it's pretty easy to feel hopeful. But when things get dark and times are tough, it's a lot harder to look at the brighter side of life.
It is then, that hope becomes a choice.We must refocus our attitude, our thoughts, and our perspective. Otherwise, we will slide into a state of hopelessness, and once you are in over your head, it's really difficult to pull yourself out...but it can be done. I just want to give you some practical suggestions to help keep you from continuing down that discouraging slide.
Get into the Word of God continually. Not just daily but throughout the day. Look up scriptures of hope and encouragement and strength. A good place to read is in Psalms. Then take those scriptures that speak to you, write them down, and put them in a place where you will physically see them on a regular basis. Yes, it's good to commit scripture to memory, but sometimes I need a visual reminder when my mind is stuck in negative mode.
Surround yourself with positive things and people. Don't allow yourself to be fed with depressing and/or negative stuff...television, music, advice, atmosphere, relationships. Philippians 4:8 in The Message Bible says this, "Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious— the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." I'd take it a step further and say don't just fill your minds with these, but surround yourself with people and things that exemplify them. Positivity breeds positivity.
Think about what you are thinking about. Whenever I'm going through a hard situation, it's so easy to go down a rabbit trail of pessimistic and self-pitying thoughts. Taking that path seems a lot more natural to me than to take the one of hope. Ironic right? No one likes that feeling of hopelessness, yet that's the direction we allow ourselves to move in when we have that mind-set. Try to realize when you are starting that negative thought pattern and force yourself to stop and think about something else. Ask God to give you strength and to fill your mind and heart with other things (i.e. Philippians 4:8 stuff).
Look for God in everything. You see what you are looking for, so look for God throughout your day. As cliche as it sounds, every cloud has a silver lining. Remember that God has a (good) purpose in every hardship. Look for that light in the darkness. It may be just a faintly glowing ember, but it is there.
Today I challenge you to "light the candle instead of curse the darkness" and choose to hope.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Psalm 130 - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 15)
Psalm 130
Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD.
Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.
If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope.
My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption.
And He will redeem Israel From all his iniquities.
Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD.
Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.
If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope.
My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption.
And He will redeem Israel From all his iniquities.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Asking Big - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 14)
"Prayer moves the hand that moves the world." John Aikman Wallace
I'm asking God to do some big things. I know He CAN! He is almighty, all powerful God! Granted, I know that I may not receive exactly what I've been praying for. God may even tell me no. But as far as I'm concerned, WHY NOT ASK?
There are several verses in the Bible that talk about being confident in our faith and even in our asking God for something...
"In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Ephesians 3:12
"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!" Matthew 7:11
Now before you think I'm going to go on a "Blab it and Grab it" rant, let me reassure you that I am not. I am not suggesting that God will do or give you anything and everything you desire. In fact, there are very specific scriptures that tell us we must be in line with God's will in regards to what we are requesting. Check it out...
"You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives..." James 4:2-3
"This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him." 1 John 5:14-15
That being said, I'm not going to get into all the workings and teachings on prayer. That's another post (or ten). I am simply posing the question...
The Bible is clear that God WANTS us to come to Him with our requests, our needs, and even our desires. Are you not asking God for something because you think your request is too big? God can move mountains! Do you think your request is impossible? God has the power to bring the dead back to life! Nothing is impossible with God.
I'm asking God to do some big things. I know He CAN! He is almighty, all powerful God! Granted, I know that I may not receive exactly what I've been praying for. God may even tell me no. But as far as I'm concerned, WHY NOT ASK?
There are several verses in the Bible that talk about being confident in our faith and even in our asking God for something...
"In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." Ephesians 3:12
"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!" Matthew 7:11
Now before you think I'm going to go on a "Blab it and Grab it" rant, let me reassure you that I am not. I am not suggesting that God will do or give you anything and everything you desire. In fact, there are very specific scriptures that tell us we must be in line with God's will in regards to what we are requesting. Check it out...
"You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives..." James 4:2-3
"This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him." 1 John 5:14-15
That being said, I'm not going to get into all the workings and teachings on prayer. That's another post (or ten). I am simply posing the question...
What if our FAITH in God was so big that we had the confidence to ASK big?My suggestion is this- don't be afraid to ask God. And don't be afraid to receive His answer. You may not get what you want. God may even tell you no. But if He does, there is a darn good reason for it. I believe that when we take things to God in prayer and put them into His sovereign hands, it allows Him to change and move our hearts according to His will...and that is a good thing.
The Bible is clear that God WANTS us to come to Him with our requests, our needs, and even our desires. Are you not asking God for something because you think your request is too big? God can move mountains! Do you think your request is impossible? God has the power to bring the dead back to life! Nothing is impossible with God.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Paste Of Hope - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 13)
One of my favorite daily devotionals is The Women Of Faith Daily Devotional. God has used it many times over the past years. Every month there is a different theme, and when God was speaking to me about hope, this book was a daily reference and source of encouragement. The following is an excerpt from Barbara Johnson, a woman who stared hopelessness in the face and refused to give in to it.
"Though He slay me, yet I will hope in Him."
Job 13:15
Job's amazing resolve first attracted my attention many years ago, before I had any experiences in my life that would allow me to fully understand it. Sometimes after years of faithfulness, Christians suddenly find themselves greatly tested and in deep distress, seemingly without reason. We may have terrific battles with doubts, fears, and unbelief, feeling God doesn't care about our problems. I know all about it. My husband was badly maimed in a devastating car crash, two of our sons were killed, and another son was estranged from us for eleven years.
But through it all, I have learned that God has a special purpose in with-holding immediate relief. He faithfully uses even our most heart-wrenching experiences to fine-tune us for His glory. I have seen this happen in my own life and in the lives of countless others.
God knew Job's heart. God knew Job would cling to Him no matter what. Similarly, we must hold fast to God, allowing our afflictions to not break or embitter us but to push us closer to the Father. I like to say my heart is wallpapered to God, never to be separated or torn away. The wallpaper paste that holds me there is hope.
Dear God, my life is in Your hands. I will hope in You alone, no matter what. Amen.
Barbara Johnson
The Women Of Faith Daily Devotional
Zondervan
"Though He slay me, yet I will hope in Him."
Job 13:15
Job's amazing resolve first attracted my attention many years ago, before I had any experiences in my life that would allow me to fully understand it. Sometimes after years of faithfulness, Christians suddenly find themselves greatly tested and in deep distress, seemingly without reason. We may have terrific battles with doubts, fears, and unbelief, feeling God doesn't care about our problems. I know all about it. My husband was badly maimed in a devastating car crash, two of our sons were killed, and another son was estranged from us for eleven years.
But through it all, I have learned that God has a special purpose in with-holding immediate relief. He faithfully uses even our most heart-wrenching experiences to fine-tune us for His glory. I have seen this happen in my own life and in the lives of countless others.
God knew Job's heart. God knew Job would cling to Him no matter what. Similarly, we must hold fast to God, allowing our afflictions to not break or embitter us but to push us closer to the Father. I like to say my heart is wallpapered to God, never to be separated or torn away. The wallpaper paste that holds me there is hope.
Dear God, my life is in Your hands. I will hope in You alone, no matter what. Amen.
Barbara Johnson
The Women Of Faith Daily Devotional
Zondervan
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Move Forward - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 12)
Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
Psalm 42:5
Yesterday I posted about the impact our thoughts have on our life. They can make us or break us. Our outlook on life drastically effects everything else, it's a trickle-down effect. By nature, I am a realist. My husband has lovingly suggested that I'm actually a pessimist hiding behind the 'realist' label. But I digress.
I've been through a lot of ups and downs the past three years...
there are prayers unanswered, prayers answered not the way I had hoped they would be, and things I'm (still) waiting on God for.
It would be really easy for me to just look at things as they (seem to) appear. But God has been slowly eroding away at my 'realist' way of thinking. Does this mean that I am a bundle of optimistic sunshine 24-7? Ha! Not a chance! But, again, God is slowly but surely changing me.
What is so awesome is that God completely knows and understands that I am human. He understands that I have emotions. He is so gracious that He even lets me complain a little while and get it all out. God knows that I need to do that! But then (and there IS a then), there comes a point where He tells me, "Enough is enough." It's time for me to wipe away the tears, pick myself up, put on my big-girl pants, and keep moving forward.
"We can expend so much energy whining about our situation that we have nothing left to invest in the real fight." Beth Moore
I don't have time to walk in despair! Satan wants me so wrapped up in my own issues, that I neglect my precious family and the daily ministry opportunities that God has for me. Not only that, but he wants to keep me from living out my God-given purpose.
I encourage you today that if you are dealing with some confusion, frustration, hopelessness...pour your heart out to God. Don't be afraid to be gut-level honest with Him, He knows what's in your heart anyway! But then, when God says "Enough is enough", get up, dust yourself off, and move forward. Don't stay in the mind-set of despair but walk forward in hope.
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
Psalm 42:5
Yesterday I posted about the impact our thoughts have on our life. They can make us or break us. Our outlook on life drastically effects everything else, it's a trickle-down effect. By nature, I am a realist. My husband has lovingly suggested that I'm actually a pessimist hiding behind the 'realist' label. But I digress.
I've been through a lot of ups and downs the past three years...
there are prayers unanswered, prayers answered not the way I had hoped they would be, and things I'm (still) waiting on God for.
It would be really easy for me to just look at things as they (seem to) appear. But God has been slowly eroding away at my 'realist' way of thinking. Does this mean that I am a bundle of optimistic sunshine 24-7? Ha! Not a chance! But, again, God is slowly but surely changing me.
What is so awesome is that God completely knows and understands that I am human. He understands that I have emotions. He is so gracious that He even lets me complain a little while and get it all out. God knows that I need to do that! But then (and there IS a then), there comes a point where He tells me, "Enough is enough." It's time for me to wipe away the tears, pick myself up, put on my big-girl pants, and keep moving forward.
"We can expend so much energy whining about our situation that we have nothing left to invest in the real fight." Beth Moore
I don't have time to walk in despair! Satan wants me so wrapped up in my own issues, that I neglect my precious family and the daily ministry opportunities that God has for me. Not only that, but he wants to keep me from living out my God-given purpose.
I encourage you today that if you are dealing with some confusion, frustration, hopelessness...pour your heart out to God. Don't be afraid to be gut-level honest with Him, He knows what's in your heart anyway! But then, when God says "Enough is enough", get up, dust yourself off, and move forward. Don't stay in the mind-set of despair but walk forward in hope.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Focus - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 11)
Our thoughts play a powerful role in our lives! How can we possibly live lives of hope if our attention is always focused on the negative? Take those thoughts captive! Today's post is an excerpt from Joyce Meyers' "Everyday Answers".
Various thoughts run through our minds every day— some good, some bad. Our natural temptation is to focus on the bad, so accepting them doesn’t take any effort. The effort comes in being determined to cast down the negative thoughts and take a firm grasp of the positive ones.
Positive minds full of faith and hope produce positive lives. The opposite is also true— negative minds full of fear and doubt produce negative lives, which can ultimately destroy your life. Some people have been hurt so many times that they don’t think they can face the pain of another letdown. Therefore, they refuse to hope so they won't be disappointed.
Battles are fought in our minds every day. When we begin to feel the battle is just too difficult and want to give up, we must choose to resist negative thoughts and be determined to rise above our problems. We must decide that we’re not going to quit. When we’re bombarded with doubts and fears, we must take a stand and say: "I’ll never give up! God’s on my side. He loves me, and He’s helping me! I’m going to make it!"
No matter how bad the battle rages in your mind, don't give up! Step out and regain the territory that’s been stolen from you. Even if it’s only an inch at a time, make sure you’re leaning on God's grace and not on your own ability. In Galatians 6:9 the apostle Paul simply encourages us to keep on keeping on! Don't be a quitter! Don't have that old "give up" spirit. God’s looking for people who will find the courage to rise above all the negative and pursue the positive.
Whatever you may be facing or experiencing in your life right now, I want to encourage you to stay positive and refuse to give up! God is with you, and He’ll help you make spiritual progress—strengthening and encouraging you to keep on keeping on during rough times. It's easy to quit, but it takes faith to press on to victory.
Excerpt from "Keep On Keeping On" by Joyce Meyer
http://www.joycemeyer.org/
Various thoughts run through our minds every day— some good, some bad. Our natural temptation is to focus on the bad, so accepting them doesn’t take any effort. The effort comes in being determined to cast down the negative thoughts and take a firm grasp of the positive ones.
Positive minds full of faith and hope produce positive lives. The opposite is also true— negative minds full of fear and doubt produce negative lives, which can ultimately destroy your life. Some people have been hurt so many times that they don’t think they can face the pain of another letdown. Therefore, they refuse to hope so they won't be disappointed.
Battles are fought in our minds every day. When we begin to feel the battle is just too difficult and want to give up, we must choose to resist negative thoughts and be determined to rise above our problems. We must decide that we’re not going to quit. When we’re bombarded with doubts and fears, we must take a stand and say: "I’ll never give up! God’s on my side. He loves me, and He’s helping me! I’m going to make it!"
No matter how bad the battle rages in your mind, don't give up! Step out and regain the territory that’s been stolen from you. Even if it’s only an inch at a time, make sure you’re leaning on God's grace and not on your own ability. In Galatians 6:9 the apostle Paul simply encourages us to keep on keeping on! Don't be a quitter! Don't have that old "give up" spirit. God’s looking for people who will find the courage to rise above all the negative and pursue the positive.
Whatever you may be facing or experiencing in your life right now, I want to encourage you to stay positive and refuse to give up! God is with you, and He’ll help you make spiritual progress—strengthening and encouraging you to keep on keeping on during rough times. It's easy to quit, but it takes faith to press on to victory.
Excerpt from "Keep On Keeping On" by Joyce Meyer
http://www.joycemeyer.org/
Monday, January 10, 2011
God Cares - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 10)
Ok, I gotta be honest here. Sitting in a hotel room, hubby is hanging with a friend, my baby boy has been screaming for over an hour because he hates his pack and play. Running off of little sleep from the night before. I am frustrated, irritated, and physically and emotionally drained. Writing a blog about hope is, quite truthfully, the last thing I want to do.
Lord, just help me right now. Give me strength. Give me grace. Give me a better attitude. Give me patience.
Then I start thinking...how blessed am I that I can go to my God and ask Him for help? To have a God who, not only cares about me enough to listen to me, but actually has the power to do something about my situation!
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7
God actually WANTS to take our burdens upon Himself. There are many times in the Bible where we are told to give our worries, cares, frustrations, over to Him and not to try and deal with them all on our own. Yes, I know that there are so many people right now who are dealing with something far more tragic than a kid who won't go to sleep. But the wonderful thing about it all is that God cares about what you and I are going through, whether it be huge or small.
As I finish writing, both kids are finally asleep and I have a renewed sense of calm in my heart. Who knows how long the peaceful stillness will last, but I am ever so grateful that in my time of need, as insignificant as it may have been, God heard my cry and answered.
Lord, just help me right now. Give me strength. Give me grace. Give me a better attitude. Give me patience.
Then I start thinking...how blessed am I that I can go to my God and ask Him for help? To have a God who, not only cares about me enough to listen to me, but actually has the power to do something about my situation!
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7
God actually WANTS to take our burdens upon Himself. There are many times in the Bible where we are told to give our worries, cares, frustrations, over to Him and not to try and deal with them all on our own. Yes, I know that there are so many people right now who are dealing with something far more tragic than a kid who won't go to sleep. But the wonderful thing about it all is that God cares about what you and I are going through, whether it be huge or small.
As I finish writing, both kids are finally asleep and I have a renewed sense of calm in my heart. Who knows how long the peaceful stillness will last, but I am ever so grateful that in my time of need, as insignificant as it may have been, God heard my cry and answered.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The Power Of Yet (Repost) - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 9)
This is a repost of one of my blogs from a few weeks back, but I felt it fit in so well with this theme of hope...
"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. YET this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.' The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him..."
Lamentations 3: 19- 25
So small, yet so powerful. It's a verse I have both read and have heard quoted countless times. But one day during a trying time in my life, one small word jumped out at me... YET. As I sat and thought about its meaning, I realized that not only was it a powerful word but, even more, it is a powerful action. YET is a word of faith, hope, and determination. You choose to do something or believe something, even though circumstances and feelings may tell you otherwise. I love the way the New Living Translation of the Bible quotes verse 21, "Yet I still dare to hope..."
YET means it's not over. God is moving. Whatever situation you are facing today, remember that God's compassion is new every morning. Do not be consumed. Dare to hope.
"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. YET this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.' The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him..."
Lamentations 3: 19- 25
So small, yet so powerful. It's a verse I have both read and have heard quoted countless times. But one day during a trying time in my life, one small word jumped out at me... YET. As I sat and thought about its meaning, I realized that not only was it a powerful word but, even more, it is a powerful action. YET is a word of faith, hope, and determination. You choose to do something or believe something, even though circumstances and feelings may tell you otherwise. I love the way the New Living Translation of the Bible quotes verse 21, "Yet I still dare to hope..."
YET means it's not over. God is moving. Whatever situation you are facing today, remember that God's compassion is new every morning. Do not be consumed. Dare to hope.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Praying God's Word - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 8)
Today's post is from Beth Moore's book, "Praying God's Word Day By Day".
God's specialty is raising dead things to life and making impossible things possible.
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
I choose to put my hope in You, O God, for I will yet praise You, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I remember You! (Psalm 42:5-6). In all my distress, You too are distressed, and the angel of Your presence saves me. In Your love and mercy You redeem me. You lift me up and carry me as You have done for Your children through all the days of old (Isaiah 45:3).
Lord, help me not to fear, for You are with me; I need not be dismayed, for You are my God. You will strengthen me and help me. You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
Praying God's Word Day By Day
by Beth Moore
B& H Books
God's specialty is raising dead things to life and making impossible things possible.
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
I choose to put my hope in You, O God, for I will yet praise You, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I remember You! (Psalm 42:5-6). In all my distress, You too are distressed, and the angel of Your presence saves me. In Your love and mercy You redeem me. You lift me up and carry me as You have done for Your children through all the days of old (Isaiah 45:3).
Lord, help me not to fear, for You are with me; I need not be dismayed, for You are my God. You will strengthen me and help me. You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
Praying God's Word Day By Day
by Beth Moore
B& H Books
Friday, January 7, 2011
Wisdom Is Yours For The Asking - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 7)
wis·dom
-noun
the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. (Websters)
Our family has a lot going on right now. We are coming to a crossroads of sort and have some decisions to make. There are a lot of questions and not a lot of solid answers. We really need direction.
We need wisdom.
If you ever have any doubt as to how important wisdom is, check out the book of Proverbs. It is filled with the benefits of wisdom. Someone who understood its value was King Solomon. In 2 Chronicles 1, we see that God was with him and had established him as king. Solomon asks God to give him wisdom and knowledge to lead and govern the people of Israel. God was very pleased that Solomon had asked for this over wealth, honor, and power. He was so pleased in fact, that He told Solomon, "Wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” (v12)
God values wisdom. People value wisdom. Are you at a crossroads in your life? Do you have some big decisions to make? James tells us that if we are needing wisdom, we should ask God for it (James 1:5-6). God's ways are far above ours and His knowledge is infinite! Who better to ask, right? However, understand that getting wisdom goes beyond simply asking for it. You must seek it out. You must believe. You must be open to receive.
Go before God with confidence and faith believing that He WILL give you wisdom for whatever decisions you are facing...then wait for it, watch for it, listen for it.
Despite the fact that I don't have the answers to all of my questions at the moment, I find peace and hope knowing that I am not left alone in my questioning. God knows everything that is going on and knows exactly what is best for me and my family. As I ask God for wisdom, I am believing that He hears my prayers and that He will give it to me.
-noun
the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. (Websters)
Our family has a lot going on right now. We are coming to a crossroads of sort and have some decisions to make. There are a lot of questions and not a lot of solid answers. We really need direction.
We need wisdom.
If you ever have any doubt as to how important wisdom is, check out the book of Proverbs. It is filled with the benefits of wisdom. Someone who understood its value was King Solomon. In 2 Chronicles 1, we see that God was with him and had established him as king. Solomon asks God to give him wisdom and knowledge to lead and govern the people of Israel. God was very pleased that Solomon had asked for this over wealth, honor, and power. He was so pleased in fact, that He told Solomon, "Wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” (v12)
God values wisdom. People value wisdom. Are you at a crossroads in your life? Do you have some big decisions to make? James tells us that if we are needing wisdom, we should ask God for it (James 1:5-6). God's ways are far above ours and His knowledge is infinite! Who better to ask, right? However, understand that getting wisdom goes beyond simply asking for it. You must seek it out. You must believe. You must be open to receive.
Go before God with confidence and faith believing that He WILL give you wisdom for whatever decisions you are facing...then wait for it, watch for it, listen for it.
Despite the fact that I don't have the answers to all of my questions at the moment, I find peace and hope knowing that I am not left alone in my questioning. God knows everything that is going on and knows exactly what is best for me and my family. As I ask God for wisdom, I am believing that He hears my prayers and that He will give it to me.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Hope In Hardships - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 6)
But we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-5
Stuff happens. Life happens. We all go through tough times. Some of those trials are God sent, some aren’t. But regardless of the hard time you are going through today, be assured that there is a purpose in it.
Paul was a trial expert. If anyone had reason to complain for hardships and suffering, it would be him (and maybe Job). But Paul embraced suffering as a part of God’s calling. He didn’t run from it, but made the most of it. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul talks about his “thorn in the flesh”. What it was specifically is not known, but what IS known is that it was some kind of enduring hardship in his life. We know that He prayed for God to remove it. And what was God’s response to his request?
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
It clicked. God had a purpose in Paul’s hardship. Paul then goes on to say in verse 10, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
I’m not saying that the trial in your life today is God-given…it may or may not be. But what I can tell you without a doubt is that whatever situation you are in today, GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR IT.
Maybe it’s to minister to other people who are going through it. (Romans 15:13)
Maybe it’s to grow you and build your character. (Romans 5:35)
Maybe it’s to train you to endure. (James 1:2-4)
Choose to look beyond what’s right in front of you and ask God to show you what HE wants you to see in your situation. Open your heart, your ears, your eyes, and your mind to receive the opportunity for God to use your hardship for His glory. Trust the One who is able to cause ALL things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Romans 5:3-5
Stuff happens. Life happens. We all go through tough times. Some of those trials are God sent, some aren’t. But regardless of the hard time you are going through today, be assured that there is a purpose in it.
Paul was a trial expert. If anyone had reason to complain for hardships and suffering, it would be him (and maybe Job). But Paul embraced suffering as a part of God’s calling. He didn’t run from it, but made the most of it. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul talks about his “thorn in the flesh”. What it was specifically is not known, but what IS known is that it was some kind of enduring hardship in his life. We know that He prayed for God to remove it. And what was God’s response to his request?
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
It clicked. God had a purpose in Paul’s hardship. Paul then goes on to say in verse 10, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
I’m not saying that the trial in your life today is God-given…it may or may not be. But what I can tell you without a doubt is that whatever situation you are in today, GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR IT.
Maybe it’s to minister to other people who are going through it. (Romans 15:13)
Maybe it’s to grow you and build your character. (Romans 5:35)
Maybe it’s to train you to endure. (James 1:2-4)
Choose to look beyond what’s right in front of you and ask God to show you what HE wants you to see in your situation. Open your heart, your ears, your eyes, and your mind to receive the opportunity for God to use your hardship for His glory. Trust the One who is able to cause ALL things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Give Hope - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 5)
We are living in very discouraging times. People are facing seemingly hopeless situations in their lives today. People are struggling. Many are at a point where they want to give up. And just maybe you are one of them.
In Christ, there is hope...hope for change, hope for healing, hope for restoration, hope for a better tomorrow. As Christians we carry the HOPE of Christ!! We are His hands and His feet, the vessels that He chooses to use to show others how much He loves them. We are (or should be) THE voice of hope to hurting and hopeless people.
I challenge you to go out and be a source of hope today. Take time to pray and ask God to put someone on your heart who needs to hear from Him. Pray that God would put people in your path who need to be encouraged. It may be someone you know or a complete stranger. And don't just pray for them but DO SOMETHING to physically show them the love and hope that Christ is truly about.
I know a lot of you are dealing with your own stuff and are in need of an extra dose of hope yourself! My challenge to you today is to rise above your own trials and share hope with someone else who needs it as much as (or maybe even more than) you do.
I end with a scripture in Romans, and this is my prayer for you today...
"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." Romans 15:13
In Christ, there is hope...hope for change, hope for healing, hope for restoration, hope for a better tomorrow. As Christians we carry the HOPE of Christ!! We are His hands and His feet, the vessels that He chooses to use to show others how much He loves them. We are (or should be) THE voice of hope to hurting and hopeless people.
I challenge you to go out and be a source of hope today. Take time to pray and ask God to put someone on your heart who needs to hear from Him. Pray that God would put people in your path who need to be encouraged. It may be someone you know or a complete stranger. And don't just pray for them but DO SOMETHING to physically show them the love and hope that Christ is truly about.
I know a lot of you are dealing with your own stuff and are in need of an extra dose of hope yourself! My challenge to you today is to rise above your own trials and share hope with someone else who needs it as much as (or maybe even more than) you do.
I end with a scripture in Romans, and this is my prayer for you today...
"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." Romans 15:13
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
31 Days Of Hope - Our Hope Is Constant (Day 4)
Got a bit of a change for you today...This is not Angie writing today, but her husband Caleb. My wife has not been feeling well today so I offered to write a guest post for her blog today so that she could get some rest and, at the same time, continue her 31 Days of Hope project, which I think is a brilliant way to start 2011. Enough introductions...let's talk about hope.
When my wife accepted my offer today to allow me to write on her behalf so that she could get some rest, I must say I was quite excited because I knew that I would be writing on hope.
Our culture uses hope in reference to so many things. We hope for a job change or promotion. We hope to win the lottery. We hope our children will grow up loving Christ. We hope Ohio State beats Arkansas in tonight's bowl game (yes..I am an Ohio State fan).
Time to digress back to grade school language studies for a minute. In our everyday usage of hope, we use it as both a noun and a verb. As a verb (action), HOPE is defined as "to expect with confidence". As a noun (person/place/thing), HOPE simply means "a person or thing in which expectations are centered". Who says grammar studies wouldn't pay off?
Draw the lines of similarity between the two definitions. Hope stems from expectations.
As it relates to this project, hope is a noun, i.e. we have hope, do not lose hope, find hope etc. As Christians, our hope is Christ, plain and simple. He is the source on which our expectations are centered, or built upon.
Now let's make it real. If Christ is our hope, all our expectations are centered on Him, His promises, His character, His truth...how can we lose hope? If our circumstances change, tough times come, storm clouds roll in, difficulty hits with no warning, or life just flips upside down unexpectedly, does Christ change? No. Does the Truth that He brings change? No. Does His Word change? No. Is He any less faithful or true? No.
The simple truth is this: If our hope is truly Christ, then we always have hope. Our faith may get rocked and our hope flickers because of our own lack of faith or trust in Christ. But hope itself never dies. Hope is never extinguished. We just choose to ignore it.
Even in our darkest hour, Christ is true. When life drowns out all voice of rhyme and reason, Christ is true. When we face what seems like insurmountable circumstances, Christ is true.
If Christ is true, if Christ is constant and unchanging, if our hope is set in Christ alone, then our hope is constant.
Today, do not hope in circumstances, people, things, or institutions. Hope in Christ. He is constant. He is faithful. He is true. Let your hope be centered on the immovable and watch how a new realization and manifestation of hope rises in spite of the curveballs life throws your way.
Let your hope be constant because your hope is Christ.
You can follow Caleb's own blog at www.calebmagnino.com or on twitter @cmagnino
When my wife accepted my offer today to allow me to write on her behalf so that she could get some rest, I must say I was quite excited because I knew that I would be writing on hope.
Our culture uses hope in reference to so many things. We hope for a job change or promotion. We hope to win the lottery. We hope our children will grow up loving Christ. We hope Ohio State beats Arkansas in tonight's bowl game (yes..I am an Ohio State fan).
Time to digress back to grade school language studies for a minute. In our everyday usage of hope, we use it as both a noun and a verb. As a verb (action), HOPE is defined as "to expect with confidence". As a noun (person/place/thing), HOPE simply means "a person or thing in which expectations are centered". Who says grammar studies wouldn't pay off?
Draw the lines of similarity between the two definitions. Hope stems from expectations.
As it relates to this project, hope is a noun, i.e. we have hope, do not lose hope, find hope etc. As Christians, our hope is Christ, plain and simple. He is the source on which our expectations are centered, or built upon.
Now let's make it real. If Christ is our hope, all our expectations are centered on Him, His promises, His character, His truth...how can we lose hope? If our circumstances change, tough times come, storm clouds roll in, difficulty hits with no warning, or life just flips upside down unexpectedly, does Christ change? No. Does the Truth that He brings change? No. Does His Word change? No. Is He any less faithful or true? No.
The simple truth is this: If our hope is truly Christ, then we always have hope. Our faith may get rocked and our hope flickers because of our own lack of faith or trust in Christ. But hope itself never dies. Hope is never extinguished. We just choose to ignore it.
Even in our darkest hour, Christ is true. When life drowns out all voice of rhyme and reason, Christ is true. When we face what seems like insurmountable circumstances, Christ is true.
If Christ is true, if Christ is constant and unchanging, if our hope is set in Christ alone, then our hope is constant.
Today, do not hope in circumstances, people, things, or institutions. Hope in Christ. He is constant. He is faithful. He is true. Let your hope be centered on the immovable and watch how a new realization and manifestation of hope rises in spite of the curveballs life throws your way.
Let your hope be constant because your hope is Christ.
You can follow Caleb's own blog at www.calebmagnino.com or on twitter @cmagnino
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Solid Rock - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 3)
The lyrics to this old hymn have been running through my head for the past few days. What are you standing on? Your circumstances, your emotions, your own human understanding? Unless you are standing on the solid Rock that is Christ Jesus and His word, you are bound to sink when hard times come your way. I know many of you already know this song, and even if you do, take the time to read it and let the words become a hopeful reminder...
"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, and blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand."
-Edward Mote (1797-1874)
"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, and blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand."
-Edward Mote (1797-1874)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Nothing? - 31 Days Of Hope (Day 2)
I feel my faith is being tested. A few days ago my heart was filled with so much faith and hope, I felt I could move mountains (and one large one in particular).
But now, that faith is tested and my hope has faded. I look in front of me and that mountain is still there. In fact, it hasn't moved an inch.
I have been praying and seeking, seeking and praying, asking God to show up. I want to yell out in frustration, "NOTHING!! All this time and still NOTHING!!"
But yet in my spirit, instead of an exclamation point at the end, I hear myself say, "Nothing?" I'm not so sure that's the reality of it.
Deep down in this time of darkness, a small light remains. It isn't a flame burning brightly or even flickering. More like the small bit of orange that's left on the wick when you blow out a candle, right before it completely goes out. The winds of time and life have blown on my candle of hope so much over the past year that the flame of faith is almost out. But despite that, I can't dismiss that small certainty that knows Who my God is. He is a God who can change things in a moment. He is a God who is faithful, even when I am faithless. He is a God who keeps His promises. He is a God who is always there. As much as my emotions want to scream NOTHING!, my heart just doesn't believe it.
"God brings death and God brings life, brings down to the grave and raises up. God brings poverty and God brings wealth; he lowers, he also lifts up. He puts poor people on their feet again; he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope..." 1 Samuel 2:6-9 (The Message)
I don't see my mountain moving, but I have to know that God is moving.
But now, that faith is tested and my hope has faded. I look in front of me and that mountain is still there. In fact, it hasn't moved an inch.
I have been praying and seeking, seeking and praying, asking God to show up. I want to yell out in frustration, "NOTHING!! All this time and still NOTHING!!"
But yet in my spirit, instead of an exclamation point at the end, I hear myself say, "Nothing?" I'm not so sure that's the reality of it.
Deep down in this time of darkness, a small light remains. It isn't a flame burning brightly or even flickering. More like the small bit of orange that's left on the wick when you blow out a candle, right before it completely goes out. The winds of time and life have blown on my candle of hope so much over the past year that the flame of faith is almost out. But despite that, I can't dismiss that small certainty that knows Who my God is. He is a God who can change things in a moment. He is a God who is faithful, even when I am faithless. He is a God who keeps His promises. He is a God who is always there. As much as my emotions want to scream NOTHING!, my heart just doesn't believe it.
"God brings death and God brings life, brings down to the grave and raises up. God brings poverty and God brings wealth; he lowers, he also lifts up. He puts poor people on their feet again; he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope..." 1 Samuel 2:6-9 (The Message)
I don't see my mountain moving, but I have to know that God is moving.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
31 Days of Hope - Day 1
But as for me, I will look to the Lord and, confident in Him, I will keep watch; I will wait with hope and expectancy for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 (Amp)
It's a new year...a new chapter. I look at my life and going into 2011, some things will change and some things will remain the same. I have a cautious optimism about it. There are a couple of things, and one big thing in particular, that I have been praying about for years. God has spoken to me about them, given me words about them, and encouraged me to not give up when hope has all but faded completely. But could this be the year? Could 2011 be the 38th chapter of Job where God finally speaks and then gives Job back everything that the enemy had taken away?
During this last year, God has been speaking to me a lot about hope. Maybe it's because this year has had some incredibly rough and hopeless points. Maybe it's because God knew I need to be reminded that in Him, there is always hope.
So for this first month of this new year, every day will be about hope. Sharing the verses and words and challenges that God has given to me this past year.
I go into 2011 with my eyes on God with hopeful expectation, waiting and ready for Him to move in a mighty way.
It's a new year...a new chapter. I look at my life and going into 2011, some things will change and some things will remain the same. I have a cautious optimism about it. There are a couple of things, and one big thing in particular, that I have been praying about for years. God has spoken to me about them, given me words about them, and encouraged me to not give up when hope has all but faded completely. But could this be the year? Could 2011 be the 38th chapter of Job where God finally speaks and then gives Job back everything that the enemy had taken away?
During this last year, God has been speaking to me a lot about hope. Maybe it's because this year has had some incredibly rough and hopeless points. Maybe it's because God knew I need to be reminded that in Him, there is always hope.
So for this first month of this new year, every day will be about hope. Sharing the verses and words and challenges that God has given to me this past year.
I go into 2011 with my eyes on God with hopeful expectation, waiting and ready for Him to move in a mighty way.
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