Archive for the ‘ Hope ’ Category
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,”
Matthew 6:19, ESV
Why would the lost of the world want to come to God if now is the best life can be because of health, wealth, and nice things? Rather, they should see that this world has no true hold on us, but that we have not in all circumstances and desire a new world with God.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1, ESV
We do not “merely believe” something. We show others that we do not follow a blind faith. We have an assurance of our hope as revealed in the Gospel and a peace given through the Word and the Holy Spirit.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13, ESV
Only in Christ by the Holy Spirit to the glory of the Father can we find true peace and joy, and it is bolstered by the hope of Jesus’ imminent return in power.
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13, ESV
As our faith deepens, our hope rises.
Love both deepens faith and raises hope while growing itself through them.
Turn to God. Trust Him. Find hope. Love Him.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23, ESV
We know that God keeps His promises, so we can cling to His promises that we are saved from His wrath and that He is coming back for us!
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Psalm 42:11, ESV
This world is not our home. When this life drags us down, remember our hope: that Cbrist died for our salvation and will redeem this world, as well.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
2 Corinthians 4:7-9, ESV
We have the true gospel that saves, therefore we can endure a disbelieving world that taunts, mocks, beats, and kills us until Christ’s return.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4, ESV
You may suffer and face hard times, but know it is ordained by God. He is there comforting you so that you can then be a comfort to others for love and His glory.
A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord ; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Isaiah 40:3-5, ESV
The prophets of old promised the coming Messiah, who has come and will come again.
Prepare the way of the Lord!
This originally posted five years ago (and then again two years ago with the longer ending found here) but sometimes it is good remembering some things!
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It is the first week of Advent!
Advent is a time to remember our Lord’s first coming as we look forward to His imminent return.
So, let us prepare hearts for encountering the Lord!
“If you prepare your heart, you will stretch out your hands toward him. If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents. Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure and will not fear. You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away. And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security. You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will court your favor. But the eyes of the wicked will fail; all way of escape will be lost to them, and their hope is to breathe their last.”
Job 11:13-20, ESV
In the passage today, Job’s friend Zophar is offering his friendly advice. May we remember that the only way these words are true is if we turn to the Lord and let Him make us clean and righteous!
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
Psalm 27:14
Preparing our hearts requires waiting patiently for God. We cannot hurry Him.
Patience leads to peace, because we have a hope found only in God as revealed in Christ and through Scripture.
Then we can more fully turn to Him!
a simple man of God 