Days of Noah

There Is Always Hope - Psalm 76

10:06 AM


Psalm 76, Isaiah 38:20


The world today is in great need of hope. Everywhere we turn, we are inundated by news of tragedy, horror, and violence. As in the days of Noah, (Luke 17:26-27) people are openly sinning against God with no fear of the consequences. And although Christians around the world are sounding the alarm of the Lord’s soon return, the world mocks the message and the messengers. 


Yet as the world spins out of control, and people panic over the darkened days, we as followers of Christ have all we need to lead lives of encouragement and joy. For as Job 11:18 reminds us, “You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.”


H- His splendor and majesty are great. And none who try can stand against the great God of Israel. For He is always victorious in saving His people. So while others walk in disbelief we, His beloved, wait with eager anticipation of hearing the beautiful sound of His trumpets.


O- Our outcome is secure. One day God will pour out His judgements on this wicked and rebellious world. Yet those who put their faith in Christ, will never taste the bitterness of His wrath. For we who are saved will be caught up in the rapture, (1 Thess. 4:13-18) to dwell eternally with the Father in Zion.


P- Powerful like no other, God easily crushes the weapons of His enemies. And as Christians, we have that same power available to us. Through the strength of the Holy Spirit, we have the power to capture, overcome, and destroy every flaming arrow of Satan. No weapon of war will overcome the children of God. 


E - Every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord. (Phil. 2:10-11) One day even the mightiest empire will fall against the strength of God. And all will call Jesus, King! So why should we fear their wrath or the wrath of men. We serve the One who will cast all evil into the depths of hell forever! To Him goes the victory! 


Pause and Reflect -

Do you struggle with discouragement? Trying instead focusing on the many blessings God gives each day. Make a list of the ways in which God has rescued from darkness in the past. Is there a particular verse you recite in times of despair? 


Finally, let’s pray together,

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Father we know one day every knee will bow to you, ever tongue confess You as Lord. But until that time, Father we pray for Your mercy and blessings upon us. You are our awesome and mighty, most high, God. You are our King, Lord, and strength. And we thank You for Your mighty works, ever presence, everlasting peace, and awesome love. Father may we sing songs of praise for Your honor, and glory. And march in the victory given to us by You alone. May we always bow in reverence, awing at Your majesty. And humbly come before You in joy, faith, and obedience. Always listening for the trumpets and looking for Your glorious appearance. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.


Don't' forget to head over to our Facebook group at, https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion. Also check out our public Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083156569388 and give us a like!


I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I pray your day overflows with love and blessings.


💖Lisa

 

Faith

Thursday Jan. 20th- A Shelter and Refuge

6:00 PM

 


 



From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy.   Let me dwell in Your tent forever; let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.
Selah. Psalms 61:2-4

During the times when our life is uncertain or we are dealing with anxiety, worry and fears, where do you run to?  Do you run to a friend, food or anything else that will for a time quiet your mind and heart? 

The Lord is a strong tower that we can run into and be safe.  How do you do that?  Spend time in His Word everyday seeking Him, praying His Word, and resting in His promises.  It is a matter of faith, belief, trust, hope and perseverance.  Run to Him first and let Him quiet you.  He only is the One who gives us peace that passes all understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

Selah,

Lyn

2 Kings

The Shunammite Woman - God Never Makes A Promise He Doesn’t Keep

10:00 AM

 


2 Kings 4:8-36

The breakneck speed at which the donkey was approaching, told Elisha that its riders were filled with urgency. He watched as they galloped into closer view, revealing the figures of a servant with a woman riding behind and hanging on for dear life. As the mule skidded to a sudden halt, the servant jolted forward allowing Elisha to see the woman’s face. Recognizing her immediately, the prophet could feel that something was terribly wrong.


“Gehazi,” Elisha said to his servant. “That’s the woman from Shunem, whose house we stay at. Hurry up and ask her if everything is all right.” But in his heart Elisha knew everything was far from all right. Running up to the prophet, the woman pushed Gehazi aside, and fell at Elisha’s feet. And with deep sorrow she cried out, “How could you do this to me? I never asked you for a son, but you said I would conceive. And I begged you not to lie, for my heart couldn’t take it. So when God blessed me with my boy, I was filled with hope, faith and belief. Yet in the end I was deceived, because he has been cruelly taken from me!”


Moved by the sadness in her eyes, Elisha’s heart ached as he remembered the promise he had given to her that day. The prophet and his servant often traveled to the city of Shunem. While there, they had encountered the woman, who because of the goodness of her heart and her gift of hospitality, insisted they dine with her and her husband. 


Going one step further, and asking for nothing in return, the couple had constructed an upper chamber in their house. A place fully furnished and extremely comfortable, reserved for Elisha and Gehazi alone. Touched by the woman’s humble generosity, Elisha asked what he could do for her in return. But the woman was neither in need, nor interested in money or fame. Indeed the only thing she lacked was a male heir. 


Then the Lord spoke through Elisha, promising that at this same time next year, she would bear a son. And although she thought Elisha untruthful, and his promise too good to be true, the fire of hope was lit in her heart. And that hope was realized when at the time Elisha predicted, the woman gave birth to a baby boy. Yet that hope was short lived, as the boy later fell ill and died in his mother’s arms. Grieved beyond consoling, the woman laid the boy’s body on Elisha’s bed upstairs, and raced to find the prophet. 


Upon hearing her story, Elisha sent Gehazi  immediately with the prophet’s staff, straight to Shunem, to lay the rod on the boy’s face. But the woman refused to go back home without Elisha by her side saying, “As the Lord lives, I will not leave you.” So the prophet rose and traveled with the woman back to Shunem. There they met Gehazi who gave them the disappointing news that although he had followed Elisha’s directions to the letter, the boy was still dead.   


Going upstairs, Elisha closed the door behind him and prayed to God. And following the Lord’s guiding, Elisha twice laid upon the boy, warming his cold flesh. After the second time, to the prophet’s great joy, the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. Elisha called for the woman. And seeing her child alive, she fell once more at the feet of Elisha, only this time in thankfulness. And after bowing before him, lovingly picked up her son and went out. 


Elisha’s promise to the Shunammite woman was not his own. It was a promise that came straight from God. And whatever God promises, He is always faithful to deliver. Never is His Word broken, or untrue. And not because of our goodness, but His. We all have times of doubt, especially during the trials of life. But because God works in His perfect faithfulness and not our fallen faithlessness, the hope and trust we place in Him never comes back empty handed! 



Forgiveness

Miriam - “Never Give Up Hope”

1:00 PM


The hero’s of Exodus are often remembered as Moses and Aaron. But not to be forgotten is Miriam. A girl born into slavery, who never gave up, or ever lost hope. Miriam’s courage and strength carried her throughout her life as she grew to be a faithful prophet of God; leading her people out of bondage.

Miriam - “Never Give Up Hope”


The itching was terrible and Miriam was doing everything she could not to scratch. For if she did, the lesions on her arm would burst open and become infected. And the pain already was unbearable. She wrapped her blanket tighter, and looked out into the distance. 


A few miles away, Miriam could see the flicker of firelight and hear the muffled voices of men talking and children laughing. It was almost dusk, and the people of the camp were beginning to gather to their tents for the evening meal. She sat down next to the small fire she had managed to light, and a tear rolled down her cheek. 


“Why did I have to open my big mouth?,” Miriam cried. “I knew it was wrong to gossip about the wife of Moses, but I just couldn’t stand the thought of her walking around like she was somebody important! Who does she think she is anyway?” But as she looked again at her home in the distance, in her heart Miriam knew she had done wrong. And now she was facing the consequences. 


Struck by God with leprosy, the once esteemed prophetess of Israel was now reduced to an outsider. For as was the practice, being unclean, Miriam was forced to leave the camp. Seven long days she was to face the humiliation, pain, and separation alone by herself. With a heavy sigh Miriam murmured, “The camp will probably move on without me in the morning. Moses likes to get an early start.” And with a lump in her throat added, “I hope I can keep up. I’ll just have to do the best I can.”


Trying not to give in to despair, she laid down near the opening of her tent and gazed up at the nighttime sky twinkling with stars. And as Miriam drifted asleep; her thoughts floated back to a time when hope was all she had. That hope she desperately clung to as she placed her baby brother’s basket in the water of the Nile. That hope which had whispered to her heart that someday she would be reunited with that same lost brother. And that hope she had in the Lord which gave her the courage to help lead His people to the promised land. 


The soft, warm nuzzle Miriam felt against her cheek roused her from her sleep. As her eyes opened to the morning sun, she saw a young lamb staring back at her. Startled, Miriam went to stand. As she did the little sheep turned and ran. And to her delight, Miriam watched as he ran all the way back to the Israel camp. The camp that was still there! The one that hadn’t left her behind! The people who shut her out, but who didn’t walk away! Miriam’s hope was rekindled, and her heart humbled, as with each passing day, she could see the camp faithfully in the distance. 


When the time finally came for Miriam to go back to her people, again she relied on hope. For she couldn’t help but wonder how she would be received. Would Israel be forgiving? Would her brothers be happy to see her? Her hope was realized when a large group of the people came to welcome her back. They walked beside her the whole way dancing and singing songs of celebration. And when she entered the camp, Miriam was brought in again. 


Miriam’s story shows us that no matter the circumstances, there is always hope. And like Miriam, when we put our hope in Jesus, no matter how dark the night, the dawn of Christ will always rise. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) 

alone

Following Jesus Can Seem Lonely at Times, But There's Hope! {John 7}

9:30 AM

Following Jesus can lead you to lonely places at times. Have you ever felt the sting of persecution by those you love; family, friends, or neighbors? Sometimes we're called to take a stand, or step out in faith when no one is willing to stand with us, but take heart, Jesus knows all about that and this chapter is proof, and here in this chapter, He also offers us hope!



We see here in chapter seven, Jesus’ own brothers questioned His divinity and seemed to be mocking Him. No one seems to understand, and if they did, they certainly weren't willing to admit it, for Jesus was receiving death threats from the religious leaders who should have been on His side.

 In order for us to better understand all that's taking place here we need to know a bit more about this festival they are all celebrating: 
The Feast of the Booths or the Feast of the Tabernacles was actually a party in many ways for the Jewish people.  The people would moved out of their homes for a week and lived under shelters made of branches, similar to camping out today. The purpose behind this religious festival was to remind the nation of Israel of their time wandering in the wilderness living under God’s care.  
The Temple area would have been filled with large candles that were supposed to remind the people of the pillar of light God provided for them in the wilderness.  And each day during the seven days, the priest would carry water from the Pool of Siloam and pour it out in the Temple as a reminder of the water that miraculously came from the rock in the wilderness.
If we skip down to verse 37, we are on the seventh and last day of this feast.  It was called the great day because a lot of special things happened then. On this day the priests would march seven times around the altar chanting Psalm 118:25, "O LORD, save us, we pray. We beseech You, O LORD, cause us to prosper!"  On the seventh trip around the altar they would pour out the water.

 I believe it was at that moment that Jesus stood and shouted this incredible invitation, and invited all those who were thirsty to come to Him and drink. 
1 Corinthians 10:4 tells us that the rock in the Old Testament from which the water miraculously flowed was Jesus.  He was that rock, and now we know that the water that poured from that rock was the Holy Spirit. 
So, when we believe in Jesus, His Holy Spirit is given freely! Those of us who are in Christ possess His Spirit and His Spirit will freely flow through us onto others. 

 The people then couldn't have fully understood all that Jesus was saying at that time. But now we know the Holy Spirit literally dwells in every believer all over this world.  We aren't ever alone, for we are on a mission working with the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent King of kings! 

 Just how cool is that?

 Blessings, 

 sue

Answered Prayer

God' Waiting Room {Proverbs 13:12

12:00 PM

Have you ever sat in God’s waiting room for something you wanted so desperately it was hard to put it out of your mind?

It was always there… a scent, a sound; something would always draw your mind back to that longing. “O, if only…if only, but I’ll trust you, Lord.”

You’re never quite sure if He’ll answer this incredible desire you have. There’s really no Scripture you can find to nail down just why The Lord MUST answer this particular desire of your heart, and even if you could, what about the timing? What if He decided to make you wait for YEARS!? I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been great on waiting patiently.

And I didn’t always handle the situation as I should have. 
I was trying to “put my best foot forward”. Trying to leave it all with Him, and go on with all that He had set before me, but as I alluded to before, something would always draw me back to that desire deep within me, until one day, I didn’t think I could go any further.  Nor did I want to.

I’m still not sure what I had planned to do from that moment on as I sat there on my living room floor, but thankfully I didn’t have to sit there long and try to decide! 

 Another wave of reality had just struck that made it seem as though this desire of mine would NEVER come to be, and I didn’t think I could go on pretending to trust Him for the impossible any longer.

And all I wanted to know at that particular moment was, why? Why was I here in this spot and at this time? Why hadn’t He answered? Why had He kept leading me on in this hopeless situation? Why had He taken away most of what I loved in this world? Sounds pretty much like a pity-party doesn’t it?

It was! And I told The Lord I was giving in and up. Finally, I was wholly surrendered; my resources –depleted. And He answered back, “You will get up. But this time in the power of My Son, the risen Savior; who rose to live His life through you.”

And I did! Although not me, but Christ in me. I learned that day the vast difference between me trying to do everything in my own strength, and wholly surrendered to allow Christ to do it all through me! You cannot even compare the two! My circumstances hadn't changed, only Who was in charge!

As to why God was waiting, silent, and allowing me to go through all that I was: He said it was because He was going to bless me! He saw the future; not just the next day, or year, but my entire life, and He knew the blessings that were coming!

My life, has been a living testimony to Ephesians 3:20-21,
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  (Eph 3:20-21)

It was over two years from that day that my longing that had sent me before Him that day desperate, was answered! And on that day it was Proverbs 13:12 that came to life for me, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

If you still find yourself in God’s waiting room. Trust Him that He sees your whole life before Him and does indeed intend to do "far more abundantly beyond all that you could ask or think, according to His power working in you", in His time.

 Blessings,
sue


1 Thessalonians

Pursuing a life of Purpose (1 Thessalonians 4-5)

9:00 PM


This year is almost coming to an end and I believe it’s time for us to take the time to slow down a bit and meditate in how many ways we’ve been blessed by our Heavenly Father throughout this ending year.

So many people become so busy thinking about the celebration of the holyday season: the food, the gifts and decorations. The commercial advertisements are continually trying to convince us we need to buy more to make this season special. So many people live these days in busyness and anxiety. Trying to be “Merry” according to family or cultural traditions, but we could easily fall in the trap and forget the “reason for the season”!  Paul encourages us (the Church) to focus on what truly glorifies the Lord:

“Finally, believers, we ask and admonish you in the Lord Jesus, that you follow the instruction that you received from us about how you ought to walk and please God (just as you are actually doing) and that you excel even more and more [pursuing a life of purpose and living in a way that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation]” (4:1) (Emphasis mine)
“9 Now concerning brotherly love, you have no need for anyone to write you, for you have been [personally] taught by God to love one another [that is, to have an unselfish concern for others and to do things for their benefit]…. But we urge you, brothers and sisters, that you excel [in this matter] more and more, 11 and to make it your ambition to live 
quietly and peacefully,” (4:9, 11a)


-To excel more and more: this means that Christian maturity is never finished on this side of eternity. No matter how far a Christian has come in love and holiness, they can still abound more and more.

-We need to live a quiet and peaceful life so that we can really take the time and give the attention to listen to God and get to know Him better. We need to live not only for our time in this world, but prepared for eternity (4:13-18).

Paul is calling us to be awake, sober, and watchful: “So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise]. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. 8 But since we [believers] belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope and confident assurance of salvation. (5: 6-8 AMP)

Paul used in this verse the image of a soldier's armor to illustrate the idea of watchfulness. A soldier is a good example of someone who must watch and be sober, and he is equipped to do that with his armor. Isn’t that awesome?

-Putting on the breastplate (to protect our heart) of faith and love, and as a helmet (to protect our mind) the hope of salvation. “We need the spiritual armour, or the three Christian graces, faith, love, and hope. Faith; if we believe that the eye of God is always upon us, that there is another world to prepare for, we shall see reason to watch and be sober.” M.Henry

By taking Paul’s following instructions we will be not only sober and alert, but live with joy:

“Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer; 18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (5:16-18)

Not only rejoicing in happy situations, but in sorrows also. Paul reminds us to rejoice always because our joy isn't based in our circumstances, but in God. Circumstances change, but our God doesn't! “Laying our concerns at our Lord’s feet with thanksgiving, reminds us that someone greater than us is concerned about what we are going through.” (iWorship Bible)

I encourage you to continue these final weeks of 2018 putting on “your armor” and with an attitude of thanksgiving. Here are some quotes on gratitude:

"When joy and prayer are married their first born child is gratitude." (Spurgeon)

"It is not joy that makes us grateful, it is gratitude that makes us joyful." *

"Small seeds of gratitude will provide a harvest of hope." *

"Gratitude is the best attitude." *

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings. Turn routine jobs into joy. And change ordinary opportunities into blessings." —​ William Arthur Ward

"Today be thankful and think how rich you are. Your family is priceless, your time is gold and your health is wealth." *

"For each new morning with its light, for rest and shelter of night, for health and food, for love and friends, for everything thy goodness sends." —​ Ralph Waldo Emmerson

"Let our hearts be full of both thanks and giving." *

"Gratitude turns what we have into enough."  *

"I'm thankful for so many things, but mostly, God. Without him I'd have nothing else to be thankful for." — Unknown *

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you,' that would suffice." — Meister Eckhart






Christ

The Mystery of our Faith {Colossians 1 - 2}

12:30 AM

Image result for colossians 1:27

Tuesday, November 27, 2018


When Paul uses the term “mystery” he is referring to the truth that was partially revealed under the old covenant but is now on display in all its fullness to the new covenant people of God.  “This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to his own holy people.” (v. 26).

When you were young, did you ever play or participate in a “club” with the children in your neighborhood?  Or perhaps you joined a sorority in college.  Either way, you had to perform certain rites and rituals in order to be accepted into the club.   I think we all take it for granted today that the gospel is for all people and that those who believe in it, become full citizens of the kingdom of God; heirs to all the promises that the Lord has made to His people throughout history. 

In the first century however, this was a radical idea.  Strict interpretations of the purity laws in the Torah (Genesis through Deuteronomy), made it difficult for the earliest Jewish Christians to believe Gentiles could remain Gentiles and become faithful servants of Yahweh.  We still see that today in some religions.  Some require you to make public appearances to convince the rest of the congregation that you “belong”.  Some have to take classes and convince a group of people they are worthy. 

There is only one sin that is unpardonable – the sin of unbelief.  God has provided a means for eternal salvation – Jesus Christ, and His death on the cross, for “whoever believes in Him” (John 3:16).  And the only condition under which forgiveness would not be granted is those who reject the only means of salvation.  Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).  This makes it clear that He and He alone is the path to God and to salvation.  To reject the only means of salvation is unpardonable, and in that sense, is the greatest sin of all.

As Paul continues to explain to the Colossians that the Gentiles are full-fledged brothers and sisters, he makes it clear that Jesus, by His Spirit, dwelling in all believers, no matter their background, makes Jews and Gentiles full citizens in the kingdom of God (1:27).  We are all so identified with Christ that it is impossible for any Christian to be a second-class citizen.  And we can add to this grace the fact that our hope of glory in Jesus has present and future aspects.  In the present, we are assured that we belong to Him and will persevere so that in the future we will enjoy the full benefits of redemption – life in a resurrected body before the presence of God in the new heaven and earth (Rev. 21).

So the next time you find yourself thinking of other people as lesser Christians than yourself because of how they dress, or what they eat and drink, or how knowledgeable they are about the finer points of theological arguments, or a number of other factors, bow your head and remember that Christ dwells in ALL who truly love Him, and He has given us all the same rights in His kingdom.


change of heart

SoulSearching Sunday~Hope

12:00 AM

Sunday, August 19, 2018


Week Thirty-three

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Hosea 11 - Jonah 4

 1. What lures you heart away from God? Come to Him today with “fasting, weeping, and mourning” for those areas in your life that need a change of heart.

 That is why the LORD says, “Turn to me now, while there is time! Give Me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” (Joel 2:12)

 2. When have you been tempted to lose hope? How can you remember to turn your thoughts to God in these situations? Praise God for His power to save when the outlook seems hopeless.

 When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the LORD. And my earnest prayer went out to You in Your holy Temple. (Jonah 2:7)

 3. Who is the last person you would expect to come to salvation? Meditate on God’s mercy and love, and then pray for the person you have in mind. How can you reach out to this person?

 I knew that You were a gracious and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. I knew how easily You could cancel Your plans for destroying these people. (Jonah 4:2)
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Together we'll read through the entire New Testament and grow to love our Lord & Savior even more! Trust in Him, and begin an adventure that will transform your life and maybe others as well!
Begins August 31st! on Women in the Word.


Direction

SoulSearching Sunday~Faith, Hope, Presence

12:00 AM

Sunday, May 20, 2018



Week Twenty

Welcome!  We pray that you have all had a precious time worshipping the Lord this morning!  Below you will find some thought provoking questions that will provide you a starting point to your journal writing to complete this week.  We hope that you will find this time soul satisfying!

Our reading this week was Psalm 54 - 78...

 1. Fear that grows out of a lack of faith in God’s protections is not just a nuisance - it’s sin. What circumstances or relationships cause you the most worry? List your five greatest fears and pray through each one, asking yourself, “Why should I fear?” God is supreme.

 But when I am afraid, I put my trust in You, O God, I praise your Word. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4)

 2. What is the single greatest desire of your heart? What is the hope that gives you strength and encouragement throughout the day? What stands in your way of sincerely praying this prayer of the psalm writer? Ask God to be the strength of your heart.

 Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. (Psalm 73:25-26)

 3. Describe in detail a time when you were 100 percent certain of God’s miraculous presence and work in your life. Put a mental bookmark in that day or week or year. When you face trail or hardship and simply can’t find reason to worship God, think back to that time and worship with hope.

 O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as You? You are the God of miracles and wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. You have redeemed your people by your strength, the descendants of Jacob and of Joseph by your might. (Psalm 77: 13-15)


God's Sovereignty

Let Me Tell You About My HOPE {Psalm 70-72}

1:30 PM


To hope is to cherish a desire with anticipation; to expect with confidence. 
 According to the Bible, hope can breathe new life into a wearied soul, while the lack of hope can drain the life right out of you! (Pr. 13:12) Hope holds that much power over us!


So let me ask you, what have you place your hope in?

__Some may say, eating right and exercising, and there’s proven benefits from that, but it still can’t guarantee us a long healthy life.

__Some may place their hope in money, investments, and a good education, which are also great things to have, but still can’t guarantee a perfect career or, life.

__Others may place their hope in other people -parents, spouse, friends, neighbors, and co-workers, etc. but we all know that not even OUR best intentions can guarantee that we will follow through with all we’ve promised, and neither can others.

I believe David got it right. We see here in Psalm 71 David is at the end of his life. Psalm 71 is actually the prayer of an old man who has walked with God his entire life:

In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.  Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel. For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.  From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you." (emphasis mime) 

David was a king who had everything; money, power. He was the commander of the army, yet it’s so comforting to know that from the beginning to the end of his life his hope never wavered in the “Sovereign Lord”.

Did you catch the name David calls God in these verses? In order to strengthen our hope, I went on a search to define this Name for God. I want to share what I found in an article written be Chip Ingram on the Biblical definition of sovereign:
There is absolutely nothing that happens in the universe that is outside of God’s influence and authority. As King of kings and Lord of lords, God has no limitations. Consider just a few of the claims the Bible makes about God:
·  God is above all things and before all things. He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. He is immortal, and He is present everywhere so that everyone can know Him (Revelation 21:6).
·  God created all things and holds all things together, both in heaven and on earth, both visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16).
·  God knows all things past, present, and future. There is no limit to His knowledge, for God knows everything completely before it even happens (Romans 11:33).
·  God can do all things and accomplish all things. Nothing is too difficult for Him, and He orchestrates and determines everything that is going to happen in your life, in my life, in America, and throughout the world. Whatever He wants to do in the universe, He does, for nothing is impossible with Him (Jeremiah 32:17).
·  God is in control of all things and rules over all things. He has power and authority over nature, earthly kings, history, angels, and demons. Even Satan himself has to ask God’s permission before he can act (Psalm 103:19).
·  That’s what being sovereign means. It means being the ultimate source of all power, authority, and everything that exists. Only God can make those claims; therefore, it’s God’s sovereignty that makes Him superior to all other gods and makes Him, and Him alone, worthy of worship.
Just as peasants always bowed before their king for fear of offending the one who had the authority to take their life, God’s sovereignty compels us to bow before Him. But unlike corrupt earthly kings who abuse their authority to terrorize their subjects, God rules in love. He loves you and wants the best for you.

And our hope can rest in Him. 

I think of Caleb and Joshua, coming back with the other 10 spies, who never waived in their hope that God would help them conquer the land He’d given them. And Hannah, who got up and ate after praying, for her hope that she would bear a children was in her Sovereign LORD, and even David as a boy up against Goliath.

I believe all of us have mountains, or giants before us, and an enemy who is constantly trying to keep us feeling defeated, but there is more than just your faith at stake here, which is why I LOVE this Psalm! Notice verses 14-18,
As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long— though I know not how to relate them all.  I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.  Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.  Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. (emphasis mine)

Nothing builds greater HOPE than hearing the testimonies of those who have gone before us and witnessed God’s sovereignty in their situations! We’ve got to tell others what He has already done for us!

Blessings!

sue

Angie Benjamin

Hills and Valleys {Job 15:1-21:34}

10:30 PM




For I know: My Redeemer lives

But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last and after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! (Job 19:25-26)

Job endured many tests and trials, but his patience and faith triumphed at the end (We will see this at the end of the study on this book).

I believe we have all gone through mountaintop experiences as well as "valleys".
We have all gone through dry times in our prayer and personal time with the Lord. Times when we have experienced God so intensively at a service at church and some other times when we haven't quite "felt" anything.

There are times when we can hear God so clearly and yet others when we cannot hear anything at all.

One thing for sure is that God is with us whether we feel Him or not.

Faith is not based on feelings, is about certainty.. knowing... Knowing that our Redeemer lives...Knowing who our God really is.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.- Hebrews 11:1
We can walk through life with hope, peace and joy knowing that God knows what He is doing in us, through the trials and tests that we will all inevitably have to go through, as long as we live in this broken, corrupted and fallen world.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

So today, you may be facing great difficulty. Perhaps even feeling abandoned by all who are supposed to care for you. Job certainly did. But like Job, realize that YOUR REDEEMER LIVES and that He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you (Job 19:25)



Ask God to fill you with His presence and His peace.

Be patient and remain faithful, for God will come through for you, and you will be amazed!

Remain blessed and have an amazing weekend ahead :-)

PS. I'm leaving this video to encourage you today. This song blessed my life in a powerful way when I went through a very personal and painful loss last year. It's a great reminder that God remains the same and close to us whether we are on the "hills or valleys" of life. I pray it blesses your life today.. lots of love xx