May 14: IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO OVER-HOPE.

Affirmation: Asking for help is a gift to yourself and others.
~~~~~~~~

Ponder, Personalize, Practice: These 4 short phrases bring important messages for each of us from God through the prophet Isaiah. 1- Do not fear, 2-I have redeemed you, 3-I have summoned you by name, 4- you are mine. Today I am personalizing the phrase “I have summoned you by name.” I look back over my life and I recognize God’s voice directing me through my thoughts and the voices of others. And He is still calling me. Listen for His loving voice.


Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. ISAIAH 43:1

~~~~~~~~

Live in Grace. Walk in Love. By Bob Goff


May 14

IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO OVER-HOPE. 

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

There's a reason Jesus pointed to kids when He talked about faith and the kingdom of God. Kids, by nature, are trusting and earnest. They're willing to go on the adventure without getting all the details. They're just happy they were invited. They're fine with being dependent on others too. Put another way, they don't have all the layers that adults accumulate over the years. 


As we get older, pain and rejection start to shift us away from the beautiful naivety of our youth. These voices tell us it's too risky to hope for our passion to come to life because there's a chance our dream will be squelched. Rejection chimes in and says it's better to keep your distance because if you let people in, you become vulnerable to being let down. The pain of our past tells us to play it safe by protecting ourselves. Don't take the bait. We were wired for hope. 


Jesus had a lot to say about hope. He said hope is the fuel that keeps the fire in our hearts burning. It's the oxygen we breathe. Hope is the foundation of our faith because it reminds us we haven't arrived yet; we're still on our way home. 


Jesus said all the pain in the world will one day come to an end, and we'll all celebrate with a giant banquet. The apostle Paul said faith was confidence in what we're hoping for and assurance in what we haven't yet seen. While we're waiting for the party to begin, keep hoping. Are you facing difficulties? Keep hoping. Are you confused? Keep hoping. Get the idea? 


Don't let fear keep you from going all in on hope. It's the only safe bet there is because God is hope and He's already won the game. 


What are you hoping for today? 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

July 20: MOST OF OUR DECISIONS ARE DRIVEN BY EITHER LOVE OR FEAR.

Affirmation: I am compassionate. I care about myself and others. (Repeat 10x) “When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied.” (Matthew 9:27-31) Our compassion seems to be tied to belief in the Lord. Do you believe He is able to do this? Even more importantly, do you believe the Lord has compassion for YOU? ~~~~~~~ Ponder: Memorize Psalm 25:4-6. Make this your prayer today. This is a prayer for everyone to personalize and practice at any and every moment as you seek to live your best life. Pray this prayer at least 10 times today. “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from days of old.  Psalm  25 :4-6 ~~~~~~~ Reading for Today Walk in Grace. Live in Love. by Bob Goff                ...
Read more

August 22 Sailboat without a Sail…

Affirmation: I am grateful for this body, mind & soul. God made me. I have had times in my life that I questioned God’s existence, His goodness, His love. But my questions never changed the reality of His love for me and it won’t change the reality on your life either. He created you in your mother’s womb. He loves you intensely. ~~~~~~ Ponder, Personalize, Practice: There are many promises in these verses… -the Lord will always guide you -He will satisfy your needs -& strengthen your frame -You will be like a well-watered garden - ruins will be rebuilt -God will you use to repair broken walls & restore streets. Spend time pondering on this these verses. “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, ...
Read more

January 28: Keep Showing Up; You’re The Only You There Is

Affirmation: I am imperfect and I am enough. ~~~~~~~ Ponder and Personalize :  The book of Joshua was written after Moses died and Joshua is left to lead the Israelites into the promised land. God has freed them from slavery in Egypt.  “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, …” What significance does the Book of Law have? Why was it important to meditate on it day and night? Talk to God about this directive and how it might impact you. Joshua 1:8-9 “ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night , so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~~~~~~~ Catching Whimsy: 365 Days of Possibility.  By Bob Goff                        Jan ...
Read more