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"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4).
Today I am not certain what opportunities may come my way. During this itinerant stage in my ministry service I trust the Lord daily to lead me where I can serve. But one thing I expect is that I will encounter someone today who needs hope and encouragement.
There's a great line early in the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life" where the angel Clarence is beckoned to help a troubled human. "Is he sick?", Clarence asks. "No, it's worse then being sick", the head angel replies, "he's discouraged." Undoubtedly some of you are discouraged today so it is the prayer of my heart that this word of Scripture exposition may bring you hope and encouragement today!
The Apostle Paul describes the unregenerate state as being, "without hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). In 1 Thessalonians he writes of those "who have no hope" (4:13).
C. S. Lewis insightfully summarizes the human condition; "We try to be our own masters as if we had created ourselves. Then we hopelessly strive to invent some sort of happiness for ourselves outside of God, apart from God. And out of that hopeless attempt has come human history . . . the long, terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy."
One of the great inheritances of the child of God is "hope". Notice the wonderful phrase that concludes the daily text, "we might have hope." Consider today the blessing of having hope, a confident assurance in God and the veracity and dependability of His promises. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19).
So believing friend, today, let us continue to trust in the One who is ever dependable and let us rejoice together in the hope we have in Christ. That is the heart of being encouraged!
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. *
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
* "The Solid Rock" Mote, Edward / Bradbury, William B. © Public Domain CCLI License No. 2005306
Note from Brooksyne: As I read the Scripture text today the word "endurance" really caught my eye. I've recently been thinking a lot about a quote that I've posted in several places in our home, "Endurance is activating hidden strength for my tasks by keeping my eyes on future rewards."
"Lord Jesus, often the daily grind is not appealing as I awaken each morning to the tasks before me. Sometimes the routine seems endless and at times pointless. I find myself lacking fulfillment in this aspect of my life and yet it requires the majority of my time and focus. Jesus, please help me to find the hidden strength that only comes from seeking You to deal with the negative attitudes that tempt me daily. Help me also to look beyond the immediate to the deeper meaning of each day's task. Above all, help me to keep my eyes on spiritual truths as I meditate upon Your Word and apply its meaning to my life each new day. It is in this faithful practice of placing You at the center of my focus that I can rise above the difficulties that come my way. May You restore to me, this day, the joy of Your salvation and renew a steadfast spirit within me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
"The Promise Of Hope"
"The Promise Of Hope"
"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4).
Today I am not certain what opportunities may come my way. During this itinerant stage in my ministry service I trust the Lord daily to lead me where I can serve. But one thing I expect is that I will encounter someone today who needs hope and encouragement.
There's a great line early in the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life" where the angel Clarence is beckoned to help a troubled human. "Is he sick?", Clarence asks. "No, it's worse then being sick", the head angel replies, "he's discouraged." Undoubtedly some of you are discouraged today so it is the prayer of my heart that this word of Scripture exposition may bring you hope and encouragement today!
The Apostle Paul describes the unregenerate state as being, "without hope and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). In 1 Thessalonians he writes of those "who have no hope" (4:13).
C. S. Lewis insightfully summarizes the human condition; "We try to be our own masters as if we had created ourselves. Then we hopelessly strive to invent some sort of happiness for ourselves outside of God, apart from God. And out of that hopeless attempt has come human history . . . the long, terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy."
One of the great inheritances of the child of God is "hope". Notice the wonderful phrase that concludes the daily text, "we might have hope." Consider today the blessing of having hope, a confident assurance in God and the veracity and dependability of His promises. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (Hebrews 6:19).
So believing friend, today, let us continue to trust in the One who is ever dependable and let us rejoice together in the hope we have in Christ. That is the heart of being encouraged!
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. *
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
* "The Solid Rock" Mote, Edward / Bradbury, William B. © Public Domain CCLI License No. 2005306
Note from Brooksyne: As I read the Scripture text today the word "endurance" really caught my eye. I've recently been thinking a lot about a quote that I've posted in several places in our home, "Endurance is activating hidden strength for my tasks by keeping my eyes on future rewards."
"Lord Jesus, often the daily grind is not appealing as I awaken each morning to the tasks before me. Sometimes the routine seems endless and at times pointless. I find myself lacking fulfillment in this aspect of my life and yet it requires the majority of my time and focus. Jesus, please help me to find the hidden strength that only comes from seeking You to deal with the negative attitudes that tempt me daily. Help me also to look beyond the immediate to the deeper meaning of each day's task. Above all, help me to keep my eyes on spiritual truths as I meditate upon Your Word and apply its meaning to my life each new day. It is in this faithful practice of placing You at the center of my focus that I can rise above the difficulties that come my way. May You restore to me, this day, the joy of Your salvation and renew a steadfast spirit within me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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have been redeemed and I make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My
mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and to
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