Hope in Jesus

 Our Pastor’s theme for this year (2021) is HOPE.  That is certainly what we need all the time, but especially now.

                             

Strong’s Concordance #1680, hope –elpis.  My Spirit Filled Bible, edited by Jack Hayford, gives this definition.  “Hope – not in the sense of an optimistic outlook or wishful thinking without any foundation, but in the sense of confident expectation based on solid certainty.  Biblical hope rests on God’s promises, particularly those pertaining to Christ’s return.  So certain is the future of the redeemed that the NT sometimes speaks of future events in the past tense, as though they were already accomplished.”

Without hope, Proverbs 13:2 NLT says;  “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.”


Our faith is based on hope.  Hebrew 11:1 NKJV “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  The amplified translation says: “Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality – faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].”


As I read these many scriptures about hope, I wonder why I am ever uneasy about our future and God’s plan for us as believers.  Romans 5:5 NLT “And this hope will not lead to disappointment.  For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”  Romans 12:12 NLT “Rejoice in our confident hope.  Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.”


We can put our hope in Jesus.  He is the one who will give us the strength and courage to face uncertain times.  Yes, today seems out of control, but in reality, life always has problems.  It is different for everyone, but we all have some degree of difficulty in our lives. If we believe Jesus is our Savior, we have hope in the Lord.  Psalms 31:24 “So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!”  Psalms 39:7 NLT "And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?  My only hope is in you.”


“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him.  Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13 NLT


Stay well, Stay safe,

❤️ Sharon



 


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