Hope Will Win The Day!

How are you feeling?

Honestly?

Be Filled With Hope Today

Today I want to encourage you above all the negative voices. No matter what you feel or think about all that is going on around you, there is always hope – and His Name is Jesus!

This is the time for the Church to shine. Random acts of kindness, generosity, mercy … we need to show the world that we are different because we know Jesus, and because we have the Hope that they so desperately seek.

You have the light of Christ living in you. Light cannot be seen unless there was first darkness.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:1-4 (ESV)

There was darkness first – then there was light.

Today I wanted to give you a much needed dose of hope into your life!

Jesus once said to me that I was in the “God University”. He explained how life is one big university with many different class rooms (circumstances) to learn about different subjects, challenges, emotions … to learn about ourselves and God. Once we pass certain tests, we are promoted to the next level. There are no time frames for these tests as He is exceptionally patient. Our promotion comes in our willingness to learn.

Who is Father God for You?

As Graham Cooke says, “Who does God want to be for me in this circumstance?”

Why don’t you ask God that question. “God, who do you want to be for me today?”

It’s a good idea to listen to what God is saying, what His Word is saying far more than it is to listen to the sensationalism and negativity of the latest news reports. It’s good to be informed but not saturated with the world’s opinions and advice.

The media seems to relish in the sensationalism of the negative. They seem to love to implant fear in the hearts of the multitudes to establish some sort of control over thoughts, beliefs, and actions. This is nothing new but it’s very prevalent now and they seem to have a louder voice than usual.

One of the biggest things about fear is that it weakens the nervous and immune systems. This can make people more prone to stress and feeling under the weather.

So, what’s the plan?

There are a lot of medical studies that prove that meditation helps calm the nervous system and soothe the mind.

BUT …

… I am talking about Biblical meditation – NOT woo woo meditation.

Think about it. God created everything. Satan can only copy. Meditation was God’s idea first.

Psalm 143:5 (ESV) says:

“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.”

This is Biblical meditation. To meditate is to chew on something like a cow does. Because a cow has 4 stomachs, it chews on the grass and plants then swallows it. The grass is then regurgitated and swallowed again into a different stomach. Considering that God made the cows, I think He knows what He is talking about when He uses this same word to compare ‘chewing the cud’ to what we are to do with the Word of God!

To meditate on Scripture, on a promise from the Lord, a prophetic word, is to bring it back up to the forefront of your mind and think all about it from many different angles – to chew on it.

For example:

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10a (KJV)

BE – just be. Don’t strive, don’t toil. Just relax and just be – if even for 5 minutes.

STILL – close your eyes and just sit, lie or stand perfectly still. Quieten yourself to hear Holy Spirit’s sweet, small voice.

AND – this indicates that there is more than one instruction in this verse.

KNOW – this word is used in the same way that a man would ‘know’ a woman. It’s a word used in marriage for a couple to know each other so intimately. Because you are the Bride of Christ which indicates that you are already married to Him, you have the capacity to KNOW Him in a very intimate and personal way. Wow! You can have an extremely intimate relationship with the God of the entire existence. That’s how much He loves you that He made a way for this to happen – through Jesus!

THAT – is telling you what you need to KNOW about God. He is, therefore we are OK.

I – God Himself is speaking. He is letting us know that this is not a second hand message. He is giving the directive to KNOW Him.

AM – God is stating who He is. He is the final authority in everything.

GOD – He is Creator, Provider, Healer, Guide, Father, Comforter, Righteousness, Shield, Peace, Lord, Sanctifier, Redeemer, etc. Just take one or two of these characteristics and meditate, think on these things.

“So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.”

Philippians 4:8 (TPT)

During any challenge, it’s imperative that you and me keep a Godly perspective and we keep focused on the good things that surround us. Even though life is tricky right now, this too shall pass but you need your Heavenly Father’s guidance to direct you in the best way to go.

I leave you with these verses today. I pray that these truths will sink deep into your heart and you will know that all is not lost for Father God has answers for every one of your questions, and solutions for every one of your problems.

You just need to talk to Him and listen for His answers.

There is Always Hope!

“And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us!” Romans 5:5 (TPT)

“Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times.” Romans 12:12 (TPT)

“Whatever was written beforehand is meant to instruct us in how to live. The Scriptures impart to us encouragement and inspiration so that we can live in hope and endure all things.” Romans 15:4 (TPT)

“Your perfection and faithfulness are my bodyguards, for you are my hope and I trust in you as my only protection.” Psalm 25:21 (TPT)

“Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for he will never disappoint you!” 
Psalm 27:14 (TPT)

“”The Lord alone is our radiant hope and we trust in him with all our hearts. His wrap-around presence will strengthen us.” Psalm 33:20 (TPT)

“Quiet your heart in his presence and pray; keep hope alive as you long for God to come through for you.” Psalm 37:7 (TPT)

“He’s the hope that holds me and the Stronghold to shelter me, the only God for me, and my great confidence.” Psalm 91:2 (TPT)

“They give you living hope to guide you, and not one of life’s tests will cause you to stumble.” Proverbs 3:23 (TPT)

“Jesus ministered from place to place throughout all of the province of Galilee. He taught in the synagogues, preaching the hope of the kingdom realm and healing every kind of sickness and disease among the people.” Matthew 4:23 (TPT)

““Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.”” Luke 2:14 (TPT)

“One day Jesus taught the apostles to keep praying and never stop or lose hope.” Luke 18:1 (TPT)

“But the hope of God’s kingdom kept spreading and multiplying everywhere!” Acts 12:24 (TPT)

And finally, this is my prayer for you and your family today:

“Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!” Romans 15:13 (TPT)

Know that I am praying for you that God’s hope, peace, love and joy will fill you, your families, and indeed the world today.

If you would like specific prayer or encouragement, put a comment below or send me an email here. I would love to pray for you.

Prayer moves mountains and makes everything possible.

Please share this encouragement with others. The world needs it and the hope that only Heaven can bring. I treasure every one of you and remember that …

“We are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.” Romans 8:28 (TPT)

Abundant blessings to you!

(Photo by Lynnelle Richardson from Pexels)