February 26, 2019

“‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11 

A bright future and hope are dawning on the horizon, but they may not be as close as we think. At least that was the message surrounding this great promise. Verse 10 is as important as this verse: “For thus says the LORD, ‘When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place.’”

Wait a minute; seventy years?! Seventy long, agonizing years in a land of exile? Seventy years yearning for hope’s realization? For many, if not most, seventy years would be beyond a lifetime. Such are many of the promises of God. We glimpse them from afar, but they are not to be realized this side of eternity. But, does this in any way diminish our anticipation, and our efforts to remain faithful until hope is sight? Certainly not. A verse that follows reflects a response to hope, which itself is rich with promise: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

While we are waiting we diligently seek our Creator. Whether hope’s fulfillment is near or far away, we steadfastly focus on “the God of hope.” Since hope’s fulfillment is inseparably bound to Him, it makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?

Seventy years is a lifetime. Some will exceed this mark, while others will never achieve it. But a lifetime of faithfulness and devotion is not too high a price to pay for all He has in store for us. 

 

- From the upcoming book, "Hope for Uncertain Times."

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February 19, 2019

“rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality."Romans 12.10-13 

Hope really does “spring eternal” when it’s biblical hope. It gives rise to rejoicing in anticipation of what is to come.  It generates energy that enables us to persevere amidst tribulation. Through life’s hardships, it lifts us above current circumstances so that we can see the better and brighter future to come. That vantage point view enables us to keep putting on foot in front of the other, day by day and moment by moment. As we do so, we devote ourselves to prayer. Were it not for regular conversations with my Creator, perseverance would be nearly impossible. In stillness, I sense His quiet prompting. Bible verses that directly bear on current situations. A sense of direction as to what to do or not do. Names of people to pray for and reach out to. The quiet confidence that He is there, and is directing me as His child.

Hope works itself out in real and practical ways. It prompts help for “the needs of the saints.” Writing a check to someone hit hard but a setback. Participating in a love offering for someone injured or unexpectedly unemployed. 

It prompts “practicing hospitality.” Opening our home to fellow believers for fun fellowship, Bible study, or overnight lodging for those traveling. It consecrates our homes as havens of hope for those who need it.

The point made in linking these priorities, listed in Romans 12, is that hope does more than look up for its ultimate fulfillment. It doesn’t sit idly by waiting for the trumpet sound; it takes needed action today. 

Some hope-filled believers long ago seemed to have missed this connection between hope and its motivation. “For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.” 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12. Hope had become an excuse for inaction. The real response invoked by hope, however, is quiet discipline, activity, and productivity. Hope not only anticipates; it acts.

 

- From the upcoming book, "Hope for Uncertain Times."

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February 5, 2019

“I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope.” Psalm 130.5

My quiet times before the LORD can hardly be characterized as spiritually seismic. His presence has never shaken the room, nor has His voice thunderously boomed. Perhaps some day I might have a Moses burning bush experience, or an Isaiah temple experience, but I’m not counting on it, or disappointed by the absence of such an experience. I wait for Him, not for what He might do. And, as the Psalmist says, that waiting is in His word. What He says and reveals is to be found in His word, the Bible. It is amazing how many people want to have some revelation or audible voice from Him, all while ignoring what He has already revealed and spoken through His written word. 

In case you haven’t tried it, sitting down in the morning or at night to read a portion of the Bible and meditate on what it says can have a profound impact on your life. It’s His direct word to you. And, as we’ve been stating, it is a book of hope as surely as He is the God of hope. So, if you want a hope-based life, here’s the starting point as well as the sustaining practice. 

That word, “wait,” is again found in this verse. It is a word that promises that this is no quick-fix solution. Patient persistence waiting for the LORD Himself and His word is the key. As you may have surmised, the results will not come overnight. Or maybe even the next night. We’re talking about a life-long discipline, not a quick formula. But, I guarantee it is worth it.

 

- From the upcoming book, "Hope for Uncertain Times."

My other blogs
http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/  
https://kingdomdreamer.blogspot.com/
Amazon ebook
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
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https://www.createspace.com/4500045
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