Jesus Christ – Ahhh, there’s hope there.
What or who do you put your hope in during these times of financial insecurity? The government? Social Security? Retirement funds? The stash under the bed? A good job? As I see unemployment soar, Social Security dwindling, and investments falling, it’s hard to keep hoping that things will get better. This week’s scriptures paint a brighter picture that any financial analysis on earth can paint about what and WHO we can put our hope in.
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:28).
Ahhh – there’s hope there. In the midst of turmoil, conflict, or uncertainty - remember who is in control. God created this world; He understands it and knows what we need to survive here. Put your HOPE in the LORD, HE WILL NOT LET US DOWN!!!
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded”
“The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power (Psalm 157:2-5).
Ahhh – there’s hope there. Even though, because of our sins and the DNA of our sinful nature, we were enemies of God, HE gathers, HE builds, HE heals, and HE binds up our wounded hearts. As the prophet Zephaniah put it: “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17).
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded…
“The people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons.” (Mark 1:29)
Ahhh – there’s hope there - JESUS CHRIST. HE conquered Satan and his demons. HE heals us from our sickness of sin and drive out the demons of our sinful nature. By Grace though faith in HIS BLOOD AND RIGHTEOUSNESS HE invites us to COME TO HIM – turn from our sins, believe and be healed!!!
So what is our response to this great HOPE we have? We can’t keep it to ourselves – we are compelled by God’s greatness, love, and hope to pass it on…
“For Christ's love compels us… (2 Corinthians 5:13) “Preaching (sharing) the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it…I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.”
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness, no merit of my own I claim but wholly lean on Jesus name – On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand”
HOPE IN JESUS CHRIST – PASS IT ON!!!
Prayer: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that YOU MAY KNOW HIM better.” Ephesians 1:17
Church Season – 5th Sunday in Epiphany
Week ending: FEBRUARY 8, 2009
Monday – (Old Testament)
Isaiah 40:21-31. Do you not know, have you not heard, have you not been told from the beginning, have you not understood – JESUS IS LORD
Tuesday – Psalm 147:1-11
The LORD delights in those who fear (love and trust) in Him
Wednesday –(Epistle)
1 Corinthians 9:16-17
Ask God who HE would like to share the Hope of Jesus Christ with through you!! THEN GO AND TELL
Thursday – (Gospel) Mark 1:29-3 We have HOPE in JESUS CHRIST – for healing in this world and into eternity.
Friday – REFLECT on Psalm 147. Contemplate God’s sovereignty and love. Then Be still and let Him love you.
Saturday – SHARE
Tell about a time when Jesus seemed close to you
Sunday – As you worship – listen with thanksgiving for the HOPE we have in CHRIST JESUS
