Light Of Hope

Thursday, ‎September 14, ‎2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12

Memory verse: Philippians 4:8 ►Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Today's reading: PROVERBS 19-21 2 CORINTHIANS 7

Light of Hope

Hope-do you have hope for the world, for others, for yourself?

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

If we read the verse before verse 13 we hear God say through Paul:

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

In Christ, we all have this hope. We should have this hope.

As followers of Christ, we all have a mandate to spread the good news of Christ, Matthew 28:19. The problem we have is that a lot of people walk around as if they have never heard the 'good news'. Can you look in the mirror and have a real smile on your face? Is the Lord's peace governing your demeanor? What have we done? Where have we gone? God has not changed. He said he would be here until the end of the age, Matthew 28:20; The Word says that He will provide all our needs, Phillippians 4:20.

What seems to be missing?

1 Peter 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

What does it mean to 'honor Christ the Lord as holy in our hearts'? Honoring Christ is not just something we do in our hearts and minds-it starts in our hearts and minds and if it is real there, we will live out Christ before the world so the world can see 'hope within us'.

Is there hope in the face in the mirror? Honor Christ.

Everywhere we go we have a chance to share hope.

Be a blessing wherever you go.

Romans 12:14 ►bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Speak life

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” in Ephesians 4:29

The key to this is that God wants all this to be real to you before you step outside into the world. If we 'put on' a face that is not real, we soon find it exhausting.

Hear this please: Jesus did not hang on that cross so we could live hopeless, plastic lives. Jesus is our liberating King! That has never changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Hope is in God's mercy that is new every morning.

I was alarmed and disgusted the other day when my medicine was not delivered on time. Two days later as I walked out on the front porch, I saw a white package in the chair at the table...it had been delivered. I had not looked in the right place.

God's mercy is not on the morning TV show. It is not on the news or in the paper. It is not even in the morning devotional piece you read from your favorite author. God's mercy for you is only for you-no one else. God's mercy and love and compassion can only be found in one place-in God's presence. No one can take you there. Jesus made it possible for you to enter God's holy presence and experience, first-hand, God's desire and love for you. Hope within us comes directly from our learning how to 'honor Christ as Holy' in our hearts.

Honor Christ. Go to God and tell Him you want to honor Christ with all you are-not just once-everyday- in good times and bad-Honor Christ as Holy God.

Be a light, be a beacon, be a flashing sign--but let the world see real hope in you because you honor Christ as Holy-not just in word but in living. Live alive!

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me for not honoring Your glory-teach me how to honor Christ in my heart as You desire. Fill me with righteous hope to show the world.*

Great God worthy of all glory and honor!

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen