2010 Offering HOPE!

“I hope I make it.” “I hope I get the part.” “I hope you have a good time.” “Here’s hoping we get together again soon.” “I hope it doesn’t rain.” “I hope I brought enough money.” “I hope YOU brought enough money!” “I hope he isn’t upset.” “I hope she gets the scholarship…”

HOPE

Daily conversation has morphed the word HOPE into becoming synonymous with the word “WISH”. By doing so, the very core value of the word "HOPE" is erased. For if HOPE be merely a wish, we have no HOPE at all. If HOPE expresses any measure of uncertainty, the future becomes meaninglessly unknown - offering no meaningful specifics.

HOPE

How utterly void of value God’s Word would be without the true message of HOPE.

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have A FIGHTING CHANCE.” – Romans 15:4

“And now these three remain: faith, POSSIBILITY, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13

“Now faith is being sure of what we THINK MIGHT HAPPEN and certain of what we do not see, I THINK.” – Hebrews 11:1

HOPE

If the word be synonymous with any other it must be synonymous with the word, CERTAINTY, bolstered by SECURITY and expressed with JOYOUS ANTICIPATION!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively HOPE by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” - 1 Peter 1:3-9

HOPE

We are not relegated to superstitious tradition. Much the contrary; we are elevated to see, with anticipation and assurance, a wonderous future prepared for us by Christ! It is not something we “DO”, it is everything WE HAVE!

So as we enter 2010, let's do so with -

HOPE!