Hope-Full Living

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous. 1 John 2:1 Were your children always obedient? Of course not. But with every incident of disobedience, Christian parents apply both forgiveness and a lesson to be learned, so next time ... maybe there will be a transformation. John...

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses ... Hebrews 12:1 Reconnecting with classmates at my 60th high school reunion last fall was great fun — and inspiring. One friend had found numerous obituaries of classmates whom we’d lost, and we discovered abundant unheralded acts of generosity. “Volunteering at a Christ-centered summer camp for inner-city kids,” “a commendation...

“Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.” Exodus 15:21 I’ve lived near deserts and seas, but never had to walk through them for years, or cross over to escape an army intent on killing me. Yet trials may still come in fits and starts, by circumstance or sins, that threaten to steal my strength of body, soul, and trust in God. God knows...

... we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8b When I was a young girl, my best friend and I got together to make and distribute May baskets. Using outdated wallpaper samples, we cut, folded, and glued the heavy, colorful, outdated paper sheets into cone or rectangular shaped baskets. The baskets were filled with treats or flowers and taken to our neighbors. We took something without value and...

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Establishing a garden on the dry weed-stricken hillside behind our home was a good project. I hauled in soil, fertilizer, seeds, and plants. I watered the seeds and soil daily. The hungry rabbits were first to nibble away at little plants. Next, the deer munched on them. Slowly, the plants that...

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. 1 Peter 4:19 My husband and I were reflecting on decades of ministry and the many experiences we’ve had. While we’ve had a plethora of trials, by the grace of God we’ve also had more than our share of triumphs. Again, and again witnessing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit at...

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him ... Psalm 62:8a Moving to a new home can be difficult. A friend once suggested that continuity helps us adjust to our new surroundings. It was fall when we prepared for one of our first moves. I decided to gather some marigold seeds from my garden and take them along to plant at our new home in spring. Those delightful yellow flow...

Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives ... ” Ephesians 4:8 Ancient Rome celebrated war heroes with a “triumph,” a parade that honored the victorious general and displayed the captured leaders and soldiers — once proud and strong, now down beaten, humiliated, in chains. Paul was likely picturing this as he wrote the words above. Quoting Psalm 68:18, he reminded the E...

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4 After thousands of Jewish families from all over the ancient world arrived in Jerusalem for one of the three greatest Jewish festivals, they heard the Gospel spoken in their own language from Peter and the apostles. The apostles were transformed by the Holy Spirit to preach...

And he [Elijah] arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights ... 1 Kings 19:8 Talk about triumphs — Elijah had some incredible ones. He received food miraculously from birds and later from a widow, raised her son from death, prophesied a drought, prayed down fire from heaven, and defeated 450 false prophets. Yet, when these triumphs put his life in dan...

... suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope ... Romans 5:3-4 During my youth, sports were an outlet for my competitive drive. I participated in many of them. My coaches, determined to have the best possible team, demanded excellence. They regularly made notes on each person’s performance. After one especially difficult practice, I was sure that I...

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure dwells in you as well. 2 Timothy 1:5 Today’s verse is Paul describing the strong, devoted faith Timothy, Paul’s ministry partner has and how Timothy’s strong faith in Christ resulted from the Christian upbringing received from his grandmother and mother. Take inventory o...

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b In my younger years, when things went wrong, I thought, “Something is wrong here!” Since then, I’ve learned that’s life; trouble is a normal part of living in this world. Life’s troubles can give birth to frustration and despair. The words of Jesus, however, can give birth to faith, hope, and peace. We...

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. Romans 8:28 (NIV) God doesn’t promise to shield us from all trials. In this sinful, broken world, some things that happen to us are simply terrible or tragic. What God does promise is that when we continue to love him and trust in him, he will eventually bring some good out of our tribulation. We may never fully realize what...

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind... Romans 12:2 The older I get, the more I realize it is better to be in this world, not of it. The world’s values continually change. What we have today could be gone tomorrow. Relying on creature comforts to get us through our highs and lows is not the answer. Better to store up treasures in Heaven than here on ear...

... put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24 Christ transformed the hearts, souls, and minds of many people. He invited them to create a more caring, just, and peaceful society. He showed them how to do it and granted them the grace to achieve it. Christ has done the same for me. Learning about the Ten Commandments in my youth taught...

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 My older sister fought cancer for 37 years. Most of that time, it was controlled by medicine taken orally. In later years, she had to submit to chemotherapy every other week. Such an ordeal to go through! However, she never complained or asked, “Why me?” She continued as the prayer chain coordinator at our congregation, helpe...

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 Often, prayer leaders ask for prayer requests, to which group members respond with issues that are either trials (sufferings/tests of faith) or triumphs (victories/ joys). Author Anne Lamott writes that she...

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Isaiah 40:29 As the winds and waves of Hurricane Ian blew across Ft. Myers Beach, it was obvious that the power grid would not be able to handle the destruction. Buildings were flattened, and trees and power poles were flung into the sky. The Category 4 storm cut off power to thousands in its path. Lack of power and po...

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 Our annual holiday traditions are so important to us. We hope that our celebrations will occur without trouble and be filled with peace. When different situations present themselves, we may be overwhelmed by dismal thoughts. It is hard to contemplate the fact tha...

“... you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses ... to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 Are you, like I am, a person who lays out your daily schedule at the beginning of the day? It’s a good feeling to say at the end of the day, “Ah, I did what I set out to do this morning.” But then, on many days, the unexpected happens, we receive a telephone call...

O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me. Isaiah 44:21b In our part of the country, just about the time of Mother’s Day, a small, delicate, blue flower with a petite yellow center bursts into bloom. According to German folklore, God had named all the plants when a tiny unnamed one softly whispered, “Forget-me-not, O Lord.” And the Creator responded, “That shall be your name.” Indeed, even when we...

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 God chooses our mother in his plan for our lives. In my life, I couldn’t have chosen a better mother. However, for some, he chooses another pathway in life. We have all encountered those who never married or became biological mothers, whether by choice or other circumstances. Thro...

Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 My wife’s grandma was tough, arriving in this country at age 5, leaving school after third grade to work on the farm. A wife at 18, a mother at 20, then a widow when the baby was only 7 months old, forcing her and the baby to move back in with her parents. Grandma remained a devout follower of Christ, a tireless volunte...

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:3 As a young adult, I set goals and planned for the years ahead; and worked toward a fruitful secure future. I didn’t think much about the end of my earthly life. But now I understand that my days are numbered, and I focus more on going home to Jesus. I imagine him pic...