Hope can be a dangerous thing. Yet, without hope, there’s nothing to look forward to. This is what kept Andy Dufresne going during his life sentence at Shawshank State Penetenuary in the film Shawshank Redemption. Subsequently, Andy foresaw beyond the bars in front of him, envisioning a life beyond prison.
In the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, Titus 1:2.
As a Christian, the same concept applies. For some, life on earth can be a prison, trapped by an unforgiving world. While some moments may be treasured, the Bible promises another world free from sin, death and pain. Therefore, hope waits in eager expectation of eternal life in heaven.
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life, 1 John 5:13.
One of Jesus’ disciples suggests this isn’t an empty promise. Rather, eternal life is something you can embrace and plan for before you die. Like making a will, Romans 6:23 details the process that is involved. Therefore, don’t wait until its too late. Instead, accept God’s free gift so that the hope of eternal life becomes real.
During a period known as the Healing Revivals of the 1950’s, prosperity theology first became prominent in the United States. Yet, the origins of the prosperity gospel can be traced back to the New Thought Movement which began in the 19th century. Based upon the teachings of Malachi, referencing the storehouses of heaven, those who embrace this theology emphasizes that God will deliver his promises of the Bible for those who believe. Unfortunately, this mindset differs from the ministry of the apostle Paul.
I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents, Acts 20:19.
In a meeting with the elders of Ephesus, Paul gives a farewell address, preparing church leaders for a time when he will longer be with them. Paul’s description of his service is interesting, similar to words shared in Philippi. To avoid becoming prideful, Paul felt led to pursue meekness. Despite the victories Paul experienced, he admits that ministry can be painful, especially when someone you love abandons or leaves the faith.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, Philippians 2:12.
Warning a community of believers from complacency, Paul suggests to diligently work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Sure, part of the journey of faith is to pray for and cling to God’s promises. However, genuine faith involves overcoming hardship, leaning on God’s grace in times of trials. Thus, as this new year continues, may you follow in the footsteps of the apostle Paul by practicing humility and crying out to the Lord in prayer.
Unless you are a morning person, most people take time to wake up. This lack of energy makes the likelihood of praise to be displayed as a natural occurrence. As for me, only when the right kind of music is present or a tune prompts my heart does a spirit of praise arrive. Beside this perfect setting, praising God is a mystery.
To carry out the sentence written against them— this is the glory of all his faithful people. Praise the LORD. – Psalm 149:9
According to the book of Hebrews, its impossible to please God without faith. Thus, when you read the prophecies of the Bible, you can’t view each with skepticism. Beyond the words from this ancient book, one must believe God will eventually fulfill each promise. Although doubts will arise if a prolong time passes without any fulfillment, yet praise is conceived when individuals see the the Bible come true like the words of Psalm 149:9.
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see, Hebrews 11:1.
If someone spends days, months or years praying for a miracle without any results, any desires to praise God often fade away. Families who have lost a member to a killer disease experience arid periods, void of joy. Subsequently, many venture off, putting God on hold until they can comprehend of what just happened. Although the wait is agonizing, the hope of a prodigal returning to their senses brings angels to praise God in heaven and rejoicing souls on earth. May the mystery of praise not serve as a stumbling block to pursuers. Rather, may the Holy Spirit revive your heart with a new sense of appreciation for the hand of God at work in this life.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. – Romans 12:11
Human beings are often creatures of habit, celebrating the highs and struggling through the lows. Somewhere in between, joy, passion and zeal for life can be temporary lost. For many, these emotions are never found except for periods of good news from time to time. Despite what you encounter, God has designed you for more.
His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” – John 2:17
According to Matthew 5:48, Jesus wants his followers to strive for perfection. Yet, despite this plea many coast through life, living pay check to pay check trying to survive. Stress induced by financial strain can suck the energy out of the strongest. Thus, people settle for the ordinary rather than seek the extraordinary will God has designed for you.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2
The promise of Jeremiah 29:11 reminds me of God’s plans for prosperity and success. Furthermore, the Lord’s work is not a waste of time. Rather, Philippians 1:6 confirms the Holy Spirit will carry what we started, a life of faith, to completion. Therefore, commit yourself to becoming a servant of the kingdom as you were designed for more than just an average life.
Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. – James 5:20
As I was cleaning today, I uncovered an old Concord High Yearbook sitting on the floor. Last fall, my best friend from high school, Carl, came to Delaware to visit his parents for a week. Catching up and reminiscing about our last high school reunion, I fetched my senior yearbook to put a face with all the names which came up. I’m not sure what it is, but the older I get, the more I repeat myself, sharing the same story annually with my wife and kids. As gracious as possible, I hear that apt reply, “That’s nice, but I’ve heard that before.”
From a writer’s perspective, there is nothing new under the sun, Ecclesiastes 1:9. When you’ve spent 3 years as an editor of a monthly newsletter and 2 more as the main contributor of this blog, some days you struggle to compose a paragraph let alone an entire piece. However, as I opened my yearbook, I had forgotten who I was, what I had accomplished and how a simple smile made an impact on my peers. The perfectionist in me never allowed me to accept and embrace compliments. Thus, these words were discarded, replaced by my lack of eloquence, stuttering and other deficiency’s.
This pessimism began to change for me in college during a Group service project on St. John’s Island in South Carolina. To my surprise, everyone in attendance received their own mailbox, near the center of our living quarters at a local high school. However, this mail was called Care Cards, a chance for others to write notes of encouragement and thanks to those who made a positive influence at some point during the day and week. The catch was you couldn’t open your mail bag until you got on your bus before leaving. I was so touched by this concept I incorporated it into my own mission trips when I became a youth pastor following college. Like my yearbook, every few years I will stumble across old mail bags, bringing tears to my eyes and joy to my soul as I savor these fond memories.
From a biblical perspective, Israel’s memory was so poor, God called Moses to devote an entire book called Deuteronomy, the second law, reminding the Jews of everything they had forgotten. Although retention varies among children and adults today, modern pastors recycle famous words of Jesus, the apostle Paul, and Peter to refresh the memories of lost souls. While some in church may whisper, “That’s nice, but I’ve heard that before,” someone in attendance may be hearing this truth for the first time. Therefore, be patient if someone tends to be redundant, for someone likely needs a reminder of promises within the Bible like John 3:16.
As a child, watching the Wizard of Oz was an annual event, terrifying at times, haunted by the wicked witch. Yet, I always hung in there for the finish, expecting the fairy tale ending. However, I wonder if any other grown ups still think there a better place some where over the rainbow.
According to King David, this place does exist, like heaven on earth, Psalm 23:6. Once an individual is able to place their sole trust in the divine shepherd, access to a life beyond the rainbow is attainable. Though gold is not mentioned, happy days are here again and again, staying in daily fellowship with God. This spiritual anointing is symbolic of rebirth, living life to its fullest, John 10:10.
Unfortunately, life deals out more nightmares than fairy tales. Sure, from time to time, miracles do happen, but its hard to have faith in a world full of people falling apart at the seams, oozing a trail of sin in their rear view mirror. This negativity serves like a bad after taste you can’t get rid of with gum or mints. Rather, hope lies in the beholder, seeing beyond the current shower into what is ahead, the rainbow. May you experience this joy before you die, Luke 23:43.
A failure reaches this status when one does not attain success, failing to meet their goal or objective. Once expectations go unfilled, disappointment consumes individuals, often leaving souls in a state of depression. Effort is good, but sooner or later a team has to win, proving they have what it takes. If not achieved, coaches and individuals will begin to doubt their God given abilities. Like a lowly carp, bottom dwellers are left to feed on the scraps, the leftovers other fish don’t find appealing.
In Luke 23:32-43, Jesus finds himself stuck between 2 failures. Placed in the middle of 2 criminals, subject to a cross due to evil deeds such as being a murderer or robber, Jesus couldn’t leave, nailed to a cross listening to their insults, Matthew 27:38-40. However, one of these wicked man had a change of heart after Jesus’ words of forgiveness, Luke 23:34. While one failure continued to hurl hurtful comments Jesus’ way, the other began to contemplate his life, Luke 23:40. The more this man thinks about his life, God begins to work a miracle in his life, Luke 23:41. With time ticking away on his life, this humble failure throws up one final request to Jesus, Luke 23:42, hoping for the best, with nothing to lose.
The words of Luke 23:43 should give hope to any failure who still has time on their side. “Today you will be with me in paradise” is proof that someone about to die can receive Jesus into their heart, obtaining eternal life despite living a life full of sin. Hebrews 10:26-27 indirectly suggests someone who fears the judgment of God can be swayed from hell to heaven like the criminal mentioned in Luke. Therefore, if you’ve been deceived by the devil to believe that you’re damned, remember the promise of Luke 23:40-43. In Jesus’ eyes, it’s never too late for a failure to receive eternal life, John 3:16-17.
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