A Real Reason for Hope

1 Peter 1:3-7

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on. God has something stored up for you in heaven, where it will never decay or be ruined or disappear.

You have faith in God, whose power will protect you until the last day. Then he will save you, just as he has always planned to do. On that day you will be glad, even if you have to go through many hard trials for a while. Your faith will be like gold that has been tested in a fire. And these trials will prove that your faith is worth much more than gold that can be destroyed. They will show that you will be given praise and honor and glory when Jesus Christ returns.

Beyond Belief

“We’re content to pitch our tent
When the glory’s evident
Seldom do we know the glory came and went

Moving can seem dangerous
In this stranger’s pilgrimage
Knowing that you can’t stand still, you cross the bridge

Leap of faith without a net
Makes us want to hedge our bet
Waters never part until our feet get wet

There’s a higher place to go, beyond belief, beyond belief
Where we reach the next plateau, beyond belief, beyond belief”

This song is a great reminder to me to live by faith, not by sight. Because, after all, He’s got this…

Philippians 1:6
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

 

The Gift of Peace

I came across this devotional and read it to our family during our recent vacation. Thought I’d share it here with you today as well.

Winning peace: Real peace is not won by avoiding or denying conflict. Conflict may be necessary to achieve peace. That’s why Jesus Christ fought and defeated the Enemy of our souls, freeing us to live at peace with God. “For he himself is our peace, who has … destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). No wonder the angels proclaimed “on earth peace to men” upon Jesus’ arrival in the manger (Luke 2:14).   

Receiving peace: Jesus told His disciples that He gives peace of a different quality than the world gives (John 14:27). The world can achieve a temporary absence of conflict through a change in circumstances. But lasting peace is received as a free gift from the One who defeated death and sin. It is not something we can obtain through our own efforts, nor something that can be taken away by life’s difficulties or conflicts. In Jesus’ words: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Experiencing peace: We can, however, rob ourselves of the peace that Christ offers. That’s why we are commanded to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15). How? By replacing anxiety with prayer and thankfulness. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” The result? “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Click the link above or click here to read more. You’ll find some key points and additional readings to go along with this topic.

There is nothing like the peace of God! It can get you through anything and keeps you steady when the waves of the world might otherwise toss you around. It’s available to you at no cost – the price has already been paid. What an amazing gift.

Have a great day.

Hero

This post is dedicated to my hero.

He found a way to love me when no one else possibly could.

He’s shown me the difference between right and wrong.

He’s always forgiven me when I’ve messed up.

He’s been everything to me when I’ve had nothing.

He’s picked me up when I’ve fallen.

He’s given me peace when I’ve had none.

He’s never left me…no matter what the circumstances have been.

He is all of these things and more, and continues to be because he was selfless and accepted an undeserved death so that I might live.

Anyone out there looking for a hero? Looking for an example of humility, grace, kindness, decency, mercy, dedication, and unconditional love?

Listen to this song. Read the words on the screen. I hope you’ll have found one after you do that.

‘With love He gave His life so we could be free.’

#ThankYouJesus

Victory

‘But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’
-1 Corinthians 15:57