Tag Archives: Hope

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 10: The Best is Still Coming

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It may be the best year or the worst year, but no matter how it stacks up, we’re guaranteed the best is still coming. This brings us to the 10th of our 10 rock-solid promises.

10. The best is still coming.

2 Corinthians 4 says, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

What we go through today is only temporary and a better day is coming.

The first 10 days of this year may have been the best you’ve ever experienced, but there is something better coming.

2024 may mark the worse start to a year you’ve ever had. If so, something better is coming.

What’s coming is Heaven, and as 2 Corinthians 4 says, Heaven will outweigh all the temporary struggles we have. Scripture gives a glimpse of what this will look like.

John records, “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’

And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’ And then he said to me, ‘Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:3-5).

No matter how this year shapes up, we’re assured something better is coming. Scripture assures Heaven awaits.

Thanks for reading, and talk again tomorrow at 6 a.m.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 9: We Are Not Alone

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There may be times in 2024 when we feel isolated, but Scripture provides a rock-solid promise this is not the case.

9. We are not alone.

This is a twofold promise.

The Lord is always with us.

  • “Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me” (Psalm 118:7).
  • “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth” Psalm 121:2).
  • Hebrews 13:6 says, “So we can say with confidence, ‘My help comes from the Lord, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

We have one another.

Peter reminds us all believers are going through the same thing. “Be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So, after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:9-10).

We can rely on one another. We can ask one another for help. We’re certainly not on this journey of life alone.

Cling to this rock-solid promise if you experience feelings of isolation or loneliness this year.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll talk again tomorrow at 6 a.m.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 8: Lord Helps With Tough Decisions

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Hard decisions seem to always present themselves in life. You and I are put in between a rock and a hard spot. No matter what we decide we feel something is lost. The Lord offers this rock-solid promise for these moments.

8. The Lord will help with those tough decisions.

Scripture promises…

  • Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
  • Proverbs 16:9 remarks, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
  • James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

When tough decisions come, remember, the Lord will help you decide. This is a rock-solid promise we can carry through 2024 and beyond.

Thanks for reading, and please share this post.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 7: The Lord Will Help With Heart Break

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Heart break is unavoidable as we go through life, so you and I may experience a broken heart this year. I certainly hope our year doesn’t include heart break. I don’t have it on my list of wanted experiences, but if it occurs, Scripture promises the Lord will help.

7. The Lord will help us with heart break.

Psalm 34:18 promises, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

If you land in a season of broken heartedness this year, you can rely on the Lord to help. He will walk with you through that time and into a better season.

Thanks for reading. Please share. We’ll talk again tomorrow at 6 a.m. Eastern.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 5: The Lord Ensures Our Needs Are Met

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Perhaps one of the major contributors to our anxiety is concern about having enough. Enough money to pay this month’s rent; enough time to get everything done. Enough resources to meet our needs. Start looking at the bank statement and our schedules, and our anxiety level raises. The Lord has a rock-solid promise for these moments.

5. The Lord will ensure our needs are met.

 “I will ensure your needs are met,” the Lord assures us.

In Matthew 6, Jesus points to the birds, and reminds us they do not worry about having enough food, yet they always have plenty. He points to the flowers and reminds us they do not worry about their appearance, yet they are always beautiful. Verse 33 reminds us as we seek after the Lord, he ensures all of our needs are met as well. The Lord promises we do not have to worry about having enough; he will make sure we do.

So, as you begin to ask, “Will there be enough,” remember, the Lord says he has our back.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 3: We Can Ask for Help with Confidence

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Life will pull us in many directions this year. Most likely, you and I will find ourselves needing help on more than one occasion. So, here is another rock-solid promise to which we can hold tightly.

3. We can ask for help with confidence.

We can ask for help in any and every situation, and we are assured the Lord understands. According to the rock-solid promise of Hebrews 4, the Lord will respond with mercy and grace.

Hebrews 4:16 encourages, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

No matter where we find ourselves, or what we are forced to deal with, remember, we can ask for help, and the Lord will graciously respond.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 2: The Lord Always Helps Us

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Here is the 2nd of 10 rock-solid promises to which we can cling in 2024 and beyond.

2. The Lord will always be there to help us.

Since he is not leaving us, the Lord will always be there to help us.

  • “Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me” (Psalm 118:7).
  • “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth” Psalm 121:2).
  • Hebrews 13:6 says, “So we can say with confidence, ‘My help comes from the Lord, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

No matter where we find ourselves, the Lord is always willing to help us. So, as the trials and struggles of today and the year emerge, remember, we can rely on the Lord for help.

Thanks for reading. We’ll be here tomorrow with promise 3.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

The Year In Review: A simple Guide for Christians

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As 2023draws to a close, it’s natural for us to take a moment and reflect on the journey we’ve traveled. For Christians, this reflection is more than just reminiscing about the past; it’s an opportunity to look back with gratitude, learn from experiences, and set our sights on the future with hope.

Look Back With Gratitude

First and foremost, let’s focus on gratitude. As Christians, we believe that every good and perfect gift comes from God. Take a moment to think about the blessings, big and small, that have filled your life this past year. Maybe it’s the support of friends and family, the strength to face challenges, or the joy found in everyday moments. Give thanks for these gifts, acknowledging God’s faithfulness in providing for you.

Learn From Experiences

Next, consider the lessons learned. Life is a journey of growth, and each experience, whether positive or challenging, has something to teach us. Reflect on the times you faced difficulties and how you overcame them. Think about the moments of joy and what they revealed about the goodness of God. What lessons can you carry into the coming year to grow even stronger in your faith and character?

Set Our Sights on the Future With Hope

Now, turn your gaze towards the future with hope. The Bible tells us that God has plans for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). As you reflect on the year ending, consider how God might be guiding you into the next chapter of your life. What dreams and aspirations has He placed in your heart? Trust that His promises are true and that the new year holds opportunities for growth, purpose, and joy.

In conclusion, reflecting on the ending year is a simple yet powerful practice for Christians. It allows us to express gratitude, learn from our experiences, and approach the future with hope. As you bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, may your heart be filled with thanksgiving, wisdom, and the assurance that God’s plans for you are filled with hope and purpose.

Thanks for reading.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Navigating Post-Christmas Blues: 3 Suggestions for Overcoming

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As the holiday lights dim and the festive tunes fade away, it’s not uncommon to experience post-Christmas blues. The return to routine and the end of the holiday season can bring feelings of melancholy, but there’s solace and hope to be discovered because of Christ.

Here are 3 suggestions to help overcome this struggle.

  1. Redirect your focus towards the enduring message of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ. Amidst the post-holiday lull, take moments to reflect on the profound significance of God sending His Son to bring everlasting hope and salvation to the world. Revisit the Nativity story from the Bible, attend church services, and let the enduring love of Christ be a source of comfort and inspiration during this quieter time.
  2. Reconnect with your faith community as a means of overcoming the post-Christmas slump. Seek out opportunities to share the joy of the season with fellow believers. Engage in post-holiday gatherings, participate in acts of kindness, and relish the support and camaraderie of your church family. Building on the bonds formed during Christmas can help extend the warmth and unity into the new year.
  3. Consider introducing new traditions that align with your faith to maintain a sense of purpose. Incorporate prayerful practices into your routine, such as reflective journaling or scripture reading. These rituals can offer a spiritual foundation and guide you through the post-Christmas period with renewed purpose and connection to your Christian beliefs.

If you find yourself grappling with post-holiday blues, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Share your thoughts and feelings with trusted friends, family, or members of your church community. Acknowledge that it’s okay to feel this way and that there are caring individuals ready to lend a listening ear.

As the decorations come down and the holiday cheer subsides, let the enduring love and hope found in your faith be a beacon of light to guide you through the post-Christmas blues. Embrace the peace that comes from knowing the transformative message of Christmas remains a constant source of comfort throughout the entire year.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

He Landed the Part

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Leon was the innkeeper. He was so excited to have finally landed the part, and he practiced for weeks. He had his lines – well, line – perfect.

“There’s no room in the inn,” is all Leon had to say, but Leon became so emotionally involved in the part and the Christmas story that he added a few lines.

There’s no room in the inn,” he said, “but Jesus you can have my room. Jesus, you can have it all!”

Leon may have messed up a little, but his extra lines inspire a question. How well do we allow Jesus to have everything?

From the worries surrounding our finances to the burden of guilt for yesterday’s mistakes, do we allow Jesus to have it all?

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light,” (Matthew 11:28-30(.

Merry Christmas! I hope you have a joyous celebration today.