Where Is My Hope?

Something was revealed to me last week. It has to do with hope. We all have hopes.
Hope can keep us going. Hope can lead to joy. Hope can keep us focused on the positive
side of life. But what about when our hopes are dashed? When they are taken away? Last
week we received some news regarding my husband's health that was not at all what we
expected. We had HOPE that he would be scheduled for a procedure that HOPEFULLY would
lead him on to healing. We had HOPE that the doctor would give us a date to look forward to
for that procedure. HOPE in a date, a doctor, and the human body to heal. But the news we got
did not include a date or a procedure, or the promise of healing. As we were processing this
new and startling information, it occurred to me all of our HOPE was in earthly things. Yes,
we still feel that God has His hand in all this and our faith remains strong, but our HOPE needed
to be focused on Christ; on His power, His mercies, His wisdom, and His healing. We
refocused our perception of the prognosis to include a view through this lens. Our HOPE is
JESUS no matter what our circumstances are. Our joy comes from Him and that never changes.
He is all we ever need. Merry Christmas and may His blessings of HOPE abound in your life
throughout the new year. Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored.

Salvation and Strength...It's December!

To say this is a busy season doesn't begin to cover what's really on our minds.
Time is precious, deadlines impose pressure, and demands are high from family,
friends, and work. Where does that leave us with regards to salvation and strength?
Isaiah 30:15 says, "This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says:
'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.' "
So there you have it! Even now, even during possibly the busiest season of our year,
these words are still true. God's sovereignty and promises don't stop, give out or end
just because we're busy. It is IN those promises, IN our repentance, IN quietness and
trust that we can get through whatever this or any season holds for us. Find a bit of
time for repentance...rest...quietness...and trust and let those be your focus this busy
season. Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored as you walk in the Light of our
newborn Savior.

Decisions Decisions

Each year I choose a verse from Scripture that becomes something familiar to me as I
read it, reread it, even memorize it if I get ambitious. This verse becomes a source of
comfort and a familiar refuge whenever I need it. Often the verse makes itself known
to me as I'm studying or reading a devotion and the choice seems to be made for me.
This year I'm having difficulties; not because nothing is presenting itself to me but
because MANY verses are speaking to me. Here they are: From 2 Samuel 22:31: "As for
God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all those who
take refuge in Him." Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with
confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Then last but not least, 1 Chronicles 16:11 says, "Look to the Lord and his strength.
Seek his face always." The Lord is a shield. He gives us mercy and grace. We can tap
into his strength. All wonderful thoughts and promises. I want to claim every one of them!
Maybe this year I will have to have 3 verses. That will really tax my memorizing techniques!
Find what speaks to you for 2017. If it's not in the Bible, it's not worth remembering! Walk
in the Light this week as you are blessed by the Lord and highly favored.