Optimism – Half Full

Yesterday we were “on the road again”. Seems this has been the theme song of our lives for the past twenty plus years. When Dave and I lived in north Idaho we traveled a couple times a month to farm and ranch auctions, searching for treasures. Then fifteen years ago we began producing western memorabilia antique and collectible tradeshows. Once again, we were on the road, traveling hundreds of miles.

Now that we have settled in Arizona our truck takes us up and down the interstate as we search for a different kind of treasure – it’s the treasure we find in visiting with our grown children, grandchildren and my ninety-seven year old mother. These are the treasures we hold most dear.

With all the travels, I am still amazed that we find something new in the scenery on the roads that we have driven dozens of times before. It would seem to some that these excursions would become boring and mundane but there is always something, something new, that catches our attention.

That’s how it is for me when I read the Bible. No matter how many times I read a chapter or one of the parables that Jesus tells or read about Moses, Abraham, David, Daniel, Peter and Paul there always seems to be something new. God’s word is living and although it never changes, its application to my life’s situations is constantly evolving and bringing me new strength.

Our heavenly Father’s ability to see “new things” is amazing. Before mankind was created and the world was infected by sin He saw what would happen and made a way for redemption and reconciliation. His plan would restore the relationship that man dissolved.

God, the Father, and Jesus were/are the ultimate optimists!

They see us as new creatures in Christ – we are forgiven, sins blotted out and created in their image. Look at these verses and see the fullness that God has blessed us with.

“I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. 10 And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 ERV

” I want them to be strengthened and joined together with love and to have the full confidence that comes from understanding. I want them to know completely the secret truth that God has made known. That truth is Christ himself.” Colossians 2:2 ERV

“And we have a great priest who rules the house of God. 22 Sprinkled with the blood of Christ, our hearts have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. So come near to God with a sincere heart, full of confidence because of our faith in Christ. 23 We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what he promised.” Hebrews 10:21-23 ERV

Abraham was fully persuaded that God was able to keep His promises and we need to be too.

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Romans 4:20-21 ERV

The feelings of inferiority, low self-esteem and lack of confidence come because someone has told us that we are lacking. We adopt a mindset of being half empty. But when we come to Christ He fills our lives with everything new. Not half empty and not half full. It’s important that we see we are new. We are filled completely with His presence.

Fully persuaded, full of confidence, full of faith, full of hope – God lives fully in us!

Take Time to Pray

Did you know there will be a prayer march in Washington D.C. today? Franklin Graham will lead a prayer march from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building with several stopping places along the way for specific prayer.

I ask you to take time, whereever you are, to join in prayer with those in Washington.

If you’re like me, you have been praying for this Nation and our leadership for many months now. We are commanded to pray for those in authority.

“First of all, I ask you to pray much for all men and to give thanks for them. Pray for kings and all others who are in power over us so we might live quiet God-like lives in peace. It is good when you pray like this. It pleases God Who is the One Who saves. He wants all people to be saved from the punishment of sin. He wants them to come to know the truth.” I Timothy 2:1-4 NLV

I don’t pray for one political party or another, nor do I pray just for the President. I pray for all members of Congress, the Supreme Court, Governors and local judges. I simply pray that all of our leaders will make just and righteous decisions; decisions that please and honor God as the founders of our nation intended.

And then I pray that we all honor the Lord with our actions and our words. How often do we pray for others to change but first and foremost we must be willing to conform to the person God has called us to be.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17 NLT

Some think of prayer as an action of last resort – a cry of desparation. That it can be! However, I see prayer as a time to talk with my Father telling Him my concerns and seeking His direction and answers. I’ve found it’s much better to get His direction instead of begging Him to get me out of a mess.

“‘Call to Me, and I will answer you. And I will show you great and wonderful things which you do not know.’” Jeremiah 33:3 NLV

Will you join me today in praying for our Nation? Let’s follow the instruction of the Apostle Paul and “Pray without ceasing”.

AMEN!

Good News!

Sitting here this morning, there are so many things on my mind and in my heart. Praying for my children and grandchildren, friends who need direction, healing for the friends of friends and for our nation and our government and those who rule our land. So many things around us are going contrary to what Jesus said was the kingdom of heaven and what God has designed for us.

Jesus also lived in a troubled world. The governmental rule was anti-God. The Romans, who ruled over the nation of Israel, preached Caesar as god and his word as infallible. They were living in political slavery when Jesus was born. I find it interesting that God, the Father, didn’t use Jesus to rescue the Jews from the Romans in a similar way that he used Moses to rescue the Jews from the Egyptians.

Jesus went through all the towns and villages preaching the good news of the kingdom of heaven and with that message he demonstrated the power of God by doing miracles.

“Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages. He taught in their synagogues and told people the Good News about God’s kingdom. He healed all kinds of diseases and sicknesses. 36 Jesus saw the many people and felt sorry for them because they were worried and helpless—like sheep without a shepherd to lead them. 37 Jesus said to his followers, “There is such a big harvest of people to bring in. But there are only a few workers to help harvest them. 38 God owns the harvest. Ask him to send more workers to help gather his harvest.” Matthew 9:35 – 38 ERV

He also sent out his disciples, preaching the same message and they too, did the same miracles.

“As you go, announce that the kingdom of heaven will soon be here. [d] 8Heal the sick, raise the dead to life, heal people who have leprosy, [e] and force out demons. You received without paying, now give without being paid.” Matthew 10:7-8 ERV

In Peter’s preaching he gave this testimony of Jesus and his ministry.

“You surely know what happened everywhere in Judea. It all began in Galilee after John had told everyone to be baptized. 38 God gave the Holy Spirit and power to Jesus from Nazareth. He was with Jesus, as he went around doing good and healing everyone who was under the power of the devil. 39 We all saw what Jesus did both in Israel and in the city of Jerusalem. Jesus was put to death on a cross. 40 But three days later, God raised him to life and let him be seen. 41 Not everyone saw him. He was seen only by us, who ate and drank with him after he was raised from death. We were the ones God chose to tell others about him.” Acts 10: 37-41. ERV

But the corruption of the government was always on Jesus disciples’ minds and they wondered when Jesus would take control and change things. Here are Jesus last words to his disciples.
“While the apostles were still with Jesus, they asked him, “Lord, are you now going to give Israel its own king again?” 7Jesus said to them, “You don’t need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls. 8But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.” 9After Jesus had said this and while they were watching, he was taken up into a cloud. They could not see him, 10but as he went up, they kept looking up into the sky.” Acts 1:6-9 ERV

Today, many are asking the same thing. When, Lord, are you going to do something about our government and those in power? Things are not good that is for certain! But we are hopeful and can trust that God knows the day and the hour. Until then, Jesus final command to the disciples is for us as well. We receive power from the Holy Spirit and are to be witnesses in our home town (Jerusalem), in our country (Judea), to our neighboring countries (Samaria) and then into the whole world. And what are we to preach – the same thing the disciples did. The kingdom of heaven is at hand and we can minister with the same power and authority that they had.

Let’s go and share the good news!

Mending Fences

A number of years ago, I had the privilege to preach the funeral of a dear friend. This old cowboy had lived a good life but not always a godly life. In fact, it wasn’t until a couple years before he died that I had the opportunity to lead him to Jesus. How special it was to know that God’s love had touched this man’s life and that he accepted Jesus as his Savior.

Dave and I made the trip from Montana to Nebraska for the celebration of his life. I remember asking him just a few days before he died if he was ready to see Jesus and he responded with a resounding “Yes, I just didn’t think it would be this soon.”

When we arrived, we stopped at the mortuary to meet his family. His favorite saddle was positioned at the end of the casket and tied to the saddle was a pair of fencin’ pliers. It made me wonder, how many times he must have used those as he rode fence and checked on the cattle.

How many times have I needed a pair of spiritual fencin’ pliers? How many times have I needed to have the lines around me pulled tight and secured once again to a strong post? How many times have I tried to grab a loose strand of wire with my hands and been stuck on the barbs?

“These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours. 19 This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe.” Hebrews 6:18-19

To me, hope is like a pair of fencin’ pliers. A good fence keeps out predators, the fence provides safety. We need to hold tightly to the hope that God gives us in His Word. The hope that His Word brings keeps us secure and safe.

One thing I remarked on at Derald’s funeral was that there was no need for mending fences in heaven. The work is done. All pastures are safe, nothing harmful will break through. Those of us that remain here are the ones who have the responsibility to watch for downed fences and broken wires. We can help keep others safe by sharing God’s word and our faith in His promises.

God can’t lie. Trust His Word, He will keep us safe and sure.

Excellent Advice!

When Dave and I purchased our home in Montana the current owner gave me some excellent advice – words I still remember. You see, we moved to the Beaverhead Valley from north Idaho where the climate was more temperate.

She took me to the big picture window and said, “There will be days this winter when you look out these windows and you won’t see a thing except for blowing white. You’ll hear the wind howl and you’ll think that you’re going to be snowed in for the rest of the winter. Don’t panic! Just wait…wait about thirty minutes. The wind will die down and then you will be able to go outside once again.”

I put those words to good use that winter. “Don’t panic. Just wait.” Sure enough it was just as she said. The longest I ever had to wait was forty-five minutes and the wind would subside and the blizzard was over. We lived in a big log home with a great wood-burning stove and we were safe and warm. No need to panic.

I’ve applied those words to many of life’s circumstances, the current one we are going through is no exception.

Jesus said the same thing to his disciples:

“Amazing things will happen to the sun, moon, and stars. And people all over the earth will be upset and confused by the noise of the sea and its crashing waves. 26 They will be afraid and worried about what will happen to the world. Everything in the sky will be changed. 27 Then people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to happen, stand up tall and don’t be afraid. Know that it is almost time for God to free you!” Luke 21:25-28 ERV

His disciples had asked Jesus about the end of times. A lot had been written in the Old Testament about this. Jesus told them to watch for the signs but He also told them they didn’t need to be afraid. I can hear the words of Jesus more clearly than I heard the words of Mrs. McGinley. “Don’t panic…just wait!”

There will be a time when life on this earth will end. I believe that because God said it will. But that’s no reason to fear. It is a reason to be prepared. The Lord will return for those of us who have accepted Him as our Savior and He will take us to heaven. Those that remain here on the earth will face terrible and devastating events.

God is loving and gracious. He is giving everyone the opportunity to come into relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.

“The Lord is not being slow in doing what he promised—the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be lost. He wants everyone to change their ways and stop sinning.

10 But the day when the Lord comes again will surprise everyone like the coming of a thief…” II Peter 3:9-10a ERV

How wonderful is that? God is patient and He doesn’t want anyone to be lost! The good news – everyone has been invited to have a new life in Christ, a life that brings forgiveness and reconciliation with God, the Father.

Don’t panic! Just wait and it will all be over soon.

Traveling Home

This morning I am thinking about and praying for those family and friends who will be traveling home. We’ve been gone from our home for the last ten days. It’s been fun but it will be nice to pull into our own driveway and unlock the door to “Home”.

To quote Dorothy “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home”.

When we come to faith in Christ we receive a new citizenship. It’s not of this world. We receive a heavenly residence, a place our Father has prepared for us. We are given a new home.

“There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back. Then I will take you with me, so that you can be where I am.” John 14:2-3 ERV

Is it any wonder that sometimes we get weary with this life? Feeling like we don’t belong? Longing for home?

Abraham gives us an example of how to stay strong and focused while we are waiting to go home. He was seventy-five years old when he left the country of his birth. He traveled with his wife, his nephew and his servants.

“So Abram left Haran just like the Lord said, and Lot went with him. Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the slaves, and all the other things he had gotten in Haran. Then he and his group moved to the land of Canaan.” Genesis 12:4-5 ERV

God saw in Abraham something He didn’t see in others, faithfulness. When God spoke Abraham listened and obeyed. He went to a new land where God blessed him abundantly. He had a son, promised to him by God, when he was ninety-nine years old. He became a man of prominence and wealth. The land where the Lord led him is what is referred to in the Bible as the Promised Land or as we know it today Israel.

But somehow Abraham knew in his heart that this new land wasn’t his home either. It was just a temporary residence.

“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. 10 Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.” Hebrews 11:8-10 NLT

Abraham was looking forward to a heavenly home. The place where he could live with God. I am so looking forward to that day – the day of being in the heavenly home that God has prepared for us.

But until that day comes I will keep moving forward here, building relationships and telling others about Jesus and the home that they can have with Him. The Apostle Paul refers to us as ambassadors for Christ. An ambassador is the representative of a country living in a foreign land. We have ambassadors living in embassies all across the world. They represent the United States of America and are backed by US authority. We are here representing the will of the Father and we too have authority, we have His authority.

“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” II Corinthians 5:19-21 NLT

So, if today has you traveling, don’t become weary. Realize you are just one day closer to getting home!

Getting the Right Picture

Do any of you enjoy taking pictures? I look at great photography as real art. The ability to capture the beauty that is seen with the natural eye through a camera’s lens is a true gift!

We took quite a few pictures when the girls were here and the thing I realized was how quickly we had been in taking some of them. Blurry – delete. Off center – crop. No one was ready – trash. One of the advantages of digital photography is it gives us the ability to capture many images that are similar and then delete the ones we don’t like.

The true photographer is patient; waiting for the right angle, the perfect light and then they bring it all into focus! A masterpiece.

A lot of people take life the same way – hurry up and click. Snap, snap, snap. Delete, trash it, do over. Or they spent their lives taking selfies and never learn to include the beauty of the people around them.

With a Christ-centered focus, we can zoom in on what’s important. Bring the tiniest of details up close and appreciate the intricate design – the design of health, friendship, innocence, honesty, joy, patience, love.

This reminds me of the story Jesus told of the Good Samaritan. The priest and the Levi were too busy taking selfies to be concerned with the hurting of the man who had been robbed but the Samaritan zoomed in, focused on the situation and saw the beauty of caring for someone other than himself.

“The next day, the Samaritan took out two silver coins and gave them to the man who worked at the inn. He said, ‘Take care of this hurt man. If you spend more money on him, I will pay it back to you when I come again.’ 36 Then Jesus said, ‘Which one of these three men do you think was really a neighbor to the man who was hurt by the robbers?’ 37 The teacher of the law answered, ‘The one who helped him.’ Jesus said, “Then you go and do the same.” Luke 10:35-37 ERV

It’s important to stay focused. People and situations need to be viewed through the lens of God’s word. The Bible tells us there will be a time when people will call good evil and evil good. We see some of that happening now. Their image is out of focus – it is being processed through a filter of selfishness and disrespect.

We mustn’t allow the world to distort how we view things. Instead we need to post clear images that are focused on God’s love and forgiveness; images that will give hope to the world and not despair.

Lord, improve my focus today. Let me love my neighbor as you have loved me.

Where Do I Go?

Over the years I have had numerous friends tell me the different places they go to sense the presence of God. Some find that closeness sitting on a deserted beach, watching the waves come to the shore. Others have said that when they are sitting on the back of horse and feel its strength beneath them that they have a tangible sense of God’s presence.

And then I’ve been told that holding their sleeping child or grandchild heightens their awareness of the Father’s love. The mountains’ grandeur is a place that sparks some to focus on the greatness of our loving God.

Where do you go to find God’s presence?

As a young mother and someone who was just learning to hear God’s voice and sense His presence, my place was the clothes line. Strange as that may sound, it was my favorite place.

I remember the house so vividly. We lived on the corner lot, in a brick house with a carport and on the back patio was a laundry room with a washer and a deep sink but no dryer. At first I was disappointed to learn I would have to carry the laundry out to the backyard and pin them up on the line. To be truthful, I think I was grumbling with that first load and in my complaining I realized that I should be grateful for the clothes my family had to wear. I went from complaining to praising.

Those times at the clothes line were mine and the Lord’s. Occasionally one of the kids would come out to ask a question but no one wanted to stand out there and watch or help. It was my time – my time to have an uninterrupted conversation with my Father. I learned so much about His love and patience standing there in the sunshine and the “Sonshine”.

Let me ask again – where do you go to feel close to the Lord? It doesn’t have to be somewhere exotic or faraway. Abraham just walked outside and looked at the stars, Moses herded sheep on Mount Sinai, Peter went fishing and Paul went to prison. If we are looking for God, we WILL find Him.

“The angels were calling to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord All-Powerful. His Glory fills the whole earth.” Isaiah 6:3 ERV

Wherever we are, anywhere that we go, if we look for the Lord we will find Him. His glory, power and presence fill the whole earth. And when we look for Him, we will find that He has a life of blessing planned for us.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT

Wherever we go looking for the Father, even to the clothes line, we will find Him if we look for Him with an honest and open heart.

How Much Longer?

Are you beginning to wonder “how long can this go on”? Or perhaps you’re saying “I don’t think I can take much more”, “I just can’t do this any longer”? Well I have good news for you today!

In II Kings, chapters 6 & 7, the king of Syria (Aram) brought his army against the Israelites and they had surrounded Samaria and cut off all the food supply to the city. The situation became so grave that people in the city were eating animal dung and there were even reports of cannibalism. They were in a desparate place – hope was all but gone.

There were four lepers who were outside the city wall and they asked a question: “Why are we sitting here waiting to die? 4 There is no food in Samaria. If we go into the city, we will die there. If we stay here, we will also die. So let’s go to the Aramean camp. If they let us live, we will live. If they kill us, we will just die.” II Kings 7:3-4 ERV

How long will we sit here, until we die? It was time to do something even if it meant that they might die. They couldn’t go into the city because there was famine in the city, if they stayed where they were they would starve to death and if they went to the enemy camp they also faced the possibly of death but they had to do something. So they went.

I’ve faced some difficult situations but none have been this serious, how about you?

When the lepers got to the enemy camp they found that the army had fled and left all of their food, clothing, horses, tents and gold.

“So that evening the four lepers went to the Aramean camp. When they came to the edge of the camp, no one was there! 6 The Lord had caused the Aramean army to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a large army. So the soldiers said to each other, “The king of Israel has hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to come against us.” 7 The Arameans ran away early that evening. They left everything behind. They left their tents, horses, and donkeys and ran for their lives. 8 When these lepers came to where the camp began, they went into one tent. They ate and drank. Then they carried silver, gold, and clothes out of the camp and hid them. Then they came back and entered another tent. They carried things out from this tent and went out and hid them. 9 Then they said to each other, ‘We are doing wrong! Today we have good news, but we are silent. If we wait until the sun comes up, we will be punished. Now let’s go and tell the people who live in the king’s palace.’” II Kings 7:5-9

Through these four lepers, the outcasts of society, God provided for the whole city. They were men in a desperate situation and in that situation they saw God work a miracle for them personally and for their city.

We are told in the Book of Acts that God is no respecter of persons and He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Book of Hebrews). Now I’m not saying that we’re going to go out today and find an enemy camp with horses, clothing, food and gold but I am saying that God will provide. Our desperate situation isn’t desperate to God. He has the answer and is providing a way. One of God’s names is “Provider” and His name is a reflection of His character.

“Abraham named that place ‘The Lord Will Provide.’ And even now people say, ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.’” Genesis 22:14 CEV

“My God will use his glorious riches to give you everything you need. He will do this through Christ Jesus. 20 Glory to our God and Father forever and ever.” Philippians 4:19-20 ERV

Again, we come back to putting our hope in God. When we trust Him and follow what He calls us to do we will find Him there to help.

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

Hope!

What is hope? Well…hope isn’t crossed fingers or wishful thinking. Hope has substance, its basis is truth.

People can be hope-full or hope-less. I choose to be in the first category. Hope gives us a solid footing when the sandy beaches in life seem to be shifting.

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!” Psalm 42:5-6 NLT

A young shepherd by the name of David lived a hope-filled life. His older brothers, men of esteem, were in a hope-less situation. The armies of Israel were being taunted by a giant named Goliath. Goliath challenged Israel to send him just one man to fight, if the Israelite won then the Philistines would surrender but if he lost they would be taken captive.

You know the story. The Israelites were shaking in their boots. All but David. He went out to face the giant, his hope was in God and God delivered the giant and the Philistines into the hands of the Israelites.

The same God who filled David with hope is reaching out to us.

“And Isaiah says, ‘Someone will come from Jesse’s family. He will come to rule over the nations, and they will put their hope in him.’ 13 I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:12-13 ERV

When we put our hope in Jesus and what He has done for us we are filled with joy and peace. We can trust Him; He makes us hope-full. We aren’t operating on quarter-full or half-full hope but we can be hope-full.

“I will never give up hope or stop praising you. 15 All day long I will tell the wonderful things you do  to save your people. But you have done much more than I could possibly know. 16 I will praise you, Lord God, for your mighty deeds and your power to save.” Psalm 71:14-16 CEV

The best way I know to stay filled with hope when things seem hopeless is to recall the times when the Lord did something wonderful for you. God has a way of filling our lives with large and small blessings; these are signs of His presence and His love. These also bring hope when we are discouraged.

Following Christ does not mean an absence of problems or what appears to be “hope-less” situations. To the contrary, it’s in those situations that we can have the greatest hope. It’s there we can see God’s loving hand of deliverance and strength.

“We have been made right with God because of our faith. So we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through our faith, Christ has brought us into that blessing of God’s grace that we now enjoy. And we are very happy because of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory. And we are also happy with the troubles we have. Why are we happy with troubles? Because we know that these troubles make us more patient. And this patience is proof that we are strong. And this proof gives us hope. And this hope will never disappoint us. We know this because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts through the Holy Spirit he gave us.” Romans 5:1-5 ERV

If you are in a situation that is draining your hope, making you hope-less put your hope in God’s word, in His promises. Doing this will make you hope-full!