by pastor cecil
Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 1:57 amHOPE!
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God(s) love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Back during my college days I was carrying a heavy load. We had two children at the time. I was working 48 hours each week and carry a full college load of 18 hours. It just seemed as if there was never enough time to study and prepare. When I took a test I always HOPED I would get a passing grade. (I finally graduated!)
The word hope is an interesting word in scripture. It is the Greek word elpis. It means a joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation. That means when we read passages with the word hope, it is not a stab in the dark and wistfully hoping it will come out okay. It is the strong and confident assurance that our home is an eternal home. This world is going to pass away and what we do for Christ is the most vital task we can accomplish.
Read Romans 5:1-5 once again. In fact, read it over and over. Allow Him to show you that He knows your needs far better than you do and you can place your hope in Him with confidence!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
- - - Pastor Cecil
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God(s) love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Back during my college days I was carrying a heavy load. We had two children at the time. I was working 48 hours each week and carry a full college load of 18 hours. It just seemed as if there was never enough time to study and prepare. When I took a test I always HOPED I would get a passing grade. (I finally graduated!)
The word hope is an interesting word in scripture. It is the Greek word elpis. It means a joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation. That means when we read passages with the word hope, it is not a stab in the dark and wistfully hoping it will come out okay. It is the strong and confident assurance that our home is an eternal home. This world is going to pass away and what we do for Christ is the most vital task we can accomplish.
Read Romans 5:1-5 once again. In fact, read it over and over. Allow Him to show you that He knows your needs far better than you do and you can place your hope in Him with confidence!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
- - - Pastor Cecil