Hope That Does Not Disappoint

I read this devotional this morning and I am encouraged by the hope that shines through the power of love!

Hope That Does Not Disappoint

Romans 5:5 5Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Today, we express hope as if we can’t be sure what will really happen. We say, “I hope I will win that prize. I hope it won’t rain tomorrow. I hope everything works out well.” But “hope” in the Bible is a confident and positive expectation of good. God wants you to have a confident expectation of good because as His child, He favors you. Because Christ is in you, the hope of glory (Colossians1:27), you can expect the glory of God to shine into every area of your life, including your family, job, ministry, health and finances! God’s Word says, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” You may have experienced disappointed hopes, but there is a hope that does not disappoint when you are conscious of how much God loves you. It is a hope that springs from the heart of God, who loves you very much. It is interesting that the first mention of the Holy Spirit in the book of Romans is tied up with the love of God. The book of Romans is considered foundational for Christians. Could it be that the first thing the Holy Spirit wants to do is to establish in our hearts that God loves us? Many people think that the Holy Spirit has come to teach us about power. But the truth is that the Holy Spirit has come not to reveal the love for power, but the power of love! My friend, you may have just lost your job. But if you can say, “Jesus loves me this I know,” you can also say, “I believe that I will get a better job tomorrow.” Your girlfriend may have just left you for your best friend. But because you can say, “Jesus loves me this I know,” you can also say, “I’ll meet a better girl.” When you believe that God loves you, you will have a positive expectation of good. You will have a hope that does not disappoint. So be careful what you hope for because you are bound to get it!

The Wrath of God

This past Sunday our sermon was about grace and the wrath of God. I love the dichotomy presented here by the loving God we serve. God cares about what is holy, just, and right, so much so that He will NOT compromise with evil!

"Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate," says the Lord.
2 Corinthians 6:17

To be separate involves being equally yoked, using the world without loving the things the world loves, and exhibiting Christlikeness.

For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body
1 Corinthians 6:20

Isaiah 43:7 tells us that we are created to glorify Christ. 1 Corinthians 6:20 tells us that we are to glorify God in our bodies. My question to you is how do you personally glorify Christ, sharing Gods character, each and every day?

But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him
1 Corinthians 6:17

Firstfruits

This weeks Pastor's Ponderings could not have come at a more timely season of my life. I have been given the opportunity to financially support the child, Yodalis Florentino, that I have been a writing sponsor of for the past couple years. My original thought was, "No way! I have no income. I am still seeking employment. I don't have enough. My car is dying (it's not even in driving condition right now). I do want some money in savings. I am about to go on COBRA. I don't have enough." And then shortly after that, I felt a tug in my heart saying, "You have plenty. I have given you all that you have and I continue to bless you. You will be provided for." Below is a snip-it from the Pastor's Ponderings found in First Press.

I recently read of a missionary who heard a knock on the door of the hut he occupied in Africa. When he answered, he found one of the native boys holding a large fish in his hands. The boy said, "Reverend, you taught us what tithing is, so here--I've brought you my tithe." As the missionary gratefully took the fish, he questioned the young lad, "If this is your tithe, where are the other nine fish?" At this the boy beamed and said, "Oh, they're still back in the river. I'm going back to catch them now."

I too have nine more fish to go catch. I am ready to give my firstfruits to Yodalis to watch him grow and flourish, as a child of God. I am going to trust that God will continue to provide for me.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give"
Winston Churchill

Heart of Texas Triathlon #3

I completed my second triathlon this morning--a sprint tri. I was number 100, the last person to start. Ashley, who works for the race director, gave me a smiley face on my arm. She was excited for the double 0's. :)

Swim--300 meters, I cut my last swim time by 2 minutes and I actually passed one person in the pool.
Bike--12 miles
Run--2 miles, I was amazed at how fast I ran these two miles!

The triathlon was fun and I enjoyed the challenge!

Kathleen, myself, and Anna
(We run in the same club!)


I am on the far left, my running coach, John, behind myself, and then Kate, another friend from the running club.