Skip to main content

ABOUNDING IN HOPE

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope,” Romans 15:13 ESV. What a beautiful portrait of the life of faith Paul paints for us in this verse. He describes a life of “joy and peace in believing” instead of the frustration and worry that so often characterizes the experience of many sincere Christians. The key is in the phrase “by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Spiritual growth must be a work of the Spirit, not pride-filled, religious works of the flesh. Turning our spiritual progress over the Holy Spirit allows us to “abound in hope” rather than setting ourselves up for failure. Rather than blaming others for our lack of progress or comparing ourselves with the successes and failures of others, we learn to trust the guidance of the Spirit and Word to form us. LORD of Hope, help me to trust Your timing and ways.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

INSIDE OUT

A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
Post a Comment
Read more

THE LORD IS ONE

Usage of the phrases “My God” and “Our God” in songs and conversations among believers has gone far afield from the Biblical context in which they were used. These seemingly innocent attempts to describe our relationship with Elohim must only be spoken with keen Scriptural understanding: “I am the Lord, there is no other, apart from me there is no God.” Plain and simple, to even imply that He is but one choice among many is fundamentally false. In a world of increasing polytheism we must be clear, the LORD is One, He stands alone as King of the Universe, Creator of All Things. Holy LORD, let my life declare boldly, You Alone are Almighty God. 
Post a Comment
Read more

HEARTBREAKS

Every soul experiences heartbreaks. Heartaches accumulate and develop tentacles that reach deep into our whole being. Particularly painful is the regret associated with perceived failures. Heartbreaks, failures and the remorse they foster do us no good unless they become motivation for learning, change and growth. People often let heartbreaks simmer too long which leads to hardening of the heart, but heartaches placed into the Master’s hands become pathways for spiritual progress. Lord, You make all things new. I’m joyfully growing, one heartache at a time. Use me as healing balm to others whose hearts are broken. 
Post a Comment
Read more