Jesus is the Hope of the World

HOPE

Hope is defined as, “a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen.”

In what or in whom have you placed your hope?

Your own abilities

Your health

Your finances

Your strength

Another person?

How has that worked out for you so far?

The trouble with these things is that, first, most of them are self-reliant. And, second, they’re all of this world. When we rely only on what we are able to do or we rely on another human being, they will inevitably fail us.

But, what if I told you that their is someone who you can put your full faith and trust in who will never let you down?

We read in Hebrews 13:5 “5 ...God has said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.””

This is right after Paul gives instructions for Godly living.

You see, God had a plan for the salvation of the world before He set the very foundations of it. He knew that we’d turn from Him to our own selfish ways. Yet He made us anyway! That’s love!

We read about it in what is arguably the most famous, the most used and the most memorized verse in the Bible, John 3:16-21 “16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”

Jeremiah 29:11 “11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

PRAYER

Let us pray...

Whatever you are carrying...

Whatever hurt you are holding onto...

Open your hands, and visualize letting all those things go…giving them to God.

Create space, right now, for God to speak with you...

HONOR GOD

Psalm 12:6 “6 The words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.”

Ask: What amazes you about God’s character? (Tell what amazes you)

Prayer: (Thank God for His promises)

MY CONCERNS

Psalm 121:1-2 “1 I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Sit with this verse for a few minutes and meditate on it.

(Pray to God and let Him know where you need help)

Proverbs 3:3 “3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”

God, thank you for guiding me. I’m so grateful that I don’t have to navigate life on my own. As I wake up each morning, I ask that I will be overwhelmed by your perfect peace. I trust that no matter what, You will order my steps. In Jesus name. Amen!

Philippians 4:8 “8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

God, thank you for caring about my mind. I need to focus on things that are life-giving and good, and I ask for your help as I choose to refocus my thoughts. Remind me of what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and praiseworthy - and help me to ponder these things. Whenever I find my mind wandering, let it wander toward You, not away from You. In Jesus name. Amen!

Psalm 55:22 “22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

God, thank you for holding onto me. I don’t ever have to fear the future because You go with me at all times. Lord, You know what is on my heart and mind - nothing is hidden from You. But today, I actively choose to cast all my cares and concerns onto You, because I need You and I know You can handle it. Here I am Lord, please come and rescue me. In Jesus name. Amen!

Pastor: God, there is no one besides You. You are the only one who is holy and worthy of our praise. Thank you for being our Rock and the firm foundation we can build our lives upon. We are grateful that You are always faithful, never changing, and the one we can put our trust in. We love You! In Jesus name. Amen!