Hope Was Born

 

Isaiah 35:10

"And those the Lord has rescued will return.

They will enter Zion with singing;

Everlasting joy will crown their heads.

Gladness and joy will overtake them.

and sorrow and sighing will flee away."

Anne Graham Lotz wrote these words in her book, "The Joy of My Heart": "The hope that was born that night continues to radiate down through the years until it envelops your heart and mine."

I like that. "Envelops your heart and mind." To be completely engulfed by God. That's what happens to us when we accept Jesus. God's Hope rests in us and will be with us through this life and all eternity. His Hope never gives up. It continually reaches you and me to find rest in our hearts.

Enduringword.com on Isaiah 35:10: "The miraculous power of Jesus comes to change us, heal us, and provide for us. That isn't the end of God's work though; He then goes on to make a 'highway of holiness' that the transformed man can walk on. The highway would be helpful to one who was barren, dry, blind, deaf, weak, and crippled; but when the highway is provided for the one who is healed and provided for as we are in Jesus, the blessing is even more amazing."

John 3:6

"Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."

In her book, "Fixing My Eyes on Jesus," Lotz wrote: "What happen to Mary physically happens to you and me spiritually When you and I place our faith in Jesus Christ and invite Him to come live within us, the Holy Spirit overshadows us and the spiritual life of Jesus is born within us."

I've never really thought of it that way. The Holy Spirit overshadows us just like He did to Mary.

Luke 1:35: "The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the Holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.'" And we are called God's children.

Godsbless.ing, John 3:6: "This verse encapsulates the Christian belief that through our rebirth in the Holy Spirit, we become children of God and are granted the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. It highlights the transformative power of spiritual rebirth, where our old selves are renewed, and we become part of God's family. This rebirth signifies a deep and personal connection with God, bringing about a life filled with purpose, hope, and the assurance of salvation.

"Have you ever pondered on the idea of being born again in the Spirit? What does it mean to you to inherit eternal life through Christ? This verse invites us to reflect on the profound impact of our spiritual rebirth and the eternal hope that it brings. It reminds us of the incredible gift of salvation offered to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Let the transformative power of  od's love and the promise of an eternal inheritance awaiting us in the presence of our Savior remind us as we meditate on this verse."

Hope was born. Hope lives today. Hope never dies. Hope is forever. And we, God's children, live in this Hope.

By His Grace . . .

One Life

 This post was first published in December 2024. I like the message. Let's be one life for Christ now and always.

"The testimony of one life lived for Christ is powerful! One life cleansed through faith in the blood of Jesus. One life that confesses, 'Jesus is Lord.' One life that has the courage to stand for godly convictions in the midst of moral compromise. One life that tells the truth. One life that lives the truth. One life that lifts high the Light! You can be that one life!" Anne Graham Lott, The Joy of My Heart

Are you that one life? The one who stands for Christ and sings His praises? The one who studies His Word and seeks the those who are lost? The one who believes completely and has a deep-settled confidence that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world?

I want to me that one life! I want to shine bright for Christ so others can see His glory by what I do. I fail miserably. Yet, just knowing it is obtainable and having the desire to do it, even when I fail, keeps me pressing on.

This month as we celebrate His birth and focus our attention on all He has done for us, remember you are one who believes and let it shine within your life. 

You are one life. Your one life can make a difference. Even if you are hurting this Christmas season, your heart will be encouraged if you'll reach out to someone else to encourage them.

Be that one life! Shine for Jesus! Tell the world He is your Savior, and you are celebrating Him. Bring joy to your heart and to others as we walk through this Christmas season. 

By His Grace . . .

Who Can You Encourage?

This week, when you attend worship services at your church, go to work, volunteer at a local establishment, whether you are excited about the coming Christmas celebrations or hurting and discouraged about the festivities to come, look around and you will see someone whose heart needs encouraging. There are always people who are hurting at this season of the year.

Bring with you an extra baked treat, your smile, or an invitation to Christmas Eve festivities or Christmas dinner. Even a small inexpensive gift, wrapped beautifully, will delight a hurting someone.

Can you recall a time when you were hurting and discouraged, and someone came up to you and offered cheer? I sure do! And it was that invitation to Christmas dinner, and that invitation to attend Christmas Eve services, and that delicious homemade treat that helped me through hard Christmases.

The heart of Christmas is giving, and the most perfect gift is Jesus. He comes in many forms, and is always perfect. Your hands are His to share!

So look around you this year, at coworkers, neighbors, friends, check out workers at your favorite store, and give that special touch to light the heart of someone.

As I've encouraged you to give that special touch, I'll be doing the same thing this week to those who need a touch of God's encouragement. And while you're at it, how about a special note, or a friendly word to your pastor who stands before you every week and teaches God's Word. Each Sunday I'm filled with God's truth, knowing my pastor has studied and prayed about the message he brings.

Turn up your Christmas music, write that encouraging note, bake that delicious treat, make that cheerful telephone call, and make Christmas a happier time for someone else. You have the best gift of all in your heart. Share it with someone with a smile!

 

"Encouragement is oxygen to the soul."

George M. Adams, 1878-1962

By His Grace . . .