Tag Archives: spiritual endurance

Knowing God

The Knowledge of God: Grow in the Knowledge of God, Part 2

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Growing in the Knowledge of God, Part 2

Keep on growing.

Why should we care about knowing God?  As we stated earlier in this series, knowledge of God accomplishes three things in our life as believers: (1) it establishes the moral authority and inspiration in our life, (2) it results in purposeful living, and (3) it enlightens us as to what God has given to us.

More importantly, knowledge of God puts us in position to experience the fullness of God in our lives (Eph. 3:19).  It is found in experiencing a loving and secure relationship that is not dependent on our acceptability but is based on God’s grace and mercy.

This relationship will prepare us for whatever comes our way.  With this knowledge, we will be able to not only persevere during difficult times, but also do it with joy, peace, and hope (Rom. 15:13).

What impacts our ability to grow?

There are many factors that impact our desire to grow in the knowledge of God, but I will share what I’ve heard as reasons.

Some individuals simply do not desire to learn about and experience God.  They have chosen other means to address their “spiritual curiosity”.  Their faith walk is more of a spiritual expedition than a personal connection.

Others feel that to learn more will require too much in the way of commitment.  Growing in knowledge takes time and effort. While they acknowledge regular devotional practices like prayer, scripture study, and reflection cultivate a deeper understanding of God, they feel their time is better spent elsewhere.  Their faith walk will often lack the vitality they desire because it requires a personal commitment.

What does growth feel like?

While pursuing the knowledge of God may involve connection and commitment, the driving force behind it is relationship.  If we want to know…be familiar with…understand how someone is, we spend time with them.  How do we spend our time with God?  How much time do we spend with Him?  Is it a quick “snatch-a-verse”, punctuated with an even quicker prayer?  God said, “Draw near to me and I will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

The writers of Psalms provide wonderful models for what relationship feels like.  In Psalms 91:1, the writer declares that the person who “dwells in the secret place of the Most HIGH will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”  Abide means to lodge, stop over, pass the night, or remain.

King David exclaimed in Psalms 27:4, that of all that he possessed, one thing he desired and would seek after (seek after) and that was to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life to behold the beauty of the LORD (NLT, delighting in the LORD’s perfections and meditating in His Temple).  To dwell imagines one who remains or “sits down in quiet”.

Last, but not least, is my favorite verse, Psalms 42:1-2.  “As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.  I thirst for God, the Living God.”  Long is translated in the King James Version as pants, meaning to long for or to cry.

Do we desire to abide and dwell with God? Do we pant for God?  These are just a taste of what knowledge of God offers.

How do we grow?

We grow by reading and meditating on His Word.  It is God’s Word that transforms our hearts and minds.  As we read God’s Word, which is alive and active (Heb. 4:12), our minds are renewed (Rom. 12:2).  This renewal causes us to be receptive and obedient to the things of God.  What God began at the moment of our salvation, God WILL PRODUCE in us (Phil. 1:6).

We grow through cultivating an active and robust prayer life.  Active and robust infers intentionality and priority.  Time should not be an issue when we pray.  It is prayer that will shift both our circumstances and shift us!  Our will, our perspective, and our desires (Ezek. 36:27).

The key to remember in embracing the different spiritual disciplines is to remember that the intent of the disciplines is to draw us closer to God.  That we may know Him (Phil. 3:7-10)!  We practice spiritual disciplines not out of legalism but out of gratitude for the grace that has saved us.  They are “habits of devotion” and a means of intimacy.

It is God’s will that we may know Him—up close and personal. Because of Jesus, we now have an incredible opportunity to experience His presence, and His extraordinary love.  Who would turn that opportunity down?  Not me!

Our Faith Walk

Lessons Learned in 2023: Remembering the Sankofa Bird

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It’s that Time Again

As is our tradition with WordBytes, our first teaching each new year is a reflection on the things learned in the previous year.  What have we learned as we look back on 2023?

What were the “bought lessons” learned at great expense?  What were the “taught lessons” received with meekness and humility? More importantly, how will we use the knowledge and wisdom learned to better navigate both the challenges and opportunities of 2024?

Learn from the Sankofa Bird

The Sankofa Bird is a mythical bird with its feet firmly planted forward, but its head turned back to pick up an egg from its back. This symbolizes the importance of learning from the past and bringing that knowledge with you as you move forward.

The Sankofa Bird holds various significant meanings:

    • Honoring the past: It encourages us to learn from our history, both the good and the bad. By understanding our past, we can avoid repeating mistakes and build a better future.
    • Preserving cultural heritage: Sankofa emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural traditions and values. It reminds us that our ancestors’ wisdom and knowledge are still relevant today.
    • Personal growth: On a personal level, the Sankofa Bird can represent the continuous process of self-improvement. It encourages us to reflect on our past experiences, learn from them, and use that knowledge to grow as individuals.

For this year’s “lessons learned”, we would like to offer the Sankofa Bird as a framework for sharing what we’ve learned in 2023.  It will also help to determine what things are of value moving forward into this new year and what things are “useless baggage” best left behind.

Where do I start?  Where am I headed?

I looked to previous years’ learnings to begin my list.  I asked myself, “Has my faith grown stronger?”  “Have I grown in the knowledge of Jesus Christ?” (2 Pet. 3:18) “Was I becoming more conformed to the image of Christ?” (Rom. 8:29)

It was in reading previous learnings that I discovered my first lesson from 2023.  Like the Sankofa Bird, looking back helped me understand that spiritual growth or sanctification is a continuous process.  We never stop growing until eternity.

From this review process, “common themes” began to emerge.

    1. God should be the center of our lives. Seek Him first.
    2. The importance of relationships. With God and with others.
    3. Trust and Obedience. These are essential for a successful faith walk.
    4. God is faithful and true. His Word and promises never change.
    5. God is ever present. His Presence is always with us.

These themes helped to identify my second lesson from 2023:  the importance of learning more about God, His Kingdom, and our purpose in His plan of salvation.  This lesson is best captured in Eph. 1:17-19.

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,  the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,  and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

Did I learn anything new?

My final lesson learned is probably the most impactful to me.  It was learned during our study on eternity.  Unless we intentionally focus on the importance of eternity to our spiritual welfare, it will remain nothing more than theological jargon we hear on Sunday morning.

Many Christians become disillusioned as their quest for peace and pleasure on this earth feel them with despair.  If you are one of these believers who senses you’re missing something—who have hoped for more—it may be that your perspective is distorted by your focus on this world. With heaven as our point of reference, we can learn to live a satisfying, balance, and victorious life even in a fallen world.[1]

My third lesson from 2023:  To know the true God and His Son Jesus Christ, it is important that we focus on eternity.  To live on lives with an eye on eternity, is the only “sure way” to live in the fullness of God today, tomorrow, and forever.

Carrying my egg into 2024

Like the Sankofa Bird, with my feet firmly planted forward, I’m carrying my egg into 2024 by:

    • Prioritizing my spiritual growth and development.
    • Increasing in wisdom and knowledge of God.
    • Focusing on eternity.

And what will I leave behind?  All the things (and people) that hinder my journey forward.

What will you carry into 2024?  What will you leave behind?

[1]  Dr. Joseph M. Stowell, Eternity:  Reclaiming a Passion for What Endures

Advent/Christmas

Preparing for 2024: God Goes Before Us

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Year-end 2022 Throwback Wednesday Wednesda

New Year anxieties

In choosing our year-end WordBytes, it was amazing how quickly the teaching for today came to my attention.

This WordBytes was written in 2019, as we entered the world of COVID.  At that time, we had no idea that our lives would be forever changed.  The world as we knew would never be the same.

This WordBytes was also written to address the anxiety we typically experience as we begin planning for the new year.

Are we ready for 2024?

In our text today, Moses is preparing the Israelites for the changes that lie ahead  as they prepare to enter the Promise Land with 2+million people.  Just imagine the heightened anxiety and fear of the people.  But Moses shares with them a promise they could “hang their hat on”.  God will go before them!

It’s been said, “Hindsight is 20/20.”  As we look back over the past year with new COVID variants, political division, wars around the world, and more,  we might ask this question, “Is God still going  before us?”

Assess where we are.

Take a moment and think about how God has intervened on your behalf during this past year.  It’s true that we have experienced many hardships this year. However, regardless of them, we are now planning for a “new year”.

Do you want to know why?  Because God still (even in the 21st century) goes before us.  Whatever circumstance we may face in 2024, know that God is more than able to sustain you through it.  I pray that today’s WordBytes will increase your confidence and trust in the Lord.  Have a blessed and happy new year.

 

God Goes Before Us

Advent/Christmas

Advent Revisited: God, Time, and Waiting

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God, Time, and Waiting

A Time of Waiting

Advent season is a time of waiting.  Waiting by its very definition is challenging.  It is defined as the action of staying where one is or delaying action until a particular time or until something else happens.

How well we wait lies not only in what we are waiting for but also who we trust to provide our desired outcome.   That trust is based on the provider’s ability to deliver the outcome.  That’s why as believers, it is important to remember that Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith is worth waiting for.

Godly Waiting

Waiting is a spiritual discipline.  “Godly” waiting is a spiritual discipline that we must cultivate.  As with any discipline, practice makes “progress” (perfection is not always the goal).  Advent is a time in which we should make every effort to expand our capacity to wait.  That increased capacity will strengthen us for the days ahead.

While waiting, we exercise our patience “muscles” and bolster our endurance until we receive what we are waiting for (Heb.10:36).  In our waiting, faith is activated and strengthened.  It is in the waiting that our hope becomes an expectation.  While waiting, our belief and trust become rooted and grounded in the Lord (Ps. 27:13-14).

As we continue our journey through “Advent past”, we will look at waiting from a different perspective:  God’s perspective.

“GOD, TIME, AND WAITING”

Knowing God

God’s Large Place

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God's Large Place

 

Good morning to you!

Have you ever awakened in the morning and instantly felt overwhelmed by the day?  I mean, have you been totally immobilized so that you’re unable to get out of bed?

We can be sure that it is Satan’s effort to get us off God’s plan and purpose for our lives.  Of course, our flesh also plays a part in this conspiracy.  It is in the morning that the battle for our mind and our spirit begins.

This is the time to connect with the Holy Spirit and the truth found in God’s Word.  This is the moment we can declare, “This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psa. 118:24).

This is the day…

Each day begins with our perception of what lies ahead for us.  Our calendar and day timer contains our commitments.  Our mental and physical state impacts how we receive each new day.  We are mentally challenged with fears, anxiety, depression, attention deficit, even our negative talk.  We may physically “not feel good”.  Seasonal ailments, chronic pain and disease make “jumping out of bed” a real chore.  Getting up in the morning is a complex endeavor.

Read, “Monday Morning Cup” , with Lisa Boone-Reddick

But mornings are simply “a period of time which occurs between sunrise and noon”.  The bigger issue is our ability to manage the stresses, complexities, and demands that arise during our days (and nights).  The challenge is knowing how to successfully navigate the realities of living during these tumultuous and demanding times.

What would happen if we changed our perception of how we operate each day?  How much better would our lives be if we acknowledged the real source of release and contentment?  King David gives us the answer in Psalm 118.

The view from the other side

Psalm 118 is an excellent source of encouragement when we are perplexed with the struggles we face in our lives.  King David probably penned this psalm after he had weathered the battles and challenges to gain full possession of the kingdom to which he had been anointed (1 Sam. 16:13).

In Psalm 118, David acknowledges the struggles but more importantly he witnesses to the presence and favor of God in the midst of those struggles.  David begins and ends this psalm (vv. 1, 29) with praise and recognition of how Israel had made it through its most challenging days.  David’s psalm was a call for all to remember God’s presence, God’s protection, and God’s provision.  It was a time to give thanks for God’s goodness and His mercy.

Oh, give thanks unto the Lord,

for He is good, and

His mercy (lovingkindness) endures forever.

God granted David gracious favor in his distress.  Matthew Henry describes this favor as “vouchsafe”.

God heard his prayer (v. 5): “He answered me with enlargements; he did more for me than I was able to ask; he enlarged my heart in prayer and yet gave more largely than I desired.” He answered me, and set me in a large place, where I had room to bestir myself, room to enjoy myself, and room to thrive; and the large place was the more comfortable because he was brought to it out of distress (Ps. 4:1). [1]

Getting to God’s large place

David’s view “from the other side” (of his rise to power) was the result of his personal relationship and experience with God.  David remembered God’s faithfulness.  He trusted God (vv. 8-9).  This strengthened his belief that God would always be there (vv. 6-7; 17-18). David’s experience of God’s large place would prepare him for what lay ahead as he ruled the great nation of Israel.

We too can enter God’s large place through prayer and receiving His engrafted Word (James 1:21).  We are invited to be intentional in recognizing and accepting God’s providence in our lives.  Whether good or bad, morning or evening, God is always present to see us safely to the other side.  God’s large place can be a place of victory, growth, and freedom.  Let us declare, like David:  Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endures forever.

[1] Matthew Henry Commentary, Psalm 118.

Spiritual Endurance

Keep Hope Alive: The God of Hope

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Keep Hope Alive: The God of Hope

How do we describe hope?

Do we use common metaphors for hope to encourage others to believe “there’s a path to good” even in bad times?   Here are a few we might have used.

  • “There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
  • “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
  • “The sun is peeking through the clouds.”
  • “Hope is an eternal flame.”

But let’s be honest, when we’re at the “end of our rope” and the “bottom of our world has fallen out”, metaphors about hope will not help us “keep hope alive”. We are looking for something that will ease our troubled souls right now!  We need real hope.

What have we learned about hope?

In our study thus far, we have described hope as a combination of desire for something AND the expectation of receiving it.  And why is hope important?  Because it encourages us to persevere and continue moving forward.  We all agree that hope is what is needed as we navigate through the challenges of life in the 21st century.

But hope has ALWAYS been something we humans have needed whether in ancient times or modern days.  Man’s ability to survive and thrive has been dependent on hope.  The challenge, however, continues to be our ability to identify the BEST SOURCE of HOPE.

Man’s hope

Man’s hope comes from a variety of sources that, when combined and strengthened, provide a foundation for optimism, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life.  These include the following which we most commonly use.

Relationships and connections: human connections and strong relationships provide a sense of belonging, support, and love, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Personal strengths and abilities: recognizing and utilizing one’s strengths and abilities instills confidence and a sense of empowerment, nurturing hope for achieving goals and overcoming challenges.

Meaning and purpose: finding meaning and purpose in life, whether personal interest, family, community, or spiritual beliefs, provides a sense of direction and motivation, fueling hope for our fulfillment and meaningful existence.

Spiritual beliefs and faith: for many, spiritual beliefs and faith in a higher power offers a sense of peace, guidance, and unwavering hope, providing strength and solace in time of uncertainty.[1]

For we who are followers of Christ, that Higher Power is the Most High God (Psa. 7:17).

The God of Hope

The writer of Psalm 42 recounts their hopelessness and frustration as they, like us, handle times of distress and sorrow.   In verses 5, 11, and Psalm 43:5, they ask themselves this question.

Why art thou cast down O my soul?  And why art thou disquieted within me?  (NKJV)

Why am I discouraged?   Why is my heart so sad?   (NLT)

We are “cast down” because the things we have tried to do in our human strength is failing to impact our fears.  We are “discouraged and sad” because when we look around there is “no light at the end of the tunnel” nor is the “sun peeking through the clouds.”

The reality we must come to grips with is that we live in a fallen world, where sin will continue to manifest itself in the brokenness and pain we see today.  Injustice, wars, corruption, and much more.  BUT THERE IS HOPE.   True hope is not dependent on our circumstances nor on the world situation.  True hope results in “peace that passes all understanding: (Eph. 4:7), “unspeakable joy” (1 Pet. 1:8), and “salvation from all danger” (Psa. 18:2).

The Psalmist concludes that the answer to his state of distress and hopelessness can be found in God.

 HOPE thou in God…who is the health of my countenance.  (NKJV)

I will put my hope in God!  I will praise Him again.  My Savior and my God.  (NLT)

Our hope is built on the faithfulness and dependability of God.  We rely on the fidelity of God.  God is true, truthful, and trustworthy.  His Word and His promises provide the “blessed assurance” we need to not only survive but also thrive in this world.   He is our sufficiency (2 Cor. 3:5).

How can we cultivate our hope while living in this fallen world during the 21st century?  We must recognize and acknowledge that God alone is the true source of our hope and salvation (Psa. 62:5-12).  Next week, we’ll conclude our study on hope by sharing the role of the Holy Spirit in keeping hope alive.

[1]  Google search

Spiritual Endurance

Keep Hope Alive: The Anatomy of Hope

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Keep Hope Alive: The Anatomy of Hope

 

The Anatomy of Hope

What does hope look like?  What is its structure, composition, or framework?  What is hope made of?

Hope is a combination of desire for something AND the expectation of receiving it.  I’m not talking about “Christmas wishful thinking” but hope that encourages us to embrace the belief that better days are possible.  Hope motivates us to preserve and continue moving forward.  

We chose to create this series on hope because hope is what the world needs most right now.  When we began the series in October, there was no war between Israel and Palestine.  With regards to mass shootings in America, as of October 31, a total of 621 people have been killed and 2,126 other people have been injured in 520 shootings.  Political divisiveness worsens polarizing communities, leaders, and even families. Can hope be kept alive?

What does hope look like?

Is it any wonder that the majority of U.S. adults agree the nations’ future looks bleak?

A majority of adults (62%) disagree with the statement, “our children are going to inherit a better world than we did,” and 63% disagree with the statement, “I feel our country is on the path to being stronger than ever.” More than 3/4 of adults (76%) said that the future of our nation is a significant source of stress in their lives, while 68% said this is the lowest point in our nation’s history that we can remember. 

 Two in three adults (66%) said the culture’s current political climate is a significant source of stress in their lives. Further, three in five adults quote (60%) said that the current social divisiveness in the nation causes them stress. Slightly more than three in five adults 62% reported that the racial climate in the US is a significant source of stress in their lives.[1]

Are these sources of stress going to go away?  Absolutely not!  And these stressors are larger than us and out of our control.  In this environment, we are expected to manage the challenge of daily living and providing for our families–feeding, clothing, and housing.  We search out ways to balance the stresses of life while maintaining healthy relationships, and personal “sanity”.   There enters the need to cultivate our hope because when we cease to hope, we jeopardize our future.

Faith or hope?

How does our faith work with hope?  Can both occupy the same space?  In my reading, I came across a statement that helped me better understand the relationship between the two.  “While faith is a function of the intellect, hope is an act of the will.” [2]  In other words, what we know about God—His goodness, His greatness, and His promises—should cause us to confidently believe God.   Hope moves us forward as we act on our faith in God (Heb. 11:1).

Hope allows us to look beyond what we can see.

Abraham, the Father of Nations, questioned when God would send him an heir, yet Abraham is known to “hope against hope” (Rom. 4:8).  In other words, Abraham did not walk by sight but by faith in what God had promised him.  His hope was built on the promises of God.  Therefore, Abraham persevered.

The Apostle Paul’s faith in Christ (relational) and hope in Christ (motivational) kept him moving forward despite “beatings, in perils, in weariness, and in pain” (2 Cor. 11:23-27).  Paul’s hope of glory moved Him through difficult times to eternity where he looked forward to the day when he would receive the crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8).  Therefore, Paul endured.

Hopelessness and true hope

True hope comes from the One who created hope: God.  It comes by trusting God even when circumstances are difficult. I’ve heard many theologians and teachers disparage believers who struggle with hopelessness.  While their intentions may be good, such belief discounts the fact that we are mere humans.  We need hope, too.  It’s important to remember that we are not perfect, simply saved.  And that is more than enough.

Psalms captured this thought in several of its passages.

For He remembered that they were but flesh, A breath that passes away and does not come again. (Ps. 78:39, NKJV)

For He knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone as though we had never been here. (Ps. 104:14-16, NLT)

Unless we acknowledge the frailty and fragility of our flesh, we may fail to understand the need for God’s power and presence in our lives.  We must embrace our dependency on God which will solidify our hope.  Can hope be kept alive?  Absolutely!

Trust produces obedience, which produces hope, which results in joy and peace; and that is the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:13). When we walk by faith and trust in God, we can persevere and endure.  We have hope.

[1] Stress in America 2022, American Psychological Association.  

[2]Wikipedia, Hope

Spiritual Endurance

Keep Hope Alive: The Psychology of Hope

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The Psychology of Hope

Why hope?

From the tenuous bonds that connect us with one another, to the ever-present vulnerability we share as humans in a chaotic world, our lives are forever saturated in the possibility of catastrophe. Bad things— often tragic things like accidents, illness, and untimely death—happen to people every single day. We know this, yet we are tasked with finding ways of moving forward in a world where nothing is guaranteed.[1]

How then do we move forward?  We look for hope—the expectation that things will get better.  Hope is important because it helps us to cope with stress and anxiety, manage adversity, and improve our well-being and happiness.  Hope is not always easy to find, but it is always worth seeking. It is the light that guides us through the darkness, and it gives us the strength to keep going even when things are tough.

The need for hope

In all sectors of our community, people are talking about hope.  They are acutely aware of the strain and impact that 21st century living has created.  I need not list them, however, those searching for hope are often the casualties of this tumultuous, demanding, “always on” society.  They result in depression, anxiety, and mental decline, in general.

These pressures not only exert stress on the mental wellness of our society, in general, but also upon our physical health.   Observe the increasing incidents of high blood pressure, cancer, and heart disease.  The mind and the body are fragile.   They were not built for the continual trauma and stress that have now become “business as usual” in our world today.

The U.S. population has experienced an intense range of stressors over the past few years, as the COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustice, and political divisiveness have dominated news cycles and social media. A new survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of APA, tells a story of uncertainty and dissolution.  

The report shows a battered American psyche, facing a barrage of external stressors that are mostly out of personal control. The survey found a majority of adults are disheartened by government and political divisiveness, daunted by historic inflation levels, and dismayed by widespread violence.[2]

We can only hope!

Hope is both a feeling and a motivation. A powerful force for good in our lives. It can help us cope with difficult times and to persevere in the face of challenges.  It has been described as a shield, a path, and a powerful protector.  This is especially true when we face life-threatening illnesses or insurmountable challenges in our lives.

Hope is a complex emotion that is critical for the times in which we find ourselves.  As we embrace the belief that better days are possible, we are motivated to continue moving forward.  It is exactly what is needed to persevere during these difficult times.  With hope, we can find ways to oppose the dread of life’s dangers.  Hope is critical to our future, both individually and collectively, as a society.   Therein lies the reason we must continue to hope.

This week, we have focused on our human need for hope.  Next week, we will begin to explore hope as our faith response to the challenges of 21st century living.  As believers, our hope, is built on a sure foundation based on the fidelity and faithfulness of God.

[1]   “Hope: Why it matters”, Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, July 16, 2021 

[2]  “Stress in America 2022: Concerned for the Future, Beste by Inflation”, American Psychological Association

Spiritual Endurance

Keep Hope Alive: An Introduction

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Keep Hope Alive: An Introduction

There is always hope for a better future.

Keep hope alive!  This phrase is most famously associated with Rev. Jesse Jackson, who used it repeatedly in his speeches and sermons during the Civil Rights Movement.

However, the phrase is much older. It has been traced back to at least the 16th century when it was used in religious and philosophical writings.  For example, William Tyndale[1] used the phrase   in his book, “The Pilgrimage of Grace”, where he encouraged his readers not to be overcome by despair.

Over the years, this phrase has been used by activists, artists, athletes, and everyday people to express their belief in the power of hope to overcome adversity. Today “keep hope alive” is still widely used. It is a reminder that even when things are tough, there is always hope for a better future.

Do we need to keep hope alive in the 21st century?  Absolutely!  With the ever-present vulnerability we share as humans in a chaotic world, our lives are forever saturated in the possibility of catastrophe.[2]  Therefore we need hope.  Welcome to our series, “Keep hope alive!”

Hope by any other name

Hope is defined as an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes.  Its synonyms include optimism and anticipation.  The opposite of hope includes hopelessness and despair.

Hope is included as one of the three theological virtues mentioned in Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth.  “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three.” (1 Cor. 13:13, KJV).  To the church at Thessalonica, Paul acknowledges the saints for “their work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (1Thess. 1:3, RSV).

When we use the word hope in casual conversation, we often do so in a doubtful manner.  However biblical hope is never “doubt-filled”.  It is built upon a confident expectation of a future fulfillment based on God’s Word and God’s promises.

Threats to our hope.

As I watched the news this weekend, I was reminded of the challenges we face living in these perilous and tumultuous times.  Wars in Ukraine and Israel.  Gridlock in Congress.  Violence and evil perpetrated upon our communities.  Immorality and filthiness normalized.  What producers thought would be “interesting and important”, only increased my anxiety and threatened my hope.

The writer of Hebrews, however, reminded me that as believers we have a “sure hope” in God through Jesus Christ.  We have hope as “an anchor for our souls, both sure and steadfast.” (Heb. 6:19).

Hope as an anchor of the soul.

Hope will sustain us during difficult times.  The writer of Hebrews depicted hope as an anchor.  It was a familiar object that would illustrate God’s strong attachment to us.  This anchor was “sure and steadfast”.

Sure is interpreted to mean “something that can be relied upon”.  Steadfast continues this thought of God’s hope.  It adds the descriptors of “trustworthy, firm and secure”.   The anchor represents the Object of our faith who is Jesus Christ.  Jesus has secured our position for eternity—past, present, and future.

Hope in God continues to be the message that will sustain us today in these troubling times. Our hope is based on the immutability of His word (Heb. 6:17-18), the certainty of His promise (Rom. 4:16) and the assurance of His presence (Rom. 15:13).  It is this hope that gives us confidence and the ability to persevere.  It is our hope in God that will “keep hope alive.”

[1] (1994-1536) Leading figure in the Protestant Reformation and translator of the Bible into English.

[2] Hope: Why it matters, Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, July 16, 2021

Knowing God

With Eternity in Mind: Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about Eternity, Part 1

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MLMs

Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings (MLMs)

It is important that we have a clear understanding about eternity—what it is and what it isn’t.  Living in the 21st century requires that we be diligent and focused in not only equipping ourselves with correct information but also in understanding the source of our information. This is especially true with regard to issues pertaining to eternity.

What are MLMs?

To introduce this section, we will begin with Webster for a short description of what MLMs are and their intent.  We will use these in our teaching about eternity.

    • Myths are widely held but false beliefs or ideas. Myths are upheld to misrepresent the truth and to maintain certain beliefs.
    • Lies are statements that one knows are false, with the intent to deceive.
    • Misunderstandings stem from a failure to understand something correctly. A misunderstanding can be caused by an incorrect conception or a misinterpretation. It can also be mistakes of meaning or intent.

Why are there MLMs?

Myths, lies, and misunderstandings can be credited to many different things.  Myths and misunderstandings concerning eternity can be attributed to a general lack of knowledge.  Even within our churches, discussions on eternity are limited and typically linked only to eternal life and life after death.  We need congregations that are better informed about eternity and how it impacts how we live our lives.

Lies, of course, can be assigned to the father of lies or Satan.  Satan has done an excellent job in intentionally deceiving people about eternity.  Eternity is the greatest inheritance believers are gifted with.  Knowledge of eternity present and eternity future provides us with hope amid our struggles.  Knowledge of eternity adds to our resilience and gives us reason to persevere.  Therefore, we do not “faint” (2 Cor. 4:17).

How to deal with MLMs?

What is the best approach in dealing with false beliefs, misrepresentation of the truth, and incorrect interpretation?  Seek out and know the truth.  The primary source of that truth is the Bible.  The Holy Spirit will also guide us in all truth, including truth pertaining to eternity (John 16:13).

Secondarily, we can address questions we might have about eternity with our pastor.  We can ask them for creditable resources on the topic that can help expand our understanding.

In this postmodern era, relativism offers the view that there is not absolute truth; truth is relative based on individual perceptions and considerations. Satan uses this thinking to continue his campaign to “blind our eyes” (2 Cor. 4:4) about God, His Son, and our position in Christ.  This includes the truth about eternity.

Why is this conversation important?

It is important that we have correct knowledge about eternity.  Consummate writer and faith blogger, Ruth Clemence shared “7 reasons to live with Eternity in Mind”.  I will list the top three that resonated with me.

    • Our life in this world is temporary.
    • People are facing life and death without hope.
    • The Gospel needs to be proclaimed clearly and truthfully.

The best time we can learn about eternity is now.  While our time is in God’s hand (Ps. 31:15), He has given us true knowledge of Him which includes knowledge of eternity.

Next week we will present the second half of “Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about Eternity” with the listing of MLMs currently driving the 21st century worldview of eternity.