Tag Archive | hope

Inexpressible Joy in the Midst of Pain

May23

1 Peter 1:6-9

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

My precious child, even in the midst of your suffering, you are filled with an inexpressible joy because you believe in me. My joy is your strength. Though you suffer grief in your current trials, your faith is being proven genuine and glorifies my name. I have given you a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. You are shielded by my power, and I hold an inheritance in heaven for you. Do not fear the future. Be strong and courageous, knowing that I do not give you more than you can bear. I will carry you through your battles. Cast your cares upon me, and I will lighten your load. Put your trust in me—anything is possible.

When I woke this morning, my heart played the these lyrics from “Thrive” by Casting Crowns–

“Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable, love unstoppable, anything is possible.”


 

Here are the song lyrics to “Thrive” by Casting Crowns

Here in this worn and weary land

Where many a dream has died

Like a tree planted by the water

We never will run dry

So living water flowing through

God we thirst for more of You

Fill our hearts and flood our souls

With one desire

Just to know You and to make You known

We lift Your name on High

Shine like the sun made darkness run and hide

We know we were made for so much more

Than ordinary lives

It’s time for us to more than just survive

We were made to thrive

Woah Woah

Into Your word we’re digging deep

To know our Father’s heart

Into the world we’re reaching out

To show them who You are

So living water flowing through

God we thirst for more of You

Fill our hearts and flood our souls

With one desire

Just to know You and to make You known

We lift Your name on High

Shine like the sun made darkness run and hide

We know we were made for so much more

Than ordinary lives

It’s time for us to more than just survive

We were made to thrive

Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,

Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,

Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,

Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,

Love unstoppable, anything is possible

Just to know You and to make You known

We lift Your name on High

Shine like the sun made darkness run and hide

We know we were made for so much more

Than ordinary lives

It’s time for us to more than just survive

We were made to thrive Hey!

Woah Woah

Woah Woah

We were made to thrive

On You I Will Build My Church

Oct24


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.“But what about you?†[Jesus] asked. “Who do you say I am?†Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.†Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.â€Â  (Matthew 16:15-18)

Who do you say I am?

I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. When you fully understand this, you are blessed. This has been revealed to you by my Father in heaven.

You freely offer your knowledge of me when I ask you, but are you as free with this knowledge when another asks you who I am. Be ready at all times to give testimony about the source of your hope. I am the anchor of hope for your soul. Spread the good news. You know who I am, and I will use you to build my church.

Put One Foot in Front of the Other

Oct16


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.“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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Daughter of the King—You are seeing the fruits of your labor. You have been faithful to completing this task I have given you. Your obedience is appreciated. You have done your part for the moment. The next step is in my hands. Leave it to me. I am in control. I am with you. Listen to me and follow my lead. I will make things happen for you in a way that I will receive all the glory. I have chosen you for a reason. Be patient. I will act when the time is right. Keep pressing forward. Do not be overwhelmed. Put one foot in front of the other each day and make progress in the work I have for you. Your reward will be worth the wait. I am in control of all things. You are in my sight. I will not leave you alone to face the wolves of this world. They will bow down to me. Remain humble and obedient to your call. I will produce fruit ten-, fifty-, one-hundred fold. It matters not that you have a small following. You have a great God who is in your court cheering for you. Be faithful and committed to your work. The time may come when your time will go. Remain true to me and maintain your relationship with me. Do not forget who has called you to this. Tune in to me. I will let you in on my plans. My plan is to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future. Your future is secure with me.

Peace in the Storm

Oct1


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!†He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. (Luke 8:23-24)

Peace in the Storm

I want you to know and experience my perfect peace. I will bring you tranquility even in the midst of your storms. Your foundation in me is sure. Our relationship runs deep. The roots of your faith, hold you firmly in the ground as the storms crash in on you. I am your beacon, your guiding light. Keep your focus on me and the tempest that rages around you will not consume you. Your boat may be tossed about in the waves. Your vessel may take on water. But I am your stronghold, your anchor of hope. I will preserve your life, and help you stay afloat. Ride it out, my love. I am with you always. I am in control, and I will not let this challenge destroy you. Depend on me for all your needs. I will provide for you. The wind and the waves are under my command. When the time is right, I will calm the squalls that surround you, and soften the surface of the seas. Smooth sailing lies ahead. Until then, my child, rest in me. Experience my peace in the middle of the storm. I will take care of you.

Your Heart is My Dwelling Place

May5

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord.” (Psalm 25:4-7)

My child, my love for you is great and unfathomable. My mercy is as from old. I remember not the sins of your youth, nor do I have record of your rebellious ways. I remember you according to my love for you. As I have given love and mercy in great portions to you, so you should be generous with your love and mercy to others.

My Spirit will show you my ways, and teach you the paths I have set down for you. Put your hope and trust in me. My truth will guide you on your journey. Look to me for your direction, and I will instruct you in the way chosen for you.

You are the one I love. I cherish the time we spend together. Seek me first in your day, and everything else will fall into place. Give me your first fruits, and the flood gates of heaven will open with blessing for you. Give me your reverent love, and I will confide in you. Call on me, and I will tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

You are my beloved child. Hunger and thirst after me, and you will be satisfied. Seek me with all of your heart, and you will find me. You need to look no further than the depths of your own heart; I am there. Your heart is my dwelling place. The living God is living in you. Live not according to your own power, but by the Spirit who lives in you.