Hope and Faith

Good morning to all my brothers and sisters in Christ!  What a beautiful morning here in the sandhills of Nebraska!

This will be my last blog until after Christmas.  I will be computer free for about three days!

Yesterday, I wrote about my new life resolutions.  This is how I plan on taking back my world from satan.  It's my choice to live or die.  I choose to live.

I am choosing to live a honorable and righteous life.  One that is full of patience, kindness, love, grace, gratitude, forgiveness, and most of all, repentance.

And I'll do this knowing that it is God working in my life.

He has made the changes that needed to be changed.  He is the One working and stirring in me, wanting me to keep pursuing Him.

It's not me.

And so, in order for these spiritual qualities to take root in my soul and heart, I must have confidence and faith.

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see" Hebrews 11:1.

How can we be confident that something we want is going to happen, especially if all of our hopes have been dashed?

How can we risk believing that the life we hope for is waiting for us around the bend?

the Bible tells us that the key is in the nature of the who we look to.

We are told that "anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him" Hebrews 11:6.

If we see God as One Who is reaching out to help us, we will be more eager to look for Him.  If our faith has not matured to that point yet, we can ask for help.

One man came to Jesus asking Him to help his young son who was afflicted by a demon.  He said to Jesus, "Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.'  'What do you mean, "If I can"?'  Jesus asked.  'anything is possible if a person believes.'  The father instantly cried out, 'I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!'"   (Mark 9:22-24).  We can start by asking God to help us have more faith.  Then we can ask Him for the courage to hope for a better future.

Jesus was sent to give us a future.

The new year has almost arrived.  Many of us in the past have made countless new years resolutions and have failed.

So how do we keep our hopes up that we can be successful?

By faith and trust.  Remember God has a plan for us.

His plan is more than our usual new year resolutions.  His involves real character changes as well as life style changes.

He's not concerned with our pant size.  But why we can't love ourselves and be healthy and happy with this wonderful and beautiful body He has given us.

He's not really concerned with our dreams of owning a new car.  But as to why we are in financial ruin and have not been faithful with the money He has given to us.

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see" Hebrews 11:1.

Our faith and trust comes from a process of learning and spending time with our Lord.

And in that process we learn that true freedom and happiness is in obeying God.

When we admit our ways are not working and let God take charge, we come in alignment with Him and His ways.

That's the beauty of it.

Obeying and receiving, they go hand in hand.

Also, when we follow His plan for our lives, we realize what is actually important.  We realize that God knows what we need and what we can handle, and takes care of us.

He is such a wonderful and beautiful God!

So as you enjoy your family gatherings and all the wonders of Christmas, don't forget to celebrate your opportunity to take back your life from satan.

God sent His only begotten son, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins.

To give us the chance to reclaim our world!

And as you make your new year resolutions, keep in mind the end.  Keep in mind what's really important and what you plan on explaining to our Father when the time comes when He asks, "What did you do with the life My Son died to give you?"

Choose to live, my brothers and sisters in Christ.

 God bless you and keep you as you travel here and there.  Peace be to you in what ever comes your way!

 Merry Christmas!


Blessing and love to you, my friends ~ Becca