God’s Hope

Seeds of Hope

/ pastorpete51 / 5 Comments

So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. Acts 27:25 ESV

This past week I have been cleaning up the flower beds and planting seeds at my sister in law’s. While she is in hospice care at home my wife is cooking and helping with personal care while I weed, water and trim. Those seeds I plant give Diane hope because every one put in the ground says, “Come back in six weeks and I’ll show you my blooms!” Those seeds reminded me of the story of Saint Paul in the storm.

When Paul was going through that storm the easiest thing to do would have been to complain and blame everyone else. Yet though we can be sure that Paul prayed plenty the text seems to say that God just sent an angel with a message of hope while he was sleeping. Get the picture? Everyone was desperately fighting the storm, but Paul said his prayers, trusted God and lay down to rest! Then when Paul woke up he passed that hope on to everyone else who was in the same boat with him.

When we plant seeds, our garden doesn’t do anything. Its job is simply to receive. We as the gardeners do all the work and the garden gets to give joy to anyone who sees the flowers when they bloom. If we are believers in Jesus Christ then we each are a part of God’s big garden. God plants some seeds of hope in all of us especially when we are facing storms. Maybe we should ask, “What seeds of hope has he given me that I might show to others as they face their storm today?

Hope on the Horizon

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8 ESV

Some of us may feel hopeless as we see a political scene where the value of an unborn child is worthless, the purpose of a family is useless and freedom to worship God is considered dangerous. But God sees things differently than us. Because if politics could have changed a single heart, Jesus would have run for office. If money could give happiness and contentment, He would have built a business and lived in a mansion. If entertainment could soothe away fears and calm a world at war, He could have multiplied bread every Monday, walked on water on Tuesdays and turned water into wine for the rest of the week!

But instead Jesus came and gave His life so we could be forgiven. He sent His Spirit to fill us and teach us to love our enemies, wash the feet of our friends and give our wealth to the poor.

Then – not because we deserve it but because He loves us, we find ourselves in a kingdom whose ruler never leaves office. We receive an inheritance of contentment and an eternal home. And most of all we begin to experience true peace as we discover that through the blood of Jesus; God has adopted us as His sons and daughters. So I see real hope on the horizon, because Jesus is still in charge and has a job for us to do. Now what could be more hopeful than that?

12 Gifts of Christmas / 5th Gift Hope

/ pastorpete51 / 7 Comments

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. Matthew 12:20

A few years ago when we lived in the city of Scranton, a house in our neighborhood was condemned and slated for demolition. Ironically, the problems had nothing to do with the owner’s neglect, but with the home’s unfortunate luck to be near a large storm sewer project. During all the digging, smashing and scraping going on out in the street, the building’s foundation had cracked. The city quickly paid the owner for the damages and he moved out. Then shortly afterward, large equipment was brought and in just two days the house was completely demolished and all its rubble carted away.

Is there anyone in your world like this small unfortunate home? Maybe their lives have gotten a little too close to other people’s important building projects. The heavy equipment, the digging and smashing going on that is happening while others are reaching their goals has weakened their footings.  Problems beyond their control have wiped away in a few short hours an entire lifetime of family dinners, memories of children playing and hopes for the future.

The world specializes in wrecking hopes and dreams, but Jesus said that He would never break bruised hearts or put out flickering candles of hope. If during this Christmas season the wrecking ball of life comes to tear down our neighbor’s home, we have an opportunity to point them to the gift of hope we have found who was born in a manger. He still shines a light in darkness that no situation person or problem will ever be able to put out!