Hope Restored

Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. Luke 22:20 NKJV

As Jesus offered the bread and wine He served Thomas the doubter and Peter the denier. He gave his gift to disciples who slept when he asked them to pray. He gave a hope for a restored relationship with the Father who loved them so much that He was willing to give them His only Son. Even though they all ran away He was lighting the fire with His passion of a hope that has burned for 2000 years. That is the Hope restored for everyone who believes and asks Jesus Christ for that new chance at life that He gave at His Last Supper!

Home of the Brave

While waiting at the clinic this week I couldn’t help but hear about how brave many think that Ellen Degeneres is. She may be bold, smart, talented and beautiful (not to mention very rich) but brave? Here are just a few who seem brave to me: please feel free to add someone you feel is truly brave.

The doctors and nurses who risked and in some cases gave their lives during the Ebola crisis in West Africa: Our brave men and women of the armed forces who face dangerous situations daily to protect our nation and innocent people in many places around the world: the firefighters who rush into nursing homes to rescue helpless residents or the police officers getting shot at just answering another call of domestic abuse. Yes these ordinary people are the real heroes and heroines. The bravest person who ever lived did not have a Facebook page a Twitter feed or even many faithful followers. He simply gave His life without fanfare or praise. I am so glad He did!

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Lunch is Included!

One winter my boss invited me to go to a training workshop while his landscaping shop was closed. I was excited for the opportunity but a little nervous. The morning passed quickly as we sat through various sessions on irrigation then we let out for lunch. “Want to come along with us to the restaurant?” my boss asked as he and a friend headed for the door. “No I’ll just stay back here, I’m not too hungry” I nervously replied, remembering I had only a few dollars in my pocket that day. “Okay it’s up to you.” He shrugged and went off to eat. I bought a candy bar from the machine and a soda hoping they would hold me off till dinner. On the way home later the boss mentioned in an offhanded way, “Boy lunch was great and it was all included in the price I paid. Too bad you weren’t hungry!”

I still sometimes laugh at myself when I remember the knowing hunger in my stomach all because I didn’t know that lunch was included! But did you know that many of us act exactly like I did on that day when it comes to our spiritual life. We get to the conference (get saved); but then we try to tough it out with snacks from the vending machines when God has an entire banquet spread for us in Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christkimg0483

Ephesians 1:3

Think about whatever wisdom, whatever strength, whatever acceptance, provision or direction you wish you had. Remember that God has already paid the price for that in full. Everything (even lunch) is included!