Hope | Inspirational Christian Blogs

June 17, 2013
by Lori Leave a comment

Tangled

“casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

This past weekend we spent some time with family who live on the water. Our whole family loves to visit for various reasons. My favorite place in this world is the beach and so I love going there. The kids love fishing off the dock. They catch and release little fish and love the experience. I’m excited that they are finally at a point where they can do everything themselves. They cut the bait; put it on the hook and fish away. They have even gotten to the point that they can get the caught fish off the hook and return him to his life under the sea. The other day I was sitting out there watching them while I read and prayed. I was actually praying and asking God to give me some devotionals for this week when my son came and asked me for help. He had tangled his line. This was no small tangle and he had tried to undo the mess, but he just couldn’t and came to me for help.

Now, I have to confess I was a smidge irritated. Here I was asking for some divine intervention so I could write a devotional and my son interrupts. I cut him some slack because he didn’t know what I was praying about or even that I was praying. As far as he was concerned, I was just watching them fish. But, I have to be honest when I say that I just didn’t want to be bothered. Well, being a Mom, I looked at his mess and started to access it. I quickly realized this was going to take some time. It was knotted in several places and I had to be careful the hook wouldn’t cut me. And so, carefully I started to unwind the fishing line. I was careful to see where each piece had knotted and wound around another pulling on the twine trying to make it straight again. It took a while and halfway through, my son came to me and made the comment, “I really made a mess of things. I don’t know if you can fix it.” I responded by saying “It’s okay honey. These things happen. I can fix it. Don’t worry.” Then he walked away and busied himself with something else while I worked on the fishing pole.

As this whole event was transpiring, I realized this was the devotional I was praying for. We make such a mess of our lives sometimes. We screw up, a lot. We make mistakes. We become tightly wound and knotted up in our own sin. But when we bring it to God, He doesn’t send us away to fix it ourselves. No, He gently starts to unravel the mess we have made. He doesn’t get tired of working on us because we are His passion. He wants us to be whole. He wants us to be healthy. He wants us to be okay. But He pushes Himself on no one. We have to be the ones to come to Him with the messes we have made so He can fix them. And just like a Mom trying to reassure her son, God reminds us that everything’s going to be okay. He can fix anything. Some messes take longer than others, but they can still be fixed.

I love that God delights in helping us. I love that God takes joy in fixing our messes. It’s not because He’s an arrogant God. It’s because it’s during those times of stress and screw ups that we finally realize we have come to the end of ourselves and we need a Savior. We need a Healer. We need a Provider. God is all of those things and He loves when we come to Him, hearts in hand asking to be fixed. He never does it begrudgingly. He always does it with love and compassion.

June 16, 2013
by Joey Coons 4 Comments

Fire: Keeping the Flame Ablaze

During this summer, I have spent some time clearing out a worship spot at my house in the back of our woods. I must say, I really enjoyed doing it. I wanted a spot that I could go and spend time with God in solitude. I gathered old down trees to use for seating, found various pieces of old furniture to place back there, and Tiki Torches to help keep away bugs. In the middle I built a good-sized fire pit for bonfires. The other evening I went out to that spot to spend some time with God. My brother was with me and we were trying to light the fire. The pit had quite a bit of wood in it so if we ever got it lit, it would be a very big and nice fire. The problem was we couldn’t get the fire lit. Granted the top pieces were a little wet, but the rest of the pile was dry, so we didn’t think it would be much of a problem. We had pieces of cardboard to help start the fire, but it didn’t work. We lit some of the dry leaves in the midst of the sticks, but it didn’t work either. We even found some straw to light to help with the process, but all it did was burn. It didn’t stay lit and the fire died quickly. So finally after much frustration, we got the gasoline. Now, I realize this is not the smartest choice nor safest, but I wanted a fire! Luckily nothing bad happened! So we light a few more pieces of cardboard and paper just enough to keep it a flame for a few minutes. Then we doused the places we didn’t have lit with some gasoline so with the fire caught it, it would light up. The finally we applied the gasoline on the flames that were going and instantly, the fire went ablaze. We experienced the thrill of getting our fire lit and the fire was glorious…for about ten minutes. But soon, that gasoline had burnt away, the wood had never really caught a flame, and the fire died out again quickly. Now I realize that there are better ways to light a fire, and if I did some other things I could have probably got that fire going. However, I’m glad I tried to light the fire the way I did because God used it to teach me something.

When the fire began to die out again, I was getting kind of irritated. Then I felt God speak to my heart saying, “I need people who will tend and stir the fire, not just light it.” I immediately knew what God was saying to me. In order to keep a fire going, you have to constantly add fire to the pile, you have to stir the fire to keep the fire going, and you have to watch it. Gasoline is a nice help, but it is only a temporary fix. It only lasts for a moment. It looks glorious and the flames are huge, but they don’t have much life. God doesn’t need followers who will be like the gasoline. Who will become very passionate and devoted to God one day, and have a devotion to Him that dies at the end of the week. He wants followers who will fan the flames. Who will keep the fire going, even if that means taking longer steps in doing so. Followers who will spend the extra time in prayer, reading of His Word, and living out the life He calls His people to.

I think you would be very hard pressed to find a church, if you asked them, would not want to see people come to know Christ. I mean, that’s just a ludicrous thought. The Church may have many different denomination and beliefs of theology, but I don’t really think there are many people in the Church who do not want to see souls saved. In fact if there are any, I really think those people need to evaluate their life and see if the are in step with the Spirit. But all too often the Church tries to witness to the world with gasoline. With big and glorious displays of various ministries, emotional appeals, etc. Those of you who serve the Lord know exactly what I’m talking about. But those things don’t last. People who come to the Lord on those terms won’t last unless that fire is cultivated. Unless their flames are stirred and wood is added to the fire. If the Church and Christians want to set this world on fire, we first have to cultivate the fire in our own hearts, then also be willing to take the time to minister properly and effectively to help keep the fire lit the hearts of others as well. Jesus told His followers that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and they will be His witnesses. The Holy Spirit gives Christians the power to witness to others about Jesus powerfully. God is the source of that fire. I pray that believers everywhere will submit to the Holy Spirit and allow God move in their hearts. I also pray that Christians all over the world will fan into flame the gifts of God and take the steps necessary to keep that flame going. When the fire rises true and proud, the world around us will catch fire too. Don’t use the gasoline. Cultivate that fire.

“Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.” ~2 Timothy 1:6

“Fire must be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not go out.” ~Leviticus 6:13

May God be with you.

-Joey

June 15, 2013
by Austin Coons 9 Comments

A Problem in the Church

I was thinking recently. Yeah, I know…amazing right?

No, but seriously. I was thinking about how people in the Church today will separate themselves completely from another Christian who commits or is trapped by sin. Or maybe they try to help, but instead just try to find the easy fix. I started thinking, “Well, that can’t be Biblical, can it? Jesus commands us to love one another and be unified in the Body of Christ. And that is true. I started reading Francis Chan’s book, Multiply. In that he said something that I already knew, but it was still just as profound. He said:

“Or when we learn that a friend is struggling with sin, we are quick to explain why that sin is harmful and tell her we will pray for her (whether we follow through or not). But how many of us would take her struggle with sin so seriously that we would walk with her as she works through the issues involved?”

Yes, the Bible is clear that sin needs to be corrected. But it doesn’t end there. We can’t “correct them” and then condemn them. You see, there’s a difference between judgement and correction. Judgment brings condemnation down on the person being judged. Correction is done out of love with the hope of redemption. It’s like a parent. They may spank their son or daughter for hitting someone. A good parent doesn’t spank out of anger. A loving parent will spank (or use other forms of discipline) out of love for the child and to correct a wrong behavior. But the parent continues with loving that child.

It’s the same way with Christians. Yes, we are to correct each other’s sinful behavior. But you had better do it purely out of love and you had better be willing to walk through the issue with them in order to bring them to redemption. I think part of the problem is that many believers don’t want to get “dirty.” They don’t want to be associated with someone who has a sin exposed to the public. It’s the same attitude some have towards non-believers. They don’t want to be seen with the “undesirables.” It might ruin their reputation. Then tell me, how are you supposed to evangelize and disciple them if you don’t associate with them? If they won’t come in to the church, you bring it to them. How can your Christian brother or sister be brought back to the cross if you want to find a quick fix or just blow them off completely? Galatians 6:1-2 says:

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. ²Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Carry each other’s burdens. That will likely require you to be seen with the “undesirable.” But the attitude I mentioned above is exactly the attitude the Pharisees had. Did you know Jesus had more of problem with the “religious” people than he did with the sinners?

It’s time we get over ourselves and be willing to walk through thick and thin with our fellow believers.

-Austin

May 24, 2013
by cherylz1961 2 Comments

Open Your Eyes To The Wonders & Miracles Of God

“You are the God who performs miracles;  You display Your power among the peoples.” Psalm 77:14 (NIV)

When we walk through times of adversity, we often have our eyes focused on the problem we face rather than the God who allowed the circumstance. Believers facing trials need to remember that God is always in control. He has a divine purpose and plan, loves us beyond measure, and nothing is impossible for God.

When Moses led God’s people out of Egypt, the Father provided a miracle of escape by parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22). The sun stood still at Joshua’s command (Joshua 10:12-14) and three Hebrew children sent to a fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar remained unharmed (Daniel 3:23). Wonders of God are written in the old and new testaments of the Bible. They serve to remind us of the power and might of our God.

Struggles can hinder our walks with God by distracting and discouraging us. Disbelief can wander into our thoughts causing us to question the love of God. This is when we must ask God to open our eyes and show us the many wonders in our everyday lives, be they ever so small. The wonders may include a thriving child who was born premature and near death. A miracle may be the cancer that mysteriously disappeared after a group of prayer warriors lifted up the cause with petitions and thanksgiving. Could the restoration of a marriage be a wonder, as well as the return of a prodigal son who found the grace of God? Consider all the flowers that raise their heads in the spring.

May God grant you spiritual eyes to see the many wonders all around you. Per the request of Elisha, the Lord opened his servant’s eyes so that he could see the mighty spiritual battle in their midst. God’s army far outnumbered the physical army Gehazi so feared. You may be facing tribulations that have you shaking in your boots, but God’s army is beyond your imagination in its power and size. Trust in the Lord and He will deliver you from every snare set before you.

“Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:17 (ESV)

May 21, 2013
by shereiner 2 Comments

Words Fail

Photo credit: Creative Commons

I am rarely speechless. When I am, it isn’t usually a good thing. I am finding words hard to come by today.

When tragedy strikes, when things don’t make sense, when the violence or the awesome power of nature or the meanness of the human heart slam into our world with so much force we lose our breath, we become mute with shock. It takes away our ability to communicate intelligently. We sputter and ramble and make little sense to those around us and we sometimes say things that we haven’t thought through, hurting the very ones we want to encourage.

Human nature dictates that our ego must be satisfied. We want to know why, to find a reason that it all went wrong, to devise a plan to be better prepared next time – to control our own destiny. But how do you prepare for such random acts of violence, or control horrific storms or explain the loss of so many children? How do you look around you and blame this or that on upslope and draw and happenstance? How do you make sense of any of it?

You don’t.

Yes, I know that tornados and their formation can be nominally explained. I understand that there are storm chasers and researchers and all manner of highly educated folk that have dedicated their lives to better protecting us from these super-storms. I am thankful for them. But really, there is no preparation for the devastation that has rocked Oklahoma today. Look at any of the stunned, wide eyed faces and you begin to understand the shock is just now lifting for those who survived. Their eyes are beginning to focus again and they are seeing the destruction with a clarity that sucks their breath from their lungs as violently as the storm took their children from them. There are no words to encompass the pain, the fear and the tragic circumstances of this loss.

There is no why, there is no comfort in shelter, there is not one ounce of security when you look up and watch as nature steals the very air from your lungs. As the clouds lift and move on, as the rain starts and washes away so many years of work and accomplishment, as the survivors climb from the rubble and wrap arms around loved ones, there is a realization: There are no words to be said. There is nothing that can be uttered to soothe the hurt, the terror or the loss.

When I cannot find words to encompass the tragic, fallen world we inhabit, I bow my head and open my heart. The Holy Spirit wraps my soul in His arms and speaks quiet, inaudible encouragement and strength into my ears. He picks me up, dusts me off and shows me where to move. He clears my head to survey the land and begin to work. There is comfort in “doing” when there are no answers.

We don’t get to know the purpose of God’s plan. He is guarded with His tapestry design. I have to believe that though I see tragedy and destruction and senseless lives lost that God is not gone from this place. He is still here. But it hurts. The pain is blinding and confusing and explanation meaningless to those who are only beginning to understand what they have lost: Homes, businesses, livestock, children.

I cannot offer words today. I cannot explain or find comfort in knowing more of what happened. I can only say how very sorry I am and offer my hands in prayer, in comfort and in rebuilding. I cannot take away the pain, nor would I dare try. There simply is nothing to say.

May 14, 2013
by shereiner 2 Comments

Standing in My Own Way

As the Colorado weather slowly becomes more predictable and the sunshine lightens my Seasonal Affective Disorder, it’s as if I am opening my eyes after a long sleep. It comes to me in a flood and if I think too long on it, I will be overwhelmed. I have been standing in my own way all winter long.

In my twenties, thirties and even early forties I would have told you if you want something, quit waiting and do it! I would have found it that simple. The kicker is, I would have MADE it that simple too. Now, hitting my mid-forties, I have to admit it isn’t as simple as I thought. I have responsibilities, I have expectations laid on me, I have limitations in time, ability and (dare I say it) finances. I no longer “mind over matter” things impulsively. I think it through, weigh the consequences to my family members, check the schedule and do the math.

There are benefits to impulsive living. I admire someone who can wake up one day, pack a bag and move to Borneo because they feel the Lord calling them to it. That is a freedom and confidence I have never felt. There are things I fear about impulsivity: Unrecoverable mistakes, regret, failure. The thing is, how much of what I allow to slow me down is really necessary? Am I being responsible or stalling? Am I considering others or making excuses? Do I really need the money I think I do or will God provide the answer if I let Him?

With the return of warm weather, my bravery peeks it’s fuzzy head around the corner too… There is a big, amazing world out there. I serve a tremendous God who wants things for me that I cannot even dream to desire yet. I have hope… Hope is huge!

Somedays you need a dash of inspiration and a gentle shove to wipe away the sleepy sandiness from your eyes. Pick something. Big or small, filled with impact or inconsequential, but choose something that you have always wanted to do. Ask God to water that seed and grow your dream. What’s the worst thing that could happen? The time will pass whether you are doing something you love or not – why not do something you love!?!

It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. (Eph 1:11-12)

Be blessed!

April 30, 2013
by Lori 5 Comments

God Loves You

“The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” (Zeph. 3:17 NASB)
The storms of life were raging. At least, that was my perspective. Once again I had been insulted and felt attacked and unworthy. My perfection is what kept me feeling loved and used by God. Now someone had come along accusing me and I believed them. I took to heart the words of condemnation. The enemy had me convinced. I cried out to the Lord and asked, “Do you even love me?”

That was a day several years ago, but the care and concern from my Father in heaven still lingers. You see, that day the Lord showed me His love throughout the day. It began with a church sign. It wasn’t any church sign, it was a Spanish one. I passed it several times a week not knowing what the sign said and not paying much attention. That day, the day I asked God if He loved me, the sign said, “God loves you.” A chill ran over my body and I smiled. “Thank you Lord.” God had answered my prayer.

Still smiling about the message on the church sign, I headed down the highway. I was taking my children to stay with their aunt because my husband had planned a weekend away for us. Because I live near theme parks, there are always skywriters flying around spreading their messages. This day however, I watched as the plane spelled out, “God loves you”. I could not believe my tear-filled eyes. God had already answered my prayer. I guess He wanted to be sure I got the message.

I returned home to finish packing. As soon as my husband came home, we were going to hit the road. We started our drive north for our weekend away. The traffic was heavy but not unbearable. I looked over and as we were passing a tractor-trailer. The sign on the side said, “God loves you.” Three times in one day the Lord showed me those three words. My day started with a broken heart. It finished with a heart overflowing.

The words of Zephaniah remind me that God is a God of joy and love. He delights in His children. He rejoices over us. He doesn’t ever want us to forget that. We are faced with attacks causing us to doubt the love of God. But He is always in our midst, He remains close-by. He walks with us because of His infinite love for us. If you are feeling discouraged today, please remember that God loves you!

April 28, 2013
by Bruce Mewett Leave a comment

Mysteries; Great and small

WOW! Mysteries – I love em!! – Well sometimes anyway – I must admit that the mysteries of the computer make me frustrated, angry and despairing!!

But other mysteries well that’s another matter; the mystery of creation; the universe; the gobsmacking splendour of the galaxy; the rainbows; the beauty of the sunrise; the stillness of star studded skies in the wilderness, all of these can leave me breathless with heaps of unanswered questions…

There is one mystery though that I will never get my head around – and I reckon it is the GREATEST mystery of all time!!

How God saved me is one HUGE mystery and one which I will eternally grateful for.

The plan of salvation is the mystery of mysteries and shows a love that is beyond our minds to comprehend.

God paid the price for my salvation – He took me to be His prize!! Me! that is a mystery that I cannot understand.

I had nothing; proud; deceitful; jealous; I could sin and feel no compunction; hear of my guilt and remain unhumbled. Then Jesus came!

He changed my life and where I was only ever out to make life better for me, whatever the cost, He made me realise that I was bound to sin; a slave to sin; I was in chains and didn’t realise it.

If we come to Jesus, we need to come bearing no gifts; there is nothing we can bring to Him; we owe everything to Him; how then can we bring anything to Him?

It is only through his grace that we can come anywhere near him at all.

Jesus is the King of the dependent: King of the despised; King of the weak; King of the left-outs and King of the hated!

Hated? – Yes Hated; we will be hated by others if we make a stand for Jesus. Left out? Yes certainly we will be left out; not part of the crowd; even despised.

The world at large will not take too kindly to us telling them about the only way to enrich their lives for eternity is to accept the invitation that Jesus brings; Why?

Because to come to Jesus we have to empty ourselves of all we have; we need to be totally dependent on Him bringing our sins; our past; our everything and laying them at the foot of the cross.

We need to leave behind the things of earth; and not place importance on the things that really don’t matter. That was one BIG lesson I had to learn – Jesus died for us just as we are.

When He died on the cross, He took my sins up there with Him; when He died so did I in a way; died to sin; I became bound to Jesus through His death when I accepted the gift of freedom that He offered me.

The old life I had is gone – Now I have to rely solely on Him.

I don’t know what mysteries lie ahead; have no idea, really what eternity will be like; death doesn’t scare me but it is a mystery – an amazing mystery and one where I can be assured of God’s amazing promises that where He is I will be also.

I have no idea what lies ahead of me; what trials; what tribulations; what joy; what pain – but I do know whatever happens, Jesus goes before me anyway.

There is nothing that I could possibly go through that he hasn’t been there before me; and that He has promised to be with me through everything that happens.

My life is bound up in Jesus – My whole life is in Him.

The very same power that resurrected Jesus; that rolled the stone away; that killed death, is the very same power that saved me and brought me to life with Him.

Jesus paid the price for you and me. His blood bought us life.

When we are weak, then we are strong; God can’t use us when we are proud, haughty and full of our own importance. We need to be totally broken in front of Him; totally dependent on Him; giving Him the glory in everything we do.

Glorifying God is when we see God as more important than anything else we are doing or what or who is in our lives.

It is only when we humble ourselves to the His will and let the Holy Spirit infill us will be be even remotely able to kneel before a Holy God.

We have to come to a point in our lives where we realise that can do nothing on our own; all power comes from God.

We can hold nothing back thinking that God can do so much and we can do the rest; we have nothing with which to come to God save his miraculous grace by which we are saved.

It is only when we come to that realisation that He will lift us up and see us through the sacrifice of Jesus; see us washed and clean; free of sin.

April 18, 2013
by cherylz1961 10 Comments

Waiting With Hope

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 NIV

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

How would you explain “waiting on God” to a friend? Would you define it as an “expectant hope, eagerly watched for with hopes of a quick arrival?” Maybe you would simply explain it as “something one does if something tarries.” There are many scriptures that not only mention the word “wait,” but also actually command us to wait. Psalm 27:14 is such an example. However, within the command there is an added encouragement. We are told to be strong and take heart as we wait.

It takes spiritual strength to stop, wait, watch, and allow God to work. We can become discouraged if hopes and prayers are not answered in our own timeframe. Heavenly timelines are altogether different from earthly ones and our Lord’s timing is always perfect. It may take a lifetime to see one of your prayer request answered. This kind of waiting will take a mature faith and spiritual endurance.

Patience is a fruit of the spirit and evident in the character of God. Patience is the twin to Spiritual Waiting and the half-sister to Longsuffering and Endurance. They all share a strong family resemblance but they are different just the same.

You may be living with a long and painful illness while patiently waiting for a cure, or the promised rest of your eternal home. Living with pain, illness, and suffering requires patience and perseverance. In fact, illness and pain helps to mature all the fruits of the spirit within you.

Waiting for justice and looking for God to avenge personal injuries requires the fruit of self-control. By waiting for God to judge those who have wounded us, we are guaranteed a just God will hand out a just consequence and penalty. Deuteronomy 32:35 instructs us that vengeance belongs to God. The English Standard Version of the Word states that He will “take revenge and pay them back.” Trust that all injustices are observed and are never forgotten or overlooked by your Father.

Isaiah 40:31 says that if we wait on the Lord He will renew our strength. By resting in His might and His promise to answer the prayer offered in faith and aligned to His will, we will find new strength. Instead of giving in to the exhaustion caused by worry, anguish, distraction, and fear, we are given an opportunity to refresh ourselves by patiently waiting on God to act.

Your ability to wait on the Lord is rooted in your confidence of who He is and what He is doing. Is your faith built on a solid foundation of His character and love? Trusting in His principals, promises, power, and divine purpose will enable you to wait in peace.

Psalm 33:20 informs all believers of HOW they are to wait for God; it is with HOPE. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1) and a conviction of things not seen. Hope is a part of faith and waiting on God requires both. May the peace of Christ rest upon you as you cast aside your burdens, trusting Him to address them in His time. I pray your strength is renewed as you wait.

“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you.   For the Lord is a God of justice;  blessed are all those who wait for Him.” Isaiah 30:18 (ESV)

“We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.” Psalm 33:20 (NIV)