My Hope Is In The Lord

Job 19:25-27  For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Poor Job. Losing his wealth and kids isn’t enough---now his friends turn on him and his wife is nagging. We find him having a little pity party. But then he looks beyond the here and now and sees the big picture. He has hope in his Redeemer.

Whatever happens to my mind, my money, my health, my stuff or the election;  I know that my Redeemer lives, and I will see Him some day upon this earth. My hope is in the Lord. Chin up, believers, your hope is too.

God's Sovereign Will

Isaiah 55:8-9  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

The songwriter William Cowper penned the following words:

God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform;

He plants his footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines Of never failing skill,

He treasures up his bright designs, And works his sovereign will.

The sooner believers quit trying to figure God out, the sooner they can submit to His will. Simple faith reveals the glory of God in the unseen and impossible as we gaze in awe at His sovereignty.

The Unseen Hand

Psalm 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.


“I thank God for the unseen Hand, sometimes urging me onward, sometimes holding me back; sometimes with a caress of approval, sometimes with a stroke of reproof; sometimes correcting, sometimes comforting. My times are in His hand”—Vance Havner

I can’t be righteous on my own. When I try, I fail. I’m glad the Lord restores us when we fail. The Lord takes my hand and leads me in the path of  righteousness. In fact, I’ve  never walked alone. I felt His hand while  laying on a hospital  gurney. I felt His hand in a blinding blizzard  that hid the road. I felt His hand on my shoulder, nudging me in the right direction..

How Is Your Day?

Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 

God’s plan for the believer doesn't guarantee perfect health or great riches or having everything you want, but He does shape your days to include rejoicing and gladness. God delights in your day. Maybe you don’t feel like rejoicing today. Has struggles stolen your joy?

If you're having bad days, remember what Jesus told the Apostle Paul:  “My grace is sufficient for thee,” 2 Cor 12:10. It’s good to know that the Lord walks with us through the valley days. Rejoicing and gladness are a decision. We can rejoice and be glad in our days when we surrender to the will of God. And if you fall, He with hold you up.

I Want To Know

Psalm 23:6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

I want to know ahead of time what I’m cooking for supper and who will win the election. I want to know the twists and knots churning the dust of my tomorrows. I can’t know election results or the future, but I can say, “Surely the LORD is my Shepherd and I will not want.”    

Tomorrow, if  my Lord wants to mold me to His image with twists and knots, I won’t fear because His rod and His staff will comfort me. His  goodness and mercy will follow me and supply my needs---all of them. One day my faith will end in sight, and I’ll dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Oh, how I long for the house of the Lord----forever.

Hold Your Tongue

Ephesians 4:25,29  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. . . .  29  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

The things believers say and how we say them are an indication of the condition of our hearts. When the heart is right our words will be right. When the heart is out of step with the Lord our words will reveal that too. We must guard our tongues against profanity, off-color jokes, dirty stories, and gossip.

On a hill in an English country churchyard stands a gray slate tombstone. The quaint stone bears an epitaph not easily seen unless you stoop over and look closely. It reads: Beneath this stone, a lump of clay, Lies Arabella Young, Who on the twenty-fourth of May, Began to hold her tongue.

Don’t let that be the way people remember you. By the help of the Holy Spirit it’s possible to control the tongue.

Paul's Prayer For The Saints

Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;  That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Paul's prayer for Saints at the Philippi Church is that their love for each other will grow strong. The prayer is the same for us. We are never more like Jesus and God the Father than when we love others.  We would never have church fusses if we love like Jesus and The Father.

Paul also prays that they will “approve” things that are excellent. Believers should check things out by the Word of God and take our stand on the truth.

His final prayer is that the saints be fruitful, bringing forth fruits of righteousness that will glorify God. Of course, fruit is produced as we  abide in the Vine (Christ). Abiding in Christ removes the struggle. It will happen naturally.