Tag Archives: Christian hope

Trust

Return to the Rock:

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A Call to Trust the Living God

Brethren, I do not write to you with clever speech or lofty words, but with a burden burning in my bones: Trust in the Living God! For in these days, many have turned aside. They have leaned on their own understanding, trusted in the arm of flesh, and sought the approval of men instead of the presence of the Lord. But the Spirit cries out—return to the Rock, return to the One who lives and cannot die! Let the voice of Job rise again in the assembly: “For I know that my Redeemer and Vindicator lives, and at last He will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25 AMP).

Job did not speak these words in comfort. He spoke them while sitting in ashes, his flesh broken, his friends accusing him falsely. He had lost all earthly things—his wealth, his children, his health—and yet he declared what many of us fear to believe: God is alive, and He will vindicate the righteous. This is not the cry of a man deceived by empty religion. This is the cry of one who has encountered the living God. Though Job’s skin was failing, his eyes of faith saw a day when he would behold God, not as a stranger, but as a Friend on his side. “And my eyes shall behold Him, and not as a stranger! My heart pines away and is consumed within me” (Job 19:27 AMP). This demonstrates Job’s profound trust in the Living God despite his trials.

Even in the storm, the Rock remains—our Redeemer lives and will stand upon the earth.

What a mystery! What glory! And what warning to those who mock the suffering and speak rashly in judgment. Job rebuked the presumptuous, saying, “Then beware and be afraid of the sword [of divine vengeance]… that you may know there is a judgment” (Job 19:29 AMP). Hear me, beloved: the Lord is not slow to act. He sees every injustice, every hidden accusation, every burden laid on the innocent. And there is a judgment! God will not be mocked—what a man sows, that shall he also reap. Therefore, walk in humility. Judge not with the eyes of flesh, but intercede with the heart of Christ, who alone is able to save and to destroy. This reinforces the call to trust in God who lives beyond human comprehension.

And now, let us lift our voices with David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, who declared: “The Lord liveth, and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation” (2 Samuel 22:47 KJV). This was not a poetic line for David—it was his battle cry. In caves and in courts, among lions and liars, David clung to the Rock. When men rose against him, when his own sin threatened to destroy him, he returned again and again to the mercy and faithfulness of the living God. So must we. Truly, David exemplified trust in the Living God in every trial.

I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God: do not trust in the wisdom of this age, nor in your possessions, nor in the fleeting comfort of applause. The Lord liveth! He is not a concept nor a ritual, but a risen King, Yeshua our Redeemer, who stood upon the earth, bore our griefs, was pierced for our transgressions, and rose in triumph! He now intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. Will you trust Him? Will you rely on Him? Or will you continue chasing shadows?

You must choose. Either build your house on the Rock or watch it fall when the storm comes. But as for me, I will say: “The Lord liveth, and blessed be my Rock!” For when my flesh is weak, He is strong. When I am falsely accused, He defends me. When I fall, He lifts me up. And in the end, I too shall see Him—not as a stranger, but as my Advocate, my Redeemer, my Friend. It is in trusting the living God that one’s foundation is secure.

Return, O Church, to your first love. Return, O weary soul, to the Rock that does not move. Trust in the Living God—and you will never be put to shame.

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Prayer

O Living God, our Rock and our Redeemer, we repent of every false trust. We lay down our pride, our fears, our idols. You alone are worthy. You alone are sure. Cause us to see You with our own eyes—not as a stranger, but as our faithful Friend. Let our lives declare, “The Lord liveth!” May every fear be silenced, every accusation fall powerless, and every heart be anchored in Your presence. In the name of Yeshua, the Risen One, amen.

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Jesus

Awaken to Victory

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First-Hand Encounters with the Risen Lord

It was early morning, the air crisp and cool, the world still wrapped in the silent cloak of night just beginning to yield to dawn. Imagine yourself there, sandals crunching softly against gravel, heart heavy with grief and confusion. Your hands tremble slightly, carrying spices to anoint the body of the One you loved, the One you believed in. The fragrance of myrrh and aloe hangs thick, mingling with the fresh morning dew.

You approach the tomb and suddenly freeze—the stone is rolled away, an open doorway into mystery. Your breath quickens, heart pounding louder in your ears as you step closer, each step an echo of hope battling fear. And then you see him—an angel, radiant like lightning, garments blazing white as snow, seated confidently upon the stone.

His voice thunders gently, resonating deep within your chest: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:5-6, NASB). Your heart leaps, joy surging through every fiber of your being, eyes wide as you rush to peer inside. The tomb is empty, grave clothes neatly folded—a silent, triumphant testimony that death has lost its grip. Encounter the Risen Christ.

Now, imagine yourself later that very day, walking along a dusty road, talking quietly with another disciple about all that has happened. Your steps slow, hearts heavy, minds wrestling with questions. Suddenly, a stranger joins you, His presence comforting yet mysterious. His voice calm, familiar in a way you can’t explain. He begins to open the Scriptures, explaining clearly why the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead.

As you walk, your heart begins to burn within you—His words igniting a fire of understanding, revelation dawning brighter than the midday sun. And then, at the breaking of bread, your eyes are opened, and you see clearly—it is Jesus Himself, risen, alive, and walking beside you! (Luke 24:13-32, NASB).

Now, dear friend, imagine stepping from those miraculous moments into your everyday life. Today, you are called personally—called to Christ, called to the reality of the empty tomb and the living Savior who walks alongside you. Just as the disciples encountered overwhelming victory that morning and afternoon, you are invited to step fully into the miraculous power of Christ’s resurrection and encounter the Risen Christ.

Beloved, hear this clearly: The tomb was not just empty then—it remains empty today! “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55, NASB). Christ has forever shattered the chains of death and sin, inviting you to live freely in the victory He secured. When you encounter the Risen Christ, everything changes.

This Easter morning, respond wholeheartedly to this call of faith. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NASB). Rise, leave behind doubt, cast away fear, and embrace the life-giving power of resurrection that transforms every believer. Allow yourself to encounter the Risen Christ in every aspect of your life.

Today is the day to declare boldly: you stand victorious in Christ! Walk with the confidence of those who know their Savior lives, that death is defeated, and that the victory is eternally yours through Jesus. As Scripture proclaims, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, NASB).

Declare it aloud! Proclaim it from rooftops! Christ is risen indeed! Encounter the Risen Christ and live transformed.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we stand amazed at the empty tomb and Your risen presence. Fill our hearts with the excitement and boldness of those first disciples. May the power of Your resurrection shape our lives profoundly, empowering us to proclaim Your victory boldly to all around us. Amen.

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Peace

Anchored in Peace and Hope: God’s Work in Your Life

Introduction

Dear friend, as you navigate the ups and downs of life, there’s something deeply important that I want you to know: God is at work in your life, even now. His presence is not distant or unreachable. Instead, it’s a living, active force that’s guiding, shaping, and sustaining you. In this message, we’ll explore the peace and hope that God offers and how you can experience His work in your life every day.

Understanding God’s Peace in Your Life

One of the greatest gifts God offers is His peace. This peace isn’t dependent on circumstances; it’s a deep, abiding presence that remains steady regardless of what storms you may face. Jesus, who knows you better than anyone else, promises you this peace. He says, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Think about that for a moment. This peace isn’t a fleeting feeling; it’s a constant state of calm and assurance that comes from knowing you’re in God’s hands. Whether you’re going through difficult times or just the everyday stresses of life, this peace is available to you. Jesus has already overcome the world, and in Him, you can find rest for your weary soul.

The Power of Hope Anchored in Christ

But God doesn’t just offer peace—He also offers hope. This hope is not just a wishful thought; it’s a confident expectation rooted in the promises of God. In Romans 5:5, the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

This hope is unshakeable, even when life feels uncertain. It’s an anchor for your soul, keeping you steady and secure. No matter what the future holds, know this: God holds your future. He has plans for you—good plans filled with hope and purpose. This hope is for today, for this very moment. Hebrews 6:19 assures us, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

Recognizing God’s Work in Your Life

You may wonder what God is doing in your life, especially during tough times. The truth is, God is always at work. He’s shaping you, refining you, and leading you into the fullness of life He has planned for you. It may not always be easy to see, but trust that He is with you every step of the way, offering His peace and filling you with His hope.

If you’ve never fully opened your heart to God, or if you’re feeling distant from Him, now is the perfect time to reconnect. God is waiting with open arms, ready to embrace you, to fill you with His love, and to give you a hope that will never fade.

How to Experience God’s Peace and Hope Daily

Experiencing God’s peace and hope daily is about building a relationship with Him. Here are a few practical steps you can take:

  1. Spend Time in Prayer: Prayer is your direct line to God. Share your worries, hopes, and dreams with Him. Ask Him to fill you with His peace and hope.
  2. Read and Meditate on Scripture: God’s Word is filled with promises of peace and hope. Scriptures like John 14:27 and Romans 5:5 can offer comfort and encouragement.
  3. Trust in God’s Promises: Remind yourself daily that God’s promises are true. He has a plan for your life, and His peace and hope are part of that plan.
  4. Surround Yourself with a Supportive Community: Being part of a faith community can provide support, encouragement, and accountability as you grow in your relationship with God.

A Prayer for Peace and Hope

Let’s take a moment to pray together:

Heavenly Father, I thank You for my friend reading this message. I thank You for the work You are doing in their life, even when it’s hard to see. I ask that You fill them with Your peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding, and with a hope that is firm and secure in You.

Lord, if they are feeling burdened, I pray that they would find rest in Your promises. If they are feeling lost, may they discover the hope that is found in You alone. Strengthen them, guide them, and help them to see that You are with them, every step of the way.

In the name of Jesus, our Savior and our hope, we pray. Amen.

Conclusion

Friend, God’s peace and hope are available to you today. He is working in your life, guiding you through every challenge, and offering you a future filled with promise. Embrace His peace, hold fast to His hope, and trust that He is with you every step of the way. Remember, He is the anchor for your soul, firm and secure.

May God’s peace and hope fill your heart today and always.

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