As we continue our talk from yesterday, I want to stress the difference between living a fulfilling life and living a mediocre life. The distinguishing factor is whether you live in Hope or not. But as I said, we humans, sadly, tend to place our Hope on the wrong things. Let’s continue in Day 2 of this book, with the story of the man paralyzed for 38 years who is sitting on the side of the pool in Bethesda, but not getting the healing he may have originally sought. As Jesus approaches him, He asks this poor man a very curious question, “Do you want to be healed?” (Jn 5:6) Here’s a great excerpt from this devotional: “Every person with a physical affliction in that place wanted to be healed; it’s why they were there. But no one seemed to take notice of the One who was actually able to heal them. Jesus walked among them— the sick and diseased, the deaf, blind and lame— while they focused their time and energy and hope on the water. Which is what we all do to some degree. We focus on our struggles and the solutions we work out in our heads while our Creator, Redeemer, and Healer is among us.” (pp 16-17) Do we see the problem? These sick folks were focused on the water and what it might be able to do for them, instead of seeking their Creator and knowing what He would do for them.
When we misplace our Hope, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. Why? Because everything and anything in this world is constantly changing. God, on the other hand, never does. The Bible says He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb 13:8) Because He is Perfect, He doesn’t need to change, so we can fully rely in His stability and on His Faithfulness! Humans and this earth of ours, is always changing because it has been corrupted and God is setting us and it back to what He originally designed His Creation to be. So it is only when we look up, and reach up to God, that we discover true, unchanging Hope. Can you see why this is not wishful thinking or optimism? God is the only Anchor for our soul. (Heb 6:19) Place your Hope in Him, not in your circumstances or resources or intelligence or financial status or…are you hearing me? Place your Hope in Him, and never be disappointed.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
November: So Thankful To Be Chosen: “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One, Book Two & Book Three” by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks and Dallas Jenkins
<>< Peace, Diane
