But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more. (Psalm 71:14, Holy Bible, New King James Version)
You’ve heard it all.
• “Never lose hope.”
• “Hope will make a way.”
• “Don’t give up. There’s still hope.”
• “When hope is gone, there’s nothing left.”
What is hope? It’s the expectation that when we can’t fix things ourselves and faith fails, God will bridge the gap so we can praise Him even more.
Prayer: Lord, my hope is in You. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
In a couple of days, this year will come to an end, and we enter a brand new one. As we look back for the past months, we can see where the Lord has been with us, guiding our footsteps, and providing our every need.
We look forward to the New Year with confidence that the Lord is in control. Our world is in turmoil, but peace fills our hearts as we realize this means we are that much closer to the Lord’s return.
We do not know what the future holds, but we know who holds our future, and we have no fear. Trouble and strife may rock our world, but we are safe in those everlasting arms.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the peace you give us and the hope that one day soon we will see you face to face. Keep us faithful to you in the coming year.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5, Holy Bible, King James Version)
How strange it must have been to hear the prophet Isaiah foretell of the death of the great Redeemer less than thirty years after the promise of His birth. Could it be possible that the anticipated Savior might have a similar short time on earth?
“A time to be born, and a time to die” (Ecclesiastes 3:2), the words of another Old Testament wise man says we each have a span of time. From the moment the angel announced the birth of the Savior to the shepherds until the day He was crucified, about the same number of years between the promised birth and death, Jesus accomplished all that was needed to change the future.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, in the short years You lived as a man on this earth, You brought hope to those of your generation. With Your death, You brought hope to all generations. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
“And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also… And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.” Genesis 1:16,19
Imagine a world without stars. After sunset, the sky would simply be black. No constellations to capture our interest, no North Star to guide us on our journey. Just… nothing up there. But thankfully, God planned something special on the fourth day of creation. He made sure that there would be something in the sky to alleviate the darkness of night.
And He did the very same thing for our souls. There are times when God allows us to experience a time of testing, frustration or grief. Circumstances look dark and hopeless, but He gives us a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.
He comforts our souls through the promises in His Word. We may weep all night, but joy will come in the morning. His mercies are new every morning. He will never leave or forsake us. These spiritual stars keep us on track as we go through trials.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that even when my situation seems bleak, Your love and hope are still shining through the darkness. I know You will bring me through and there will be joy on the other side.
Devotion by Liane Grant
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 in the New International Version of the Holy Bible) The Word of God gives us hope. Reading the Bible encourages us to…
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, Holy Bible, New King James Version)
When a friend has problems, I send a greeting card or a note. Choosing the right words and the best card is important. When an illness is terminal, a humorous get –well-soon card may not be the best choice. A bon voyage card may not be appreciated by a friend who is forced to move because of financial circumstances. When God sees us in uncomfortable situations, He knows what to say. He sends His thoughts of peace and hope for the future. When you read His Word, you will welcome His “Thinking of You” card.
Prayer: Dear God, You saw my future before I was born. You have shown compassion to me through words of encouragement, comfort and peace. You have provided answers in Your Word for all my situations and have given me hope for tomorrow. Thank You for thinking of me. Amen
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
Published In the Right Place: A Gallery of Treasured Moments © 2006, Violet Carr Moore
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them!” (Revelation 12:11-12a in the New King James Version of the Holy Bible). There…
Baby takes its first breath, lungs filling with air and cries at being thrust from the safety of the womb into bright light. That first cry brings life, hope and dreams. When the baby’s mother is wheeled to the curb at the hospital, going home, optimism blossoms. She visualizes her baby in the future. First tooth. First steps. A smiling kindergartner in cap and gown. She sees happy days with a bright future, not thoughts of tragedy awaiting the warm bundle of life cradled in her arms. Although death begins at the moment of birth, the mother acknowledges only life and hope. Jesus, recognizing His destiny to die, said “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly,” (John 10:10, Holy Bible, King James Version).
Prayer : Eternal God, between the first breaths of life and the last before death, there is hope for each of Your children to make a difference. I pray for an expectant mother who has little hope to dream big, pray and nurture her child to be a winner for you. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, and house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)
Moving around to different houses has lost its attraction for me. Maybe it’s because of my age, but getting ready to move is hard work. I don’t want to move anymore! We probably need to downsize but I’m dragging my feet because I simply am tired of moving.
With all that said, I am looking forward to moving to the house not made with hands in the heavens. In our devotional verse, the Apostle evidently means there is a day coming when our soul will no longer be tied to earth by our body, but it will be released back to God who gave it. Now that’s a move I can handle!
While they wandered in the wilderness, the children of Israel had to move the tabernacle everywhere they went. When they arrived at the new place it had to be set-up again. This process was repeated over and over again. What a hope the Resurrection brings to all of us. No more packing!
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for that blessed hope. These earthly houses cannot compare to my eternal home not made with hands!
Devotion by Kaye Singleton