ETERNAL HOPE!

My HOPE is built on nothing else....is singing in my mind as I type this. A little off-key because it's my voice but the words still resonate truth. Scriptural truth of the  security of one's salvation because of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ as his substitutionary atonement for us.

Nothing less....than Jesus blood and righteousness.  

At a recent funeral, I remember Pastor Rob Mullins pithy with a punch comment......

Salvation is not a "hope so" but a "know so" for believers!

Maybe we need to "hope out loud" so others hear of the One who is our eternal hope!

LENS ON LIFE!

Paul David Tripp said it well. Prayer calls one to abandonment and submission. Abandonment of present day reality of self as the only "lens" perspective of life is too prevalent. Submission to Christ requires us to let go of "our" momentary agendas and to be committed to take up His view of eternal hope. 

God cares about our present life---with us, for us and in us.(New Morning Mercies, January 28)

What prepositions for life! But God....goes beyond. Lens that go beyond "the now" to see eternity. It's the "long view."

It's the view of life that opens a door beyond death. 

After four recent funerals, it's the "lens on life" in Christ, which brings hope! AMEN!

"eterni-TEA"

And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:23-25, ESV) 

My NIV Bible division for Romans 8:18-30 is labeled "Expectant Living." A title that expresses today's living reflecting one's hope for eternity. A reminder to live well because of that eternal promise.

“Lord, stamp eternity on my eyeballs.” (Jonathan Edwards) Edwards quote sums it up. Such a focus transforms our perspective. Sufferings of today are not worthy of comparing to the glory that awaits us---eternal security with Christ. 

Edwards, with a little chutpzpah for a theologian in 1730s,  adds; 

"Resolved, never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.” (Jonathan Edwards)

I like Edwards "eternal" perspective---I'll drink to that---a cuppa "eterni-TEA."

Meditating Monday

1/26/09

I am choosing NOT to meditate on my tumor today---Big MAC attack is to be set aside so that I can fully focus on God's goodness:

Banana puddin' for breakfast---I'm actually trying to gain back recently lost pounds---my friends are "bashing" me about this new found "eat more" opportunity.

Allowing me to pray for others.

Taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8)----even in the dark times---make that especially in the dark times. Make mine a BRT---Belief, Rest and TRUST---I have the belief, I'm getting the rest so I'm slathering on the Trust---so it covers this whole Big MAC.

God's goodness is SO evident to me ----He has sent Michele into my life for such a time as this with words of encouragement---because she has stood where I am standing.

Words from her could encourage us all--"-I'm praying for peace and for an eternal perspective as you face the days and weeks ahead. I am praying for miracles too, whether they come through your surgeon's scalpel or through the Lord's all-knowing hand. "Prayer is the slender thread that moves the hand of God." (Corrie Ten Boom) His hand is moving even as I write..."