HOPE AS A "KNOW SO"

Last month's The Best Times Faith and Hope section by Truth Seekers Fellowship Stacy Tyson focused of My One Word for 2024.....HOPE! Of course, I had to take notes. 'Cause, that's what I do!

One more Monday's Meditation on his scriptural truth notes.

HOPE---defined from a Biblical position. (my paraphrases with additions)

• Hope is a confident expectation things will turn out well turn out well because our Father God who promises is faithful. Hope is built on HIs past works. 
• Hope is NOT just wishful thinking. 
• Hope is built of Father God's trustworthy word and His past works..  
• My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; Cokesbury hymnal, p, 24)
• There is an old saying, A person can live 40 days with out food, 3 days without water, about 3 minutes without air, but not 3 seconds without hope."
• Hope is essential to life.

Everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and and through encouragement of the Scriptures we way have hope. (Romans 15:4, emphasis mine)

So.....Know the "know so" of True Hope!

COMPLICATED PILGRIM!

Life is  complicated..........to say the least! But God, is there for those who turn to Him in faith! Life on earth is temporary for His children who have the hope of eternity with Him. According to John Bunyan, life in the ""Celestial City" is sought by many pilgrims who have 

Hope in Him enhances our fellowship. What about our relationship toward those who choose not to know God? Follow God's leading comes to mind. Bunyan, in Pilgrim's Progress says, "You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."

He (God) is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). 

Open the door of your heart and invite them to sup with you in kindness. That might be a bit tricky but it's not complicated! 

Begin your day with a humble heart. Supersize your order with kindness verses.*

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32).

 

When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us…”  (Titus 3:4). 

Truth from God's Word is not complicated for His pilgrims!

*Several "pilgrims" in Memphis, TN joined together at Complicated Pilgrim restaurant 21 South Cooper to share fellowship along with a variety of delicious culinary options........including the best french fries any had ever had!

It's not complicated....food and fellowship go well together!

HOPE-RENEWING STRENGTH

Essentials of life are faith, hope and love. My focus this year has been on hope!

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scotty-smith/a-prayer-for-drawing-strength-from-our-tireless-hope-renewing-god

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isa. 40:28-31

Gracious Father, thank you for providing your timely Word and prayers of others this week,  As Scotty S. once said, Our God who speaks truth through his word, does not stutter. I often speak in circles, but not the Lord. I grow tired and weary, but not my Father God. 

How grateful I am to be your child, O Lord and I'm thanking you today for renewing my heart, replenishing my strength and refreshing my hope.

My hope is in you, loving Father, who grants unending mercy through your son Jesus. 

MONDAY MUSINGS!

After the "Billboard Beckoned" on Saturday we spent some time in....

this sweet and savory place! My camera took over to supply me with scripture and thoughts to think and rethink. Meditation. More for others than self as needs are great for many people in my life who need to be covered with prayer.

For readers, choose one for your own Monday musing.

 The cardinal one is for my KY family and friends having gone through many trials as a result of storms during severe weather days.*

God is worth it all.....even the wait for the storms to pass.

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks him. (Lamentations 3:25)

In times of trouble it's good to remember to whom you belong.

All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.

(John 17:10)

Don't lose hope!

THINK ON THESE THINGS! (PHILIPPIANS 4:8)

*....or at least muse for a moment until your electricity comes back on and your recliner works again.....and thanks for making me laugh!

THE LORD'S PRAYER #2

Our Father which art in heaven.....HALLOWED BE THY NAME! That must be the KJV because those word's came to mind as I recited the Lord's Prayer. NET, which Stacy Tyson quotes, translates "Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored."(NET) Holy. (NLV) Sanctified (TLV)P. D. Tripp says this second part of Jesus' model prayer frames everything that prayer is about.....as it reveals how precious the hallowed grace of Jesus is. (New Morning Mercies, May 5)

Tyson also states "be honored" more literally translates in modern terms as, "Let your name be sanctified." (The Best Times, March 2023)

Sanctified? 

Holy and unique. God worthy of reverential respect and awe as there is none like Him. (Psalm 86:8-9)

These days our prayers to our revered, glorified, worthy of praise Lord are the only Hope for the sanctity of our nation and the world.

THE LORD'S PRAYER!

This prayer, from Matthew 6:9-13 is traditionally known as "The Lord's Prayer." Stacy Tyson, Director of Truth Seekers Fellowship, also sees  "The Disciples" Prayer" as an appropriate title. Tyson looks at the pronoun "Our" as a reminder that believers are not alone. We as members of the household of faith are apart of the family of God.

Not only that, but Jesus invites us to address the One True God as Father. An invitation into relationship with Him. Our Heavenly Father.

Paul David Tripp also sees this opening line of Jesus's model prayer as as glorious and encouraging way to begin our prayers (New Morning Mercies, May 4) 

A beautiful prayer beginning for a child of God---to address the Lord as the One who is our Father.