Thursday, November 10, 2011

choose hope


When you look at your neighborhood what do you see? When you balance the checkbook what do you notice about your financial situation? When you listen to the doctor talk what do you hear him saying? When you tell your kid to stop touching the television and opening the fridge what do you notice about your parenting efforts? Does the word “despair” come to mind? One of the toughest things to do in this life is to have hope, because everywhere we turn we see opportunities for despair.

This is the great thing about being a follower of Christ: we can have hope in all situations. This doesn’t mean it is easy to have hope; sometimes choosing hope is the most difficult option. But choose we must.

We choose hope over despair because of the One who gives us hope. Hope is a virtue only Christ can provide. No matter what your situation is…No matter what you are going through today…No matter what tomorrow may hold for you…CHOOSE HOPE!

I have no idea what your response is to choosing hope, but “as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise [God] more and more.” (Psalm 71:14). Today, I ask you to place your hope in the Person who will never leave you or forget about you.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 46:1-3

I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Joshua1:5

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5

choosing hope,
marc 


Thursday, November 3, 2011

I'M THANKFUL...



  1. I’m thankful that JESUS rescued me!
  2. I’m thankful for a WIFE who loves me, even when I don’t deserve it! 
  3. I’m thankful for my SON who reminds me of what’s really important. 
  4. I’m thankful for my PARENTS who taught me about Jesus, marriage and so much more.
  5. I’m thankful for a COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS that teaches me about grace. 
  6. I’m thankful for GRACE
  7. I’m thankful for my BROTHER & SISTER who I don’t call nearly as much as I need to.
  8. I’m thankful for a CHURCH that understands that family comes first.
  9. I’m thankful for FINANCIAL RESOURCES that provide for needs, wants and then some.
  10. I’m thankful for my NEPHEWS & NIECES who make me laugh out loud.
  11. I’m thankful for MY BODY even if it aches and pains.
  12. I’m thankful that GOD HEALS through miracles & medicines.
...more to come!

Every day I am writing down something that I am thankful for! I encourage you to do the same!

What are you thankful for?

Grace & Peace, Marc