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| Hope looks FORWARD!! |
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Regardless of how we feel about it, we ALL suffer in the time we have left in this world. Some more than others, some far, far more. We suffer emotionally, mentally, physically. Sometimes we suffer a little, sometimes excruciatingly. Sometimes we see it coming, sometimes it blindsides us. Scripture gives us no assurances of a painless life. In fact, scripture says we’re all groaning in pain together!
8:22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 8:23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
But there is good news! We who believe in Christ, who have faith in his atoning sacrifice, who walk in trust with the assurance that he has bought our salvation with his blood, have a remarkable HOPE!! This hope far exceeds any temporal relief we might find in the present. We who believe in Christ, who have faith in his atoning sacrifice, who have trusted him for our salvation, have a remarkable hope. 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Not even worth comparing?? Wow! This hope he has given us FAR OUTWEIGHS ANY SUFFERING IMAGINABLE in this life!!!! Think about this…the greater your suffering, the greater your hope! Do you suffer? Give thanks! You have a better grasp of the greatness of the hope God has given us than those who don’t suffer. In fact, those who don’t suffer must continually guard against complacency. Where were the crowds of people Jesus had fed and healed when he was on trial? Having already been satisfied temporally, they grew complacent, then cried “Barabbas!!” I strongly believe God allows suffering to strengthen faith and accentuate hope. This may be why the Gospel spreads so much faster in parts of the world where there is great persecution and hardship. Spiritually speaking, in this world those who suffer need hope far more than they need relief. 8:24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
The apostle John, writing to encourage a suffering church, shared with them a glimpse of God's plan for their ultimate glory. He wrote not to relieve their temporal suffering, but to give them hope in the midst of their hardships. He wrote of the vision God gave him for all believers, 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
God has given us all a tremendous hope! And part of the joy of this hope is, that it’s a hope that we can share! This hope is a blessing to rich and delicious to keep to ourselves! Know somebody today that is suffering? Share hope!! This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the wondrous hope that God has graciously given us!!! And for those who haven’t yet found this hope, who see only their suffering and despair, I pray someone offers them this great hope for them to lay hold of. Not a hope for present, partial relief, but a much greater hope of complete redemption, a hope that looks FORWARD with eagerness!!
12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.
*** This blog is for my friends who are suffering. My heart goes out to those of you who will have a hard time giving thanks this holiday season. I pray you will be able to lay hold of God's great gift of hope, true hope that NEVER fails, and thereby give thanks for this indescribably wonderful blessing which is now in your possession, and can never be taken away.
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| To add a comment to "Hope looks FORWARD!!" |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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| Very touching blog Mike. I think I can safely add that we all have different levels, or threshholds of suffering. Someone might be able to withstand something where I would fall apart if it happened to me. Others cannot take the least little upset. But, we all suffer. Some of it is a result of our sins. Some as a result of someone else's sin, some just because. No matter, it is comforting to know the One that is there with us through it all. |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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I think I'm more fascinated by being the first to comment on MyChurch's resident celebrity Mike (of the Mike n Laura duo) than anything else :) What I wanted to emphasize simply is that Paul, who had been shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, and tortured on an ongoing basis, nonetheless penned those remarkable words in 2 Corinthians 4:17 that the present sufferings are but a "slight momentary afflication." How remarkable is that! Glory to God! |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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| ... all right, I was off by 2 minutes. I'll keep that "slight momentary afflication" to myself then ;) |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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| Oh soul why are you cast down? Hope in God! |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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SLG- ya it's a tough one to get first dibs on Mr Mikes blogs LOL
Eagerly anticipating.... cheerfully giving and giving thanks that this is our first Thanksgiving together.
**hugs** to the Mike & Laura clan! Happy Thanksgiving! |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.
This is one of my favorites concerning our Hope in our Savior it has
always encouraged me even in the times of trials Happy Thanksgiving
to you and your family God Bless You |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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Shandon, there were MANY verses I would have liked to post in this blog. The one you posted is especially relevant - thank you!
Cathy, wow, excellent verse! The God of ...HOPE!!! Awesome!
Ah Bubbles, thanks so much sister. Happy Thanksgiving to you too! *hugs*
Todd, a shared hope, amen!
Deb, interesting thoughts on the thresholds of suffering. Take it to heart, God certainly knows the threshold each one of us can bear. The greater our suffering, the greater the "compliment" from God? |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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| !!!!! |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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Great blog, Mike! So thankful for them and you!
 GoD'S, PeAcE aNd LoVe |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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| In the movie Alive based on the true story of those folks who crashed in the Andes, they spend 70 days before rescue. Under the stressful conditions they faced, many turn to their faith and prayer, but one poignant scene I remember is where two men who are injured and lying in sling type hammocks are totally helpless to care for themselves and as others try to keep them comfortable, all they can do is wait. One of the men, can't remember the names, turns to the other and said he could see God. He dies before the other one. I felt the message clearly that in this man's suffering, he turned all that was left of himself to God. He saw paradise. Those who were instantly killed and didn't suffer as this man did but they may not have known God. If not, they are in hell and his suffering may have been the catalyst to him turning to God and therefore the MOST important blessing in his short life. |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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| Wow - very good blog my friends - Without Hope and GOD we are DOOMED.
Thank you for your friendship and prayers.
In Him, |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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| Many good points I highly recomend checking out people get ready on you tube. |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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| Thanks Mike, I am Thankful today for the HOPE that is mine. On this sometimes difficult Journey I wake up to the Hope of all of God's Promises. I know that when I have a "Not So Good Moment" in a Good Day, it's where my help comes from...HOPE, FAITH, LOVE & PRAYERS. |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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I can see those who possess hope, reaching out to others who seem to lack hope, and who are caught in despair. But you seem to be presenting a contrast, the full meaning of which escapes me I'm afraid. Care to clarify Dan? Thanks, and hope you had a happy Thanksgiving.
Terry, I was so thankful today, filled with a hope that can never be taken away!
Dave thanks so much. Great tune!
Lynne, a believer without hope? Are they a believer at all? Thanks for your comment, good point sister! |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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Juany, that seems to be an excellent picture of a suffering man clinging to hope. The movie sounds compelling, may I take your post as a recommendation?
Thanks for your post, Deb (ura grandma!). Hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving Day w/your precious grandkids!!
JoeKing, &*$()%#@!!! (hilarious, thanks!) |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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| Great blog Mike, today is the perfect day to be giving thanks for the hope we have in Christ. |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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He never promised a rose garden for us in this life. What He did promise was LIFE ETERNALLY with Him in His Father's house (HOPE) \o/........ LIFE ETERNALLY with Him when we past this test that has been set in front of each and everyone of us... We share His WORD and His LOVE. we give encouragement with His WORD, we praise Him with His WORD, we go above and beyond lip service with His WORD, we stand on His WORD.
JESUS gave the Ultimate Gift for Us (His Life) that can never, ever be repaid in the here and now no matter how hard we try, but try we must to ALL of our brothers and sisters (Saved and Unsaved)(HOPE). We give until it hurts and we give thanks unto our Father until it hurts.
My prayer are for all who are going through right now to HOLD ON, NEVER EVER GIVE UP. It is the trials that make us strong, it is the trials that we stand upon that makes the devil a liar....... PRAISES TO MY FATHER for His strength, His word, His love. THIS TOO SHALL PASS and it will. This is not our home only a layover. |
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| November 27, 2008 |
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there is always hope; no matter how bad things look there is still hope. Jesus is our hope He is the only one who can turn bad situation into something great and wonderful. Hope is something we always have now and in the future.
Theresa |
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| November 28, 2008 |
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| Great read thanks mike. |
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| November 28, 2008 |
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EXCELLENT read Mike.
through all the tribulations I have been going through with myself and parents,
I had to alwasy remember to pay thanks for Him. Prasie Him for all He does
and has done. I know there is alwasy Hope in alll situations. I use to live a life
of hopelessness and I alwasy have that to look at when times are difficult!
I know i have helped my dad see different through all his suffering with is health
and reading some passages out of the bible to him. He sees how I get throgh all my
health issues and commends me, and i tell him it is of no doing of my own,
it is the help of God's Word & His love that gets me though.
Thanks again Mike and I Pray for all those who are suffering everyday .
I know it is really hard for some to see God's abundant Love!
God Bless |
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| November 28, 2008 |
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| Thanks Mike. |
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| November 28, 2008 |
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| Great post. Keep them coming. God Bless. |
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| November 28, 2008 |
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Mike, if you have not seen the movie or read the book Alive is based on a true story. It is a bit colorful at times but Ethan Hawke plays a fantastic role in it. I highly recommend it and when you come to the part where the dying man sees God, you will know what I meant. I am visiting my husband in NC for the holidays and cleaning my house which seems bigger than big now that I am in a camper through the week. I may have overspent energy by being excited to be here. I go back to Amelia on Sunday after church. I had truly missed him and my dogs. The cat a wee bit. :) Rahab (my cat) became attached to Jim and ignores me. It became more mutual over time. |
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| November 28, 2008 |
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O' VERY NICE BLOG MIKE & LAURA
THANKS FOR SHARING HOPE! I MUST PASS THIS ON BECAUSE SOMEONE MAY ACTUALLY BE A LITTLE DISCOURAGED!!! THANKS!!
BLESSINGS....... |
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| November 28, 2008 |
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| He has made us a promise that makes the most wonderful rose garden look dull. The hope that He has promised for all who believe on his name is life everlasting to be with Jesus and our Father in a place never even thought of because we can not picture it. It is beyond our wildest dreames. Thank you Mike and Laura, and Gods richest blessings to you and yours. |
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| November 29, 2008 |
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H. (happy,no matter what comes to unsettle me)
O.(on my journey, through the vallleys and over the mountains)
P.(pointing towards,the place where there is perfect peace)
E.(eternity,my home forever and ever with my precious JESUS) |
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| November 29, 2008 |
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Precious, Rosie! (You're hangin out, and I'm likin it!)
Robert, you have the Lord's promises in perspective, thank you for sharing!!
Hezable, thank you and please DO share hope! That is a HUGE part of the Gospel.
Juany, actually now that I think of it, I have seen Alive. It was quite a few years ago, but I vaguely remember it. So glad to hear of your anticipated trip to visit your husband. Sorry about your cat, lol! (they are somewhat prone to that sort of behavior, hope you didn't take it too hard, hehe)
Rev Paxton, thanks!
Loren, thanks for a great blog the other day, it gave me a totally new outlook on Thanksgiving.
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| November 29, 2008 |
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Maureen, we do have a tremendous hope in Christ, given to us by the God of hope! "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (quoted in the blog) The hope we have isn't in what God "promises" to give us now, but in the exceedingly great promises for eternal blessings. Hope in what we don't yet have and will not receive until we've gone from this life takes real FAITH in God. The people in Hebrews 11 who were commended had not yet received, and looked FORWARD. Let us do likewise, in joy! (Thanks for the comment Maureen!! Have hope!)
Mary, looks to me like you are a hopeful woman. You must have seen some hardship? That is a glorious testimony! |
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| November 29, 2008 |
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Megan, thanks for dropping by! Love ya sis!
Theresa, hope that fails is no hope at all....great point!
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| December 15, 2008 |
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General statement: there is a dangerous teaching that says our "groaning" days are over with, that Christ's atonement has settled everything in the here and now, and that God will fulfill our every wish and desire if we merely exercise enough faith. This is a false gospel, commonly referred to as the "Prosperity Gospel", and it leads to false expectations of God. It even misportrays God as being subject to OUR will, as opposed to requiring us to voluntarily subject our will to God. Who is God? Is he a friendly cosmic force that exists to serve us, or is he the holy and almighty Creator of the universe, worthy of our total and PERSONAL worship?
Just some thoughts.... |
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| December 15, 2008 |
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Hope is....The Earnest EXPECTATION of...God's Precious PROMISES.
Faith is....The Substance of The Things on the Earnest Expectations...[LIST] of His Precious PROMISES....for Us.......... & Eternity Starts NOW.
Essentially... He gave Us His Love & in Turn to Share this Love & Spread it to Bless Others.
He Gives Us The Dreams & Visions & Hearts Desires for His Puposes to do Good Works.
Works...That Contain ....The [List]....The Manifesting & Developing...PROMISES....Tangible.
It is ...Impossible to Please Him without Knowledge & Wisdom of what The List Contains.
Impossible to Have Faith...Without Living & Doing What He Tells Us to Do on the Hope List.
His Promise List is a To Do....Honey Do List...instructing Us in ALL The Possibilities.
There is....NO...CEILING....on The Possibilities....on This List....The Divine Nature is His Hope for
Us to Live it.
He is a Good Parent.
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| December 15, 2008 |
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Thanks for your thoughts, Michael!
I really like this:
But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:24-25)
This scripture seems to dispel the prosperity gospel like few others. For now, we hope, waiting patiently! Eventually, there will no longer be a need to look forward, God's plan will have been fulfilled in its entirety. I suppose that time is written of in Revelation. A time when there will be no more tears or pain. This is a promise!
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| December 16, 2008 |
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| Romans 5Peace and Joy 1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. 6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. |
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| December 16, 2008 |
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| Judy, I LOVE that passage in Romans. What a great message of current blessing AND future hope! |
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| March 20, 2009 |
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Wow, what a wonderful gift to share with me. Thank you SO MUCH.
Hope is one of those small words with enormous meaning isn't it? Literally gets me through the day.
Thank you....thank you...thank you |
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