Hope is Born

Reading in the book of 1 Peter this week I found myself zeroing in on the word “hope.”  It is encouraging to remember that Christians have a living hope that rests fully on God’s grace, a hope that is in Him.  This hope is a sure thing, a confidence that is alive! This confidence is based on the mercy and grace of the Almighty, Sovereign God, the Resurrected Christ who will be revealed at the proper time. Peter reminds us that:

Redeemed by Him,

Kept by Him,

And Saved through faith in Him.

We can Rest fully in Him,

Believe in Him,

Trust in Him,

Be at Peace in Him,

Call on Him,

And Rejoice in Him.

In this Advent season we give thanks for the hope we have because of Jesus.

Consider the words of this hymn from the 1700’s. 

TO US A CHILD OF HOPE IS BORN – lyrics by John Morrison, 1781.

To us a Child of hope is born,

To us a Son is giv’n,

Him shall the tribes of earth obey,

Him all the hosts of Heav’n.

His Name shall be the Prince of Peace,

Forevermore adorned,

The Wonderful, the Counselor,

The great and mighty Lord.

His pow’r, increasing, still shall spread,

His reign no end shall know,

Justice shall guard His throne above,

And peace abound below.

To us a Child of hope is born,

To us a Son is giv’n,

The Wonderful, the Counselor,

The mighty Lord of Heav’n.

“Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder:

and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father,

the Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

A sacrifice of praise

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God,

That is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." 

Hebrews 13:15 

Continually offering praise does not come naturally to some of us. It takes dependence on a supernatural God. It is “by Him,” a sacrifice that does not come easily.  But for one who abides in the Vine (that is Jesus) the fruit produced IS praise and giving of thanks. In this Season of Thanksgiving, let us pray to be so filled with the presence of Jesus that what flows from us comes from Him. May our lips praise Him and our hearts overflow with thanksgiving.

This song from 1948 is a good reminder to get us started. 

“Thank You, Jesus, for all You’ve done,

Thank You, Lord.

Thank You, Jesus, for victories won,

O! Thank You, Lord.

For Thy love and tender care,

For Thy Word and answered prayer,

Thank You, Jesus, for all you’ve done.

Thank You, Lord."

                                                                            (John C. and Ruth G. Hallett)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,
Ruth

Fall Favorite Things

Some of my favorite things about November...

Beautiful Fall colors

Cool, crisp weather

Open windows

Hot coffee with Pumpkin Spice Creamer

Cinnamon, Ginger and Nutmeg Scents

Hot dogs and marshmallows roasted on sticks held over the fire-pit

Fragrant, lit candles

Thanksgiving celebrations

But… one of my MOST favorite things is the 30 Day Thankfulness Challenge!

This is how it works:

                Every day by day’s end, write down one thing I am thankful for that day.

                That’s it … just one thing.  But no repeats!

It helps me remember the many ways God blesses us, and give Him thanks.

What are you thankful for?

Are you up to the challenge?

Oh, and one more thing... That extra hour of sleep I'm going to get tonight!

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

1 Thessalonians 5:18