Tangible hope
By Stacia V. Hunter
I have been busy even during the pandemic. Life has changed for us all. However, I am appreciative of energy and power. Remember that God has not been caught off guard by events or circumstances happening in the world today. Remarkably, He does have the entire world in His hands. That is why it is more crucial, now more than ever, to spread God's message of hope as believers.
Tangible Hope is not a gimmick, or a tradition passed down. Yet, for believers, it is one's own personal, authentic experience of expectation of the things to emerge and become tangible through Christ Jesus! "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, walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31, King James Bible).
Hope to the End!
I have been busy even during the pandemic. Life has changed for us all. However, I am appreciative of energy and power. Remember that God has not been caught off guard by events or circumstances happening in the world today. Remarkably, He does have the entire world in His hands. That is why it is more crucial, now more than ever, to spread God's message of hope as believers.
Tangible Hope is not a gimmick, or a tradition passed down. Yet, for believers, it is one's own personal, authentic experience of expectation of the things to emerge and become tangible through Christ Jesus! "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, walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31, King James Bible).
Hope to the End!
A Time of Refreshing: Seeking Out the Kind of Rest that Can Only Come From Faith and Obedience
By Stacia V. Hunter
Isaiah 28:12 (KJV), “ To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear."
The Prophet Isaiah was referring to the rest that Jehovah was providing for the weary Jews who stayed in battle with their enemies. But spiritual the rest in this passage was found in obeying the precepts of God.
The biblical theme of refreshing has a variety of physical and spiritual meanings. In Scripture we read of refreshment by resting on the Sabbath Exodus 23:12, with cool water after physical activity (Judges 15:18-19), by soothing music (1 Sam. 16:23), and with encouraging fellowship (2 Tim. 1:16).
The apostle Peter describes a time of spiritual refreshment that took place on the Day of Pentecost. He exhorted his listeners to repent and respond to the gospel. Acts 3:19 (NKJV), “ Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”
Are you crying out for refreshment in a dry place? It’s hot and humid and you are desperately seeking out a spiritual oasis: a fertile spot where refreshing water is found and nourishment is given. You are weary from circumstances, disappointments, responsibilities. You are weary from the warfare that you wage in the spirit. You have been fighting the good fight of faith according to 1 Timothy 6:12. And you are yet holding on but inside you feel faint. You feel low in faith because your worries and anxieties are gaining altitude. You are in need of a time of refreshing that restores your supernatural strength and gives you supernatural nourishment. It’s the kind of refreshment that only comes from faith and obedience. It take faiths to be obedient!
Whether the location being scenic with mountain tops or balmy with an ocean breeze the most important element in a place of refreshment is the presence of God. This is a time of reflection, a time of repentance in a place of humility, security and venerably in His presence. This is a place of nakedness before Him. He is our creator. What can we hide from Him?
Isaiah 28:12 (KJV), “ To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear."
The Prophet Isaiah was referring to the rest that Jehovah was providing for the weary Jews who stayed in battle with their enemies. But spiritual the rest in this passage was found in obeying the precepts of God.
The biblical theme of refreshing has a variety of physical and spiritual meanings. In Scripture we read of refreshment by resting on the Sabbath Exodus 23:12, with cool water after physical activity (Judges 15:18-19), by soothing music (1 Sam. 16:23), and with encouraging fellowship (2 Tim. 1:16).
The apostle Peter describes a time of spiritual refreshment that took place on the Day of Pentecost. He exhorted his listeners to repent and respond to the gospel. Acts 3:19 (NKJV), “ Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”
Are you crying out for refreshment in a dry place? It’s hot and humid and you are desperately seeking out a spiritual oasis: a fertile spot where refreshing water is found and nourishment is given. You are weary from circumstances, disappointments, responsibilities. You are weary from the warfare that you wage in the spirit. You have been fighting the good fight of faith according to 1 Timothy 6:12. And you are yet holding on but inside you feel faint. You feel low in faith because your worries and anxieties are gaining altitude. You are in need of a time of refreshing that restores your supernatural strength and gives you supernatural nourishment. It’s the kind of refreshment that only comes from faith and obedience. It take faiths to be obedient!
Whether the location being scenic with mountain tops or balmy with an ocean breeze the most important element in a place of refreshment is the presence of God. This is a time of reflection, a time of repentance in a place of humility, security and venerably in His presence. This is a place of nakedness before Him. He is our creator. What can we hide from Him?
THE PRICE OF INTERCESSION
By Stacia V. Hunter
Luke 23:34 (NKJV), “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they divided his garments and cast lots.”
It was the breaking of silence. It was a moment of pity and intercession for the very soldiers that were carrying out the order to murder him by nailing him to the cross. Their act of obedient ignorance tied into their duty as soldiers to carry out the orders of Pilate. An order placed to please the people with the blood of an innocent man.
Jesus displayed the power of availing intercession by asking for the exoneration and the pardoning of sin. While at the hand of his murders Jesus demonstrated righteousness and love. It was deliberate restraint from the Lamb of God. He poured out His life for God’s glory and for the eternal salvation of mankind.
The fulfillment of prophecy in Isaiah 53:12 (KJV), “Therefore, I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death; and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
It was an intercession wrapped blood and sweat. It was an intercession after he was beaten beyond recognition. It was an intercession after being covered by the spit of others. It was in intercession after being stripped naked and publicly tortured. It was an intercession after embarrassed, shamed and dehumanization. It was an intercession, intervention, mediation and a negotiation before the father.
It was a candied demonstration of His love for us. Thank God for the intercession of Jesus the Christ the Lamb that was slain for us. We too should offer the love of God by interceding for others, especially those who are lost and do not know the beauty of the love of God.
Focusing on Greatness while Suffering
By Stacia V. Hunter
Micah 6:9 (KJV), "The Lord's voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it."
Israel was place under the rod of discipline, the prophet Micah did not want the people to just see the rod and miss the "One" who appointed it. In the midst of Israel's suffering, Micah encouraged the people to have their eyes fixed on God. Even if the rod is coming from an enemy, ultimately God is the one who is in charge.
In the midst of our suffering we have to fight the urge to focus too much on our trials. We must maintain our focus on God no matter where the suffering is coming from. So whatever has caused the suffering, just or unjust, whether it comes from natural or supernatural acts – God is your help!
We must pray for ourselves, meditate on God’s Holy Word and pray for understanding. We must also have a willingness of heart to obey His word and be convinced of God’s greatness. Focus on the greatness! Focus on His love, grace, mercy, power and compassion. Now is not the time to give up!
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but the world through Him might be saved.” The GREATNESS of His love is at hand in our lives. We are not abandon. We are not rejected. We have God's gracious love on tap.
I Peter 4:12, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trials which is to try you; but REJOICE to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His Glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” The GREATNESS in the blood of Christ Jesus and his suffering for mankind's redemption. His suffering has brought hope, peace and healing.
Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. The GREATNESS of the promises of God that are yet to come. We have and expected end. Take joy in the Kingdom of God, righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Fear not and please do not give up. Lean in and be thankful during this tough time!
References:
King James Bible
Does Grace Grow Best in Winter by Ligon Duncan Page 54-55
Micah 6:9 (KJV), "The Lord's voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it."
Israel was place under the rod of discipline, the prophet Micah did not want the people to just see the rod and miss the "One" who appointed it. In the midst of Israel's suffering, Micah encouraged the people to have their eyes fixed on God. Even if the rod is coming from an enemy, ultimately God is the one who is in charge.
In the midst of our suffering we have to fight the urge to focus too much on our trials. We must maintain our focus on God no matter where the suffering is coming from. So whatever has caused the suffering, just or unjust, whether it comes from natural or supernatural acts – God is your help!
We must pray for ourselves, meditate on God’s Holy Word and pray for understanding. We must also have a willingness of heart to obey His word and be convinced of God’s greatness. Focus on the greatness! Focus on His love, grace, mercy, power and compassion. Now is not the time to give up!
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but the world through Him might be saved.” The GREATNESS of His love is at hand in our lives. We are not abandon. We are not rejected. We have God's gracious love on tap.
I Peter 4:12, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trials which is to try you; but REJOICE to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His Glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” The GREATNESS in the blood of Christ Jesus and his suffering for mankind's redemption. His suffering has brought hope, peace and healing.
Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. The GREATNESS of the promises of God that are yet to come. We have and expected end. Take joy in the Kingdom of God, righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Fear not and please do not give up. Lean in and be thankful during this tough time!
References:
King James Bible
Does Grace Grow Best in Winter by Ligon Duncan Page 54-55
