I Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8; Psalm 136; Romans 5

"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5

Hope, the experience of hope, through life's tribulations, produces perseverance and perseverance produces character; it is these things that produce that hope that just keeps growing and getting stronger and stronger as we walk this spiritual journey. As we experience God's faithfulness and fulfilled promises, we become more hopeful and that hope refreshes daily translating in to mounds of faith. The Biblical definition of hope means a strong and confident expectation. In Hebrews 11 we can read over and over again those patriachs and followers of the Lord who allowed hope to produce amazing testimonies. One person put it this way, "Where there is hope, there is faith, where there is faith, miracles can happen." Read through the scriptures and you will find story after story of miracles happening because courageous people were willing to put their hope in God. Psalm 42:5, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God..." The Psalmist is encouraging the reader not to be discouraged, not to look down, don't be disturbed...trust God, put your hope in Him--He is faithful. If you are a child of God, you have the right to hope. It is your position in Christ to have hopeful expectation and trust in God and His promises. May today be the day that you take a courageous steps and allow faith to take wings through hope. "Be strong and take heart, all you who HOPE in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

Hoping with you,

Carol Danna

Next Reading: I Kings 10, 11; 2 Chronicles 9; Romans 6