28 Days of Hope – Day 1
Hope is based on the goodness of God. His grace is evident both historically and personally. Saving grace means that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the grave. It is by grace, through faith in our Lord, that we are forgiven and have peace with God for eternity. Sustaining grace means that God will give us everything we need to be faithful. He gives us what we need for life and godliness, one day at a time. Each day has enough trouble, but His power is made perfect in our weaknesses. Strengthening grace means that God is committed to make us more like Jesus. The hope of God fuels us to press on to the goal and grow in our character, relationships, and service. Jesus came to give us an abundant hope.
Grace and hope are like parallel train tracks that always travel side by side. They cannot be separated but highlight each other as an incredible duo that glorifies God. In the book of Genesis, the devil approached Adam and Eve to tempt them. His scheme was to undermine the goodness of God. If we think that we cannot trust God and His ways are not good, then we will try to move God out of the way and lead by ourselves. When you push your Creator away, you will try to find a substitute in creation. This is called idolatry. The truth is nothing created can take the place of our good God. The pathway to hopelessness includes pride, lies, transgression, guilt and shame. The good news is that the hope of God leads us to His grace which begets more of His hope. God’s presence is our great treasure, and His hope and grace carry us there.
If your view of God and His goodness has been tainted by the world and you are not confident in His character, hope begins to leak. Remember that God not only communicates but also demonstrates His grace and hope through the death and resurrection of Jesus, and also daily through the Holy Spirit. Taste and see that God is good. His grace is not merely a covering over us, it saturates our soul and is pervasive in all that we are and do. The apostle Paul rejoiced that God’s grace is greater than our sin. God’s hope is not merely studied academically, it is like a refreshing lake on a summer day to be enjoyed. This lake is full of His peace, promises, and faithfulness. God is good and His love endures forever.
Hope Point: We can be overflowing with grace and hope.
Hope Story: Paul in Acts 9:1-19
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- How do you receive the grace of Jesus and how has His indestructible hope changed your life?
- How often do you extend grace to others freely, without expecting anything in return?
- How are you demonstrating God’s grace as you disciple and reach others? Give some examples.
- Do your neighbors, co-workers, or acquaintances who don’t know Jesus see you as someone overflowing with hope?
PRAYER
Father God, thank You for Your grace and loyal love. You have been so kind to me. Your goodness gives me hope in every situation. I live for Your glory and pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
28 Days of Hope is a journey together, as we rediscover and recommit to God’s indestructible hope in transformative ways. As you begin this journey, you’ll experience a sense of excitement about what God is going to do. If you have a desire to grow in your faith, strengthen your relationships, gain wisdom, cultivate new habits, experience more peace, and live daily with purpose and passion, then you are in the right place. Just Choose Hope
Brought to you by Walton Beverage.
Comments