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WHY SHOULD YOU THINK TODAY HAS POWERFUL HOPE?

Do you ever hit times where you don't feel right? It's rather vague to describe, but sometimes I feel "off". In my earlier years I felt off on many occasions for longer terms. To be more specific, I lived many days discouraged and depressed. Why do you think I speak so much and so often about encouragement? It's because I wandered through the wilderness of darkness while residing in Funkville for, lo, too many years. I think others (including celebrities) have similar experiences. Thus, I have a job to do! I'm on a mission every day!

There is one passage which works much quicker than two Bayer to bring immediate relief from tempting discouragement: ....in the sight of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. In hope against hope he believed....(Romans 4;17-18). This passage is magic to me. Every dilemma, every insecurity, every disorientation is resolved by the fact that our Lord can make dead issues live and no signals of hope arise to become enormous success. His illustration is Abraham and Sarah yet without the child God had promised.

When you sit with a blank stare because you don't know where to turn or what to do next, read this passage. The text goes on to say, Now not for his sake only was it written, that it was reckoned to him, but for our sake also.....(:23, 24). We are targeted for this good news. Our names are written in this text!

Why should you think today has powerful hope? This day, which has it's nagging fears and includes irritating comments? Why should you hope? Because God can stand at a kitchen table with no ingredients, no tools, no oven, and bake the most scrumptious pie one ever tasted! He cooks life up out of nothing. We believe! We adjust! We hope!

Terry

March 31, 2007