Wayne’s two cents worth..
The New Testament meaning of Hope – “Hope always expresses confidence based on the character and power of God. Believers in Christ can have assurance about the future, knowing that God loves them and is faithful and powerful to deliver what he has promised.”
Selah.
The definition above is a nearly direct quote from this week’s Sunday School Lesson Standard Commentary. It’s one of the best explanation for the word ‘hope’ that I have encountered in the twenty three years I’ve been saved. You see, in the same way that Faith produces good works, Love produces Hope. Love saved us and empowers us. Faith guides us (we walk by Faith, not by sight). Hope strengthens and sustains us. In the fiery furnace, in the raging storm, in the valley of the shadow of death, through testing and trail hope gives us the impetus to continue putting one foot in front of the other. Patient hope causes us to wait upon the unseen with unshakable confidence. Hope causes us to ‘act out’ our faith and demonstrate our love daily. Hope makes us visible as ‘Christians’. Visible for God.
On a personal note: Sorry about the delay of the lesson this week. The journey to the Philippines was exhausting and I went directly to work upon arrival. I wish you all could be here. The scenery is beautiful. God is awesome. The people here are all very friendly and supportive, particularly here @ Clark. Also, I had the privilege of sitting next to two young missionaries on each leg of the journey. Aya, a young college student on her way to South Korea for a mission trip and Kyla, a young college student on her way to Manila to work with special needs children in the slums in Manila. Two young ladies empowered by love, guided by faith, sustained by hope. Keep them in your prayers and may God grant them favor in their endeavors.
Blessings…
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