What is our “sermonizing” blog series?
This will be a weekly series where our anonymous writer(s) will summarize the sermon and add some of their own thoughts and encourage us to think deeper about it and put it into practice! Today we will be discussing the One Shepherd and One Flock!
See all of our devotionals here
Contents
The Story of Hope
Romans 15 v.4-5 and v.13
4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 40: 30-31
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 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,
they will walk and not be faint.
The birth of Jesus brought Hope to our Lives
As we get ready to celebrate Christmas and the end of the year, we focus our attention on the story of Jesus being born and the amazing hope it brought to the nation.
Jesus’ birth is the story of hope. God’s message to us in sending Jesus to earth to be born and live is a message of love. Through Jesus, God lets us know that he believes in us and has a plan for us to be united with him (Matthew 1: 20-21). God is the God of hope that we can rely on.
Without a doubt 2020 has been a very difficult year, filled with many things to worry about. But we, as a family of believers, have found ways to pick each other up and encourage one other to move forward in hope of a better tomorrow. We know that God promises to give us hope and a better future. Our endurance as Christians and trust in the scriptures sustain our hope.
(See 2020 End of year video for Southern CT)
Holding onto Hope
No matter what is going on, we can hold tight to the hope and joy that come from God. Yes, it’s been a year of many worries; What if I lose my job? What if I can’t pay my rent? What if I get sick? But it’s also been a year of many victories as well. In the midst of all the crazy in this world, God’s answer to us is the same as it was to Jesus’ parents.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11
What if we choose hope over fear? What if we choose to climb the mountain of faith and be a part of the story of hope and trust. Our hope can move us to think faithfully when we think “what if”!
What if God has an incredible plan for your life
What if God can transform your life or your loved one’s life
What if this person comes back to God;
What if the church can become more unified than ever before? ‘
Amazing things can happen when we change our thinking from worry to hope. We can rest in his peace knowing that greater things are yet to come.
Decide to be part of the story of hope:
- What can you do to encourage your physical and spiritual family this Christmas?
- What do you dream of seeing happen in 2021 to honor God?
- Write down your goals for 2021 and scriptures to support you in remaining hopeful.
