WHAT ARE YOU HOPING FOR?

Victory from an addiction? Recovery from a loss? Waiting for that military spouse or child to arrive safely home from a war zone? A prodigal child to return? Restoration of a damaged relationship? Gaining custody of a child or grandchild? Trying not to lose your home to foreclosure?

Many things in life at times make us feel hopeless. God is a hope giver. When you feel like you are hanging on to the end of your rope and just want to let go, cry out to Jesus! He cares. He loves you. He has a plan for you even though you may not feel like it at the time.

Many people are just worn out from waiting. Perhaps tired of life and wanting to give up. Satan, the enemy of our souls, would love you to give up and quit on life. He would love it if you had no desire to keep on waiting for your breakthrough.

In life things often are not easy. As an example if you are a divorced woman, through no fault of your own, all of a sudden forced to work to provide for yourself and perhaps children too, it can be very tiring. I know a few people in this situation. It is no fun for them and at the end of a day you just wish sometimes you could throw in the towel or maybe already be in paradise with Jesus.

Friend today is a new day with new hope. Lift your hands up to Jesus and praise Him for the good things in your life. Try for a moment to forget your "plight" and thank Him for what He has done and is going to do. Each day brings new hope in your life.

Psalm 147:11(NIV) says 'The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.'

PRAYER: Lord today I thank you for the good things in my life and there are many. Forgive me Lord when I have complained about things or let the enemy make me throw a pity party. I know Lord you are on my side and I have no reason to be disheartened or fear. In Jesus' name. Amen.

NOTE: Please check out my friend author Kathe Wunnenberg's website about hope at www.hopelifters.com.

August 6 her newest book published by Zondervan will be in bookstores and is in pre sale now through Amazon. The title is Hopelifter: Creative Ways To Spread Hope When Life Hurts.

ARE YOU PASSIONATE FOR THE THINGS OF CHRIST?

There are many attacks of the things of the Lord these days. These are areas where it clearly states in the Holy Bible they are wrong or an abomination. Yet are we believers upset or do we simply say "God is in control" and go about our daily life? It is my humble opinion that we should be a little upset at Satan for making so many believers complacent about sin takingaz over and changing our wonderful country. "Well this is 2013 and things change" but guess what? God's word never changes. Hebrews 13:8(NIV) says 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, yes, and forever.' In Malachi 3:6 it says 'I am the Lord, I do not change.' Pretty clear wouldn't you say?

We are truly in a battle for our very souls and the soul of what used to be a God fearing nation. Do we, who know what is wrong, just sit on the sidelines? Of course all of us need to be in prayer. And we are not to hate people who are being led to believe Satan's lies. History shows clearly what happens when a nation forgets God. Think of the Roman Empire for instance. How about Sodom and Gomorrah?

Psalm 119:89 tells us 'Forever oh Lord your word is settled in heaven.' Deuteronomy 12:32(NLT) tells us 'so be careful to obey all the commands I give you.Be careful not to add anything to them or subtract anything from them.'

Are churches preaching "feel good sermons" or are they out there on the battle lines equipping their people with the truth found in God's word?

God can heal. God can change. God can deliver. God can set the captive free. What are we captivated by today in 2013? Even in government we are condoning sin and passing laws to protect it. It indeed is a sad time. But there is hope.

First believers need to be in an attitude of love and prayer. Next don't just give Jesus lip service but get excited about following him. In Revelation 3:16(NIV) it says 'And because you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth.' It is not too late. 2 Chronicles 7:14(NIV) reminds us 'if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.' Think about what that verse really truly means.

Don't be so captivated by the things of this world that you lose your passion for truth and the Lord.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus I thank you today for another day you have given me to be on the battle lines for you. Every where I go I know there are hurting people. Help me be tuned in to ways I can share Jesus' love and truth in the world I live in. In Jesus' name.Amen.