"Hope is an assured promise whereas faith is acting out that promise.
Faith is hope put into action."
While he was working at home studying yesterday, Jeff and I took a couple "breaks" to sit outside for a chance to enjoy the fresh air and during those times we had a few enthusiastic discussions as he shared his thoughts and insights for the upcoming message this Sunday, State of Mind - Anxiety.
We are very excited about the impact that this series has the potential of having. Though a tough subject, and sometimes even taboo, we believe the conversation is much needed as indicated by the many folks that expressed their appreciation this past Sunday in the first week of the series.
God wants to heal us. He wants to walk with us through whatever it is that we are struggling with. He wants to help us. He wants us to believe Him so He can help us.
I usually do not take a huge role in participating with the planning of our services, but I have taken a real ownership with this one. One reason may be because of the privilege given to me as one the the speakers for the series, but I believe even more so because I can relate so personally to it.
Years ago God brought me out of a dark place so I not only know He can and wants to work in me, but I also know that the hard and the painful is survivable; what He says to His own in Isaiah 43:1-2 and Psalm 62:5-8 is indeed true!
HOPE and JOY are two of my favorite virtues of the Christian faith. When I shared about Romans 5:1-5 this past Sunday (one of my all-time favorite scriptures) I was not just reciting God's Word. This promise and truth was a significant turning point for me. It is one of the last things I remember learning as I walked out of that very dark place some 20+ years ago and I knew God was healing me and that I would live through it (Psalm119:116; Philippians 2:13)
And not just live and breathe and wake-up, but experience LIFE! as only Jesus Christ can give!
Scripture that day was a spark of encouragement to me (Romans 15:4) and has ignited a hope that still carries me through as I walk with my eyes fixed on the anchor of my soul!
I had the privilege of speaking this past Sunday to kick-off the series with HOPE. If you missed it, be sure to watch the podcast here so your...
"Hope can be ignited by a
spark of encouragement."
...thereby giving you the best foundation while we journey together these next few weeks looking at our State of Mind through Anxiety, Fear, Depression and Joy.
I am super excited to hear more of your stories as we continue. Stories of rekindled and renewed hope. Stories of first and next steps in your faith journey toward healing and growth. Stories of battles won in your life and the lives of your loved ones as we learn together how to overcome these tough issues.
"May the 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."
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