Hope

Luke 1:3-4 [TPT], But now I am passing on to you this accurate compilation of my own meticulous investigation based on numerous eyewitness interviews and thorough research of the story of his life.  It is appropriate for me to write this, for he also appeared to me so that I would reassure you beyond any shadow of a doubt the reliability of all you have been taught of him.

Hope’s Perspective — Pastor Quinton

 “Our perspective of hope becomes an eager anticipation of what good God has in store  for our lives according to His character and promises.” 

 Lamentations 3:20-25 [NLT], I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. 21 Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: 22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” 25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.

 Hope’s Patience — Candace Brice

 “Wherever you are in your journey of trusting and believing, wherever you are in your  waiting, in your patience, Emmanuel, our hope, is there too.”

 Luke 1:37 [ESV], “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

 Hope’s Posture — Pastor Tommy Faulk

 Luke 1:38 [ESV], And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”  And the angel departed from her.

 “Hope’s Posture is one that stays low, choosing to trust and obey in the One who gives the hope.”

 James 4:6 [ESV], But he gives more grace.  Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

 Philippians 2:5-11 [NLT], You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.  When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 “When we take a posture of trust and humility, we will see more and more the character and strength of God rise within us and hope begins to awaken in our hearts.”

 Hope’s Praise — Pastor Quinton Self

 Luke 2:8-20 [TPT], That night, in a field near Bethlehem, there were shepherds watching over their flocks. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God…10 For I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere! 11 For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah. 12 You will recognize him by this miracle sign: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a feeding trough!” 13 Then all at once, a vast number of glorious angels appeared, the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing: 14 “Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.” 15 When the choir of angels disappeared back to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go! Let’s hurry and find this Word that is born in Bethlehem and see for ourselves what the Lord has revealed to us.” 16 So they ran into the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in a feeding trough. 17 Upon seeing this miraculous sign, the shepherds recounted what had just happened. 18 Everyone who heard the shepherds’ story was astonished by what they were told. 19 But Mary treasured all these things in her heart and often pondered what they meant. 20 The shepherds returned to their flock, ecstatic over what had happened. They praised God and glorified him for all they had heard and seen for themselves, just like the angel had said.

 “Hope has a PRAISE!” 

 Matthew 12:21 [NLT], “And his name will be the hope of all the world.”

 Romans 15:13 [TPT], Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!