27-Aug-14

We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone. Psalm 33:20-22No matter where I look I see the evidence of our Loving Lord.  Each bird, each blade of grass, every smile, my children, every tomato miracle on the vine, the food we eat, our shelter, the peace, the joy, the opportunities for service, everything speaks of the One Who gives me love and hope.  And – He – Loves – Me.When troubles comes, when I am unsure of what to do when problems arise, and they will, I rejoice.  I remember how Mom rejoiced in her last illness – pulmonary fibrosis.  She told me.  Her blue eyes sparkling with joy, “Now I know what my exit lane is.”  She knew she was going home to be with Jesus.  And as she surmounted the difficulties she commented, I am not scared about dying, it is the ‘getting there’ that is difficult.  Yet she rejoiced, and developed endurance, strength of character and was always hopeful.And so we continue, day after day.  In Christ Jesus, is our hope.  In Christ Jesus we have salvation.  When the storms come, and they will, I look for the Light of the World that lights my way.  I place my trust in His hands anew.  He knows my heart and my deepest thoughts.  With Jesus, there is no hiding or pretense.  There is nothing left for me but to rejoice!  And love….We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5