Hope was Always Coming and God Knew

One day we will see, hope was always coming and God knew.

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Peeking through the curtain and scanning the audience, I hoped my entire family was coming.

I’d landed my first high-school role in the broadway musical, South Pacific. Thankfully, my character as the island girl, Liat, called for more speaking parts than singing—not my strong suit.

With sweaty palms and a rush of adrenaline, I checked the seats again.

If my people were coming, I wondered if I’d make them proud when I took my final bow.

From side stage during the first scene, my gaze spotted them through the blinding light. All my loved ones occupied the entire third row. They’re here, now break a leg.

I found my groove and remembered my few lines with no blunders. But my glory days as an actress ended soon after.

Before History, God Knew

History also recounts a glory day when hope was coming.

Over 2000 years ago, God set the stage for a story of hope to unfold.

The birth of the Christ-child took place in a lowly stable where animals occupied the front-row seats.

Jesus grew and carried out the heavenly Father’s will. The supernatural happened in His presence. He served the community and reached out to wanderers, outcasts, and the wayward lost without hope.

Hope was always coming. And God knew.

Before An Empty Tomb, God Knew

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7 Things Our Souls Search For

Do you search for things?

Because most of us search for items almost daily.

Like when our husband questions the whereabouts of black dress socks or a t-shirt (hopefully not to wear together).

Or our teen wonders where the car keys are.

We try to locate our cell phone. Maybe it’s the pen we need to jot down an important note.

Perhaps our toddler misplaces her favorite toy (this makes for a traumatic day).

And the needed spice for dinner’s main dish is somewhere in this kitchen.

But not only are we in need of tangible stuff to function in our daily routine.

Our souls search for the intangible items that make life full and meaningful.

Here are 7 things our souls search for and what God’s Word says about each.

Searching for Hope? 

Every soul in the world searches for hope at some point in life. Yet, hope the world offers eventually fizzles and fades away. But real and lasting hope only comes through God.

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” Psalm 62:5

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

(Scripture ESV, emphasis added)

Every soul in the world searches for hope at some point in life. Yet, hope the world offers eventually fizzles and fades away. But real and lasting hope only comes through God. #hope Share on X Read More…

Blessings in the Shadow of the Almighty’s Wings

She flew away as her wings took flight when I opened our front door.

Inside the edge of my wreath, I found the beginnings of her nest.

I realized our constant door activity was a risk to any eggs she’d lay. 

So I acted quickly in taking my wreath down to force this mama bird to build her home elsewhere. 

A few days later, high on the River Birch branch inside our courtyard, I spotted a newly built nest. I imagined her nesting, then caring for her babies through feeding and protecting them from harm—seasonal storms and predators. 

And keeping them under her wings.

As God’s children, we need a safe shelter. Because life’s storms and a predator (Satan) often put us in danger.

Or, maybe we wonder how to rest in the Lord and the best time to take flight and soar.

We are given many assurances about abiding under God’s wings.

• God covers us with His feathers.
• The Father hides us in the shadow of His wings. 
• His faithful promises are our strong shelter.

We are given many assurances about abiding under God’s wings: covered with His feathers, hidden in the shadow of His wings, His faithful promises our strong shelter. Share on X

Look at Jesus’s words in Matthew 23.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Verses 37, ESV)

Our redeemer wants to gather us under His wings—if we are willing. Then these blessings follow.

Refuge under His Wings

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I’m Not Ashamed of the Gospel or My Faith

The world seems to have gone half mad. Sadly, the madness often surrounds the foundations of the Christian faith and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Like the ridicule of Christian values.

Or, questioning spiritual and biblical principles like the Good News as valid or relevant or relatable in present culture.

So I sometimes receive negative remarks on social media about my Christian beliefs.

Still, I am not ashamed of the gospel, the firm foundation of my faith.

But why and how do we remain unashamed of the gospel?

With these Christian foundations to our faith.

1.) Gospel Foundation: The Bible and its Truth

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16 (ESV)

Not only does God’s Word recount the gospel story, but its very foundation lies in Truth. Disciples of Jesus remain unashamed of the gospel and the Bible and Jesus—the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)

The Bible supports our beliefs, helps us live out our faith, and aids with godly living.

So, the more we are in God’s Word, the more we do the right thing…the godly thing…the Jesus thing, and do it all more often. And the more we are not ashamed.

The more we are in God’s Word, the more we do the right thing…the godly thing…the Jesus thing, and do it all more often. And the more we are not ashamed. Share on X

In John 17, Jesus prayed over His disciples.

“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (verses 14 & 17, ESV)

2.) Faith Foundation: Redemption and its Story

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