Reflecting God’s Devotions for Holy Living – Saturday, 4 January 2014 “Pass the Hope!” Scripture Psalm 119

Reflecting God’s Devotions for Holy Living – Saturday, 4 January 2014 “Pass the Hope!” Scripture Psalm 119: ⁶⁵ You have dealt well with your servant,
    O Lord, according to your word.
⁶⁶ Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
    for I believe in your commandments.
⁶⁷ Before I was humbled I went astray,
    but now I keep your word.
⁶⁸ You are good and do good;
    teach me your statutes.
⁶⁹ The arrogant smear me with lies,
    but with my whole heart I keep your precepts.
⁷⁰ Their hearts are fat and gross,
    but I delight in your law.
⁷¹ It is good for me that I was humbled,
    so that I might learn your statutes.
⁷² The law of your mouth is better to me
    than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

⁷³ Your hands have made and fashioned me;
    give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
⁷⁴ Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
    because I have hoped in your word.
⁷⁵ I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right,
    and that in faithfulness you have humbled me.
⁷⁶ Let your steadfast love become my comfort
    according to your promise to your servant.
⁷⁷ Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
    for your law is my delight.
⁷⁸ Let the arrogant be put to shame,
    because they have subverted me with guile;
    as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
⁷⁹ Let those who fear you turn to me,
    so that they may know your decrees.
⁸⁰ May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
    so that I may not be put to shame.

“Pass the Hope!” by Janine Metcalf

Francis Asbury traveled thousands of miles via horseback or carriage preaching the gospel all over what would soon be the United States of America. He rose each morning at five to saturate his spirit with Scripture. God’s promises provided the hope he needed to ride on, despite horrific migraines and continual bouts with malaria, pneumonia, and other chronic diseases. Regardless of his physical challenges, Asbury was known to consistently thank God.

One day he and a companion rode several hours through freezing rain to hold a meeting at a frontier settlement. To make matters worse, no one showed up to join them. Instead of giving up, Asbury began riding through the hills to gather a few of the faithful. His friend wondered what he could thank God for on this miserable day. Just then Asbury looked up to heaven and prayed, “Lord, we thank Thee that every day is not like this one!”

This reliance on God is not casual wishing with fingers crossed. The Hebrew word for hope is way beyond wishful thinking. It is based on God’s character and faithfulness. “Put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption” (Psalm 130:7).

Hymn for Today:

“I’ve Anchored in Jesus” by Lewis E. Jones

1. Upon life’s boundless ocean where mighty billows roll,

I’ve fixed my hope in Jesus, blest anchor of my soul;

When trials fierce assail me as storms are gath’ring o’er,

I rest upon His mercy and trust Him more.

Refrain:

I’ve anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I’ll brave,

I’ve anchored in Jesus, I fear no wind or wave;

I’ve anchored in Jesus, for He hath pow’r to save,

I’ve anchored to the Rock of Ages.

2. He keeps my soul from evil and gives me blessed peace,

His voice hath stilled the waters and bid their tumult cease;

My Pilot and Deliv’rer, to Him I all confide,

For always when I need Him, He’s at my side.

Refrain:

I’ve anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I’ll brave,

I’ve anchored in Jesus, I fear no wind or wave;

I’ve anchored in Jesus, for He hath pow’r to save,

I’ve anchored to the Rock of Ages.

3. He is my Friend and Savior, in Him my anchor’s cast,

He drives away my sorrows and shields me from the blast;

By faith I’m looking upward beyond life’s troubled sea,

There I behold a haven prepared for me.

Refrain:

I’ve anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I’ll brave,

I’ve anchored in Jesus, I fear no wind or wave;

I’ve anchored in Jesus, for He hath pow’r to save,

I’ve anchored to the Rock of Ages.

Thought for Today:

“Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.”(Hebrews 10:23).

Prayer Needs:

Many people in Israel will come to know Jesus the Christ or Yeshua the Messiah and receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

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