Tag Archives: hope

“Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.”  (Exodus 1:8, KJV)

These 13 words describe how easily life can be transformed from mountaintop to valley; from “can do no wrong” to “can do nothing right”; from the big house to the dog house.

We do well to remain mindful of how quickly the externals of our life can change; and to grasp lightly our health, wealth, and personal relationships.  Egypt — although gracious and hospitable for a time — was not God’s destination for the Children of Israel; a much better land awaited them.  The “new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph” was the catalyst for the beginning of the next phase of God’s plan for the Israelites.

Changes await all of us, and some changes may not be welcome changes.  Fear not.  A change in circumstance provides the “elbow room” in our lives for the growth that is to come.

God did not desert the Children of Israel, even in their distress; and God will not desert the disciples of Jesus.  As we are reminded in Romans 8: Nothing shall separate us from the love of God!  – Luther

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“May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope.”  (Romans 15:13, Phillips New Testament)

Does your whole life and outlook radiate with hope?

Our Lord, through Paul, sets forth this worthy goal for us with full confidence that it is, with the help of the Holy Spirit, eminently achievable.  As followers of Christ, dare we say no?  – Luther

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“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”  (1 Timothy 6:17, NIV)

Even those of us who will not admit to being “rich,” know we aren’t “poor.”

Such folks are commanded: “Not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth.”

Whether we consider ourselves “rich” or “poor,” gratitude for what we have received; and hope for the future is properly placed only in God, who is the true source of all that we have.

Remember: Worship the Giver, not the gift.  – Luther

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