Devotional Reading
Hope is one of the greatest gifts God has ever given to us. Before knowing Jesus as our Savior, we have no hope. We can only experience a life without true meaning. But with Jesus, we can know what real hope feels like. Just as Paul said in Romans 5, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ... Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” [Rom. 5:1-2, 5 NKJV]
There is so much in store for us now. So much to experience, to know, to savor. In Jesus, hope is limitless. We can always look ahead to better things and know, without a shadow of doubt, that something good is going to happen to us, because we belong to Jesus. We are assured that all things are working together for our good, because we love Him and He loves us. The cup isn’t just half full; it is always preparing itself to overflow!
Scripture Reading
[Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 NKJV] 2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. ... 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Candle Lighting
Today, we light the candle of Hope. Choose one person to light the first candle, and as you light this candle give thanks for all the ways that God has given you hope. Take a moment to worship the Savior for the hope of salvation that He offered to the world and for all the ways you continue to experience that hope today.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the great hope that you have given to us! In Jesus, we can experience great blessing and favor. We have the hope of knowing that no matter what we face in this life, Jesus is interceding on our behalf from the right hand of the Father. And we also have the hope of knowing He did not leave us alone. He gave us the Holy Spirit so that we might experience the abundance of the life He has prepared for us. We thank you, Jesus, for being our hope! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Reflection Questions
Take Action
The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit and it is intended to overflow. This week, look for ways to bring hope to someone you know or even a complete stranger. It could be making a homemade meal for a family welcoming a new baby or buying the coffee order for the person behind you at the drive-through. Choose to give out of your overflow.
Hope is one of the greatest gifts God has ever given to us. Before knowing Jesus as our Savior, we have no hope. We can only experience a life without true meaning. But with Jesus, we can know what real hope feels like. Just as Paul said in Romans 5, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ... Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” [Rom. 5:1-2, 5 NKJV]
There is so much in store for us now. So much to experience, to know, to savor. In Jesus, hope is limitless. We can always look ahead to better things and know, without a shadow of doubt, that something good is going to happen to us, because we belong to Jesus. We are assured that all things are working together for our good, because we love Him and He loves us. The cup isn’t just half full; it is always preparing itself to overflow!
Scripture Reading
[Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 NKJV] 2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. ... 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Candle Lighting
Today, we light the candle of Hope. Choose one person to light the first candle, and as you light this candle give thanks for all the ways that God has given you hope. Take a moment to worship the Savior for the hope of salvation that He offered to the world and for all the ways you continue to experience that hope today.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the great hope that you have given to us! In Jesus, we can experience great blessing and favor. We have the hope of knowing that no matter what we face in this life, Jesus is interceding on our behalf from the right hand of the Father. And we also have the hope of knowing He did not leave us alone. He gave us the Holy Spirit so that we might experience the abundance of the life He has prepared for us. We thank you, Jesus, for being our hope! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Reflection Questions
- What does hope mean to you?
- What does hope look like in action?
- How does your relationship with Jesus give you hope?
Take Action
The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit and it is intended to overflow. This week, look for ways to bring hope to someone you know or even a complete stranger. It could be making a homemade meal for a family welcoming a new baby or buying the coffee order for the person behind you at the drive-through. Choose to give out of your overflow.
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