JOURNAL 5-2-15=WHERE DID OUR HOPE GO?

JOURNAL=5-2-15=WHERE DID OUR HOPE GO “So they shook the dust from their feet in PROTEST against them and went to Iconium” Acts 13:51 WE ALL face some very difficult situations in life-and ONE of the questions we MUST ASK ourselves-IS-WHEN should we leave and WHEN should we STAY? This is what Paul and Barnabas were facing from the people who were hearing their preaching-they were FACING a lot of verbal abuse-FINALLY-the two had had enough rejection so they left for another city I THINK what we NEED to ask ourselves-when we are deciding to stay or go-IS WHETHER-we are in actuality-making a difference in the life of another-and at what COST There is NO SIMPLE ANSWER as to when to leave and when to stay-but one thing I ask myself is: AM I actually making a difference in the life of another-some people are just are just plain users-and we need to recognize WHEN we are just being used-we can actually tell ONE PERSON recently told me that they “BELIEVE IN GOD” because of me-So GIVING another person HOPE AGAIN always means something-but ALL CREDIT ALWAYS GOES to the SPIRIT of God-because the SPIRIT puts you in situations to make a difference-IF YOU BUT ASK ONE thing I KNOW IS: you should NEVER accept abuse of any kind-for this is NOT GOD'S WILL for anyone-much thought must be GIVEN-and sometimes we may even NEED the help of a SPIRITUAL MENTOR-before making s decision STAY CLOSE to God-stay close to Christ-and STAY close to the SPIRIT-and NEVER let another human being take your HOPE away-and ALWAYS try to encourage and BUILD HOPE in others it is A GREAT DAY to be ALIVE in GOD'S LOVE for us-and a great day for BUILDING HOPE in another human being-by giving them the HOPE OF GOD and the HOPE of Christ-and ENCOURAGING THEM WITNESS 1-12-13 WHERE DID OUR HOPE GO I road The public bus today Saw all the blank stares Saw the long and desolate faces Saw the look of hopelessness In so so many of us I ask myself I ask you WHERE DID OUR HOPE GO Perhaps you are Putting your hope In all the wrong things Hope is NOT visible It is the looking As to what is to come It is KNOWING that There is something better “For in this hope we were saved But hope that is seen Is no hope at all Who hopes for What he already has But if we hope For what we do not yet have We WAIT for it patiently” Romans 8:24 Perhaps you have a chronic illness No known cause---no known cure God forbid Maybe even a terminal illness Perhaps you are looking For a scientific miracle I wish for one for you too Just remember All miracles begin and end with THE POWER of God WHERE DID OUR HOPE GO “Put your hope in God For I will yet praise him My Savior and my God” Psalm 42:5 Perhaps you have Serious financial difficulties Can’t feed your family Or even yourself PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD “Command those who are rich In this present world Not to be arrogant Not to put their hope in wealth Which is so uncertain Bu to put their hope in God” 1 Timothy 6:17 Where did our hope go Perhaps we are putting it in All the wrong places PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD People have failed you Broken relationships abound A broken family An estranged parent or child PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD “Not only so But we also rejoice in our sufferings Because we know that suffering produces perseverance Perseverance---character And character---hope And hope DOES NOT DISAPPOINT US Because God has pored out his love Into our hearts By the Holy Spirit Whom he has given us” Romans 5:3-5 WHERE DID OR HOPE GO Nowhere---maybe it has been Just a little bit replaced PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD Robert P. Wallman 8-22-11 Ps WITNESS 1-12-13 misc. WITNESS 1-13-14 5-2-15