Embrace the Within no. 191

“Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope [In the NT the word “hope” expresses a cherished desire along with the confident assurance of obtaining that which is longed for] and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power]. And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:1-5 AMP).

Grace and Shalom to your home.

I just want to start with that note in the second verse that “. . . ‘hope’ expresses a cherished desire along with the confident assurance of obtaining that which is longed for”. Hope is the word for this week and the root of living a life of faith. Hope is not just a desire for the way He wants things to become BUT hope is the “confident assurance” that things will become as He wants. Faith is an action. Hope is my confidence.

When things look horrible. When there are sufferings and hardships and obstacles and strongholds, I am to rejoice in the confidence that those sufferings and hardships and obstacles and strongholds will create a patience and endurance that will create a proven character built on a foundation of hope and confidence in Him. I know that “. . . God’s promises never disappoint.” How do I know that? I know “ . . . because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” God never forgets His promise to us. He never breaks a covenant. He never fails. He is always there because there is always hope. Hope is my confidence.

I pray that today I keep my confidence despite the troubles that are bound to come my way. I pray that my hope in His salvation is the foundation of my character. I pray that this character is evident for others to see in my walk in the Way of the Lord. I pray that my hope and my confidence helps me better be an Ambassador of His Kingdom. Faith is action. Hope is my confidence.

I love you. I forgive you. Have a blessed and abundant day!

#ThinkBetter #BeBetter #NoKingButChrist #EmbraceTheWithin #NotMyWayYHWH