hope

A Reason to Hope

/ Gail Johnson / 11 Comments

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (Hebrews 4:12-13 KJV).

When reading the above scripture, one would think it is a hopeless situation. There is nothing hidden before God. We stand open and naked before Him. Our best effort of being good isn’t good enough. Our righteousness is as filthy rags. We need an Intercessor, for we are incapable of interceding for ourselves.

But, all is not lost. In fact, we have hope. There is One who’s perfect, and He alone paid the price for our sins. He alone is our Hope and Great High Priest. As children of God, we can approach His throne anytime day or night! It is at His throne we find mercy and grace!

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16 KJV).

I’m so glad He is our High Priest. He always knows what we’re going through, and He has made provisions for us. We can rest in peace knowing He has everything under control. Our circumstances doesn’t surprise Him because He holds tomorrow in His hands. And that my friend is a reason to hope!

Click to Tweet: I can rest in peace knowing He has everything under control. #hope #peace @GailJohnson87

I wouldn’t say my posts this year are full-length devotions. Instead, I’d like to refer to them as devotion prompts, something to get you started. If you’d like to read more about this subject, Hebrews is a great book to read more about our High Priest. The following scriptures are some of my favorites.

Hebrews 7:24-27

Hebrews 8:1-2

Hebrews 9:12

Hebrews 9:24

Hebrews 10:11-14

Hebrews 10:21-23

What nugget of hope have you found in the book of Hebrews?

Dead Leaves and Bald Trees

/ Gail Johnson / 33 Comments

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

Are you ready for fall?

I was asked that question last week.

And All at Once, summer collapsed into fall.

Fall? I’m still in July. Where did the summer go?

It’s not that I don’t like fall. I love fall with its delicious aromas, warm blankets, and firelight. But this year, we had a lot of rain, and most days I waited, stuck inside.

Stuck.

Isn’t that the way things go at times?

Stuck in a season.

Stuck on an idea.

Stuck with a feeling.

Stuck waiting for a miracle.

Stuck.

Here’s the thing. When I’m stuck, I’m no longer moving forward.

So I decided to get unstuck. Not in the disarray-discomposure-or-incoherence sort of way, but in the able-to-move-freely, happy-to-be-here, looking-forward-to-it kinda way. 🙂

Why?

Fall is a physical and spiritual reminder to let things go that I cannot change.

The trees are about to show

For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Job 14:7 KJV

Even the dead leaves of autumn and the bald trees of winter testify of hope. There is always hope no matter the season. His name is Jesus.

No man can taste the fruits of autumn while he is delighting his scent with the flowers of spring

Maybe I won’t get the answers I long for in every season. But I can’t allow it to steal my joy or my hope. Nor will I lounge about in the current season pondering over things I cannot change. I must move on.

Autumn

Blessings await me in this coming season. If only I can recognize them when they appear.

I loved autumn, the season of the year that God seemed to have put there just for the beauty of it

The Lord is always with me wherever my foot may trod. He will not leave me nor forsake me. I have hope. I am not alone.

Neither are you, my friend. No matter the season you’re facing. You’re not alone. The Lord our God is with us leading the way.

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11 KJV

During this season, I plan to fall deeper in love with the Lord and let the dead things go. How about you?

Click to Tweet: Even the dead leaves of autumn and the bald trees of winter testify of hope. @GailJohnson87 #fall #hope

Praying for you. Thank you for reading and commenting. You are appreciated.

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