HOPE

Anne Jackson is good at asking questions. Today (Aug. 19) she asked: What makes the Church different?

We offer HOPE. I think God that I wake up with HOPE. Things aren't perfect - far from it. But HOPE is the anchor in my heart that my existence is not about taking up space.

HOPE is a powerful force that goes way beyond wishing! It's an expectation that secures belief when everything around screams "give up!" Here are a few thoughts of inspiration:

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Ephesians 2:12
remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.\

Ephesians 4:4
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—

1 Timothy 4:10
(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

Hebrews 6:19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Psalm 42:11
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Ephesians 1:18
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.