Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Part V: THINKING OF HEAVEN, Chapter 33, "Harbouring Hope", Question 1, Page 221.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
PHOTO: Why is God called the "God of hope" (Romans 15:13)?
Our God is described as the "God of hope" who fills us with joy and peace that we are not able to find elsewhere. Paul prayed for the Christians in Rome, "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" (Romans 15:13). He is the one who gives us endurance and encouragement (Romans 15:5), even as we face the challenges of this life. He can be trusted, and as we do so, He will give us His peace, joy, and hope.
How can a senior find hope in Christ amid worsening circumstances?
Old age brings with it all kinds of challenges, as we have already seen. There are illnesses to struggle with, the sense of the end, perhaps loneliness and depression, and fears regarding the future. But for Christian, who believes in Christ and walks with Him, there is always hope. Christ will have the final say in our lives. And He will say, as God said after creating all things, "It is good". He works all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28), and will give the final verdict, pronouncing what He has created out of the ups and downs of our lives as "Good!".
If He is for us, who can be against us, and what can separate us from His love (Romans 8:31, 35)?
J. I. Packer describes the condition of many old people in Western society, who have no faith and hope:
One of the saddest things today is the number of elderly people who, not being believers, have nothing to look forward to. Their life is fading away. Their bodies are getting feeble and breaking down. They cannot do what they used to, and will never be able to do it again. They feel they are moving deeper into a dark cave with the darkness thickening around them, and no light, or way out, for them at the end. They find living without hope to be an unrelieved burden. They get bitter in heart, and sunk in self-pity and nostalgia. If they become (as, alas, they sometimes do) a misery to others, it is because they first became in this way a misery to themselves. Hopelessness wastes the spirit.
It is a dreadful situation to turn old and helpless without any hope for the future. But for the child of God, there is always hope, because we are moving towards a glorious future. We do not have it yet, nor have we already arrived. It is awaiting us, like light at the end of the tunnel.
How would you help someone who has lost hope?
Robert Browning's poem encourages the old and reminds them of their hope in God.
Grow old along with me
The best is yet to be.
The last of life, for which the first was made;
Our times are in his hand
Who with, "A Whole I planned,
Youth shows but half: trust God: see all, be not afraid.
Paul describes how we wait for our full redemption in Christ, and writes, "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently" (Romans 8:24-25).
It is with this same spirit that Paul also testified, "Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14). Adam Clarke used stirring words to describe how Paul anticipates impending death: "he now appears, standing on the verge of eternity, full of God, and strongly anticipating an eternity of glory." To die full of God and hope is to die well.
Let us therefore remember the resurrection of Christ and be filled with this "living hope", knowing that in Christ, an inheritance is kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:3-4). We would do well to heed the wise advice of Oswald Chambers:
Remember Whose you are and Whom you serve. Provoke yourself by recollection, and your affection for God will increase tenfold; your imagination will not be starved any longer, but will be quick and enthusiastic, and your hope will be inexpressibly bright.
Our God is described as the "God of hope" who fills us with joy and peace that we are not able to find elsewhere. Paul prayed for the Christians in Rome, "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" (Romans 15:13). He is the one who gives us endurance and encouragement (Romans 15:5), even as we face the challenges of this life. He can be trusted, and as we do so, He will give us His peace, joy, and hope.
How can a senior find hope in Christ amid worsening circumstances?
Old age brings with it all kinds of challenges, as we have already seen. There are illnesses to struggle with, the sense of the end, perhaps loneliness and depression, and fears regarding the future. But for Christian, who believes in Christ and walks with Him, there is always hope. Christ will have the final say in our lives. And He will say, as God said after creating all things, "It is good". He works all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28), and will give the final verdict, pronouncing what He has created out of the ups and downs of our lives as "Good!".
If He is for us, who can be against us, and what can separate us from His love (Romans 8:31, 35)?
J. I. Packer describes the condition of many old people in Western society, who have no faith and hope:
One of the saddest things today is the number of elderly people who, not being believers, have nothing to look forward to. Their life is fading away. Their bodies are getting feeble and breaking down. They cannot do what they used to, and will never be able to do it again. They feel they are moving deeper into a dark cave with the darkness thickening around them, and no light, or way out, for them at the end. They find living without hope to be an unrelieved burden. They get bitter in heart, and sunk in self-pity and nostalgia. If they become (as, alas, they sometimes do) a misery to others, it is because they first became in this way a misery to themselves. Hopelessness wastes the spirit.
It is a dreadful situation to turn old and helpless without any hope for the future. But for the child of God, there is always hope, because we are moving towards a glorious future. We do not have it yet, nor have we already arrived. It is awaiting us, like light at the end of the tunnel.
How would you help someone who has lost hope?
Robert Browning's poem encourages the old and reminds them of their hope in God.
Grow old along with me
The best is yet to be.
The last of life, for which the first was made;
Our times are in his hand
Who with, "A Whole I planned,
Youth shows but half: trust God: see all, be not afraid.
Paul describes how we wait for our full redemption in Christ, and writes, "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently" (Romans 8:24-25).
It is with this same spirit that Paul also testified, "Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14). Adam Clarke used stirring words to describe how Paul anticipates impending death: "he now appears, standing on the verge of eternity, full of God, and strongly anticipating an eternity of glory." To die full of God and hope is to die well.
Let us therefore remember the resurrection of Christ and be filled with this "living hope", knowing that in Christ, an inheritance is kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:3-4). We would do well to heed the wise advice of Oswald Chambers:
Remember Whose you are and Whom you serve. Provoke yourself by recollection, and your affection for God will increase tenfold; your imagination will not be starved any longer, but will be quick and enthusiastic, and your hope will be inexpressibly bright.
https://previews.123rf.com/images/dimedrol68/dimedrol681401/dimedrol68140100043/25284916-夏の白樺の近くに立って幸せな若い女.jpg - (25284916_1.png)
https://jp.123rf.com/photo_25284916_夏の白樺の近くに立って幸せな若い女.html
Why is God called the "God of hope" (Romans 15:13)? How can a senior find hope in Christ amid worsening circumstances? How would you help someone who has lost hope?
Why is God called the "God of hope" (Romans 15:13)? [1]
Our God is described as the "God of hope" who fills us with joy and peace that we are not able to find elsewhere. Paul prayed for the Christians in Rome, "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" (Romans 15:13). He is the one who gives us endurance and encouragement (Romans 15:5), even as we face the challenges of this life. He can be trusted, and as we do so, He will give us His peace, joy, and hope.
Why is God called the "God of hope" (Romans 15:13)? How can a senior find hope in Christ amid worsening circumstances? How would you help someone who has lost hope?
Why is God called the "God of hope" (Romans 15:13)? [1]
Our God is described as the "God of hope" who fills us with joy and peace that we are not able to find elsewhere. Paul prayed for the Christians in Rome, "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" (Romans 15:13). He is the one who gives us endurance and encouragement (Romans 15:5), even as we face the challenges of this life. He can be trusted, and as we do so, He will give us His peace, joy, and hope.
PHOTO: Why is God called the "God of hope" (Romans 15:13)?
Our God is described as the "God of hope" who fills us with joy and peace that we are not able to find elsewhere. He is the one who gives us endurance and encouragement (Romans 15:5), even as we face the challenges of this life. He can be trusted, and as we do so, He will give us His peace, joy, and hope.
Picture posted by Mission Venture Ministries
Our God is described as the "God of hope" who fills us with joy and peace that we are not able to find elsewhere. He is the one who gives us endurance and encouragement (Romans 15:5), even as we face the challenges of this life. He can be trusted, and as we do so, He will give us His peace, joy, and hope.
Picture posted by Mission Venture Ministries
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQTNUQ-mM3f0fnzIkXuaCul4Zj2Ctc2a7heKFqXXgPdcUgTQXjub2OqQn3lEA1yWfHgBF9srTee4PmPXymS2CICPJdI16EDZmmeMN8VnLLUdHmssND_Lgu0UUkuWhKRZzNZNz_9TuhHc/s659/what-is-the-meaning-of-hope-in-the-bible.jpg
https://missionventureministries.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/what-is-the-meaning-of-hope-in-the-bible.jpg
https://missionventureministries.wordpress.com/2016/07/27/what-is-the-meaning-of-hope-in-the-bible-romans-1513/
How can a senior find hope in Christ amid worsening circumstances? [1]
Old age brings with it all kinds of challenges, as we have already seen. There are illnesses to struggle with, the sense of the end, perhaps loneliness and depression, and fears regarding the future. But for Christian, who believes in Christ and walks with Him, there is always hope. Christ will have the final say in our lives. And He will say, as God said after creating all things, "It is good". He works all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28), and will give the final verdict, pronouncing what He has created out of the ups and downs of our lives as "Good!".
PHOTO: How can a senior find hope in Christ amid worsening circumstances?
Christ will have the final say in our lives. He works all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28), and will give the final verdict, pronouncing what He has created out of the ups and downs of our lives as "Good!".
Picture posted by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman on 28 January 2015 at 5:46 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnSFsKfeerTv-aiehi0QsyCcOlFaQEO2-UrQxRy35y-z8Wq32W8c6EDSR8JApf5bs0_L9EcBDIS-RFCwMby1gccktx-iv87HcUUIx8zsgaTmoPLoZHG0HbdeT-AOAB6Kb8pMv0KU3tZA/s854/romans-8-28.jpg
https://thepreachersword.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/romans-8-28.jpg
https://thepreachersword.com/2015/01/28/great-verses-of-the-bible-romans-828/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/02/reflection-thinking-of-heaven-common.html
If He is for us, who can be against us, and what can separate us from His love (Romans 8:31, 35)?
https://missionventureministries.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/what-is-the-meaning-of-hope-in-the-bible.jpg
https://missionventureministries.wordpress.com/2016/07/27/what-is-the-meaning-of-hope-in-the-bible-romans-1513/
How can a senior find hope in Christ amid worsening circumstances? [1]
Old age brings with it all kinds of challenges, as we have already seen. There are illnesses to struggle with, the sense of the end, perhaps loneliness and depression, and fears regarding the future. But for Christian, who believes in Christ and walks with Him, there is always hope. Christ will have the final say in our lives. And He will say, as God said after creating all things, "It is good". He works all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28), and will give the final verdict, pronouncing what He has created out of the ups and downs of our lives as "Good!".
PHOTO: How can a senior find hope in Christ amid worsening circumstances?Christ will have the final say in our lives. He works all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28), and will give the final verdict, pronouncing what He has created out of the ups and downs of our lives as "Good!".
Picture posted by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman on 28 January 2015 at 5:46 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnSFsKfeerTv-aiehi0QsyCcOlFaQEO2-UrQxRy35y-z8Wq32W8c6EDSR8JApf5bs0_L9EcBDIS-RFCwMby1gccktx-iv87HcUUIx8zsgaTmoPLoZHG0HbdeT-AOAB6Kb8pMv0KU3tZA/s854/romans-8-28.jpg
https://thepreachersword.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/romans-8-28.jpg
https://thepreachersword.com/2015/01/28/great-verses-of-the-bible-romans-828/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/02/reflection-thinking-of-heaven-common.html
If He is for us, who can be against us, and what can separate us from His love (Romans 8:31, 35)?
PHOTO: If He is for us, who can be against us, and what can separate us from His love (Romans 8:31, 35)?
Picture posted by Knowing Jesus
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https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/romans-8-31
J. I. Packer describes the condition of many old people in Western society, who have no faith and hope:
One of the saddest things today is the number of elderly people who, not being believers, have nothing to look forward to. Their life is fading away. Their bodies are getting feeble and breaking down. They cannot do what they used to, and will never be able to do it again. They feel they are moving deeper into a dark cave with the darkness thickening around them, and no light, or way out, for them at the end. They find living without hope to be an unrelieved burden. They get bitter in heart, and sunk in self-pity and nostalgia. If they become (as, alas, they sometimes do) a misery to others, it is because they first became in this way a misery to themselves. Hopelessness wastes the spirit. [111]
Picture posted by Knowing Jesus
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrZKEfPWevmZIpLffClSyBRVSk1XSHL_wBJ3OnigIuQabWj_5sg4EYfJ5PcsijVPPcazz8g58I5iZh0mkMIHtAOEkl4MbDg37OnSic4Q5B_xdj9qjhKr6RLlcFhyphenhyphen1qZz9x31N84H75w8/s1540/Romans+8-31+If+God+Be+For+Us+Who+Can+Be+Against+Us+blue.jpg
https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/dailyverse-images/f2/Romans%208-31%20If%20God%20Be%20For%20Us%20Who%20Can%20Be%20Against%20Us%20blue.jpg
https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/romans-8-31
J. I. Packer describes the condition of many old people in Western society, who have no faith and hope:
One of the saddest things today is the number of elderly people who, not being believers, have nothing to look forward to. Their life is fading away. Their bodies are getting feeble and breaking down. They cannot do what they used to, and will never be able to do it again. They feel they are moving deeper into a dark cave with the darkness thickening around them, and no light, or way out, for them at the end. They find living without hope to be an unrelieved burden. They get bitter in heart, and sunk in self-pity and nostalgia. If they become (as, alas, they sometimes do) a misery to others, it is because they first became in this way a misery to themselves. Hopelessness wastes the spirit. [111]
PHOTO: One of the saddest things today is the number of elderly people who, not being believers, have nothing to look forward to. Their life is fading away. Their bodies are getting feeble and breaking down. They cannot do what they used to, and will never be able to do it again. They feel they are moving deeper into a dark cave with the darkness thickening around them, and no light, or way out, for them at the end.
Photo by Jake Thacker
Picture posted by Anonymous
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https://41vvmi38mb27133anu2ol3ml-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/jake-thacker-113197-unsplash.jpg
https://www.coveyclub.com/blog_posts/daughter-hates-caring-aging-mother/
It is a dreadful situation to turn old and helpless without any hope for the future. But for the child of God, there is always hope, because we are moving towards a glorious future. We do not have it yet, nor have we already arrived. It is awaiting us, like light at the end of the tunnel.
Photo by Jake Thacker
Picture posted by Anonymous
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47W1Z6wopyZBbcxnAMcCJPJ2JvJ5avTr9yc2yrUDzco7bjyP2cmyLTe-7HHKHunqD1RsiKqp5ZD0B8RtCOx1SX-fRW1yTadM_qsbZ1gVY6iZb4EkGdxbkJg9rXUJKY8o8Iw30zG638bY/s2048/jake-thacker-113197-unsplash.jpg
https://41vvmi38mb27133anu2ol3ml-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/jake-thacker-113197-unsplash.jpg
https://www.coveyclub.com/blog_posts/daughter-hates-caring-aging-mother/
It is a dreadful situation to turn old and helpless without any hope for the future. But for the child of God, there is always hope, because we are moving towards a glorious future. We do not have it yet, nor have we already arrived. It is awaiting us, like light at the end of the tunnel.
PHOTO: It is a dreadful situation to turn old and helpless without any hope for the future. But for the child of God, there is always hope, because we are moving towards a glorious future. We do not have it yet, nor have we already arrived. It is awaiting us, like light at the end of the tunnel.
Picture posted by PX Pixels
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https://pixels.com/featured/old-man-and-the-sea-ron-lace.html
How would you help someone who has lost hope? [1]
Robert Browning's poem encourages the old and reminds them of their hope in God.
Grow old along with me
The best is yet to be.
The last of life, for which the first was made;
Our times are in his hand
Who with, "A Whole I planned,
Youth shows but half: trust God: see all, be not afraid. [112]
Picture posted by PX Pixels
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6sx8cFGHOBCV7r8FJU3KYyGI-6cFeR0RIxphu89b5X_yMoXSJgL3BS3Mx0bz3GbKfeoAUhBBC4oZSH_YKwi6WIibvjbcoKAsDD3ke0_ARo-XHW3kxkMBrWXbHiZ6ep2hAH-JzvOLAqA/s900/old-man-and-the-sea-ron-lace.jpg
https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/2/old-man-and-the-sea-ron-lace.jpg
https://pixels.com/featured/old-man-and-the-sea-ron-lace.html
How would you help someone who has lost hope? [1]
Robert Browning's poem encourages the old and reminds them of their hope in God.
Grow old along with me
The best is yet to be.
The last of life, for which the first was made;
Our times are in his hand
Who with, "A Whole I planned,
Youth shows but half: trust God: see all, be not afraid. [112]
PHOTO: How would you help someone who has lost hope?
Grow old along with me
The best is yet to be.
The last of life, for which the first was made;
Our times are in his hand
Who with, "A Whole I planned,
Youth shows but half: trust God: see all, be not afraid.
Picture posted by 123RF
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SsX1Vbf-lQD1MbJEh1xlysAOwLgghyphenhyphenmyHqaFHnCr-pm7jVqklOSN_M3A0LkMZ9AZtYhD5Gv4LGMzhVDFCDVZp4hExbs-wj7BZozMZtY7J3xshbRKgBx0Od1grnqohDkKOvsX0LzxNJ8/s1300/12234538_1.png
Grow old along with me
The best is yet to be.
The last of life, for which the first was made;
Our times are in his hand
Who with, "A Whole I planned,
Youth shows but half: trust God: see all, be not afraid.
Picture posted by 123RF
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SsX1Vbf-lQD1MbJEh1xlysAOwLgghyphenhyphenmyHqaFHnCr-pm7jVqklOSN_M3A0LkMZ9AZtYhD5Gv4LGMzhVDFCDVZp4hExbs-wj7BZozMZtY7J3xshbRKgBx0Od1grnqohDkKOvsX0LzxNJ8/s1300/12234538_1.png
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Paul describes how we wait for our full redemption in Christ, and writes, "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently" (Romans 8:24-25).
Paul describes how we wait for our full redemption in Christ, and writes, "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently" (Romans 8:24-25).
PHOTO: "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently" (Romans 8:24-25).
Picture posted by AutumnLeaves
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XUZRpuvbrj9pwHiH9bFHleTBF8TmZJCbGJ9y4V2t4G_Dz4LiHAn_AUIFNQ7DLy5h9m0IOW4-b0agH12m_5Xhs0K6dIvNFbWQNjF1kVif9L5uWwHqCgj-UZp7if1TVGfc7v6Khdf-jZc/s1064/02_-_95_February_2014.jpg
http://www.autumnleaves.co.nz/files/6713/9226/1372/02_-_95_February_2014.jpg
http://www.autumnleaves.co.nz/newsletters/editorials/saved/
It is with this same spirit that Paul also testified, "Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14). Adam Clarke used stirring words to describe how Paul anticipates impending death: "he now appears, standing on the verge of eternity, full of God, and strongly anticipating an eternity of glory." [113] To die full of God and hope is to die well.
Picture posted by AutumnLeaves
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XUZRpuvbrj9pwHiH9bFHleTBF8TmZJCbGJ9y4V2t4G_Dz4LiHAn_AUIFNQ7DLy5h9m0IOW4-b0agH12m_5Xhs0K6dIvNFbWQNjF1kVif9L5uWwHqCgj-UZp7if1TVGfc7v6Khdf-jZc/s1064/02_-_95_February_2014.jpg
http://www.autumnleaves.co.nz/files/6713/9226/1372/02_-_95_February_2014.jpg
http://www.autumnleaves.co.nz/newsletters/editorials/saved/
It is with this same spirit that Paul also testified, "Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14). Adam Clarke used stirring words to describe how Paul anticipates impending death: "he now appears, standing on the verge of eternity, full of God, and strongly anticipating an eternity of glory." [113] To die full of God and hope is to die well.
PHOTO: Paul also testified, "Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13-14).
Picture posted by Romancing your soul
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Let us therefore remember the resurrection of Christ and be filled with this "living hope", knowing that in Christ, an inheritance is kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:3-4). We would do well to heed the wise advice of Oswald Chambers:
Remember Whose you are and Whom you serve. Provoke yourself by recollection, and your affection for God will increase tenfold; your imagination will not be starved any longer, but will be quick and enthusiastic, and your hope will be inexpressibly bright. [115]
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https://romancingyoursoul.com/gratitude-joy/
Let us therefore remember the resurrection of Christ and be filled with this "living hope", knowing that in Christ, an inheritance is kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:3-4). We would do well to heed the wise advice of Oswald Chambers:
Remember Whose you are and Whom you serve. Provoke yourself by recollection, and your affection for God will increase tenfold; your imagination will not be starved any longer, but will be quick and enthusiastic, and your hope will be inexpressibly bright. [115]
PHOTO: Remember Whose you are and Whom you serve. Provoke yourself by recollection, and your affection for God will increase tenfold; your imagination will not be starved any longer, but will be quick and enthusiastic, and your hope will be inexpressibly bright.
Picture posted by 123RF
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PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we learn that our God is described as the ‘God of hope’ who fills us with joy and peace that we are not able to find elsewhere. Paul prayed for the Christians in Rome, ‘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’.
Lord, You are the one who gives us endurance and encouragement, even as we face the challenges of this life. You can be trusted, and as we do so, You will give us Your peace, joy, and hope.
Amid worsening circumstances, a Christian senior who believes in Christ and walks with Him, there is always hope. You will have the final say in our lives. As God said after creating all things, ‘It is good’, You work all things together for our good, and will give the final verdict, pronouncing what You have created out of the ups and downs of our lives as ‘Good!’.
Lord, thank You, because if You are for us, who can be against us, and what can separate us from Your love?
We pray for Your help for those who are in dreadful situation to turn old and helpless without any hope for the future. May all the children of God always have hope, and are moving towards a glorious future.
Lord, we pray for those who have lost hope to wait patiently for their full redemption in Christ. This hope will save us, especially those hope for what we do not yet have. Help us to forget what is behind and strain towards what is ahead. Help us to press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenwards in Christ Jesus.
Lord, help us to be like Paul when anticipating impending death, to stand on the verge of eternity, full of God, and strongly anticipating an eternity of glory. And to die full of God and hope is to die well.
We pray that we remember the resurrection of Christ and be filled with this ‘living hope’, knowing that in Christ, an inheritance is kept in heaven for us.
Help us to remember Whose we are and Whom we serve. May we provoke ourselves by recollection, and let our affection for God increase tenfold; our imagination will not be starved any longer, but will be quick and enthusiastic, and our hope will be inexpressibly bright.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by 123RF
Lord, You are the one who gives us endurance and encouragement, even as we face the challenges of this life. You can be trusted, and as we do so, You will give us Your peace, joy, and hope.
Amid worsening circumstances, a Christian senior who believes in Christ and walks with Him, there is always hope. You will have the final say in our lives. As God said after creating all things, ‘It is good’, You work all things together for our good, and will give the final verdict, pronouncing what You have created out of the ups and downs of our lives as ‘Good!’.
Lord, thank You, because if You are for us, who can be against us, and what can separate us from Your love?
We pray for Your help for those who are in dreadful situation to turn old and helpless without any hope for the future. May all the children of God always have hope, and are moving towards a glorious future.
Lord, we pray for those who have lost hope to wait patiently for their full redemption in Christ. This hope will save us, especially those hope for what we do not yet have. Help us to forget what is behind and strain towards what is ahead. Help us to press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenwards in Christ Jesus.
Lord, help us to be like Paul when anticipating impending death, to stand on the verge of eternity, full of God, and strongly anticipating an eternity of glory. And to die full of God and hope is to die well.
We pray that we remember the resurrection of Christ and be filled with this ‘living hope’, knowing that in Christ, an inheritance is kept in heaven for us.
Help us to remember Whose we are and Whom we serve. May we provoke ourselves by recollection, and let our affection for God increase tenfold; our imagination will not be starved any longer, but will be quick and enthusiastic, and our hope will be inexpressibly bright.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by 123RF
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Reflection - Thinking of Heaven - God of Hope
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Part V: THINKING OF HEAVEN, Chapter 33, "Harbouring Hope", Question 1, Page 221.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Part V: THINKING OF HEAVEN, Chapter 33, "Harbouring Hope", Question 1, Page 221.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Other Books
Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon
"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
Reference
[1] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, Part V: THINKING OF HEAVEN, Chapter 33, "Harbouring Hope", Page 216-218, 220.
[111] J. I. Packer, Rediscovering Holiness: Know the Fullness of Life with God (Ventura, CA: Regal, 2009), 225-226.
[112] Robert Browning, "Rabbi Ben Ezra", in The Poetical Works of Robert Browning, vol. 1 (London: Smith and Elder, 1899), 580.
[113] Adam Clarke, "2 Timothy 4:22", in Commentary on the Whole Bible (1832), http://www.studylight.org/com/view.cgi?bk=54&ch=4 (error url)
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/acc/2-timothy-4.html#verse-22 (last second line of the verse 22)
[115] Oswald Chambers, "11 February", in My Utmost For His Highest (Grand Rapid: Discovery House, 2017).
Links
[111] J. I. Packer, Rediscovering Holiness: Know the Fullness of Life with God (Ventura, CA: Regal, 2009), 225-226.
[112] Robert Browning, "Rabbi Ben Ezra", in The Poetical Works of Robert Browning, vol. 1 (London: Smith and Elder, 1899), 580.
[113] Adam Clarke, "2 Timothy 4:22", in Commentary on the Whole Bible (1832), http://www.studylight.org/com/view.cgi?bk=54&ch=4 (error url)
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/acc/2-timothy-4.html#verse-22 (last second line of the verse 22)
[115] Oswald Chambers, "11 February", in My Utmost For His Highest (Grand Rapid: Discovery House, 2017).
Links
New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
1 Peter 1:3-4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1%3A3-4&version=NIV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
Philippians 3:13-14 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3%3A13-14&version=NIV
Romans 8:24-25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A24-25&version=NIV
Romans 8:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NIV
Romans 8:31, 35 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A31%2C+35&version=NIV
Romans 15:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+15%3A5&version=NIV
Romans 15:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+15%3A13&version=NIV
Romans 8:24-25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A24-25&version=NIV
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- https://missionventureministries.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/what-is-the-meaning-of-hope-in-the-bible.jpg
- https://missionventureministries.wordpress.com/2016/07/27/what-is-the-meaning-of-hope-in-the-bible-romans-1513/
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- https://thepreachersword.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/romans-8-28.jpg
- https://thepreachersword.com/2015/01/28/great-verses-of-the-bible-romans-828/
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