05/15/2021 -
We are never disappointed by our hope in the glory of God, but if we do not revel in the love of God, as poured into us by the Holy Spirit, then where is our hope founded? We have faith, we have love, and we are meant to have hope... but where are we without the confidence in His glory that His love brings? Are we open vessels, ready to receive the free gift of God’s love as His Spirit pours it into us? If so then His glory will shine from within us, and our hope in Him will become certain.
“and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:4-5 ESV
I love my wife, and through the lens of my love I see her as no one else will ever see her; she is glorious in my eyes. I also have hope, and confidence, in the vows she made to me on our wedding day; vows like loving, cherishing, and until death do us part. She pours her love out on me, and it gives me hope, and the ability to believe with certainty. Without love I would have nothing... I would be hopeless. Love is what God’s Holy Spirit brings us, and through it we feel certain in our faith, and have hope in His Word.
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Romans 15:4 ESV
So today let’s turn inward and ask ourselves where our hope is founded, and if we have allowed the Holy Spirit to fill us with God’s love. Simply put... “Do we love God as He loves us, and is our hope in Him founded therein?”
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit that pours your love into us, and by so doing gives us hope in you. Thank you Father for allowing us to see you, radiant in your glory, as we look at you through the lens of our love for you, and for seeing us through the lens of your love for us... Jesus Christ. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who can make the rocky wilderness bloom like a garden, twisted roads straight and level, and sinners pure as snow through the blood of your Son Jesus. We praise you Lord for your Holy Word, and the hope we find in it. We seek the peace of Christ, and strength in our faith, by being fed by the meat of your love, and in this we call you merciful... full of grace. In these things we pray that you would surround us with flowers, make our way easy, and fill us to overflowing with your love. Through our loving hope in you, and the blood of Jesus, find us perfect in your sight Father, and seat us at your table for eternity. This is our hope, and the fruit we long to taste in our faith turned reality in heaven.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13 ESV
Rich Forbes