Freelance writer Lupie Riley

Thought:  What a tumultuous 2020 we just came through.  The New Year looks to be not much better.  Do we respond with discouragement, anxiety and fear?  God does not want us to be filled with these negative emotions but to be strong and courageous.  Our strength comes from His presence within and having the HOPE of something better in the future when we meet our Savior face to face.  We draw strength from his promises and assurance from His Word.

HOPE is mentioned 167 times in the NIV, 121 in the KJ and 151 in the ESV.  I’ve listed a few to put to memory.  As we trust in Jesus and claim His Word he will give us what we need in the days ahead no matter what they bring.

Psalms 42:11 KJ “Why art thou cast down O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? HOPE in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”

Jeremiah: 29:11 LB “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord.  They are plans for the good and not for evil, to give you a future and a HOPE.

Romans 15:13 LB “For I pray for you Gentiles that the God who gives you HOPE  will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in Him. I pray that God will help you overflow with HOPE in Him through the Holy Spirits power within you.”

Hebrews 11:1 LB “What is faith?  It’s the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen.  It is the certainty that what we HOPE for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.  Men of God in days of old were famous for their faith.”

Psalms 119:114 LB “You are my refuge and my shield, and your promises are my only source of HOPE.”

Psalms 31:24 KJ “Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that HOPE in the Lord.”

I Peter 3:15 KJ “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the HOPE that is in you with meekness and fear.”

Prayer:  Father God, thank you for the blessed hope I have that there is an awesome future ahead of me as my life goes on eternally in your home that you have prepared for me.  Amen

Verse:  Romans 5:3-5 LB “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for, we know they are good for us—they help us to learn to be patient.  And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our HOPE and faith are strong and steady.  Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”

Married 58 years, four children, nine grandchildren and three greats.  I've been a freelance writer for over 40 years.  Working on a book at the present.  My priorities are God first, family, country. Look me up on Google search by my name Lupie Riley, click on first link. Faithwriters.com