Do You Have Hope?

O. T. #2082 "Do You Have Hope?"

Dec. 8, 2021

Joel 2-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Now who could not us some hope today? Where is your hope? There is a place to find it, dear friend. Come along with me, for there is plenty of hope to go around.

In the Hebrew language, hope means to wait; to be patient; trust; tarry.

In wrapping up Psalm 119, we find the word hope appearing 4 times:

1. Remember the Word unto thy servant, upon which Thou hast caused me to hope. (verse 49)
2. My soul fainteth for Thy salvation: but I hope in Thy Word. (verse 81)
3. Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy Word. (verse 114)
4. Uphold me according unto Thy Word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

Where is our hope found? It is found in God's Word, for in God's Word we find hope.

I like how Webster's Dictionary defined hope: trust, reliance, belief in fulfillment.

Is Jesus your salvation? Is He your hope of eternal life in heaven? If so, then we rejoice in your hope. Let us live in our hope placed in Jesus. If not, today can be your day of salvation. Place your hope in the Son of God that takes away the sins of the world-Jesus Christ.

LET IT GROW

Verse 14 of Joel 1 says, Who knoweth if He will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind Him: even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?

If only Israel had repented of their sins, then they would not have been captives in Assyria. God is immutable, unchanging. It is man who needs to change, have a change of heart and a change of mind. He would have turned devastation into blessing if only they had.

Blessing means prosperity; present, in the Hebrew language.

Webster defines blessing as encouragement, approval.

Israel's land would not have been destroyed, but they would not turn away from idols and worship God. He would have stopped His plan of devastation in Israel , blessed them in the field and the vineyard so they could have offer a meat and drink offering unto God.

If you've held to prolonged unrighteous attitudes against God, you've made Him your enemy. But, don't run from Him because He's your only hope. (Tony Evans)

If we know of others that are there in their life, share their only hope with them-Jesus. It is by faith that He accepts us.

Paul wanted his life to be like a drink offering upon Christ. How about us?

LET IT GO

Place our hope in Jesus and He will not disappoint us, but give us more hope. Find hope in God's Word, for it is there.

Blessing and honor and praise be to the only Savior!

We believe and trust in You only!