There is so much turmoil brewing in this country. There is a lot of turmoil in the world. And no this is not some gloom and doom column. Just hang out with me for a short read. I don’t know about you, but I almost don’t want to turn on the news anymore. It really isn’t news anymore, well good news. In fact, recent polls show at least 90% of all news reported is negative. It is no wonder our world view is such a negative one.
The world around us is creating an environment of fear. Don’t think me naïve to believe there are no threats in our lives, because there are many threats out there. However, if all that we consume is negative and depressed information; what can we expect to come from our lives? If all I put into my head is negative and destructive thinking, I can expect my life actions to echo what I am putting into my mind. What you believe in your heart and mind will be lived out by your life actions. What you put in is what comes out. So, if you are still hanging out with me in this short read, I want to challenge you to make up your mind and change your thinking. Stop putting negative thoughts into your mind! Stop letting your life be led by fear and instead let your life be led by hope. Now a better hope has been given to us. That hope brings us near to God. Hebrews 7:19 One thing I know which has been perverted is the gospel. The gospel is good news. The gospel is positive and wonderful news. And I know you’re thinking, “here it is,” someone is trying to sell me this Jesus stuff! And your right! But, I am not trying to get you to change your behavior. I am trying to get you to change your belief. I want you to believe in something that is good. I want you to believe in something that is pleasing. I want you to believe in something that is perfect. Something that will change your life forever! Something that gives you hope and not just hope for today, but a hope that will last! This hope is not from a government, or from an institution or from anything that’s short-lived in this world. Instead this hope is from a source your life can depend on. The beauty of the gospel for too long has been distorted leaving many without a hope. Why? Because it has been distorted with judgement and legalism. As a result, a religion has been created that many have turned from and others don’t want. That is not God! God wants to offer you mercy and grace over His judgement. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13 We need to change the way we think and look to the God of the Universe as the hope of the world. The challenge for you and I is not to buy into the lies of this world or fall in-line with what is happening around us. When we do we lose hope, and buy into a temporary outlook. We are then forced to respond from a reactionary and threatenedpoint of view, which takes us further down a hopeless path. Instead, look at the beauty of the good news God has provided. The beauty of the gospel is that a new Hope has been given to us and that Hope brings us nearer to God. Don’t live the way this world lives. Let your way of thinking be completely changed. Then you will be able to test what God wants for you. And you will agree that what He wants is right. His plan is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 So, if you are still hanging with me, why not join me in making up your minds to have a new way of thinking? A new thinking that is filled with hope and belief in God. He is the only hope in this world that is worth going after because He is the only hope rooted in perfect love. Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. John 4:7-8 You are not going to find your hope in the news, the government, a cause or anything in this world that is lasting. You will find an eternal hope in the God of the Universe Who has provided you a new Hope which brings you nearer to him. So, why not try God!
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AuthorPaul is a Christ Follower. He has been married to his beautiful wife Rebecca and they have two beautiful children, a dog, two cats and a turtle. They love being together as a family and doing the adventure that is ministry. They love the outdoors and enjoying all of God's creation. Archives
October 2019
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