The Gift of Hope

So another year has rolled by, and you and I still breathe.  Amazing.  As I reflect back on the old year and look forward to the new, a few goals come to mind for our fellowship this coming year.  I have not read President Obama's The Audacity of Hope yet, but I do believe that God desires His children to live in hope.  What better way to begin a new year than to anchor your hope on something solid?
     
Hope for something.  For what?  Money?  Another Yankees title?  A new job?  A national championship for OSU football?  A husband?  A child?  A better relationship with your Mom and Dad?  An exercise routine that turns you into a buff muscle-man?  A miracle cure to acne issues?  What exactly do you hope for this year?  We could go on and on with the possibilities, but here is the foundation to the hope of a Christian.   Hope in Christ.   It is okay, and sometimes even good, to hope for some of those previously mentioned subjects, but at the end of the day, the center of all of our hope must be in Christ.  “He who has his hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.  (I John 3:3). 

Bring your hopes, dreams, goals, desires, burdens, worries, and fears to the Lord Jesus.  Make this a year of diligent prayer before the God of all comfort and the Author and Finisher of our faith.  True hope in Christ will not be deferred! 
  
Some thoughts from I Peter 4 encapsulate what I hope for regarding the fellowship of FJMC as I hope in Christ:

1. That we would grow in passionate, regular, fervent prayer. (The end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. vs. 7)
2. That we would love each other.  Really. (Above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." vs. 8) 
3. That we would know and speak the truth of God.  (If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.  vs. 11)
4. That the gifts of the Spirit would be expressed and used!  (As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another.  vs. 10)
5. That we would minister out of the “living water” from God.   (If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies.  vs. 11)

There you have it; “The audacity of hope,” to borrow from President Obama.   I hope in Christ as I hope for these areas of growth in our church.   May the glory of the Lord be revealed in and through you and me this year!