Get Your Hopes Up! Joyce Meyer Offers a Hope Check-up

Hope deferred makes the heart sick. Proverbs 13:12 Click to Tweet

I know many who are sick, depressed, discouraged because they have lost hope…

It’s one thing we all need—hope for today—hope for the future. Hope gives us a reason to go on and the energy to keep-on, keeping-on.

Do you lack hope?

Do you see life through a negative lens?

Are you surrounded by people who cast a dark cloud over anything you mention or aspire to?

What Bible Verse Speaks Into Your Life?

 

 

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, one that has brought you through difficulty? One that speaks truth in the midst of life's lies?

Will you share your story with us?

I know it will encourage me and others!

Hope in the Chaos

I love preparing for Christmas. I've wrapped gifts, put candles in the windows, and look forward to our children coming home.

I enjoy pondering the Christmas story. The Angel Gabriel visited a young girl to tell her she would give birth to God's son. Mary was pregnant out of wedlock which was punishable by stoning. Joseph heard from the angel in a dream, "Do not to be afraid to marry Mary." Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem because of Caesar's census. And then, after their long journey they didn't find a room, so when Mary's time to deliver the baby arrived, they took shelter in a stable.

This is not the kind of preparing I would have liked.

It would be an inconvenience to travel so far to appease a mad king and his lust for power and taxes. I would have been miffed that no one could find room for a pregnant mother to give birth. I'd complain about the stinky stable, wishing for something a bit more comfortable. I think I would be so caught up in the negative details around me that I would have missed the blessing I was meant to receive.

Yet, in the midst of the chaos, there was a thread of God's plan weaving its way through every event.

So, in the midst of the chaotic preparations of this season, will you ask Him to give you eyes to see the wonders of His love. Because He came for you!

What wonder is He revealing to you today?

                       Merry Christmas,

                                   Jeanne

This week's featured resources:

Photos by Jeanne Doyon

Joseph, A Story of Hope

 I have favorite stories in the Bible; true events meant to whisper the message of God’s love into our lives. One of my favorites is Joseph’s story. I never tire of the intrigue; it would make a great blockbuster movie. What is it about this best loved, spoiled son of Jacob the keeps me coming back to its pages? His life is filled with hope. No matter what happens, God is with Him. No matter what befalls him, the Lord brings him into favor with the one in charge. Every seeming blunder is a building block to purpose—God’s purpose. 

After many terrible events, Joseph, because of interpreting Pharoah’s dream is placed in power and holds the key to Egypt’s granary. A severe famine has struck Egypt and surrounding countries and Jacob (Joseph’s father) sends his sons to buy grain from Egypt before they die of hunger. Jacob doesn’t allow Benjamin, his younger son of Rachel to go, after all he has already lost one son—Benjamin’s older brother, Joseph. 

Joseph’s brothers set out for Egypt and through a turn of events are in the presence of their long lost brother whom they sold into slavery. Of course, they don’t recognize him in his Egyptian garb. Joseph sends them back with strict instructions to bring Benjamin—to prove they were not spies. Joseph shakes things up a little with his probing questions and mistrustful words.  The brothers still don’t know it is Joseph they are bowing down to; but Joseph’s dream from many years ago is coming true right before his eyes.  

Joseph holds Simeon as ransom while the others agree to bring Benjamin along on their next trip. The odds of being spies as Joseph charged are stacked against the sons of Jacob when Joseph has the grain money hidden in each of their grain sacks, discovered at their first stop to lodge for the night. 

When it comes time to return to Egypt for more grain, they know they must bring Benjamin. Jacob isn’t happy about it but they know they won’t get any more grain, or their big brother, Simeon back without Benjamin’s presence. Big brother, Judah vows to protect Benjamin no matter what happens. And, even says that he will be a surety for his brother’s safety.  

Then it struck me; Jesus comes from the line of Judah. Judah promised safety and protection to his brother, Benjamin, putting his own life on the line. Jesus promises to be our surety. He offered Himself as our substitution; His life for ours. This is one more layer of hope in the story of Joseph. 

I knew I loved this story! As I look ahead to the new year, because of Joseph, I can be sure of a couple of things: Jesus is watching out for me and all things that happen in my life will be for God’s bigger purpose. 

What glimpses of hope have you received through God’s love letter? What story do you love?

Looking forward to spending time with you in 2013,

 

Jeanne

Read Joseph's story in Genesis 37- 45

 

Believing, It Settles The Soul

A beautiful Sunday! I spent time outdoors today, pruning my lavender and sage, neatening up my oregano and chive plants. Then, John and I had maple iced coffee in the sunshine. A perfect day. If only life could be this lovely all the time :)

A reader mentioned that many would understand the struggle to believe and that I needed to offer the hope I found on the other side...so this blog is dedicated to that end...And, I hope that others will offer their experiences of finding God in the midst of their crisis of belief.....afterall, that's how we encourage one another on the journey.


As I think more about belief. I want to pass on hope to those who have struggled with believing at times (and we all do). Whether it is taking the first step of believing unto salvation or the daily need to believe when facing the things life throws at us; believing that He is able is something we get better at as we meet the God who loves us in the midst of our circumstances and He shows himself faithful.

So, when I sat down and asked, “What’s next for my blog, Lord. I am listening—please show me in your word, the truths that settle the soul.” I came to the following conclusions:

He is a God of promises

He who promised is faithful – Hebrews 10:23

His precious and magnificent promises – 2 Peter 1:4

He is a God of Hope


My hope is in Him – Psalm 62:5

Hope we have as an anchor – Hebrews 6:19

Hopes all things – 1 Corinthians 13:7

He is a God of peace

He is our peace – Ephesians 2:14

Peace of God which surpasses all understanding – Philippians 4:7

And, He offers forgiveness, eternal life, abundant life and freedom to all those who acknowledge Him.

When I see Him for who He is, watch Him work in and around me, and see His kingdom becoming before my eyes, that’s how I know. He is good; therefore He wants what’s good for me. I can surrender, knowing that His plan will come to fruition as I trust in who He is.

I saw it in Mary…when she said, “May it be to me as you have said.”

I saw it in Peter when he said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

And it is in me too, during the times of turmoil, His peace settles over my soul and speaks in the innermost place, “Be still and know that I am God.”

As I prepare in my heart for this Easter time, I want to remember all He has done on my behalf. He has won the victory over sin and death and given me His Holy Spirit to empower me to live wholly for Him. I have received a Living and Eternal Hope through Him…

Believing….yes, and it has settled my soul,

Jeanne

“God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.”

St. Augustine

Is It Spring Yet?

I got up the other morning and outside my window I saw this little critter popping up in the middle of my snow laden backyard. He lounged on his belly, looking toward the sunrise and seemed to enjoy his new vantage point. All looked quiet but the emergence of my little friend (I’ve named him Max), makes me realize there is a lot going on below the surface. I can just imagine the intricate tunnel town going on in Max’s world.

In my world, the New England winter has knocked the stuffing out of me. It isn’t often that we get both bitter cold and record snowfalls. This year we got a good dousing of both. Massive snow piles encroach on my driveway. Temperatures of below zero with a wind chill blast each time I step outside. Three feet of heavy snow covers my roof. I was starting to get a little nervous as daily reports of roofs collapsing in nearby towns until John fashioned a roof rake and pulled some of the snow down.

Yes, I am ready for spring!

What seems like bleak, dark and frozen is ready to burst forth with new life. Max’s city in the snow, birds trying out their voices during a warm tease, hickories beginning to blush their first buds of spring….oh, something to hope for. Bring on the sun. I’ve been living in the gray since November. I will dig my way to the surface to find the pregnant sunrise, just like Max.

Sometimes life is like the dark winter. Everything seems hidden, frozen and lifeless; a winter of the soul. But the hope of spring isn’t far off. I just need to dig my way toward the Sonrise. There I will find hope. In the Son I find life. In Him I find the hidden beauty, a message of hope in winter. If I am willing, He will open my eyes to see it. He peels away the darkness and awakens my ears to the song of spring. He woos me to new life and new purpose, one He has been quietly orchestrating under the surface.

So, if winter has its hold, keep on hoping. Keep on believing. His work on our behalf, though it often seems hidden and silent, continues day and night. He will bring the spring to your soul and a sunrise to your heart. Hope awaits: New life and new beginnings as you believe and trust in Him.

What signs of spring are giving you hope?

Believing,

Jeanne (and Max)

Coming Alongside

Reading the book of Philemon gives me so much to think about. There is so much I can relate to.

Has anyone come alongside to be with you through a difficult time? It may have been just a kind word or a quick hug, but their presence made all the difference. Or maybe they stuck with you through thick and thin, when everyone else seemed absent.

Just knowing that someone believes in me, gives me a feeling of hope. Hope is contagious.

I think both Paul and Onesimus felt hopeful. Barnabas gave Paul hope in Acts chapter nine when no one trusted him. Paul believed in Onesimus when he wrote the letter to Philemon.
We can all receive hope when we come face to face with Jesus Christ.

If someone was there for you, send them a note or email this week. Tell them how much you appreciate them. And, if you are needing a touch of hope from Jesus – His forgiveness and hope of redemption, just ask Him. He promises to come alongside.