A Reason For Hope

A Reason For Hope

  “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 7:21 NIV

This past Sunday, December 1, was the first Sunday of Advent. This week’s theme is hope!

Let there be hope this Advent season, but let it be for the right reasons.

Young Mike said, “I’m a Christian. I know I’m a Christian because I’ve given my life to Jesus, who’s my Lord and Savior. I go to church every Sunday. I read the Bible a lot; boy, do I read the Bible. I wear T-shirts with ‘Jesus is Lord’ printed on them in bright colors. I listen to Christian music and volunteer at my church.”

Old Joe said, “I hope I’m a Christian. I think I act like a Christian maybe half the time. Many times I don’t feel close to God; days go by when I don’t go near the Bible and I forget to pray; I work, I watch TV, I drink a few beers now and then. I hope the Lord will have mercy on me when I die. I hope. When I do pray, what I say is, ‘Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.’”

Which of those two is closer to the kingdom of heaven? As you get ready for Christmas, are you hoping in your own accomplishments or in the saving power of the coming Christ Child?

Lord of Advent, God of Hope, help us to recognize Your will in the events of our daily lives. Fill us with Your hope, Your joy, and Your love for all people. Amen.

For those of you who will be worshiping at the Mt. Laurel Church of God this coming Sunday, December 8, God’s message through Pastor Dale will be from Luke 3:1-6.  Consider reading this Scripture before coming to worship or before watching on Facebook so your heart is ready to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice.

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.