HOPE

Hang Onto Possible Endings

Amazed and Awed

Even Jesus was tempted. v.2

If temptations, trials, and tests came to Jesus, we can be sure they will come to us. Our reaction says a lot about our spiritual condition, growth, and expectations. The way we walk through the dark valleys and wander in the deserts reveal our depth of love, trust and faith in God. Luke 4 also points out they have the power to prepare us for ministry.

Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert to be tempted. v. 1

If we want to be more like Christ, we must be willing to surrender our will to the Father. It’s hard, isn’t it? I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want some say in how they live their life, do you?

Jesus was led by, empowered by, and full of Holy Spirit.

Since Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, don’t you think we should be prepared to go there too? So often in my life, I’ve been quick to blame a trial on spiritual warfare, or the consequence of my own sin. How about you?

Today I want to consider that we can be full of the Spirit, led by the Spirit, and empowered by the Spirit to overcome the wilderness wanderings for the purpose of strengthening our faith, increasing our joy, and creating opportunities to minister to others.

“All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What is this teaching?”” v.36

I love Luke’s record of how utterly amazed the people were when they heard Jesus speak. What if we lived in awe of Christ and His teachings? What if while we’re waiting for the church to make a difference in our culture, God is waiting for us? Casting Crowns’ song, Start Right Here, (click here to listen) has challenged me to look at life differently. Then yesterday, God gave me a test.

While driving through the city I saw a man huddled in a dirty blanket by the side of the road. Purposefully, I left more room than necessary between my car and the one stopped in front of me at the red light to avoid making eye contact with him. I hate how jaded I’ve become.

The Spirit drew me to look at him anyway. Emptiness stared back. No hand-printed sign asking for anything. Dejection and defeat called to me from the slump of his shoulders and I knew I was to give him the few dollars I had with me. Holding up the money, I inched closer to the man and stopped.

Rolling down the window I said, “I’m sorry for your pain.” The corners of his mouth curved up as he flashed me a toothless grin. The light turned green and “God bless you.” was all I had time to add. Driving away, Start Right Here began to play on the radio as I wiped my wet cheeks.

“At daybreak, Jesus went to a solitary place.” v.42

Jesus got up early to spend time with God; do we? I know there’s a million reasons why we don’t. What if we did? How would our life change, and how might God use us to change someone else’s? Who needs a word of encouragement or comfort, or our testimony of His goodness and grace in our desert?

“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.” Isaiah 50:4

Friend, don’t let testing, trials, and temptations distract you from God’s purpose for your life. He might have a divine encounter for you today. Let’s live in awe of God’s Holy Spirit’s leading, empowering, and filling us to fulfill God’s destiny for our lives.

SUBSCRIBE: Get a little HOPE straight to your inbox!

Comments

  5. Verona says

    Can I simply just say what a relief to discover someone who actually understands what they are talking about on the net.
    You definitely know how to bring a problem to light
    and make it important. More people must look at this and understand this side of your story.
    I was surprised you are not more popular since you definitely have the
    gift.

    Reply

  7. Wiki.arp.gg says

    My programmer is trying to persuade me to move to
    .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using
    Movable-type on numerous websites for about a year and am concerned
    about switching to another platform. I have heard great things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it?
    Any help would be really appreciated!

    Here is my site kiss888 (Wiki.arp.gg)

    Reply

  10. https://zz.be/ says

    Hi there, I discovered your blog by way of
    Google whilst looking for a related topic, your web site got here up, it appears great.
    I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hi there, simply changed into alert to your weblog thru Google,
    and found that it is really informative. I’m gonna be careful for
    brussels. I’ll appreciate in case you continue this in future.
    Lots of other people can be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    Feel free to visit my web blog :: mega888 original – https://zz.be/,

    Reply

  13. mega888 test id says

    It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time
    to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or tips.
    Maybe you can write next articles referring to this
    article. I desire to read even more things about it!

    Look at my website … mega888 test id

    Reply

  18. Apk pussy888 says

    Hey there, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog site in Ie, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, great blog!

    Also visit my webpage :: Apk pussy888

    Reply

  19. xe88 promotion says

    Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources
    back to your blog? My website is in the very same niche as yours and my visitors would really benefit from some of the
    information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you.
    Thanks!

    My web site – xe88 promotion

    Reply

  22. xe888 apk says

    Hey there I am so delighted I found your weblog, I really found you
    by mistake, while I was researching on Yahoo for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like
    to say kudos for a incredible post and a all round exciting blog (I also
    love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I
    have saved it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be
    back to read more, Please do keep up the fantastic
    job.

    Also visit my webpage … xe888 apk

    Reply

  23. 918Kiss Test Id says

    Hi there, I discovered your site via Google while searching for a
    comparable matter, your website came up, it looks great.
    I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hello there, just turned into aware of your blog via Google, and found that it’s truly informative.
    I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful should you proceed this in future.
    Many other folks shall be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    Check out my blog post: 918Kiss Test Id

    Reply

  24. cara hack 918kaya says

    I think everything said was very reasonable.
    However, what about this? suppose you added a little content?
    I ain’t suggesting your content isn’t solid, but what if you added something that grabbed a person’s attention? I
    mean Amazed and Awed – HOPE is kinda vanilla. You might peek at Yahoo’s front page and see how they
    create post titles to get people to click. You might add a related video or a picture or two to grab people excited about what
    you’ve got to say. In my opinion, it could make your website a
    little bit more interesting.

    Here is my website :: cara hack 918kaya

    Reply

  30. mega888apk download says

    Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!

    Feel free to surf to my homepage mega888apk download

    Reply

  31. Modesta says

    Wow, incredible blog format! How lengthy have you ever been running a blog for?
    you make running a blog look easy. The entire look of your site is
    great, let alone the content!

    My homepage :: 918kaya (Modesta)

    Reply

  34. mega888apk says

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is needed to get setup?
    I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% certain. Any recommendations or
    advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos

    My homepage … mega888apk

    Reply

  37. pussy888app says

    I blog quite often and I really thank you for your
    content. Your article has really peaked my interest.
    I am going to book mark your site and keep checking for new information about once a week.
    I opted in for your Feed as well.

    my site pussy888app

    Reply

  43. download 918kaya says

    Great beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as you amend your site,
    how can i subscribe for a weblog website? The account helped me a appropriate deal.
    I had been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided bright
    transparent concept

    Also visit my blog … download 918kaya

    Reply

  47. mega888 says

    Awesome blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a
    little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a
    free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m
    totally overwhelmed .. Any suggestions? Thank you!

    Check out my web site mega888

    Reply

  212. scr888 register free credit 2018 says

    I believe this is one of the such a lot important info for me.
    And i’m glad reading your article. But should commentary on some common issues, The web site taste is great, the articles is in reality excellent :
    D. Just right activity, cheers

    Reply

  216. DavidLot says

    For flash based games, in particular Yet another homage to a classic game, World’s Biggest Pac-Man is by far one of the best browser games, expanding the famous game’s maze. This time, two new exits have been added to the upper and lower part of the map, connected just like the lateral ones are. Browser FPS features one of the most popular genres in the online community ever and puts it into the browser environment to make it accessible for most players. In these games, you get access to a wide range of guns; you can compete with your enemies in various game modes, and your character progression entirely depends on your performance on the battlefield. Browser-based gameplay support allows players to play these games using any device, and they don’t have to buy expensive hardware or download massive assets from the web. https://diy-gf.com/community/profile/caren057124432/ The four best ways to make friends on Twitch are: through Twitch chat, through social media, by playing games with others and lastly through Discord. Although there are other ways that you can make friends on Twitch, these tend to be the four most common and most successful ways that people make friends on Twitch.  We decided to compile a list of the 30 best multiplayer games to make friends in 2021. Connect Four is an instant classic no matter how you play it. My boys love this game and often played it during indoor recess at school. Now they can challenge friends at home through this online version. In fact, they can even organize an online tournament so multiple friends can get in on the fun. This game can be played on Paper Games, which also allows for random matches. Other options on this site include Battleship, Tic Tac Toe, and Gomoku. 

    Reply

Trackbacks

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *