HOPE

Hang Onto Possible Endings

What does the future hold?

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Luke-21-no-matter-who-is-in-the-white-house.png

God’s timing is perfect. I had no idea waiting to write a devotion for Luke chapter 21 would cross paths with the chaos at the Capitol. It’s been crazy in our country, hasn’t it?

Ever feel like you’re watching a movie instead of the news? Do you fear for the future of America? I find it much easier to give into anxious thoughts than to live out what I say I believe. How about you?

As believers we must choose this day whom we will serve. Half of the nation celebrates victory while the other half mourns defeat. I’m sure we all have our preference and tend to lean either to the right or left side of the political aisle.

Does our political divide have to translate into divisiveness among believers?

The pandemic, civil unrest, and political upheaval have ushered in a new era for our country.

How should we respond?

I don’t know how you’ve been praying lately, but I’ve been praying for revival to sweep across our country. What if current events are designed to bring about revival? What if God uses the chaos, disappointments and even devastation to reveal our allegiance has been misplaced?

Perhaps we’ve pledged our lives to health, wealth, and the pursuit of happiness, and not to Jesus Christ?

I want to be careful not to attribute God’s words to the nation of Israel to America, yet, I can’t help but see parallels in Luke chapter 21 to what is needed in our country today. Jesus warned his followers not to be deceived about the end times.

Unfortunately, many of us have been deceived.

Deceived into thinking a certain political party can cure society’s ills. Judging one candidate’s spiritual or moral character superior to the other. Assuming one party’s political platform ensures peace and prosperity for America.

Deception can be found on both sides of the political aisle.

Perhaps we have forgotten Proverbs 21:1:

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.”

I would venture to say, anyone reading this has never met either candidate. Yet, we have been judging their ability to govern by what the media tells us; complete with their spin. Ever grow weary of lies, deception, and speculation? Me too.

So let’s focus on the only truth that has no spin.

Luke 21 begins with Jesus teaching in the area of the temple where women could observe but not participate in the temple ceremonies. Jesus not only includes those who society deemed less than, but elevated them with honor and respect. Who in our lives need to be elevated by our honor and respect?

The court of women contained the boxes used to collect the temple tax and freewill offerings. I am challenged by the offering of the widow, aren’t you?

After dropping “two very small copper coins” into the temple treasury, Jesus commends her in front of everyone. Contrasting the gift of the wealthy with this poor widow’s offering He says, “All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” v.4

Do we live that way? Giving our all to the building of God’s kingdom? Or have we been busy storing up treasure here on earth? Have we been so focused on the elections and politics that we are emotionally spent and have little ministry to offer others?

Has our time been invested in watching events we have no control over leaving our personal lives spinning out of control? Are we caught up in speculations that may never be proven, no matter how much sense they make to us?

Jesus leaves no question to how things will be before He returns.

“Everyone will hate you because of me.” Luke 21:17

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like being at odds with someone. It creates angst in my spirit. I certainly am not looking forward to being hated. More and more I am reading things that paint Christians in a bad light and this article goes so far as to blame Christians for the protest at the White House.

Christ’s words in John 16:33 come to mind, “In this world you will have trouble.” Persecution doesn’t seem to be an option for God’s children. Our precious brothers and sisters in Christ have been suffering persecution around the world for years. Why would we think we’d be exempt? How many of us have taken our religious freedom for granted? I know I have.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is luke-21-persecution-sign-mysteriuos-ways-2.png

We are to watch and pray in order to discern the signs of the times. Many wild speculations are flying around the internet. Some will prove to be true. Others will continue to deceive many.

Let’s be part of the group that continues to seek truth found in God’s Word.

When persecution comes to us personally, will we be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us? Jesus counseled his followers,

“Make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.” v. 14-15

I believe the key to being ready for whatever comes our way is found in the last verse of Luke, “and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.” Do we seek the Lord early in the morning? Before we check Facebook, Twitter, or the news? Do we make time to pray and read truth before we read someone’s opinion?

The last part of John 16:33 records Jesus saying, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

There’s no way to know what the future holds for America, but we do know Who holds our future.

What if we prayerfully purposed to live out Romans 12:12?

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Let’s hang onto possible endings for America as we put our faith, hope, and trust in the Lord and not in man. God will keep us in perfect peace as we keep our minds stayed on the truth found in His Word.

#PrayingthroughLukeday21

SUBSCRIBE: Get a little HOPE straight to your inbox!

Comments

  50. 0mniartist says

    I used to be recommended this web site by my cousin. I am not positive
    whether or not this put up is written by way of him as nobody else understand such certain about my problem.
    You are amazing! Thank you! asmr 0mniartist

    Reply

  55. http://bit.ly/3wUiqHi says

    Thank you for any other informative website. The place else may I am getting
    that kind of information written in such an ideal means? I’ve a undertaking that I am simply now running on, and I have been on the look out for such info.
    0mniartist asmr

    Reply

  86. asmr my says

    Your style is so unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from.
    Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll
    just book mark this site.

    Reply

  89. asmr your says

    Hey there would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a
    lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a reasonable price?
    Kudos, I appreciate it!

    Reply

  90. my asmr says

    It’s actually a great and helpful piece of info. I am satisfied
    that you simply shared this helpful info with
    us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  92. was asmr says

    you’re actually a excellent webmaster. The website loading velocity is incredible.
    It seems that you’re doing any distinctive trick. In addition, The
    contents are masterwork. you have done a great
    job on this matter!

    Reply

  93. asmr my says

    I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing issues with your blog.
    It looks like some of the written text on your
    posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please
    provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
    This may be a problem with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen before.
    Thanks

    Reply

  103. gamefly your says

    hello there and thank you for your information – I have definitely picked up something new from right
    here. I did however expertise several technical points using this website,
    since I experienced to reload the web site a lot of
    times previous to I could get it to load correctly.
    I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish
    loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
    Well I’m adding this RSS to my email and can look out for much more of your respective
    fascinating content. Ensure that you update this again very
    soon.

    Reply

  104. asmr is says

    When someone writes an paragraph he/she retains the thought of a
    user in his/her brain that how a user can be aware of it.

    Thus that’s why this piece of writing is amazing. Thanks!

    Reply

  105. asmr a says

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your weblog.
    You have some really good posts and I think I would be a good asset.

    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some
    content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please shoot me an email if interested. Kudos!

    Reply

  107. Takipçi SAtın AL says

    Hello, I think your website might be having browser compatibility
    issues. When I look at your website in Safari, 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, terrific blog!

    Reply

  108. İnstagram Takipçi Satın Al says

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog
    posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and
    even I achievement you access consistently fast.

    Reply

  109. http://bitly.com/ says

    It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
    I have read this post and if I may just I want to suggest you few interesting issues
    or suggestions. Perhaps you can write subsequent articles referring to this article.
    I desire to read more issues about it!

    Reply

  111. asmr are says

    Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring on other
    blogs? I have a blog centered on the same subjects
    you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would enjoy your work.
    If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me
    an e mail.

    Reply

  112. this asmr says

    I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is required to get set up?
    I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?

    I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% positive.

    Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

    Reply

  117. with asmr says

    I am extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your
    weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
    Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see
    a great blog like this one nowadays.

    Reply

  118. where asmr says

    Thanks for another informative web site. Where else could I get
    that kind of information written in such a perfect means?
    I’ve a challenge that I am simply now working on, and I have been at the look
    out for such info.

    Reply

  119. Clubhouse Takipçi Satın AL says

    Yepyeni bir sossyal medya aracı olan ve insanlarla sohbet edebileceğiniz
    bir sosyal medya uygulaması. sadece daha önce kullandığınız uygulamalardan birazcık farklı.
    Bu tatbik sohbet edebileceğiniz bir uygulamayken, ancak ses verileriyle yazışma kurmanızı destekliyor.
    resim vb. benzer biçimde veriler yerine, sohbet odalarında ses ile kontakt kurabiliyorsunuz.

    Artık clubhose takipçi takip2018 de
    Clubhouse Takipçi Satın AL dan hemen clubhose takipçi alabilirsiniz.

    Reply

  124. Slot machines says

    Do you have a spam problem on this website; I also am
    a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many
    of us have developed some nice methods and we are looking to
    trade methods with other folks, be sure to shoot
    me an e-mail if interested.
    Slot machines http://goslot.net

    Reply

  130. bitly.com says

    scoliosis
    Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.

    Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we
    communicate? scoliosis

    Reply

  131. tinyurl.com says

    scoliosis
    Thanks for the good writeup. It in reality was once a entertainment account it.
    Look complicated to more added agreeable from you!

    However, how could we communicate? scoliosis

    Reply

  136. j.mp says

    scoliosis
    Your method of telling everything in this post is in fact nice, all be able to easily know it, Thanks a lot.

    scoliosis

    Reply

  137. http://tinyurl.com/ says

    scoliosis
    That is a really good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere.
    Brief but very accurate information… Many thanks for sharing this one.
    A must read article! scoliosis

    Reply

  138. zortilo nrel says

    Hello very nice blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally…I’m happy to search out numerous helpful information right here within the post, we’d like develop more techniques in this regard, thank you for sharing.

    Reply

  144. bit.ly says

    scoliosis
    I am truly happy to read this webpage posts which carries plenty of useful information, thanks for providing these information.
    scoliosis

    Reply

  152. with asmr says

    Excellent weblog right here! Additionally your web site quite a
    bit up very fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I am
    getting your associate link for your host? I desire my site loaded up as fast as yours
    lol

    Reply

  153. asmr or says

    I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and amusing, and
    without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head.
    The issue is something which too few people are
    speaking intelligently about. I am very
    happy I came across this during my hunt for something regarding
    this.

    Reply

  162. in free dating sites says

    Do you have a spam problem on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; we have developed some nice methods and
    we are looking to exchange methods with other folks, be sure to shoot me an email
    if interested.

    Reply

  163. dating sites are says

    Hello! I’ve been following your web site
    for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Atascocita
    Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the excellent
    job!

    Reply

  169. instagram takipçi satın AL says

    Instagram da Takipçi Satın Alarak Ek Gelir Sağlayabilirsin!

    İnstagram hesapları hem de önemli birer gelir kapısıdır.
    Özellikle reklam gelirleri biroldukça hesap sahibi için ek gelir oluşturmaktadır.

    şayet hesaplarınızda reklam alabilmek yahut Instagram üzerinden birşeyler satarak para
    kazanmaksa hedefiniz Türk gerçek takipçi paketlerini tercih etmelisiniz.
    Şayet bot yada bota benzer instagram takipçi satın alırsanız bunu gören hiç bir müşteri kitlesi size güvenmeyecektir.

    Hatta şunuda söylemekte fayda varki sizi takip etmek dahi istemeyebilirler.
    Bu sebepten sizleri kalitenin adresi olan takip201 e davet ediyoruz.

    En iyi Instagram takipçi satın alınabilir site.

    https://cutt.ly/instagramtakipcisatinal

    Reply

  173. dating sites when says

    Howdy are using WordPress for your blog platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you
    need any coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!

    Reply

  182. scoliosis surgery the says

    My partner and I stumbled over here by a different page and
    thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you.
    Look forward to checking out your web page again.

    Reply

  189. in free dating sites says

    Very good blog! Do you have any helpful hints for
    aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m
    a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting
    with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused ..
    Any recommendations? Thank you!

    Reply

  190. free dating sites why says

    Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the simplest thing to be
    aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people consider worries that they plainly do not
    know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take
    a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

    Reply

  192. tinyurl.com says

    Thanks for your personal marvelous posting!
    I truly enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your blog
    and will eventually come back down the road. I want to encourage
    you to continue your great work, have a nice morning!

    Reply

  193. tinyurl.com says

    Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed
    reading it, you happen to be a great author. I will remember to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back
    later on. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great job,
    have a nice afternoon!

    Reply

  195. tinyurl.com says

    With havin so much content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement?
    My website has a lot of unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of
    it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement.
    Do you know any ways to help reduce content from being
    stolen? I’d certainly appreciate it.

    Reply

  206. Takipçi Satın almanın faydaları nelerdir says

    Takipçi Satın almanın faydaları nelerdir

    Kişiler ile uğraşmaktan ise en etkili kuşkusuz ki takipçi satın almaktır.

    Fakat itimat edilir olmayan, mağduriyet yaşacağınızın kaçınılmaz olacağı sitelerinden uzak durun.
    Takip2018 size en kaliteli takipçi paketlerini buluşturuyor, Unutmayınız ki kalite konusunda Türkiye’nin #1 Numarasıyız

    Dilediğiniz Kadar Türk takipçi Organik Takipçi paketleri

    Bir Gecede kaybolmayan takipçiler

    Uygun fiyatlandırmalar, Üstelik Tüm Hizmetler
    Şifresizdir.

    İlk Olarak Gönderileriniz de Etkili olduğunuzu gösterin

    Uzaktan baktığımız zaman aslında bir resim paylaşımı
    bir çok videoya bedel olsa da ( Bakışınız önemli ) Biraz da ironi yapalım

    Bu noktada profilinizde paylaşacağınız postlar amacıyla bir plan hazırlamayı
    düşünüyorsanız, Lütfen Yöneticilerimiz ile iletişime geçiniz.

    2. Biyografi Alanınızı Etkin Bir Şekilde Kullanın
    Instagram da genel de kişiler profilinize ilk baktığında
    biyografinizi kontrol edeceklerdir, Biyografinizi sürekli güncel tutun ilgi çekici paylaşımlar ekleyin göz boyamak
    önemlidir:)

    3. Bireysel Ya da Kurumsal Farkınızı
    Gösterin
    Var olmayan her vakit satmıştır. İlginç fikirlerin bezendiği ilgi çekici paylaşımlar,
    hedeflediğiniz kitlenizin harekete
    geçmesine yardımcı olabilir. Bu amaçla
    içerik stratejilerinde kullananlara daha evvelce görmediklerini sunmaya çalışın. Hali hazırda yapılanlara bakın ve yoğun olarak oluşturulanları es geçin. Paylaşımlarınızda komik,
    ironik hem de dramatik bile olun fakat sıkıcı olmayın.

    4. Sürekli Aktif Olmalısınız
    Doğrudan iletişime geçtiğiniz takip kitlesi,
    kendini özel hisseder. İster bireysel ister kurumsal mutlaka video paylaşımları yapınız, Canlı yayın açın kişilerin size yorum
    yapmasını sağlayın Bu Sayede Takipçilerinizin beğenileri kazanmaya
    çalışmanızı tavsiye ediyoruz.

    5. Markalar ile uyuşma ve gelir dayanıklıa: Bir niş amacıyladeki
    daha büyük markalar
    dayanıklı bir avantaja sahip olabilir ve tanınmış
    instagram hesaplarına sponsorluk
    verirler, tanıtım yaparlar. Günümüzde ciddi anlamda
    bu yolu izleyen yapımcılar bulunmakta.
    Dolayısı ile para kazanma ihtimaliniz artar.
    Güven oluşturma:
    Markalar amacıyla sosyal medya da ki mühim etken kullanıcılar amacıyla
    itimat oluşturmaktır. Ciddi sayıda aboneler
    ve zevkler bu işi kolaylaştırır.
    İmajınız güçlenir ve ilgi çekersiniz. Dolayısı ile sıksık genişleyen bir kitleye sahip olabilirsiniz.

    Reply

  207. beğeni hilesi says

    It’s really a great and helpful piece of info. I am happy
    that you simply shared this useful information with us. Please
    stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  211. Ucuz takipçi says

    hello there and thank you for your information – I have certainly picked up something
    new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical points using this website, as I
    experienced to reload the site lots of times previous to I could get it to load properly.

    I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I am
    complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will sometimes affect
    your placement in google and can damage your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
    Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my email and can look out for a lot more of your respective
    interesting content. Make sure you update this again very soon.

    Reply

  218. sheLL indir says

    Whoa! This blog looks exactly like my old one!
    It’s on a totally different subject but it has
    pretty much the same layout and design. Great choice of colors!

    Reply

  219. en iyi leke kremi says

    Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
    Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just
    wanted to say great blog!

    Reply

  223. order pills online says

    Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
    Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but
    I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m
    thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to start.
    Do you have any tips or suggestions? Many thanks http://cavalrymenforromney.com/

    Reply

Trackbacks

Leave a Reply

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