For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel. Col 1:5

We live in troubled times. The news media and social media are filled with stories of contention and unrest in politics, communities, schools, marketplaces, and families are not excluded. At every turn in life there is some sort of conflict, disturbance, threat of disease, sickness, illness, suffering, loss of jobs, loss of life, and even loss of hope. The certainty of changing circumstance can leave a person with a sense of hopelessness and dim outlook for the future. The scripture passage reminds us that the child of God has a hope that is beyond this world and beyond this life. It is a “hope which is laid up for you in heaven.” It is the “hope” for every child of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He paid the debt of sin for the whole world that “whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16) and be with Him in a new home in heaven. He has promised not to leave us hopeless in this chaotic world of constant change and uncertainty but receive us to Himself to live in glory. It is a hope founded “in the word of truth of the gospel.” God’s word leads us into everlasting life, life full of joy, and hope for the future. The psalmist writes for us that we may know joy that is ours and the hope of living in His eternal presence. “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps 16:11). It is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27) that fills our hearts with anticipation and excites us everyday to look to heaven “for the hope which is laid up for you.” My friend, be strong and of good courage. Live each day in the presence of God, for the pleasure of God, and on the promises of God. Then you will see the pains and troubles of this world “will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace” (Baptist Hymnal, 320). Father, thank You for the hope of eternity that fills me with “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Pet 1:8). I will rejoice and be glad in the salvation that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

Shout, for the LORD hath given you the city. Josh 6:16

There is nothing more exciting and amazing than to experience the fulfillment of God’s word. To face an overwhelming obstacle, then to trust God at His word and see Him do the impossible, is a faith changing moment for the child of God. Joshua believed God, led the children of Israel to follow God, and God gave them victory to triumph over the seemingly impenetrable walls of Jericho. God gave them the victory “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zech 4:6). The walls of Jericho crumbled, fail, and were destroyed not by battering rams, nor by the strength of a more powerful, well skilled army, but by the obedience of God’s elect. God demonstrated His faithfulness to the children of Israel if they would follow Him and obey His commands. He promised to give them “cities which you did not build” (Deut 6:10) and a land that flowed with milk and honey “which you did not labor” (Josh 24:13). God richly blessed them with more than they deserved, and far greater than they could think or imagine. My friend, God is able to bless according to His riches in glory, “save to the uttermost” (Heb 7:25) all who come to Him by faith in His Son, and He makes all things new in Christ. God’s faithfulness is everlasting, and nothing compares to His glory. God knows what the troubles and obstacles we face. He is faithful to care for you, to guide you, to comfort you, and promises to give rest to all who trust and obey His word. Dear beloved, “humble (yourself) under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Pet 5:6). Then shout His praises and trust Him to give you the victory. Father, thank You for Your love and Your faithfulness to Your word. Thank You for the promise that “we are more than conquerors” (Rom 8:37) through Christ Jesus who loved us and laid down His life that we might have eternal life with You. You are worthy of all praise, and I praise Your holy Name. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ps 119:105

I keep a flashlight tuck away under the kitchen sink for those occasions when I need light in dark places or expose some hidden object. There have been times when my flashlight failed me due to expired battery shelf life, or corrosion, or defective bulb. You see, a flashlight is a handy device but not one practical for everyday activities. Therefore, it can become unreliable when most needed because it is neglected and forgotten. Unless you are a miner, whose work depends on a helmet light to search out the cold dark hills for the hidden jewels that lay buried within, a flashlight may not be practical for daily ventures. Each day the miner must regularly maintain their flashlight to ensure safety and success in their daily endeavor. Faith in the word of God can seem like a flashlight. For some, it’s not practical for everyday living and unreliable when needed. Yet for the sincere child of God, the word of God is necessary and practical for a daily walk of faith. The word of God “is a lamp…and a light” to show the way through the corrupt and corroded ways of the world that live in darkness. The word of God is the sure foundation “unto my feet” that child of God “may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph 6:11) and “unto my path” that they may “walk in the Spirit and…not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). My friend, faith in God must be made evident by faith in His word. And faith is not faith unless it is practical, for “faith without works is dead” (Jam 2:26). The children of God must “be doers of the word” (Jam 1:22) that the light that shines in our darkness may be the light that will lead those who live in darkness to “His marvelous Light” (1 Pet 2:9). Dear friend, dawn your light that shines in darkness that you mine out the jewels of God’s word and sing “the song of the Lamb…Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Thy ways” (Rev 15:3). Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and the truth of Your word. I praise You and adore You in the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.