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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Hope (05/04/06)
Treasure of Hope


Gas prices are soaring. Sons and daughters sent off to war in foreign lands. Stable livelihoods, once enjoyed, are becoming increasingly shaky. The world, as a whole, appears to be on the brink of utter chaos. Fear is a constant companion to many people.
Is there any hope at all on this earth?
Yes, indeed! Peter called the hope of the Christians a ‘lively hope’! (1 Peter 1:3)
Though the future looks bleak and ominous to others, our future is bright and lovely. Our hope is not a faint glimmer in the distance. For the children of God, ours is as close as our next breath. We know that this world, with all of it’s ills, is not permanent. God promised that this earth would pass away, there will be a new heaven and a new earth!
How can we convey this hope to this insecure generation?
Again, Peter tells us, ‘…be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you…’ 1 Peter 3:15 KJV Of course, if no one can tell that we have a lively hope, they certainly won’t question us about it. They will think that we without hope also. So, the first issue at hand is to live as if we are filled with hope.
Do you believe that Jesus is coming again just as He said? Do you believe that you have eternal life in Him? If the answer is yes, then there should be no reason for you to allow circumstances to sway your outlook for the future.
Before we can give an answer to others, we have to seize the hope we have been given and hold on for dear life! Affirming, by faith, within ourselves, that there is a prepared place for us beyond this temporal world in which we now live. And that Christ is coming to take us to that place.
Have you seized your hope? Take hold by His word. Our hope is in the second coming of Christ, that we will be ’caught up’ to meet Him. What a wondrous and glorious future we have! According to the letter Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, we are to comfort one another with these words. I Thessalonians 4:13-18
Once we have the reason for our hope firmly rooted in our hearts, it can’t help but overflow. People will notice that we aren’t shaken by various situations that arise. Then will they want to know ‘a reason for the hope that is in’ us.
In this very precarious world, we have the perfect opportunity to share the gospel with others, just by clinging to the promise of eternal life given to those who accept Christ as their Savior.
Go in peace and love, serving the Lord!
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Virginia Gorg
05/11/06
Sounds like a good devotional. Nice job :)
Lynda Schultz 
05/12/06
You reminded me of my devotional reading the other day: "Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us; for as many years as we have seen trouble." How? "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days" (Psalm 90:14, 15) We have a precious hope in Christ. Thanks for the reminder.
Helen Paynter
05/13/06
Well-written, great message (one of my favourite Bible verses). I liked this; 'Of course, if no one can tell that we have a lively hope, they certainly won’t question us about it'.
THank you
Dr. Sharon Schuetz
05/14/06
This is well written and has a great message. You should separate each paragraph with a line between them though, it will ake it easier to read and easier on the eyes. Good job.
Val Clark
05/17/06
Neatly constructed and timely devotional. Carefully re-read before submitting for missed out words. (Also things like 'it’s ills' are easy to overlook and the spell checker won't pick it up)