Hope for the New Year

January 11, 2019

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

1. ANCHORING TRUTH. Hearing the Word produces the ability to face the future with hope. What does the Bible say? Its anchoring thoughts are why we keep going back to the amazing stories of the Old and New Testaments. It builds in us an unshakeable confidence in God so that we can face off with the world’s challenges.

We who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast. Hebrews 6:18b-19a

2. ENVIRONMENT OF HOPE. The Bible tells us to “consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). Look for ways to help people get out of the harsh dilemma of hopelessness – not by being flattering or offering hollow optimism, but by being encouraging according to the anchoring truth of God’s Word and making Jesus known.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

3. STRONG IN FAITH. If faith is the substance of things hoped for, then we should maintain biblical hope. Hope is an expectation of some good, and hearing the Word produces the ability to face the future with hope and faith. So take time this month to draw near to God and get your hope strengthened. 2019 is going to shine!

Press on with Jesus!
Pastor Jeff

DAILY CONFESSION (Lamentations 3:21-24):
This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.”

hope, verb
To expect with confidence: trust. To desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment.

Copyright © 2019 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. “hope.” Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. 08 January 2019.