Hope Archives - The Ultimate Gift

March 20, 2014May 8, 2014

New Life, Fresh Hope

What is the first thing you think of when you think of spring? My pastor asked that question to open a sermon several years ago. I turned to the friend beside me and said, “flowers” and she instantly replied that she was surprised I didn’t say baseball. Me too! What was I thinking? At the beginning of every season there is fresh hope for winning a championship. I reminded myself of that each year as I remained faithful to my Buccos throughout their 20 consecutive losing seasons. No matter what it is you think of when you think of spring, I imagine it has something to do with new life and/or fresh hope.

I find it somewhat ironic that the 64-team NCAA basketball tournament gets underway today, the first day of spring. I am excited for both! It has been a LONG winter and even though the weather may not feel quite springlike, there is something hopeful about officially moving into that season. I enjoy watching nature come alive as God breathes new life into all that was dormant over the winter months.

There are 64 NCAA basketball teams who have hope of winning a national championship as we mark this first day of spring. No matter their record, their seeding or their level of play heading into the tournament, each of those 64 teams starts fresh today with the hope of winning a title. The slate is clean.

Jesus came so that we, too, could have new life, fresh hope. When He died on a cross for our sins our slates were wiped clean also. He was the final and perfect sacrifice, paving the way to the Father through faith in Him.

Anyone who believes in Christ is a new creation. The old is gone! The new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIRV)

The best part—the invitation isn’t just limited to 64! God is not looking at your record or judging your level of play and seeding you accordingly. He offers new life to all who believe.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17 NLT)

There are no other qualifications necessary. Won’t you accept the invitation? I guarantee victory!

With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. (Psalm 60:12 NIV)

January 3, 2014May 8, 2014

New Year, New Focus

Upon recommendation from my pastor I have been reading the Bible online through various plans offered at YouVersion, the Bible App, for the past several years. I get an email from YouVersion every so often encouraging me to keep up the good work or sometimes to let me know that I’ve missed a few days. The other day I received a different message. In this message, it was suggested that I choose a verse to focus on in the new year. I have been thinking about it ever since. It is kind of overwhelming to try to pick just one from God’s instruction manual for living.

As I have been thinking about this, God brought something to mind from the first Christian fiction that I ever read, the Mitford series by Jan Karon. In this series of books, the main character, Father Tim, often resorted to the prayer that never fails when he was at a loss for words and would simply say, “Your will be done.” This has stuck with me over the years for a few reasons. It is so simply stated and it really is the prayer that never fails.

While I was trying to come up with a focus verse I looked for verses that pertained to healing because that is the desire of my heart and is never far from my mind. That, and my doctor says we’re going to fix it in ’14! I know this—we are certainly going to give it our best shot. Ultimately, though, I have decided to choose part of the Lord’s Prayer for my focus verse of the year..your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10 NIV) Why that one? Because it is the prayer that never fails!

The prayer I offer for healing, on behalf of all those who are suffering, is that it would happen in His perfect time and in His perfect way. There is no guarantee we’re going to fix it in ’14, maybe not even in this lifetime, but there WILL be healing. I shall leave the details to Him. Why? Because I am His child and He loves me. I believe He knows and wants what is best for me. His promise in Romans 8:28 to use it ALL for my good, even the unwanted, undesirable circumstances of life, brings me comfort in the midst of the pain. He makes that promise to each of His children.

I pray as I walk through this new year He would help me overcome my pride and selfish desires and simply want what He wants. The beginning of the Lord’s Prayer as written in The Message states, Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best— as above, so below. Amen?

Do you have a verse to focus on in 2014? If so, I’d love to have you share it here at theultim8gift.com. Let’s hold each other accountable and stay FOCUSED!

December 29, 2013May 8, 2014

Down, but NOT Out (at least not yet)

After the Pittsburgh Steelers experienced a winless month of September, I highly doubted that they would still be in the playoff hunt when they took the field for their final game of the regular season in December. But, lo and behold, that’s exactly where they find themselves heading into their finale tomorrow against the Cleveland Browns. Granted, the chances of the Steelers making the playoffs are slim to none, but they are still mathematically alive so there is still hope. They not only need to beat the Browns, but they also need a ton of help. The Chargers, Ravens AND Dolphins must also lose.

Can you relate to the Steelers’ current predicament? Have you been in that place where it seems you are hanging on by a thread? I have. Are you there now? Has life knocked you down repeatedly to the point you aren’t sure you can make it back to your feet? If so, I know just the One who can help!

I am here to tell you that as long as we are living and breathing there is hope because there is One who is bigger than any problem we could ever have—the all-powerful God of the universe. Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” (Matthew 19:26 NLT) Though He may not choose to calm our storm, He promises to walk through it with us. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV) If you are reading this, you are still mathematically alive, just like the Steelers. There is still hope!

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” (Mark 9:23 NLT)

Go Steelers…and Jets…and Bengals…and Chiefs!!