| Original Date: September 16, 2009 |
| Email Subject: I Choose...... |
Dear Friends,
In a few moments I will be leaving to conduct a memorial service for a dear woman that I have known almost all of my life. In times like this and might I add many others we will either walk in "Fear or Hope." Fear often overwhelms us when we are not sure of the outcome or we are not in control. When we face life's uncertainties and hardships we are overcome with anxieties and fear. I don't believe God ever intended that for His followers.
"Hope" instead is based not on my control or even other people around me, instead it is solely based on the only One who can give lasting Hope and that is Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 6:19 we read, "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil." Hope is that "confident expectation of eternal blessing and reward," that is based solely on the finished work of Christ, His death on the cross, burial and resurrection and man's belief in He and He alone for our salvation. When we walk in that "Hope" we are secure, steadfast, peaceful in spite of all that is going on around me. Now I like that! I like this quote that I found, "Grief and hope are allies because the cross comes before the crown, and death comes before the resurrection." My friend Betty who went home to be with the Lord recently has what I call, "Realized Hope." She, today dwells with her Savior and Lord where there is no more sin, pain death, sorrow, crying, nor Alzheimers, etc. She is in the land of the living for all eternity!
Why are so many Christ followers then controlled by fear, doubt, discouragement and frustration? Could it be because they have chosen to fix their eyes on man's method of happiness and fulfillment and when it's not there they become greatly frustrated and fearful. Friends, I choose "HOPE" that focus of life on the only ONE who can give eternal Hope, Jesus Christ. When we have our HOPE fixed on HIM you watch how the clouds of fear, discouragement, doubt and frustration are blown away. This HOPE I call "Anticipated" Hope. But friends one day and then for all eternity we to will have "Realized" Hope and will recognize it was worth it all. I choose that kind of hope here and now. No time or energy for the opposite, by the way our enemies the world, flesh and devil are not worth our attention fixed on their counterfeits.
Have a "HOPE" filled day/life friends, He is sure worth it!
Your friend,
Pastor Doug
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-We had an exciting, challenging & stimulating start this past weekend studying in the book of 1 Peter, entitled "Gripped by Grace." Don't miss the worship and grounding in His Word each weekend friends as we continue this powerful, practical series for our life. This week we will be studying 1 Peter 1:3-12. What a joy to see His grace freely given to us as His followers!
-May I encourage you to sign up for and invite friends to join you for the "Heart of a Great Marriage" conference being held at Cornerstone in October. So many marriages are struggling needlessly, this conference will give us great tools to apply to prevent the pain and heartache that so many couples are going through today. Look around you and invite married, engaged and those who are seriously dating to join you for this excellent training time. More information is in the foyer or on our web page about this valuable conference. |
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