"The real issue, isn't WHY we have problems and temptations but HOW we will respond." Billy Graham
Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin.
I'm grateful that continued effort to do our best leads to truth and then to freedom.
(John 8:31,32) ... Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
I hope conflict and hardship serve as step stools to help us reach higher.
(Psalm 110:1) The Lord says to my lord “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”
I hope we always finish what we start.
(2 Timothy 4:7 NIV) I [Paul] have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
I hope no mission is impossible for us.
(Luke 18:27 NIV) Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
I hope love is the Waffle House of our spiritual lives - the light is always on.
(1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV) Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
I hope we plan to win.
"Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won't he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?" (Luke 14:31 NIV)
I hope our faith will keep us free and fearless.
Romans 8:15 (NIV) The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
I hope we don't sweat the small stuff - just "shake it off" and keep on our journey.
Acts 13:50-51 (NIV) 50 ... They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 So [Paul and Barnabas] shook the dust off their feet(B) as a warning to them and went to Iconium.
I hope we are responsive to people's suffering.
John 11:33-35 (NIV) When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid [Lazarus]?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. 35 Jesus wept.