October 29, 2023 -- Romans 15:13 -- The planting of Hope

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus! 

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

Hope, what a powerful motivator it is. Hope gives steel to the spine and courage to the heart to face the onslaught of the challenges life will inevitably bring. Yesterday with the help of a good friend I engaged in an activity of hope.

My friend, who is also called Richard, helped me plant 70 crocus corms and 29 tulip bulbs. These corms and bulbs will not sprout until the Spring of 2024. After the snows have just disappeared the crocuses will bloom first. There will be bright purple, white and yellow blooms pushing up through the lawn and snow. Then, in late May and late June the tulips will bloom in successive waves.

Winter is coming. There is a call for early snows on Monday and terrible weather on Wednesday. I am already smiling because I know when the hold of winter is broken, even before the last traces of snow are gone, crocuses will be peaking up through the last lingering snows. My hope is based on the life which our Creator has put into crocuses and tulips. They will accomplish their creative purpose and bloom. Despite the snows.

Today is Sunday. The Creator Who gives the signs of crocuses and tulips has given to all the universe the greatest sign of His sure hope: Jesus Christ! Get to church. Sing the hymns and psalms of faith. Hear the word preached. Reconnect with the God of Hope Who will by His Spirit give steel to your spine and courage to your heart to face whatever challenges and threats are ahead of you. He has reconciled you to Himself through Jesus Christ. The storms will come. Hard times will buffet you. The God of Hope will, like crocuses and tulips which will bloom in the Spring, surely bring you in Christ the blooms of joy and peace.

Our Father in heaven hallowed be Your Name. Thank You for the gift of Sunday. Thank You for the blessing of hearing Your promises which are “yes” and “Amen” in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the powerful presence of Your Spirit. Restore to the hopeless an enduring hope. Give to the hopeful in Christ abiding joy and peace. By Your Spirit help us all to worship You in Spirit and in truth. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Q6jD7N1HvbI?si=ERkPZ48plojzx1r6 Josh Baldwin “Evidence”

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