Hope

On Wings Like Eagles

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

The image conjured by Isaiah 40:31 is of one rising always rising, caught in the wind of the Holy Spirit, fearless, courageous and trusting. When I see the people of Newtown, Conn. standing firmly with their sisters and brothers as they heal day-by-day, moment-by-moment I see God at work. When I walk into a store and see collection boxes giving me the opportunity to help out in some way with the recovery efforts in Oklahoma following the brutal forces of nature, I am lifted up. When I hear tolerance spoken in word and deed I am changed. I read somewhere that scary events do happen, that is a fact of life. Fear is a choice. We can let circumstances defeat us or make us stronger. I choose this day to soar like an eagle, to run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint lifted and sustained by the Holy Spirit, God with us.

Hope

On Eagle's Wings

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

One of my favorite faith songs is, “On Eagle’s Wings,” by Michael Joncas. The refrain sings of God’s power to protect and guide while giving encouragement.

And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of his hand.

On the days when life is at its most turbulent, God’s grace and mercy are present, his guidance is without fail, and his love raises us above the fray. We can soar on the breath of his love and move forward in the hope of each new day.

The Promise

Open Doors

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46: 1-3

The faithful of God

are not promised forever happiness,

that isn’t the way life works.

Life happens, devastating in its brutal reality.

God did not promise

a trouble-free existence.

We endure loses we do not think we can bear,

but we do.

God does promise to be present with us.

God gives us backbone,

Christ gives us comfort,

The Holy Spirit gives us understanding. 

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Hope and Faith

There Are No Barriers

Image: clipart.com

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

People are often branded early in life and unable to get past whatever label is pinned to them.

She grew up with abuse and cruelty, her fate is sealed.

He grew up with alcoholic parents, he will be an alcoholic.

Domestic violence in that house shaped the children; they will grow up damaged.

And the list goes on.

God recognizes no barriers. He sees in all of us the potential for change and renewal. His promise is to be with us in all circumstances and to see us through whatever may occur. We change our future when we give up who we are to God and allow him to be at work in us.  

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Hope

9/11 Revival Continues 
by Sharon Vander Meer

Peace of mind,
Peace at heart,
Peace in friendships,
Peace in love.

Peace through me,
Peace through you,
Peace in the home,
Peace in the world.