Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Grace for Living Devotional Friday July 28, 2023 TOPIC: OPTIMISM OR HOPE

 

TOPIC: OPTIMISM OR HOPE

BIBLE READING:

1 PETER 1:3-9

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations. 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

KEY VERSE:

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3

MEDITATION:

A clear understanding of today's bible reading shows that every believer is hopefully optimistic that everything the Bible says about Jesus is true and will be established. The faith we have in Christ is a living (lively) one that is not perishable or corruptible. This fullness of expectation we shall see when we get to Heaven if we faint not! While growing up as a kid in the village many years back, my mum would keep my lunch in a round clay pot and place it on a shelf close to the ceiling to keep it away from rodents as she was sure they couldn't climb up there. To access the food, I had to get some chair and stool to climb before getting my lunch.

So no matter how tired or hungry I was after playing at school, I must put extra efforts to access my food.

It never for once occurred to me that I could meet an empty clay pot after all my efforts. And it truly never happened for once. Beloved, God has promised us much more, even though you have not seen the Lord, yet, you loved and believed in Him. That was same confidence I had in my mum! How much more God!

Have you ever doubted that your hope could be dashed in heaven?

PRAYER:

Father Lord, I receive grace to endure to the end regardless of my present experience.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

JOB 17-19, ACTS 22