Category: hope

You and God

OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 59 & 60

POETRY: Psalm 111

NEW TESTAMENT: James 5:13-20

Isaiah 59:1-2 (LEB):

“Look! The hand of Yahweh is not too short to save,

and his ear is not too dull to hear.

Rather, your iniquities have been barriers

between you and your God,

and your sins have hidden his face from you

so that he does not hear.”

Isaiah 60:1-2 (LEB):

“Arise! Shine! For your light has come,

and the glory of Yahweh has risen on you.

For look! Darkness shall cover the earth,

and thick darkness the peoples,

but Yahweh will rise on you,

and his glory will appear over you.”

Psalm 111:2-3 (LEB):

“The works of Yahweh are great,

studied by all who delight in them.

Full of splendor and majesty is his work,

and his righteousness endures forever.”

James 5:16 (LEB):

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.”

Isaiah 59 begins with a sobering reminder of the impact of sin on our relationship with God. God’s hand is not too short to save, and His ears are not too dull to hear, but our sins create a barrier between us and Him. Sin distorts our lives, causes separation from God, and prevents us from experiencing the fullness of His presence. The chapter highlights the pervasive effects of sin, not just on individuals but on society as a whole.

However, Isaiah 60 offers a contrasting vision of hope and redemption. Despite the darkness that covers the earth, God’s light shines upon His people, and His glory will rise over them. The imagery of light breaking through darkness reflects the transformative power of God’s salvation. God is not only able to overcome the darkness caused by sin, but He also calls His people to rise and shine, reflecting His glory in the world. This is a message of hope for all who feel weighed down by the consequences of sin—God’s light and glory will bring redemption, healing, and restoration.

Psalm 111 is a hymn of praise that celebrates the greatness of God’s works. The psalmist invites us to reflect on the majesty and splendor of all that God has done, from creation to His acts of salvation. His works are not only grand but are also enduring, showcasing His righteousness and faithfulness throughout history. God’s deeds are meant to be studied and remembered by all who delight in Him.

As we consider the brokenness described in Isaiah 59 and the hope in Isaiah 60, Psalm 111 reminds us of the consistent and righteous character of God. His works reveal His power, wisdom, and love, and His righteousness endures forever. When we are faced with difficulties, confusion, or darkness, this psalm encourages us to look to God’s past works as evidence of His faithfulness and the certainty of His future redemption.

In the final chapter of James, we are invited into a deeper understanding of the power of prayer and confession. James calls on believers to pray in every circumstance—whether in suffering, joy, sickness, or sin. Prayer is not a passive response but an active and powerful tool through which God brings healing, restoration, and strength. The passage emphasizes the effectiveness of the prayers of a righteous person, showing that God hears and acts through the prayers of His people.

Additionally, James highlights the importance of confessing sins to one another. Confession brings healing and breaks down the barriers that sin creates between individuals and God. It fosters community, accountability, and vulnerability, allowing believers to walk in truth and experience freedom together. James reminds us that prayer is not just personal but communal—praying for one another is a vital part of the body of Christ.

This week, let the light of Isaiah 60 inspire you to rise and shine as God’s glory fills your life. Remember the majesty of God’s works in Psalm 111, and walk in the power of prayer and confession from James 5. Embrace the healing and restoration that come from living a life of openness and faith, trusting in the God who hears, forgives, and redeems.

-Jeff Ransom

Reflection Questions:

Are there any barriers of sin in your life that are keeping you from experiencing God’s presence and power? How can you bring those before God in confession?

How can you allow God’s light and glory to shine through you, especially in areas of your life where you feel overwhelmed by darkness?

Reflect on a time when you have seen God’s faithfulness in your life or in the lives of others. How can remembering His works give you hope today?

How can you grow in the practice of praying for others and confessing your sins to one another? What steps can you take to foster deeper community and accountability in your relationships?

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Dependence which Brings Hope

Old Testament: 2 Kings 19

Poetry: Psalm 86

New Testament: Luke 21


Scripture:
“So now, Yahweh our God, save us, please, from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Yahweh, you alone, are God.” — 2 Kings 19:19 (LEB)
“Teach me, O Yahweh, your way, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” — Psalm 86:11 (LEB)
“Now when these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near!” — Luke 21:28 (LEB)


In 2 Kings 19, King Hezekiah faces a seemingly insurmountable threat from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. Instead of succumbing to fear or relying on his own strength, Hezekiah turns to God in prayer, seeking divine intervention and deliverance. This theme of seeking God in times of distress is echoed in Psalm 86 and Luke 21, offering us a comprehensive understanding of faith, humility, and hope.


When confronted with Sennacherib’s threats, Hezekiah’s first response is to seek God. He spreads the threatening letter before God in the temple and prays for deliverance, not only for the sake of Judah but also for God’s glory to be known among all nations. Hezekiah’s prayer exemplifies humble dependence on God and a desire for His name to be exalted.


Psalm 86 reflects a similar heart of dependence and trust in God. David’s prayer, asking God to teach him His way and unite his heart to fear God’s name, mirrors Hezekiah’s desire for God’s guidance and intervention. Both prayers highlight a deep reliance on God’s wisdom and sovereignty in navigating life’s challenges.


In Luke 21, Jesus speaks about the end times and encourages His followers to stand firm and look up, for their redemption is near. This message of hope and anticipation ties into Hezekiah’s situation, where trust in God’s deliverance leads to ultimate salvation. It reminds us that, no matter how dire our circumstances, God’s redemption and intervention are always near.


Hezekiah’s immediate response to crisis is to turn to God in prayer. This act of faith underscores the importance of seeking God first in our times of need, trusting in His power and sovereignty. By spreading out the letter before God, Hezekiah shows his complete dependence on God. Similarly, Psalm 86 calls us to seek God’s guidance and unite our hearts to fear His name. Jesus’ words in Luke 21 encourage us to stand firm and look up, for our redemption is near. Hezekiah’s trust in God’s deliverance and the anticipation of God’s intervention are powerful reminders of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty.

-Jeff Ransom


Reflection Questions:


When faced with a crisis, what is your first response? How can you make seeking God in prayer your immediate reaction?

In what areas of your life do you need to humble yourself and depend more fully on God’s strength rather than your own?

How can you live in a way that brings glory to God, showing others that He alone is sovereign and that His redemption is near?

This week, reflect on these questions and consider how you can seek God more earnestly in your times of need. Trust in His power and sovereignty, and live in a way that brings glory to His name.

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Your Longing

Old Testament: Malachi 4

Poetry: Psalm 84

New Testament: Luke 18:1-8

Close your eyes with me and replay in your mind the best day of your life so far. Try to recall all the vivid details – the sights, sounds, and smells, the intense feelings! (Then open your eyes so you can continue reading!)

Want to hear about one of the best days of my life? There are obvious ones not to be downplayed, such as my wedding day and holding each of my children outside the womb for the first time, but one of the most special days of my life was the day I swam with the manatees. 

Perhaps it sounds silly to you, but I adore manatees. I have spent copious amounts of time gazing at them through the massive glass aquariums at our two local zoos, both of which have manatee rehabilitation centers. So you can imagine my excitement a few years ago when my husband agreed that on our trip to Florida that year, we could splurge on an excursion to swim with the manatees in the Crystal River! I’ll never forget floating on the water while observing my beloved sea cows in a submerged, restful state ten feet away, surfacing every few minutes for air. It was an incredible experience to watch the momma manatee with her calf coasting through the shallow river beside us, the small herds interacting peacefully just under the surface, the chubby mermaids living their best (slow) life soaking in the warmth of the underwater spring. The tranquil experience was very healing for me, as one prone to anxiety who had to overcome many anxious thoughts to even pursue this swim-with-manatees dream. My mind still wanders in wishes… Why can’t life just be as peaceful for us as it is for our manatee friends? I’ve relived that day in my mind many times, and it always brings a smile to my face. 

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty. I long, yes, I faint with longing, to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God… A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.” (Psalm 84:1-2,10, NLT). 

Psalm 84 is generally considered a song of pilgrimage, one that was recited or sung when God’s people would journey to the Temple to worship. The writer was longing to be in God’s presence again. Now that Jesus has made a way for us to connect to God again even without a temple, this song could apply to coming into His presence anytime, anywhere, describing our longing just to be near him. Though I am so grateful that we can come into His presence all the time now through prayer and worship, I have always thought of this Psalm as more of a hope of the coming Kingdom. Perhaps we take for granted that we can approach God at any time with our praise and concerns. (I know I do.) And perhaps we don’t really wholeheartedly perceive the amazing promise of the Kingdom. (I know I don’t.)  

This world claims to have it all: fame, fortune, fun. But it will never truly satisfy. C.S. Lewis once said, “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with my never-ending to-do list and difficult, anxiety-provoking decisions that I lose focus of the eternal perspective. And other times, I think that everything is awesome and couldn’t possibly get better! For good or bad, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos of each day, isn’t it? It is important to focus on our purpose as followers of Christ and on the amazing hope of the Kingdom, which will be better than anything we can imagine. Even your best day in this life is nothing compared to the Kingdom experience, in which we will live with God and Jesus forever and where there will be no more sickness or crying or pain (see Revelation 21:4). 

Even just one day in God’s Kingdom will be better than a thousand of your best days in this lifetime. What a fantastic hope we have! 

-Rachel Cain

Reflections:

Close your eyes and imagine what the Kingdom will be like. Now, multiply that by a bazillion and you still won’t even be close to envisioning the peace and beauty of the Kingdom! 

Approach God in prayer and worship this week with a similar longing as expressed in this Psalm. Thank Him for the ability to enter His presence. Pray for a deepening desire to experience His presence during this life, as we await the coming Kingdom.

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It was All Oppressive UNTIL…

Old Testament: Amos 3 & 4

Poetry: Psalm 73

New Testament: Luke 13:1-9

(Originally posted, April 25, 2020 when we were doing a chronological Bible reading plan so the reading for the day was 3 psalms, including Psalm 73, and the previous day we had read from 1 Chronicles.)

Yesterday we read the short short story (2 verses) of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9, 10).  He prayed.  God granted his request.  Remember, we don’t know the timeline for the life of Jabez.  Since he had requested from God the expansion of his territory (amongst other things) I feel it is most likely that this answer didn’t come with a snap of the fingers  -though God can certainly work that way when He wants to. I wonder if this answer was achieved over a period of time, with some persistence and wisdom and work required from Jabez.  But still – it sounds so simple and sweet. A fairy-tale ending in just two verses. Jabez prayed.  God granted his request.

But, what about the times when the answer isn’t coming.  We may be praying hard – with a good measure of persistence, wisdom and work, too.  But, it’s just not coming together like we thought a good God would do.

I think of Job and the 41 long, difficult, trying chapters of his story – before the final 42nd chapter when we see God finally shower Job once again with double the blessings.  It would be great to read the book of Job today to remember Job’s anguish – and God’s answer.  Or, you can read Psalm 73 – it is like a mini book of Job boiled down into one powerful psalm.

The author of this psalm begins by acknowledging that he knows God is good.  And, yet, he personally had nearly lost his way and his faith because of his own serious struggles while simultaneously watching the wicked prosper.  He saw boastful, callous, violent, evil men succeeding and growing in popularity and wealth, all while denying and even mocking God.  Are we sure this wasn’t written in 2020 (or 2024)?  Haven’t we seen and heard the same things this week and shook our heads and asked, “Where is God?  This isn’t right or just or fair?  The world is too messed up!”  And we sink down deeper in our despair.   As the psalmist said, “When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me…” (Psalm 73:16)

UNTIL…

Yes – keep reading!  The good stuff is coming – just like it came for Jabez and Job and the psalmist,  it is coming for you and for me.  Though it does require a little bit of action on our part.  The psalmist reveals the secret.  He wrote, he was oppressed UNTIL he, “entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.” (Psalm 73:17).  Look to God.  Put yourself smack dab in His presence.  Intentionally seek Him out.  Change your focus.  Consider the whole timeline, the big picture.  Look into the future.  Consider the consequences and coming judgement.  Rest in knowing God has got this.  And He has got me.  And if you let Him, He has got you.

The rest of this psalm has beautiful passages of God’s strength, guidance, comfort, plan, wisdom, & protection in any and every situation.  Don’t miss the chance to read it for yourself and soak it in.  Which verse is your favorite in Psalm 73?

Also, don’t miss out on the powerful truths in Psalm 77 & 78. (We will officially be reading those next week, but you could look ahead now.)  Psalm 77 begins much the same way Psalm 73 did – in agony and despair.  And maybe you have been there yourself sometime?  Perhaps you have asked yourself, “Has his unfailing love vanished forever?..Has God forgotten to be merciful?” (Psalm 77:8, 9).

And yet – here again we will see a great turn-around.  In a few short verses he will be writing, “Your ways, O God, are holy, What god is so great as our God?” (Psalm 77:13).  What makes the difference?  What happened in-between verse 9 and 13?  Did he win the lottery?  Did he get all his wishes granted in the sudden snap of his fingers?  It had looked so hopeless.  What changed?

10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:
    the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.
11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
12 I will consider all your works
    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

His situation did NOT change.  His thinking did.

What he was focusing on changed.  He rewired his brain, his thought processes, his attitude, his words, his outlook.  He remembered the good God had done.  He meditated on God’s work.

The anguish and oppressive depression doesn’t have to win, even in a situation that appears so bleak.  You may find yourself in the dark, questioning God.  You are not alone.  But, don’t allow yourself to remain in the dark.  Keep stepping towards the light.  You don’t have to wait until your circumstances change.  Instead, change your view.  Enter His Sanctuary.  Search for the good things He has done – in the past and today.  Seek Him.  Read His Word. Remind yourself of His power, faithfulness and love.

Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. Psalm 73:2 & 3 says: “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” How does it affect you when you see the wicked prosper? How have you seen others affected? How can it lead to stumbling? What would be a better response when we see the wicked prosper?
  2. How does your view of things (the wicked, your suffering, the future) change when you enter God’s presence? How do you enter God’s presence?
  3. Which verse is your favorite in Psalm 73?
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A Hope that Makes You Bold

OlD Testament: Ruth 3

Poetry: Psalms 62

New Testament: 2 Corinthians 3

A major theme in 2 Corinthians 3 is boldness. 2 Corinthians 3:12 states:

“Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.”

In this verse we also see the word hope. Hope is different in the Bible than it is in the English language. Hope as an English word often conveys doubt, but almost always in the New Testament the word hope is the Greek elpis/elpizo. There is no doubt attached to this word. This means that when we see the word hope in the Bible, we know it means confidence and security.

So, if there is no doubt in this type of hope, let me ask you a question. What would change in your demeanor if you knew… I mean really knew that the hope you have is assured? If you already knew you won the game or aced the test, you would be bold and confident in what you are trying to do. Biblical hope is a reality, not just a feeling. It’s a sure foundation that we can build our lives on.

Kirk Cameron once asked the question, if you had the cure for cancer would you keep it to yourself, or would you share it? If you knew you could save someone’s life you would be more bold. As Christians we have the opportunity to save people by being bold with our faith. We are called to give an answer to anyone that would ask.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

When was the last time you were bold enough to share your faith?

-Brooke Cisneros

Reflection Questions

  1. What would change in your demeanor if you knew… I mean really knew that the hope you have is assured? How would you explain your hope – and how it is different from a hope with doubt?
  2. When was the last time you were bold enough to share your faith?
  3. How can you boldly share your faith today? Will you?
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Steadfast

Old Testament: Joshua 15 & 16

Poetry: Psalm 51

New Testament: 1 Corinthians 7

In today’s readings, again we find ourselves in Psalm 51, and while I’m not going to write about it all 6 days we will be reading it, based on some commentaries I’ve read, there are definitely those who could!

It’s hard for me to read Psalm 51:10-11 and not find myself humming the chorus you may also know, “Create in me a clean hea-a-art, o-o-o, God, and renew a right spirit within me. . .”  What I thought was interesting though was that reading along in my ESV, the words matched up exactly to the song I knew so I was absolutely stuck with the music running through my head.  The next time I read it I must have used NASB when I stumbled into “renew a steadfast spirit within me” which is when I realized Keith Green apparently didn’t use that version, it added a syllable, and threw me off! Different versions use different words, fine and dandy. But, I realized I just didn’t equate “steadfast” with “right” in my use of the words. It makes sense reading either one in the Psalm, but it led me to do a bit more of a word study I found interesting.

The word “steadfast” (or “right”) in verse 10 is used approximately 217 times in the Bible, but the only place it is translated steadfast is 6 times in the book of Psalms. Other translations of this word throughout scripture include: made ready, established, set, formed, reliable, trustworthy.  This helped me get a better grasp on the desirable type of spirit David was asking God to renew in him.

I also really liked how David wished to use his experiences of sin/guilt/repentance to help others and bring God glory as we see in verses 13-14. I am grateful David’s testimony lasted the centuries, and grateful for the testimonies I have heard in people throughout my life as well. We know as a society even from a more medical/psychological perspective that guilt and shame are two incredibly destructive emotions for mental and physical health for those of any age. Top of the list kind of emotions selected for those struggling with severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and other health problems. When we are stuck in a pattern of guilt and shame or know others stuck in that pattern, we need a sovereign God with a perfect plan of forgiveness and reconciliation to help just like David did. As we experience life including its mistakes and wrongs, like David, we want to share the mercy and hope we have been given with others in our lives.

As Psalm 51 ends, we see reference to Zion and the walls of Jerusalem prospering. It seems historically there have been some varying interpretations from theologians/commentators on these last two verses. Some hold the belief that just these two verses were added later during the time in exile after Jerusalem had been destroyed, and others suggest they were more prophetic words of David. Regardless of who wrote them and when they were written, I like that the Psalm ends with a tie to Jerusalem. A city that will continue to be in our news it seems throughout our lifetimes, and a hope of a New Jerusalem one day where there will not be sin, tears, pain, sorrow.  Until then, may we seek to be restored and upheld like Psalm 51 so beautifully describes.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

                Cast me not away from your presence,

and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

                Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and uphold me with a willing spirit.

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ps 51:10

-Jennifer Hall

Reflection Questions

  1. What can you learn from David’s Psalm 51 about sin, confession and repentance?
  2. What effects have you seen, including in your own life, of guilt and shame?
  3. How has David’s example helped you? How can you be an example to others in the way you respond to sin in your own life?
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Rahab – Used by God

Old Testament: Joshua 2

Poetry: Psalm 44

New Testament: Romans 15

Isn’t it funny how you can read the same passage of scripture numerous times and still find new nuggets within it? I know the story of Rahab quite well, and since I love studying strong women of the Bible, I even read a historical fiction novella about her (“Unashamed” by Francine Rivers, if you’re interested). Still, I discovered a rabbit trail of new insight into Rahab through an oft-overlooked Bible feature: the footnote. 

In the first verse of Joshua 2 (NIV), upon noticing a footnote following the word “prostitute,” I glanced to the bottom of the page to find this clarification: “or possibly, an innkeeper.” Excuse me? “Innkeeper” and “prostitute” are very different occupations! As I dug deeper, I found respectable commentaries arguing on both sides of the fence why one interpretation was definitely more likely than the other, and some even suggested that she operated both an inn and a brothel. In either case, Rahab was a Gentile who, because she met many travelers, was privy to a lot of information about the happenings outside her city walls, including the miraculous power of the God of Israel. When the king’s men came to inquire about the spies, she not only hid them, but committed treason by leading the guards astray to chase after the spies, knowing full well they were hiding on her roof. Rahab risked her life to protect the spies, and the spies honored her request to spare her life (and the lives of her family) when they would later take over Jericho. Not only was her physical life spared, but Rahab married Salmon (who was perhaps one of the spies), became grafted into God’s chosen people, and is mentioned as an ancestor to Jesus. 

Let’s assume that she was a prostitute, as many interpretations of the Bible seem to imply. This woman was super important to the success of God’s people. Though we think she had a dark past, Rahab feared and trusted God perhaps even more than the Israelites did. How cool is it that God used not only a Gentile, but a promiscuous one at that, to help His people gain their Promised Land! It really gives us all hope that God can use us no matter our histories. In Romans 15, Paul reminds his readers that he is preaching not only to his fellow Jews, but also to help the Gentiles know about the saving power of Jesus. Thank God that his grace is for all of us! 

Psalm 44 ties well into this storyline of conquering Jericho, confirming over and over again that it is only by God’s power that people throughout history have conquered their enemies: “They did not conquer the lands with their swords; it was not their own strength that gave them victory. It was by your mighty power that they succeeded… only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes… it is you who gives us victory over our enemies.” (Psalm 44:3,5,7)

I’ll close with this blessing for your day from Romans 15:13 (NIV): “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 

-Rachel Cain

Reflections: 

– God has a history of using “unworthy” people (like Rahab) for His glory. Reflect on your life, your unworthiness. How has God used your story for His glory? In what ways can you allow Him to do that even more in the coming years? 

– Can you think of anyone in your life whom you would have judged as unworthy, whom God has saved for his glory? Praise God for His faithfulness to all of us! 

– For further reading about Rahab, check out this article: https://tidings.org/articles/her-name-is-rahab/

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Feelings

Old Testament Reading:  Deuteronomy 33-34 

*Poetry Reading:  Psalm 42

New Testament Reading:  Romans 13

You’ve had the opportunity to read Psalm 42 for the last few days and maybe you have some ideas of why God included this in His Word to us. 

One commentary titled this Psalm as “Honest prayer from a discouraged saint” (Enduring Word).  You can see that the Psalmist was discouraged when writing these verses:  “My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, ‘Where is your God?’” (3).  “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” (5a).  “As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, ‘Where is your God?’” (10).

Satan taunts us, trying to make us doubt God’s goodness and His omnipresence.  His ploy works far too often.  We look at this world and see the sorrow, stress, and sinfulness that is everywhere and it is easy to become discouraged and to doubt. 

The Psalmist recognizes that he is feeling cast down and in turmoil.  He brings those feelings to God in verse 9a, “I say to God, my rock: ‘Why have you forgotten me?’”.  While he honestly tells God he’s feeling forgotten by Him, he still has confidence in Him and shows that in calling him “God, my rock”.  God can handle our honest outpouring of emotions – even the really big, overwhelming ones! 

The Psalmist responds to these feelings by remembering a time of praising God (4), telling himself he will praise Him again (5, 11), recalling God’s love (8), and telling himself to hope in God (5, 11).  Rather than dwelling on what is wrong, he chooses to believe what he knows to be true and to hope in that.  He knows God is trustworthy and able to save.  Even when he doesn’t feel it. 

Feelings are fickle.  They come and go; swing up and down.  Feelings are not dependable.  But they are real.  The evil in this world is also real.  And we can become discouraged just like the Psalmist did.  God wanted us to have an example of how to handle these feelings.  And to ultimately choose to hope in Him.

Amy Blanchard

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you discouraged?  Why – what is making you feel that way?  Tell God about it.  Then take some time to counter that feeling with a reminder that God is always with you and will always love you.   There is hope!
  2. For all living things, water means life or death.  This Psalm begins with a word picture of a deer panting for water.  It brings to mind a desperation – in this picture, a desperation of being thirsty and needing water to survive.  Then he says that just like that deer, his soul thirsts for God and he asks when he shall appear before God.  Again, reflecting a desperation, this time not for water, but for fellowship with God.  Have you ever been desperate for a closeness with God?  I find that the more time I spend with Him, the more I crave that connection.  If God seems distant to you, try spending some quality time with Him. 
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Are you ready for the day of Christ’s return?

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 4

Poetry: Job 28

New Testament: Mark 13

After Jesus’ death and resurrection Jesus ascends into heaven in Acts 1:11. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

In Mark 13:14–37, Jesus prepared his followers for intense persecution and tribulation in the days ahead and especially during the end times. He gives them hope to endure these trials by describing his glorious return as the conquering King of the universe (verses 24–27). To keep them from despairing in dark times, the Lord wants them to live in readiness for His second coming. “However,” Jesus states, “no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!” (verses 32–33).

“Day” and “hour” are often used in Scripture as references to time in general (see Matthew 7:22; 10:19; 24:42, 44, 50; 25:13; 26:45). But in Mark 13, Jesus focuses on a specific event in the future. Because no one knows the day or the hour of His return, Jesus stresses the need to pay attention, stay awake, and be ready at a moment’s notice. Multiple times in Mark 13, Jesus calls for people to be ready, to be watching: “Be on guard! Stay alert!” (verse 33), “Watch for his return” (verses 34), “You, too, must keep watch!” (verse 35), “Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning” (verse 36), and “Watch for him!” (verse 37).

The disciples wanted to know when the end would come (see Mark 13:3–4). But Jesus told them that even he did not know (verse 33). Jesus acknowledges God as omniscient alone. Since no other mortal knows the time of Jesus’ return, Jesus, as the perfect son of God didn’t know the day or hour of his return, nor did the angels in heaven, only God the Father. It is possible that Jesus, now in his glorified state, knows the day and hour of his return. But at that moment, speaking with his disciples, the information was not at Christ’s disposal. Later, just before His ascension, Jesus would remind them, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority” (Acts 1:7). Jesus accepted his human limitations, and so must we. The thing that matters is being ready every day for his return. What is stopping you from being ready?

Believers of every age have experienced persecution, natural disasters, and earthly trials. We all have our cross to bear. We all have our issues to deal with. We know how difficult it can be to live in this world. Genuine disciples must understand that these challenges are a daily reality of life in a fallen world. Yet, believers are not without hope because, in the end, our victorious King will return for us. Romans 8:38-39“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

 In the meantime, since no one knows the day or the hour, we are to watch and be ready for Him no matter what we must endure as we continue His mission of spreading the good news of God’s kingdom”. You don’t have to know the day or the hour. You just have to be ready. God has already supplied the victory through his son Jesus Christ

Many have tried to predict the day of Christ’s return, but Scripture is straightforward—no one knows the day or the hour. Jesus said to stay awake because his coming will be a surprise: “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed”. Now we might not know when Christ will return, but we should know when he has come to us and saved us. Do you remember that day? Do you remember that hour that your Lord and savior came to you? The day you accepted him? If not, I hope and pray that you search this day, this hour, to find Christ and know him completely. His day is coming soon. Are you ready?

-Andy Cisneros

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you ready for the return of Jesus Christ?
  2. What can you do to make preparations?
  3. What should we be looking for? Why did Jesus give us these warnings?
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The Answer

Old Testament: Numbers 25 & 26

Poetry: Job 19

New Testament: Mark 4:26-41

A teacher poses a challenging question in his class.  Most students begin to ponder, some begin to turn and whisper, some cross their fingers and hope they are not asked to contribute.  Not a single hand goes in the air.  The teacher repeats the question; this time, he says it in a different way.  It doesn’t help.  Thoughts become more frantic.  Anxiety increases.  Some students begin to avoid eye contact.  At the moment that it seems that the teacher will start combing the class for a response, a lone hand ascends into the air.  It is that kid who knows everything. Thank you, that kid who knows everything! The teacher calls on her, and you are saved from having to answer the question.  All’s right with the world; you now can rest easy.

I have seen this scenario played out many times as both a student and a teacher.   No matter how difficult the question, it seems there is always one person in our lives who is prepared to answer it.  Whether it is at school, in your family, your circles of friends, or your work, there is always that one person (who very well may be you) that you turn to that has the experience, knowledge, or wisdom it takes to figure out life’s most difficult questions.

A passage in today’s text is like “that kid who knows everything.”  It  is the all-encompassing answer that holds God’s key and fundamental truth in which we can fix our hope. It stops us from over-thinking, stifles our anxiety, and helps us to take on, not avoid challenging situations, like:

  • When you are having trouble making sense of the world around you
  • When you feel like your prayers are not being answered
  • When you seek  “the reason” THIS is happening to YOU
  • When you lose someone or something you dearly love
  • When justice cannot be found
  • When we lose our health or happiness
  • When we face many other examples from Job 19:7-20

This is Job’s answer and ours:

Job 19:25-27 – “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him  with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”


It is not resignation.  It is not a cop-out.  It does not mean you stop seeking, studying, or pursuing.  It is the assurance and peace which you can rest in and be guided in while you are waiting.

-Aaron Winner

(Originally posted December 18, 2016)

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some of the hard questions Job was wrestling with? What hard questions do you have?
  2. What was Job’s “that kid who knows everything” answer in Job 19? What is the definition of redeemer? Do you have one – who lives? How do you know?
  3. What is your hope for the future? How does this give you peace today?
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