KEEP HOPE ALIVE!

Romans 4:16-22 (NKJV): 16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Last night I watched and listened to Rahm Emanuel, the former White House Chief of Staff for President Barack H. Obama; and current mayor of Chicago speak at the Democratic National Convention. Following last nights Bible study and a home visit I caught portions of a replay of our nations gifted, God-fearing and gorgeous First Lady's speech. There is absolutely no question that Michelle Obama is a classy, clear and candid speaker, whose elegance and education are evident and obvious to all who watch and listen with a non-biased eye and ear. In short, she was bad last night. I still haven't watched her whole speech in total, but I was encouraged to hear her speak of family time she and President Obama commit to their daughters. I was encouraged to hear about vision and values and how they matter so much to the President. Now, having said all that I still know where my ultimate allegiance lies. It's not with the White House, rather it is in God's house. To be more specific, it is with The LORD Jesus Christ Himself. I look forward to the day when The LORD Jesus Christ returns in power and with great glory. I look forward to Him ruling and reigning with true justice and righteousness. Abraham is an awesome example for us today. The Apostle Paul records that Abraham, watch this now- against hope- believed in hope. Wow! That is to say that Abraham saw that all natural means were exhausted and that logic said what he and Sarah desired could not be done- still he believed in God. He trusted God and "hoped in Him" even when the situation seemed hopeless. GOD came through for Abraham. God came through for all of us. So trust The LORD with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding (wisdom, knowledge and intellect). If you acknowledge God in all you do He will direct your path. Agape, SJF