A Living Hope: A New Hope
I Didn’t Get It
For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God. Hebrews 7:19 (NLT)
For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. Romans 3:20 (NLT)
Forgiven
What it took me so long to realize was that God had forgiven me. The rules or law had pointed me to my need for a Savior. I remained chained to them not seeing that my hope in Him lead to restoration.
Isaiah 40:31 says But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
I Find My Hope in Him
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
Love
To which Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31 (NLT)
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who by grace has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good word and deed. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (BSB)
Personal Reflection:
- Do you find that serving others makes it easier or harder to love them?
- What things, rules, or laws do you find yourself tightening the chains that Christ freed you from?
- What is the difference between believing God’s Word to be true and believing God’s Words to be true for you?
- How often do you find yourself praying for the people in your life that are most difficult to love?
Linkup with Sitting Among Friends Blog Party
Blog Parties are such a great place to meet people and build connections around the web. This is one reason, I love this party. Please make sure to visit another friend in the linkup!
I would love to sit down face-to-face with you but since we can’t do that I love to meet you here. I love to hear your stories and see your work.
This is a Christian based website and so is the material that I promote here. Please remember that when linking up. I do reserve the right to remove posts.
*Please be sure to visit other blogs to comment and share*
I would appreciate you linking back to Seeking God or #SittingAmongFriends somewhere on your page. (You can also use the SAF picture with a link)
Tag Me with Twitter Shares and I will RT them.
I will also be featuring a friend during the week on my FB page!
Join us at our Sitting Among Friends Pinterest Board by following my profile and then requesting an invite.
This week’s featured friend is Gleniece Lytle from Desert Rain where she helps turn a parched life into a well-watered garden. Gleniece writes about living an abundant life in Christ while living on little. She also shares great recipes. Thanks for joining us, Gleniece. I am glad you are here!
Michele Morin says
Whether it's someone I love, or someone that I'm "supposed to" love, I find that feelings follow actions. I'm responsible for my RESPONSE, and have to trust God for the feelings, whether or not they come.
Thanks, Jaime, for opening up your home to us today!
Jaime Wiebel says
I think you are absolutely right on this one, Michele. Galatians 5:13 says humbly serve one another in love. The two seem to seamlessly go together. Serving really gives us an opportunity to love beyond ourselves. I believe in that God provides the love. We humbly serve He gives us the love because He is our source of true love. Thanks for sharing your amazing insight and joining us here, friend!
Sarah Koontz says
Thanks for featuring Gleniece, she's a keeper! Love her heart and her writing.
Jaime Wiebel says
Thank you so much for joining us here. Thanks much for your new study. I am grabbing what I can and it is absolutely lovely. Thanks for sharing with us, Sarah!
Gleniece Lytle says
Aww! Thank you, Sarah. Love you, my friend. ❤
Saleslady371 says
Hi, Jamie:
This morning I reviewed my pastor’s sermon which touched on your point of reaching out to those difficult to love especially very different in beliefs. I pause at his question: “How does the unbeliever observe my perspective?” God really burns our flesh in refining us. I pray to have confidence to keep my focus on Him as I interact with the “thorns”, especially, trying to remember that they are not obstacles but opportunities. Have a great day and thank you for hosting us.
Hugs,
Mary
Jaime Wiebel says
You are right. It is difficult to love those who may appear to be unlovable but what an amazing opportunity to ask God for that strength. What an amazing opportunity to show God's love to those who may not otherwise see it. What I see when I see people who may be seen as unlovable is someone God made in His image and whether or not it is easy, it is required. What I have also found to stretch my love muscles is serving others. Through that God has really granted the privilege of seeing the beauty in people.
So glad for your wisdom, Mary. Thanks so much for sharing!
Gleniece Lytle says
What a sweet surprise, to join you today and see who you featured! Thank you, Jaime! I hope your Wednesday is blessed.❤
Jaime Wiebel says
Absolutely, friend! I am happy to feature other writers and their work. I certainly could not do this blog party alone. Well, I could, but it would be a really lonely party. 😉 We're all better and stronger together. So glad that you join us here, Gleniece! Have a great week!
KellyRBaker says
I love the balance you brought out here between rules and grace. Can't wait to read the rest of your testimony on the Tour!
Jaime Wiebel says
Thanks, Kelly. It really can be a hard balance to find. Rules and grace. One doesn't negate the other. Thanks for joining us here, friend!
Julie Loos says
Jamie- can't wait to read your testimony! Thank you for hosting!
Jaime Wiebel says
Thanks, Julie. It is pretty exciting to always be joining such amazing people. It is always so uplifting to read other people's testimonies. I excited to be a part of it.
csuhpat1 says
I always pray for everybody.
Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful weekend.
Jaime Wiebel says
This is so encouraging, Patrick. Prayer is such a special time and amazing opportunity that we have to talk with God. Thanks for joining us here, friend!
Donna Reidland says
What great, thought-provoking questions, Jaime! It is challenging to serve and pray for those who are difficult to love, but once you do, loving comes much easier. I'm going to be pondering your other questions. Thanks for hosting and have a great week!
Jaime Wiebel says
Thank you so much for stopping by here today, Donna. I do appreciate your wisdom always. I believe since God is the source of love and He says serve one another in love that love is something he gives us as a gift (in the terms of present). We give and open up our heart and He pours in His love. I am glad you are here,friend!