Rejoicing In Hope....( Romans 12:12 )

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Romans 12:12

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Three things we should do. One we should always be rejoicing in the blessed hope that we have in eternal life that is given to all those who are believers( John 3:16 ). The day you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior you pass from death unto life( 1 John 3:14 ) , eternal life. What a joy it is to know that when life's journey on this earth ends that if you have chosen Jesus as Savior He will be waiting on you with arms wide open. I can only imagine how beautiful and joyful that day will be. Being in a land where there is no more pain and no mourning. In fact as Jesus described it there will be many mansions( John 14:2 ).

The next thing it lists is to be patient in tribulation. Through life we will endure times of trials and tribulations, but remember Jesus never promised an easy road( Matthew 7:13-14 ). He did however promised to be with us always. In fact in most cases these trials are used to strengthen us in our walk with the Lord.

Last it says continuing instant in prayer. What does mean? This means being in constant communication with the Father always. I think when people see prayer they think that means they have to close their eyes or seat themselves in a certain position. The truth of the matter is prayer is our direct connection to God. Now I'm not saying you shouldn't bow your head in reverence, cause God is due all reverence as He is worthy of it, but there are times when closing your eyes is not possible like when your driving. Friends what I'm saying is we should be in constant communication with God. Talk to Him like a friend. Tell Him about your day, tell Him about your concerns and troubles. Develop an intimate relationship with Him. By that I mean get to know Him by reading His Word and by opening yourself up to Him. Like I said tell Him everything about your day. Remember as it is written cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you( 1 Peter 5:7 ). God cares so much for you that we barely even begin to comprehend with our finite minds. he depths of His love is just amazing. I know the night I gave my life to Him I was blown away by His amazing grace and how He looked upon my past sins with compassion and long suffering. The story that came to mind and always does is the story of the prodigal son( Luke 15:11-32 ). After all the things I'd done in my life God wanted me. He didn't need me,but He wanted me. So friends I urge and encourage you to be in constant prayer. Talk to Him, He's always there and always willing to listen. Best of all He has all the answers and can do anything.

For anyone reading this tonight who has not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Savior I invite you to do so. Ask Him into your heart and admit your sinner in need of His forgiveness. Be real with Him and cast all your worries, doubts, and fears at His feet, the feet of mercy for He cares for you( 1 Peter 5:7 ). Repent of your old ways and find your identity in Jesus Christ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ). Don't let your past or not being perfect get in the way( Psalm 103:12, Romans 3:23 ). Instead cast yourself upon His mercy( Luke 18:13 ). Remember He is waiting on you with arms wide open( John 3:16 ). In those arms you will find love( John 15:13 ), mercy( Romans 5:6-8 ), forgiveness( 1 John 1:9 ), and a grace that is sufficient( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). Will you choose Him? Will you let Him set you free from the bonds of sin( John 8:36 ) ? I encourage you to do so. This is the greatest single choice you will ever make. It is a matter of life and death, life and death eternal( John 3:18 ). Don' t wait, make the choice tonight( Matthew 24:36 ) !


God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><