Hope

"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"- Romans 15:13 (NIV).

Hope is a very powerful agent; it is joy and peace all rolled up into one life giving, life altering, emotion. The psalmist's cup, set on the table God prepared for him in the presence of his enemies, wassurely overflowing with hope (Psalm 23:5). We are to be filled with joyful hope, patient during trying valleys, and continuously praying to the Giver of all blessings (Romans 12:12). God has plans for you and His plans are to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). We ache for hope and it is found overflowing through the power of the Holy Spirit. To receive the free gift of the Holy Spirit you must repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). He will become your strength, your defense, your salvation. Be filled with the God of hope and may your cup overflow.

Master

"They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity-for "people are slaves to whatever has mastered them""- 2 Peter 2:19 (NIV).

There are so many forms of addiction, too many to list, but whatever a person is addicted to, that substance or activity has become that person's master. The old adage, "You can't have your cake and eat it too," is the same as Scripture telling us you can't serve two masters...meaning you can't serve the addition and simultaneously serve the Lord. Either you will hate and despise one and love and be devoted to the other (Matthew 6:24). Addiction devours and is the work of the devil, who prowls around looking for victims to enslave (1 Peter 5:8). Addiction has been around since sin came into the world, but God is faithful. He will always provide a way for the addicted to endure and escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Blessed is the person who holds steadfast. God has promised a crown of life to those who choose to love Him as Master (James 1:12).

Encouraging Word

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing"- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV).

We need encouragement today, just as in the past, and we will need encouragement in the future. Centuries ago, Judas and Silas were examples as they encouraged and strengthened fellow Christians (Acts 15:32). By encouraging, each day, deceitful sin is kept from hardening the hearts of those in need (Hebrews 3:13). Our fellow Christians are part of the purpose and mission of the church. We are commissioned to look after the interests of brothers and sisters in Christ (Philippians 2:4). Like a soreness to a body part, let us refresh and strengthen that part which is in need, because we are all part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). Therefore, encourage one another, tenderly and lovingly, until strength is restored. What emerges is a stronger overall body to render service to the Lord.  

Confirm Your Calling

"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"- 2 Peter 1:10-11 (NIV).

No one comes to Jesus unless God the Father calls him (John 6:44). Once we respond to His calling, He delivers us from a sinful world and transfers our citizenship into the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13-14). Our hearts should burst with joy and gratitude, because His kingdom cannot be shaken.  Our gratitude should include heartfelt worship, reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28). We may not see death, if the Lord returns before our time, but if we do, we will awake to everlasting life in His eternal kingdom. Until that time, let us confirm our calling and shine like the brightness of the sky above; and if we guide others to accept God's calling, we will shine like the stars forever and ever (Daniel 12:2-3). Praise the Lord!

Friendship

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity"- Colossians 3:14 (NIV).

The virtues Paul talks about are compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness (vv 12-13). We need to choose our friends wisely by choosing wise friends, so that we may become wise. Otherwise you choose foolish friends and suffer for their companionship (Proverbs 13:20). Don't be misled; know that bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33). Instead, be wise; choose friends of virtue. Be devoted to each other in love and honor one another above yourself (Romans 12:10). Take time to thank God for the wise friends He has blessed you with along the way; some of which have had to move on in their callings, or to be with the Lord, and some we are blessed to keep longer, but you were all together in perfect unity.