Hope for Life Blog

I like this verse, because it talks about me. Peter has just told the crowd that if they would be baptized in Jesus name, they would have all of their sins forgiven and would receive the Holy Spirit. Then he goes on to say that the promise isn’t just for them, but for their children and… for me, too!

God does not want anyone to be lost.  He does not like it.  He did what He could to prevent it by sending His son Jesus.  It is now our choice.  God wants everyone to turn from evil.  No one has to spend eternity away from God.

We need to know that the Christian life won’t always be easy. Sometimes when bad times come, we think it’s because we aren’t spiritual enough or aren’t faithful enough. Jesus said that we will have trouble in this world. He also said that it doesn’t matter: He’s conquered this world!

If God has blessed you financially, it is so you can use your wealth to honor him.  Give to your church, give to a mission project, give to the poor and needy.  Use your home to honor God.  Share what you have.  When you do that, God will see that you have more… to give away.

I love the way the book of Luke ends, with worship and joy. What once was sadness and fear has become a joy that just has to be expressed, all the time.

What a great blessing to have a family heritage of faith.  To have faithful parents, and even faithful grandparents, is an incredible blessing.  If you are the recipient of a family legacy of faith, be thankful.  If you are not, start that legacy today for your children and your grandchildren.  And one day they will be thankful for you and your faith.

It’s easy to love those who are like us, those who look like us, dress like us, talk like us. If we really want to reflect the love of God, we need to learn to love those who are very different from us, the stranger among us.

Be careful what you promise God.  When you commit to something the Lord, it is not to be taken lightly.  Fools make rash promises and do not fulfill them.  So when you promise God something, get to it.  Fulfill your vow.

The Ten Commandments don’t begin with a “Thou shalt…” They begin with a reminder of who God is and what He’s done. Commandments don’t lead to a relationship with God; they grow out of that relationship. We obey God out of gratitude, not as a way to earn His approval.

Remember those people who have helped you along life’s journey?  Do you remember those who helped you to know Jesus?  Every time you think of them be sure and thank God for them.  And if you get a chance, quote this verse to them.