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commentary, Devotional
August 9, 2023
Our Living Hope
By Shirley R. Watts,

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, “to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, “who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, “that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, “whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, “receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls” (I Peter 1:3-9).

Secure

As we worship our Lord, let us look within our hearts. Are we looking for Him to return? Meditating upon Him? He is our hope.. .our living hope? He is our eternal future! Let’s praise Him!

Because Jesus gave His life at the cross we have forgiveness of sin. Because He was raised from the dead.. .we have eternal life. We have a living hope. Yes! Yes! Yes! We are secure!

(John 10:17-19; Eph. 1:11-14).

We who have placed our faith in Jesus Christ have a heavenly hope… an eternal future! No matter what happens today we must remember this fact! Nothing can take it from us. No matter what happens, we must remember “who” we are and “whose” we are.

We have an inheritance. .. Salvation! We will share with Christ in His glory. We have an “inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,” (v. 2). It can’t be destroyed. It is eternal! It can’t disappoint us! It is reserved for us! It is ours! Praise God! Say it every day until He comes.

Let our hearts be filled with Him, seen in our lives, in our smiles and heard in our voices. We have it all!

When Jesus Christ returns in the clouds for His Church (Rapture), we will have new bodies. Amen! Praise to our God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

We will soon enter our Heavenly Home! I don’t think we think on Him enough. The world tries to keep our minds on other things. We must stay strong!

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and

See WATTS, page 5 purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14).

Focus

We must be busy in the work He has called us to do. Many are without hope, no sense of direction and refuse to believe in Jesus Christ. That does not change the fact that He is our Living Hope and He is returning. He will return to judge all who reject Him. Let us witness!

Don’t allow the world to take our eyes off our hope…our Future! Yes, it’s okay to keep our minds in the clouds.

“As it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (I Cor. 2:9).

The Heavenly Clock is ticking and the alarm has been set. Heaven is near!

Be ready! Surrender all to Him today and He will fill us with His love and our hope will come alive in a time when we as Christians definitely need it.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (I Peter 3:15).

Unbeliever, Trust Christ!

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