Hope and a Future

It is impossible to measure the difference an attitude of HOPE makes in our lives.

Doctors will tell you that the answer to recovery doesn't lie solely in the medicine and surgery, although those skills are very important. When a patient has HOPE combined with proper treatment, his chances for recovery increase many-fold. The combined faith and prayers of friends and family spread a blanket of HOPE over the one who is suffering. God honors this attitude of HOPE and thankfulness.

We do see the effect of HOPELESSNESS on people who have given up. In spite of the proper medication and care, and regardless of the medical probability for cure, some people grow weak and fail to recover.

Last week about 250 guests attended the Media Fellowship International Praise Brunch in the ballroom at the Beverly Hills Hotel and heard Wink Martindale's emotional journey to faith and listened to Nancy Stafford's story of her introduction to Christ. What we learn is that life is full of turns and trials. There is no one who has a smooth and straight path but we have a Lord who calls out to us and gives us hope and a future.

The important thing is where we place our hope. The hope that material possessions give us is precarious, as many have found recently. It is not enough to trust in our job, our family name, our resources, or even our own abilities.

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Having hope for ourselves is the first step, but we as adult Christians have a responsibility to share that message of hope with the next generation:

"Even when things look discouraging, God has promised us hope and a future."

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Have hope!

Spread hope!

Spreading hope,

Pastor Bob and Marion Rieth

*We invite you to read this article about Nancy Stafford,
written by Dan Wooding, who attended the Praise Brunch.

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            "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.