Hope in Difficult Times

As Paul Harvey said,
"In times like these, it's helpful to remember that there have always been times like these."

History tells us that the age when Jesus was born was a most difficult time. 

POLITICS: No democracy there. King Herod was erratic and cruel. He even murdered members of his own family. He spent public money to build monuments for his own purpose and demanded slave labor to accomplish it.  The government was overly powerful.

ECONOMY and TAXES: You think our taxes are a burden. Taxes then were unreasonable and levied at the whim of the king to support his pet projects.  Many people were poor and barely able to subsist.

The CENSUS: I would imagine the census that demanded everyone to return to their hometown was much criticized.  No mailing or faxing in the information then!  You can imagine the outcry and turmoil if every one of us had to return 'home' to fill out our census forms in person!

RELIGION: The religious leaders were powerful and had rigid and critical ideas.

It was in that difficult time that God fulfilled His promise to send a Savior to rescue His people.  Instead of discouragement he offered them HOPE.

One of the mistakes that the people of Jesus' time made was that they were looking for a solution to their physical and economic problems. They hoped that the long-awaited king would solve their physical needs. They - like us - may have thought the problems were all coming from the outside.

We may have a heart condition - our heart may be filled with self-will and self-importance. We will find true PEACE and HOPE when we turn our problems over to Him and make Him ruler of our lives.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

"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

Our hope is in HIM,

Pastor Bob and Marion Rieth 

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