Where is Your Hope?

In life, people tend to put their hope in many different things. Children put their hope in "Santa Claus" to bring them gifts at Christmas, and they put their hope in the "Tooth Fairy" to put money under their pillow in exchange for their tooth. Adults also tend to put their hope in things of this world, which don't always give them the result that they want. This weekend is Groundhog Day. Here in Punxsutawney, and many other areas, people tend to put their hope in Punxsutawney Phil, the resident Groundhog. They long for an early spring, and hope that he will deliver the notice that it's right around the corner

This hope in things and people of this world is representative of a big reason that prevents Jesus from moving among us the way that He desires to do so. Our amazing ability to try to fit in with this world, many times gets in the way of our real reason for living in this world with Jesus, and it distracts us from carrying out the mission that God gave us. We are to go into all the world and share the Gospel, and the Bible clearly explains that we cannot serve two masters. So, when we allow the distractions of this world to guide our actions and thoughts, we are in real danger. We need to allow God to be the only guide and master for our life, and our hope only needs to be in Him, because He is everything and He is all that we will ever need.

When we come to Jesus, we are no longer part of this world. We are part of Jesus’ world, and we have a future in heaven. God wants us to share that with as many people as possible. We may live in this world, but we have the power and backing of God Almighty at our disposal. We do not have to be limited by the restrictions and rules of this world. We can do all things through Christ that gives us strength. Philippians 4:13

Yet for some reason, we still try to fit into this world, even though it's not our permanent home.

Punxsutawney Phil is also called the seer of seers. That is also translated King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I can tell you that Punxsutawney Phil is not the seer of seers, only Jesus is!

When we put our faith in God, and then say that we put our hope in something or someone else, such as Punxsutawney Phil, what are we saying to Jesus?

What we are saying is a slap in the face to Him. We should only put our faith and hope in Jesus. Jesus is looking for people, like those we read about in the Book of Acts, who will stand for Jesus and not compromise. Remember that the Book of Acts is not a history book, but a how to book of how the church is to act and operate in this world.

When we follow God's Word, putting all of our faith and hope in Him, then Jesus will show up in His glory and power to defend us and lift us up so that everyone can see how great our God is.

If we want to have the amazing life Jesus promised us, we cannot have one foot in heaven and the other on this planet. We have to go all in with Jesus, and really live this verse, John 17:16 - "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world".

Don’t try to live in this world. This world is not our future. We are only here to show others that something better, something amazing, is out there. Take a stand for Jesus. Put your faith and hope in Jesus and see the Book of Acts show up in your life. See God move in your life like He has always wanted to, and He will, because He can’t wait to show His glory through you. We just have to give Him a reason to do so.

Punxsutawney Phil usually lets everyone down, because he is never right. He is just a groundhog. However, when we go all in with Jesus, He will never let us down. For those in Punxsutawney, I am looking forward to the day when this town is known for the glory of God rather than some groundhog.

Yes, the groundhog brings in business, but nothing like the way Jesus can!

Remember Jesus loves you, I love you, and you are awesome!

Shorts with PD (Blog)

Where is Your Hope?