Tag: Hope

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DATE OF INFAMY: HOPE TO TRIUMPH SO HELP US GOD

Seventy-seven years ago today was “a date which will live in infamy” as far as American history is concerned.  To remember this day and the Greatest Generation, especially the US servicemen and -women and their sacrifices during WWII, I will share the speech by President Franklin Roosevelt on December 8, 1941, to the Congress of the United States.

“Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces — with the unbounding determination of our people — we will gain the inevitable triumph — so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.”

(President Roosevelt)

By the way, I am an American patriot who is proud of my father, a WWII soldier who served his country to achieve peace and preserve freedom. My intent in today’s blog is not to indict Japanese citizens, who are close allies today thankfully.

May we all learn from history and refrain from repeating decisions that jeopardize peaceful relations with allies. May we still be resolved that “righteous might will win through to absolute victory” when peace without war isn’t possible.

It seems appropriate to borrow words from Winston Churchill, Britain’s great leader and our strong ally during WWII. May we “never, never, never, never give up” …hope to triumph with God’s help.

“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4

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POEM: HOPE IN HIS GRACE FOREVER

Hope may bring joyful attitudes and life-changing direction. Hopelessness may lead to wrong choices and destructive actions. Sometimes the difference is a matter of choice.

I think the following poem offers hope, because it shows the huge transformation possible when a life is redeemed by Jesus Christ.

IN HIS GRACE FOREVER

“Hope sometimes is lacking

In those without backing

Of someone to give them a hand.

And then one with no hope

May turn on to dope

And blinded, hear demons demand:

‘Just destroy your life;

Sow discord and strife.

Who cares if the gutter you’ll land?

Go to kill… go to steal;

Reap trouble that’s real;

Let hatred sift through you like sand.’

But no pit is so deep

That God’s love can’t keep

A life in His mighty strong hand.

When I came to rope’s end,

I found such a Friend,

Who holds me in His nail-scarred hand.

Now I trust and obey

Christ Jesus, the Way;

In His Grace forever I’ll stand.

In His Grace forever I’ll stand!”

(Judy Gillum Foy)

God bless you… and may your heart be open to the life-changing power and hope to be found in Jesus Christ. Salvation is freely offered to all, and the price has already been paid. The best deal in the universe!

“He paid a debt He did not owe; I owed a debt I could not pay. I needed Someone to wash my sins away, And now I sing a brand new song, ‘Amazing Grace‘ all day long. Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay.” ( anonymous)

“Saved by His grace divine! Saved to new life sublime! Life now is sweet, and my joy is complete for I’m saved, saved, saved!” (Jack Scholfield )

“For by Grace you have been saved through faith. It is the gift of God not as a result of works so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9)

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JAMES MERRITT: GIVE THANKS to GOD of HOPE

Today’s blog is a reminder to give thanks to our great God of hope. Let’s be thankful everyday not just one day each year as we celebrate a national holiday. If we Americans ever doubt there’s much for which to be thankful, then let’s consider the following.

We will eat more today than most people in this world will eat this week. We drive our air conditioned or heated vehicles while billions will never own a car.

We will sleep tonight in our heated or cooled bedrooms while most of the world will sleep shivering or sweating.

If we have more health than sickness today, then we are more blessed than the one million who will die this week.

If today we aren’t facing dangers of battle, loneliness of imprisonment, suffering of torture, or hunger pains of starvation, then we are better off than 500 million people.

If today we are not afraid of being harassed, arrested, tortured, or killed, then we have it better than 3 billion people.

If we have food in our refrigerator, clothes on our backs, a roof over our heads, and a place to sleep, then we are richer than 75% in our world.

If we have any money in the bank or even spare change in our pocket, then we are in the top 8 percent of the richest people in the world.

If we can read a paragraph in a book or sign our names, then we are better off than 775 million who can neither read nor write.

Dare we doubt that God has blessed us? Do we have any reason to thank Him everyday? He deserves our thanks, and He wants it. What will our thanksgiving do for God?

Pastor James Merritt stated eloquently, “Thanksgiving is the music that brightens the face of God. It is the spark that warms the heart of God. It is the love that kisses the hand of God.”

Let’s communicate with God today, but let’s not ask Him to bless us. Instead let’s give Him thanks and bless Him; He deserves it. The Bible instructs, “Enter His gates with  thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.”(Psalm 100:4)

I want to thank James Merritt for the reminder to give thanks to God everyday and for the numerical info that I gleaned from one of his messages. He is Pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Atlanta, Georgia. For years I have been blessed by his televised sermons.

Visit the website @ touchinglives.org for info about a ministry that is truly touching lives… including mine.

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FIRST THANKSGIVING: A GREAT HOPE (Part 1)

The Pilgrims, who celebrated America’s first Thanksgiving holiday almost 400 years ago, held fast to a great hope in God and a desire to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To show this idea is actual fact not just my hopeful opinion, I will share writings of their well-respected Pilgrim leaders, Governor William Bradford and Pastor John Robinson. I am thankful for Governor Bradford’s detailed written record and will include many quotes to enhance this three-part blog.

After years of searching for a home where the Pilgrims could live in peace and worship freely, Bradford wrote of their strong desire to travel to the New World:

“…a great hope and inward zeal they had of laying some good foundation, or at least to make some way thereunto, for the propagating and advancing the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world; yea, though they should be but even as stepping-stones unto others for the performing of so great a work.”

They faced the reality and risks of such an endeavor and chose to trust Almighty God even if it might cost their lives:

“…all great and honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and must be… overcome with answerable courages. It was granted that the dangers were great, but not desperate, and the difficulties were many, but not invincible… and all of them, through the help of God, fortitude and patience, might either be borne or overcome…

[But] their condition was not ordinary. Their ends were good and honorable, their calling lawful and urgent, and therefore they might expect the blessing of God in their proceeding; yea, though they should lose their lives in this action, yet they might have comfort in the same, and their endeavors would be honorable.”

They anticipated difficulties but also had enough hope to expect help from the all-powerful God they trusted:

“Yea, and as the enterprise is weighty and difficult, so the honor is more worthy, to plant a rude wilderness, to enlarge the honor and fame of our dread sovereign, but chiefly to display the efficacy and power of the Gospel, both in zealous preaching, professing, and wise walking under it, before the faces of these poor blind infidels.”

They were concerned with more than themselves and prayed for the natives in the New World:

“And first, seeing we daily pray for the conversion of the heathens… it seemeth unto me that we ought also to endeavor and use the means to convert them; and the means cannot be used unless we go to them, or they come to us. To us they cannot come, our land is full; to them we may go… that they may be persuaded at length to embrace the Prince of Peace, Christ Jesus, and rest in peace with him forever.”

Their pastor, John Robinson, did not accompany the largest group of Pilgrims who left Holland to board ships in England for their journey to the New World. Instead he stayed behind to care for those physically unable to travel. Pastor Robinson genuinely cared for his flock and sent a letter with those leaving. His letter was filled with reminders of hope and help that would be read many times during challenging days ahead.

These words by Pastor Robinson show the kind of teaching they had been used to, still believed in, and would continue to rely on for needed strength:

“We are daily to renew our repentance with our God, especially for our sins known and generally for our unknown trespasses…[For] sin being taken away by earnest repentance ad the pardon thereof from the Lord… great shall be [a man’s] security and peace in all dangers, sweet his comforts in all distresses.”

(To be continued… See A GREAT HOPE Part 2)

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VETERANS DAY: HOPE in BLESSINGS for AMERICA

A favorite patriotic song of many Americans was written by Irving Berlin in 1918. Yet “God Bless America” wasn’t introduced publically until 1938 when sung by Kate Smith on a radio program on Armistice Day (now Veterans Day). It was — and still is — an expression of deep love for our great and beautiful land. Perhaps more importantly it expresses hope in God’s blessings for America. Berlin didn’t want to personally profit from his patriotism so assigned royalties from the song to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

“God bless America, land that I love.

Stand beside her and guide her through the night with a light from above.

From the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam,

God bless America, my home sweet home.

God bless America, my home sweet home.”

(Irving Berlin)

Remember to thank a vet today! Celebrate Veterans Day, and be thankful for the brave military men and women to whom we owe so much.  God bless America and our heroes both past and present!

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MATTERHORN: MOUNTAIN POINTS TO GOD OF HOPE

Have you paid any attention to the stunning picture when you visit this blog? Its inclusion here is not accidental and is for a specific reason.

You may recognize the peak, because it has been photographed countless times. Maybe you’ve seen the well-known mountain range of which it’s a part. Maybe you’ve even scaled heights that resulted in this view and feelings of awe and wonder.

I remember when I first saw those mountains 15 years ago. I was excited to see spectacular views both while I was flying directly over and from a distance while on foreign soil in Italy and Switzerland. Those were special moments in time that have remained in my memory. (I’ve reached an age where I realize more and more that remembering such moments is a blessing.) Anyway… it’s special to me personally, because I’ve been there, and recalling the beauty of those snow-covered mountains takes me back and makes me smile.

I’m referring to Europe’s amazing Alps. More precisely, this photo features the Matterhorn in Switzerland or called Monte Cervino in Italy. Both countries share this magnificent summit. I chose this image, because it does what I want this blog to do. It points up toward God, the source of hope.

This photo represents hope to me, so I chose it for this blog. My intent is that this blog is “where hope is found.” If the first image one sees on this website is an awesome mountain peak pointing heavenward, then maybe that’s a peek (excuse the pun) of what’s to come.

God is the Source of hope, and my desire is that others are finding His hope via these blogs. I’m thankful for the opportunity to share. Also I’m glad to have such an amazing photo to represent this blog and to greet readers.

Such an image also represents beautiful inspiration from Psalm 121: “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth….” Something that brings Scripture to mind brings hope.

As you now know, I love this particular Matterhorn picture. Perhaps you feel the same. It’s likely to be on this website for a long time to come!

I’ll close by acknowledging my thanks to God for His beautiful Creation that includes mountain peaks to point us to Him and to remind us from whence comes our help… and hope.

 

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LIFE IS HARD: HOPE FOR ETERNAL LIFE

I don’t have to tell you that life is sometimes hard. Probably no one will argue with that statement except those who say it is always hard. The good news is this life isn’t the end. The bad news is this life isn’t the end.

Let me explain what I mean…. If you have no hope for a better life after this one, then the idea of never-ending death is worse than terribly sad news.

However, if you have hope for eternal life in heaven after this one, then faith in Jesus of the Bible brings better than incredibly good news!

The Bible tells us “…God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Accepting, trusting, believing in Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, as means of eternal life results in living forever in heaven, a place of no more death nor crying nor sorrow. Why would anyone not want to go there? To know Jesus is to know eternal life. This idea brings hope.

Rejecting God’s gift given at Christ’s expense results in one getting his own way. In other words, if one doesn’t want to be with Him, he can have it his way. No Jesus means no eternal life, therefore no Jesus means to know eternal death. This offers utter hopelessness.

Worth pondering…. the consequences of this one choice of what to do with Jesus will last forever! I pray you will have faith to believe the Truth and be filled with hope for eternal life.

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TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION: FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, AND TEAMWORK

If you know much about national sports, then you may agree that Tim Tebow is a sports icon. He was a two-time national college football champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, ESPN contributor, and is now a professional baseball outfielder with the New York Mets.

You may not know Tim is an author of several books, including the New York Times bestseller SHAKEN that was named 2017 Book of the Year by Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

Despite Tim’s many activities and achievements he began his most important work in 2010 when he created the Tim Tebow Foundation.

The foundation’s mission is to bring Faith, Hope, and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. This mission is accomplished through several individual ministries.

Two of the ministries are Orphan Care and Adoption Aid. Through such ministries thousands of deserving children around the world are served by the foundation.

Others share Tim’s passion to bring more faith, hope, and love to the world. Tim shows his heart in his response to donors who contribute to these worthwhile ministries.

“What you’re doing with us matters. It matters because people matter, and together we can celebrate and love people who need it most. We can share Faith, Hope and Love, and that is one of the biggest things we can do in life… help someone else. So thank you for partnering with us to help us fight for those who can’t fight for themselves!”

It gives me hope to know there are others who believe in Tim’s cause enough to join him. The Tebow “team” is making the world a brighter place for everyone not just those in their darkest hour of need.

Somehow it seems appropriate to end with some “grand slam home run” excitement. Go, Tim! Go Team Tebow! Bring it on — faith, hope, and love — and score big for the planet!

 

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” Phillipians 2:4

“May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Visit the website @ Timtebowfoundation.org to learn more about how a Christian young man is making the world a better place and touching lives as he shares faith, hope, and love.

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AUSTIN PERINE: HOPE FROM A HERO

Austin Perine is a hero, who brings hope to the homeless every week along with the usual chicken sandwiches and his advice to “show love!” He seems to be a natural at showing the love for which he so frequently advises.

The people Austin helps will often return his kindness and optimism with genuine smiles even in the midst of dire circumstances. Many in need are reaping the benefits of his presence in their lives. Those accepting his chicken sandwiches also receive love and hope.

Their gain from a positive connection with Austin is more than just physical. The amazing change in their countenance is evidence of a deeper emotional change. The difference is visible; their look becomes less depressed and more hopeful as if Austin’s joy and optimism are infectious.

Maybe such a change is to be expected when one experiences a real hero, especially a self-proclaimed “Super Hero” with super powers and wearing his own cape!  Maybe that’s not really surprising when you realize he’s only four years old!

Austin’s parents have my respect. They are doing something right in their parenting roles. May God bless them as they continue to guide him. May Austin always use his special gift to help others. May the rest of us learn by his example to show love!

 

Psalm 146:7: “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry….”

Visit Austin’s website @ presidentaustin.org to learn more about this great American super hero in Alabama who plans to run for President when he’s old enough. Until then he’s getting used to the sound of “President Austin Perine” and often uses the alias. I think it has a nice sound to it!

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FATHER GREG and HOMEBOY: BEACON OF HOPE AND OPPORTUNITY

Their website claims they serve “as a beacon of hope and opportunity for those seeking to leave gang life.”  I am writing about Homeboy Industries, an amazing non-profit organization in Los Angeles that gave me hope when I learned about their services and impressive successes!

Homeboy Industries serves high-risk, formerly gang-involved and former incarcerated men (homeboys) and women (homegirls) with a large variety of free services and programs, including education and job-training opportunities.

More than a national model, Homeboy Industries is recognized as the world’s largest and most successful gang intervention, re-entry, and re-hab program.

Homeboy sees positive results on average each month serving 1,000 former gang members; 800 tatoo-removal sessions; 140 appointments for legal services; and 400 students attending education classes.

How does hope relate to gang involvement? “Gang violence is about a lethal absence of hope,” Father Gregory Boyle wisely recognized, “Nobody has ever met a hopeful kid who joined a gang.”

Father Greg seems to understand “homies” and the role of hope in their success in becoming contributing community members. He has spent almost 30 years working with gang members in Los Angeles where he founded Homeboy Industries.

I hope today’s blog will encourage you to visit homeboyindustries.org to learn more about their important work of shining a beacon of hope. Perhaps you can help them make our world brighter… [Donations are tax-deductible due to 501(c)(3) status.]

(Also if you’re looking for a worthwhile book that will surely touch your heart and may even move you to help the cause, check out Tatoos on the Heart; The Power of Boundless Compassion by Gregory Boyle.)