Hope In Action

We all hope, we all have desires for goodness in our lives. In 1 Peter 1:13-14 we are instructed to "roll up our sleeves, put our mind in gear, be ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be guided into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”

 The word discipline means to decene or to learn. To live a disciplined life a man must learn to choose what is needed most over what is wanted now.

 In order to put our hope into action, we must clearly define our problems, each one of them. God gives us each the plan to take on these issues in life:

 1.) Define the problem
Nehemiah 1:3
They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

 2.) Seek God
Nehemiah 1:4
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

 3.) Do the work
Nehemiah 2:17-18
Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.”
I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me.
They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.

 Remember: A man cannot defeat his problems unless he clearly defines them, seeks God's Word, and does the required work to accomplish success through grace.

 Let us pray

 Lord, help us not to lean on our understanding but in everything acknowledge You so that You can direct our words, thoughts, actions, and hopes. Let our hope be activated by faith in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ.

 Amen! Amen! Amen!

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