Hopeful Heart
  • Home
  • Word of the Day
  • Hopeful Heart Pictures
  • Bible verses on Hope
  • Testimonials
  • About Hopeful Heart

.

.

Hopeful Heart

The Promised Land Awaits

29/2/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
It is among popular "Christian" belief that an abundance of material and other blessings follow those whose hearts are truly after God and that those who seem to consistently struggle to that end, cannot possibly be in God's perfect will.

Almost all the great men of faith I've read about in the Bible had to spend some time in the wilderness. Abraham, Moses, John the Baptist, just to name a few.

God had to make them desperate. He had to cause them to be quiet and un-distracted enough to hear His still, small voice. He had to make them hungry and thirsty enough to cry out for a miracle.

Interestingly, the word for wilderness, in Hebrew, is "meed-bahr". And meed-bahr comes from the word "leh-da-behr", which means to speak, “Hmmm”.

Some of us may be walking through the desert right now. It's hot by day. By night, the wind is unbearably cold and we stumble over things we can barely see. But this is actually a place of blessing!

It is for our growth, and ultimately for our prosperity that God has brought us here! Like it or not, the wilderness is where He can speak to us most effectively. It is the place He can most easily get our attention. It is the place we will cry out to God and truly listen for His voice.

Know that God is with you today! He is walking along with us through this wilderness and longing to comfort us! If we would only cry out to Him and heed His voice! The promised land awaits!

Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

- George Whitten - Worthy Devotional

0 Comments

Your Ebenezer Stones

28/2/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
It is of no question that God is the God of every tense – past, present and future. HE is our help in the past, our hope in the future and the great all sufficient I’AM today.

After the Israelites defeated the Philistines, Samuel planted a stone on the ground and called it Ebenezer, saying “Thus far has the Lord helped us.” We too, need to be reminded how the Lord has led us in the past. If we were to place a stone of Ebenezer every time God has helped us, we would have a vast collection by now.

God has been our help in the past thus we ought to be confident that HE has provided for our future as well. We can thank HIM for the past and have confidence that HE has a good plan for our future. Though it may seem difficult to trust HIM for the needs of today, we must remember that HE is able and willing to do the same for us today as HE did in the past and will do in the future.

HE is the great I’AM of today, the all sufficient one we need for this very moment. When doubts and uncertainties creep in, remember your stones of Ebenezer.

1 Samuel 7:12
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us."


0 Comments

Mindful Of You

27/2/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Psalms 115:12 - The Lord hath been mindful of us, He will bless us

The bible verse above speaks a simple truth. The first sentence assures us of the fact that God is always mindful of us.

Jesus constantly thinks of us; HE has provided for us, comforted us and delivered us all these years. In all HIS ways, HE has been mindful of us; never overlooking our needs. Surely, you would recall by now the mindfulness that God has shown in your life.

The next sentence displays the nature of God’s character. God character is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He will continue to be mindful of us in the future as HE had been in the past. His mindfulness assures us that HE has a good future and plan for us; HE delights to bless us due to HIS unchanging loving kindness from the time of Abraham till our present days. HE will bless us because of his own divine character.

Therefore let us rejoice and bless HIS name.


0 Comments

Mary's Song of Praise

24/2/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Mary, Jesus’ mother said probably one of the most sincere and sweetest songs of praise. Instead of just reading it, let’s ponder on it and use it as a song of praise to our God who has done great things for us – the blessed ones.

Luke 1:46-49
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 
For he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
For the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is His name.


0 Comments

Faith Like a Child

23/2/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Reflection:

The hard thing to understand is that faith is the one area in our lives where growing up means we must grow to be more like a child, trusting simply in the goodness and complete knowledge of a Father who has our best interest at heart.

-- Colleen Townsend Evans

0 Comments

Why Wait

22/2/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Why wait? No one likes to wait. Waiting seems to be a place where life is put on hold.

Nevertheless, waiting is still a big part of life. It might be the wait at the grocery store, the doctor’s waiting room or the wait for the salvation of our loved ones and so on. The point is most of us are waiting for something most of the time.

The whole process of waiting can be quite daunting but when it comes to waiting on God, God promises blessings for HIS children but let’s get the perspective right. Waiting is a journey of self transformation; it is not an idle process.

Waiting strengthen our inner man to walk in a deeper knowledge and trust of who God is. Through waiting, God will hone our ability to confidently expect, trust and be truly content with HIS plans for us. Waiting purifies our motives.

So if you are currently in a situation where you have to wait, claim HIS promises by faith and rest in HIM with a confident expectation that HE knows what HE is doing and HIS timing will not fail you.

Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.


0 Comments

Facing The Enemy

21/2/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
While downloading a freeware from the internet, I was prompted by my antivirus that a virus has been detected. I scanned the freeware’s disclaimer and found the clause that states, “we reserve the right to collect the user’s information and monitor the user’s computer activities. All information and behavior trend will be collated for market research purposes.”

Instantly I clicked cancel and I was relieved I did not download a spyware into my computer system.

In the spiritual realm, our enemy – the devil works like a spyware. He studies you, follows your every movements, observes your behavior patterns and detects your weakness. He will then engineer a situation that will make you fall to his plan. Fortunately, we Christian have an “antivirus” program that will prompt us if any spywares is detected. They are our Holy Spirit, the one who will prompt us when temptation is near; HE will teach us many things and reveals wisdom in our walk with Christ.

Take for an example, a man who has had a bad day at work. The Holy Spirit prompted him to keep his peace and not rush in doing his work yet the man ignored the Spirit and rushed off to do things with his own strength. He then spilled coffee on his report, the printer jammed and he was yelled by his boss due to the late report's submission. After work, he rushed to go home but he was caught in the traffic jam for an hour and when he finally reaches home, the house electricity is out, dinner is not served and the children are crying and screaming. This is when the man finally loses his temper and shouts at his family.

Now the devil knows that the man will lost his self control and respond with anger in such circumstances or pressures. The devil will then wait for a similar opportunity in the future and attack again when the man is at his weakest.

So in facing our enemy, it is important to heed the instruction of the Holy Spirit and be vigilant of our enemy who is constantly spying for the next best opportunity to harm us.

John 14:26
These things I have spoken to you, while abiding with you. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

*(Scenario was inspired by examples from - Derek Prince.1998.They Shall Expel Demons.16th publication)*

0 Comments

When Fear Comes Knocking

20/2/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
Recently, the newspapers reported on a technology that has been developed by a group of students. This invention is directed towards helping the disabled and its technology’s core system relies on the user’s brain wave to switch household appliances on and off using the power of their mind.

 All the user has to do is focus his or her mind on the selected appliance and it will turn on or off accordingly.

This system is not an unfamiliar research for scientists as it is long proven theory that the power of the mind is not to be underestimated.  

Unfortunately we often allow fear and worry to take hold of our mind. We focus most of our energy on them and give them the power to repress our abilities to walk in faith and enjoy the victorious freedom Jesus has purchased for us.

When fear or worry comes knocking, which ‘selected appliance’, you focus your mind to? The fear, the worry or the truth of God’s word that is able to set you free from all oppression?

Exodus 6:6
Therefore, say to the people of Israel: ‘I am the LORD. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment.


0 Comments

The Lord's Prayer

17/2/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
In Matthew 6, Jesus taught us the Lord’s prayer. The Lord’s prayer is a prayer that expresses one’s faith to God. Through the simple prayer, you are bold enough to ask God; you are confident God has what you need and you are sure that HE cares enough to provide for you.

“Give us today our daily bread,” – God knows what you need for today, HE is able to provide you a fresh manna like how HE provided Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. HE will provide fresh bread for you everyday; HE will take care of you everyday and HE will not fail to provide everyday when you seek HIM.

So switch off your TV or computer, put down your newspaper, turn off your mobile and pray for your daily bread. HE knows what you need today more than you do. A simple prayer of faith is all you need to start your day right. It is like buttoning a shirt, once you have buttoned the top button in the right place, you will be assured to button the other buttons in the right place.

Matthew 6: 9 - 13
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

0 Comments

When Everything Seems To Go Wrong

16/2/2012

0 Comments

 
When your day doesn't go as planned, God orchestrated everything for a reason. Below is a good example  of the normal conversation we have with God when everything seems to go wrong. I was blessed reading it and I hope it will bless you too.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My conversation with God


Human (in frustrated tone): God, why did you let so much stuff happened to me today?

God: What do you mean?

Human: Well I woke up late and my car took forever to start. At lunch, they made my sandwich wrong and I had to wait. Then on the way home, my phone went dead, just as I picked up a call. (Loudly) Nothing went right today! Why did you do that to me?

God: Well… the death angel was at your bed this morning and I had to send one of the other angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that.

God: I didn't let your car start because there was a drunk driver on your route that might have hit you if you were on the road. The person who made your sandwich today was sick and I didn’t want you to catch what they have, I knew you couldn't afford to miss work.

Human (embarrassed): Oh.....

God: Your phone went dead because the person that was calling was going to give a false witness about what you said on that call, I didn't even let you talk to them so you would be covered.

Human: I'm sorry, God.

God: Don't be sorry, just learn to trust ME in all things, the good and the bad. Don't doubt that my plan for your day is always better than your plan.

Human: God, thank you for everything today.

God:You're welcome, child. It was just another day being your God and I love looking after my children.


**(Source: Author unknown)

0 Comments
<<Previous
    Through this site, we hope to encourage you in your faith journey as well as our own.

    Be hopeful. Be blessed.
    

    RSS Feed

    Picture



    Categories

    All
    Anger
    Arise
    Assurance
    Beautiful In His Timing
    Belief
    Blessings
    Breakthrough
    Choose Your Thoughts
    Comfort
    Courage
    Discernment & Wisdom
    Discouragement
    Disobedience
    Dissapointment
    Faith
    Favor
    Fear/doubt
    Festive Seasons
    Forgiveness
    Friendship
    God Is In Control
    God Provides
    God's Grace
    God's Mercy
    God's Unfailing Love
    God's Word
    Gratitude
    Holy Spirit
    Hope
    Humility
    Jesus Understands
    Joy
    Loneliness
    New Creation In Christ
    Peace
    Perseverance
    Power Of Words
    Praise
    Prayer
    Pride
    Psalm 23
    Quotes
    Rest In The Lord
    Restoration/ Healing
    Salvation
    Self Worth
    Small Things Matter
    Stewardship
    Success
    Temptation
    Thankfulness
    Trust
    Walk With Christ
    Worry
    Worship

    Archives

    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011


Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos used under Creative Commons from steakpinball, Elo_M., Sisterazzi, [puamelia], Go-tea 郭天, Ales Kladnik, edanley, InspiredVision, kleuske, Vampire Bear, Guilherme Yagui, Luchiano Prata, Filip Chudoba Performance., mysza831, Chewonki Semester School, girish_suryawanshi, Oneras, zenera, gunman47, docoverachiever, Yashna M, treehouse1977, Salvatore G2, Heath Cajandig, Upupa4me, ryanvanetten, jenniferforjoy, amy32080, Barbara L. Hanson, WarmSleepy, Pawel Pacholec, Kelly Hau Photography, Shot Your Photo, Bods, wackybadger, Art4TheGlryOfGod, Luci Correia, CJS*64 A man with a camera, trevorhpittman, emiliokuffer, SounderBruce, Ajith_chatie, TheNickster, OakleyOriginals, symphony of love, Hammershath, laradanielle, Stephanie Overton, Veronique Debord, mike138, Mini D, StarsApart, James Loesch, montuno, Alaskan Dude, jeffdjevdet, allenran 917, Waiting For The Word, Biscarotte, Joe Thomissen, cuongvnd, Philippe Put, The Forest Vixen's CC Photo Stream, amy32080, Allie_Caulfield, Dziunka (an amatour photographer), penjelly, farrago510, Ross Elliott, heipei, Philip Male, BLMOregon, SurFeRGiRL30, D&S McSpadden
© Copyright IS Hopeful Heart 2011 - 2023