The Reason for Hope
Read: 1 Peter 3:13-22 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (v. 15 NIV) Some news is just too good to keep to ourselves. With beaming faces, we tell complete strangers why we are happy: a new baby, a promotion, […]
Joy
Read: Psalm 63 You have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. (v. 7) In India, Vivaan and his wife were driven out of the family’s village simply for choosing to become Christians. Now, the couple must always be on the move. They carry a radio with […]
Hope for the Day
Read: Lamentations 3:21-26 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (vv. 22-23) Agnesa, a young mother living in Albania, received her first Bible from her sister. Agnesa belongs to a Muslim family, yet over the past year she […]
True Beauty
Read: Revelation 21:1-8 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (v. 5) Sadar was born blind in the country of Nepal. In developing countries, blindness can be an especially devastating impairment, since fewer resources and opportunities are available for disabled people. Unable to read, Sadar started […]
Hope = Life
Read: 1 Peter 1:3-9 He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (v. 3 NIV) Life runs on hope. Hope looks ahead with expectation. Hope can overcome fear. The Bible says in Hebrews 6:19 that “we have this hope as an anchor for the […]
One Hope
Read: Ephesians 4:1-8 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call. (v. 4) Hope is a central part of the Christian life. Hope is what Christ’s coming brought into the world, and the hope that Christ offers is what draws so many to […]
Destined for Adoption
Read: Ephesians 1:1-14 He predestined us for adoption to himself. (v. 5) Adoption, by its very nature, originates in brokenness. One or both biological parents are unable to keep and care for a child. It is an act born out of pain, frustration, and despair. Yet, there is also redemption in this sacrificial gift. The […]
The Adoption Quilt
Read: Revelation 21:10-27 . . . the Lamb’s book of life. (v. 27) Hanging outside the probate court’s massive double doors, an enormous, hand-stitched piece of fabric is suspended against the wall. The courthouse staff simply refers to it as “The Adoption Quilt,” and all adoptees are asked to sign their names. Not only does […]
The Community of Saints
Read: Ephesians 4:8-16 . . . to equip the saints for the work of ministry. (v. 12) The courtroom was filled to capacity with friends, family, church members, his fifth grade teacher, karate instructor, therapist, even a golden retriever! Anyone who had played a direct role in helping Ben transition from foster child to adopted […]