“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,” 1 Timothy 1:1
In a men’s Bible study, back in the day, we watched a segment of the ‘Bible on Trial’ lesson from the Lutheran Hour and our leader asked how we would vote after viewing all of the evidence that had been presented. Did the evidence strengthen our faith? The phrase ‘My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness’ was repeating in my mind as I thought about what my faith was based upon.
The ‘hope’ of the child in attached photo is placed in our Triune God. There was probably a time when this child who attends the Lutheran school in Ouanaminthe could not say that and was living in the fear that their family experienced from the local vodou priest. Then our Heavenly Father brought Pastor Daniel Paul to their town and the Good News was proclaimed to their ears. Next came the school feeding program and the hopeless void in their stomach was filled with hope. Thank you for being a part in this plan, His plan. I will close this devotion with the words to the hymn ‘My Hope is Built on Nothing Less’ which was written by Edward Mote in 1834.
“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand. His oath, His covenant, and blood support me in the whelming flood; when every earthly prop gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand. When He shall come with trumpet sound, oh, may I then in Him be found, clothed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne! On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.”
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay