Romans 15:4 (11-27-11)

⁴ For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Thoughts on Today’s Verse…

If the Bible is a love story, then its theme is hope. No matter how dire the circumstances, no matter how big the enemy, no matter how deep the sin, no matter how lost the people, no matter how empty the cupboard, no matter how wide the river, no matter … God repeatedly gives his people reason to hope in a brighter tomorrow. Then God brought the assurance of that tomorrow in Jesus!

Prayer…

Eternal God, please give me patience and endurance as I search your Scriptures to know and understand your truth. I am amazed at the incredible things you did to redeem and bless your people in the Old Testament. I am absolutely astonished at what you were able to do with Jesus’ rag-tag bunch of disciples. Please, O God, inspire my hope so that I will expect something great from your hand and then live to see you accomplish it in my day. May this, as well as all other things in my life, be to your honor and glory. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray. Amen.

Today’s Verse Illustrated

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Psalm 34:18

¹⁸ The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are ^[a]crushed in spirit.

Thoughts on Today’s Verse…

While many of us are richly blessed spiritually and physically, many of God’s people face hardship and difficulty. You may be one of those in difficult circumstances. Please remember that God has not abandoned you. Jesus is the great reminder that God cares and involves himself with the broken, forgotten, and downtrodden. Please know as well that tens of thousands are praying for you today in the prayer that follows.

Prayer…

O God, please be with those whose lives are difficult and filled with pain and sadness. Please minister in personal and mighty ways to every believer with a crushed spirit. Dear Father, please rekindle the hope of every discouraged Christian. Empower them as they hold on to their faith. Pour out your Spirit with power, strengthening each weary and burdened heart. Help each one of your children hold onto his or her faith, finding a renewed sense of hope in your presence. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Today’s Verse Illustrated

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Carolyn Arends – I Can Hear You

I Can Hear You was Carolyn Arends first widely distributed project and garnered here a Dove Award nomination for “New Artist of the Year”.

Always a favorite of the entire team here at CCMRewind.com, Arends graduated from Trinity Western University in Langley, BC with a degree in psychology and English.  She lives in Surrey, BC with her husband Mark, and their two children, Benjamin (12) and Bethany (9).  In addition to her busy concert and speaking schedule, she teaches songwriting and performance courses at Pacific Life Bible College and writes a bi-monthly column for Christianity Today.

Anthem Lights urges Christians to shine for Christ

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Wherever Anthem Lights performs, the musicians remind students and young adults to reflect the light and love of Christ into their schools and communities.

“As followers of Christ, we are supposed to be in the world, but not of this world,” band member Alan Powell said. ”The self-doubt, insecurity and struggles that today’s students face come from messages that the enemy has sent to cause people to doubt God’s purpose for his children.

“God created us in his image. There’s nothing to doubt about that. As believers, we are called to share the message of the gospel while shining Christ’s light and love into a dark world.”

In addition to Powell, the group is made up of Chad Graham, Caleb Grimm and Kyle Kupecky. Since releasing their self-titled debut album, the band has been keeping a busy touring schedule.

Through their music and message, the group hopes to offer more than just a concert. They hope to provide a life-changing encounter with God.

“We want to help people understand who Jesus is and connect on a deeper level with him,” Kupecky said. ”There are such mixed messages in our culture coming from music, movies and TV. That’s why we want to share a message that speaks to their soul, to encourage them and support them as they grow in Christ.”

Graham agreed, add-ing: “We want to use the gifts that God has given us to get this message out to people who need it. We want them to know that their life can have purpose and meaning in Christ. We all struggle with the idea of perfection, and we all stumble and fall, but the purpose for our life never goes away. And God never, ever gives up on his children.”

In December, the group is joining fellow musicians Natalie Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Newsboys, Selah and Francesca Battistelli, along with pastors/ authors Max Lucado and Randy Frazee on “The Story Tour.” This tour—designed to take audiences on a musical journey through the Bible—will be at the American Airlines Center in Dallas Dec. 2.

“We’ve had the opportunity to meet so many people and hear how they are being impacted by the songs,” Powell said. ”It’s our desire to reach people for Christ and to help make an eternal impact on their lives.

“We want people to know that there is hope, meaning and purpose found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. People don’t need to chase other things that are going to leave them empty and searching for more. There is fulfillment found in Christ.”

2 Corinthians 9:11

¹¹ you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.

Thoughts on Today’s Verse…

As we examine our blessings and give thanks to God for his wonderful grace, let’s ask why God has blessed us so much. Let’s also remember the primary spiritual principle that God made clear in today’s Scripture and also in his call to Abraham in Genesis 12:2: God’s people are blessed to be a blessing. Let’s make sure we are not just recipients of God’s blessings. Let’s commit to be conduits of those blessings to others.

Prayer…

Thank you, generous Father, for giving your many lavish gifts to me. Open my eyes to see how I can pass on those blessings to those around me. As I share the blessings you have so richly given me, may others find their greatest blessing of all — your loving grace — and give thanks to you! In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Today’s Verse Illustrated

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