Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1
May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. – Romans 15: 13
Greater Love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – John 15:13
Today’s daily Blessing is a continuation of my last writing to you. You may remember that last time, I focused on I Corinthians 13 and talked about the things that remain: Faith, Hope and Love.
There was a gospel song called, “Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up in Jesus.” It is so easy to get wrapped up, tied up, and tangled up in so many different things in these times we are living through. Because we all find ourselves at home, for the most part, it is natural that we would find ourselves in the refrigerator more often than usual. You may find yourself drinking more adult beverages than you did before the pandemic. You, like me, may find yourselves in front of the TV much more often these days. Let’s try to redirect our energy to those things that matter. This is a time when we really should concentrate on the three things that will always remain: Faith, Hope and Love. In this season of great loss, focus on the things that remain. They will serve as a warm covering in a world that sometimes seems bitter and cold. “The tide recedes, but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand, The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops, and yet it echoes in sweet refrains. For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.” (Poem by William Barrett & Sons)
Build your hopes on things eternal. I love this old hymn we sang at the church where I grew up:
HOLD TO GOD’S UNCHANGING HAND
Time is filled with swift transition. Naught of earth unmoved can stand.
Build your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand. Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand. Build your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Trust in Him who will not leave you. Whatsoever years may bring.
If by earthly friends forsaken. Still more closely to Him cling.
Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand. Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand. Build your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Covet not this world’s vain riches that so rapidly decay. Seek to gain the heavenly treasures. They will never pass away.
Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand. Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand. Build your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
When your journey is completed. If to God you have been true, fair and bright the home in Glory your enraptured soul will view.
Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand. Hold to His hand, God’s unchanging hand. Build your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God’s unchanging hand.
James Calhoun