Hope for Humanity

Open Your Bible

Genesis 3:1-10, Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-21, 1 Corinthians 15:45-49

We are often told to believe in ourselves, but when we take an honest look at humanity, we aren’t left with much room for hope. Sure, we see good in the world with moments of groundbreaking achievements, acts of kindness and justice, and artistic displays of great beauty. But there is another side to humanity that can’t be neatly swept under the rug, even during a time of year that encourages us to be merry and bright. 

Since the fall of humanity back in the garden of Eden, we live in a world broken by sin and subject to destruction and death (Romans 5:12). Our own current events confirm the effects of sin very much at-large in humanity today. Countries are at war with one another, violent crimes are reported every day on the news, human beings are still being trafficked, women don’t feel safe in their own homes, children go to bed hungry, and individuals are discriminated against simply because of their sex or the color of their skin. Not only does humanity as a whole reveal undeniable brokenness, but so do our own relational strife, character flaws, and secret sins. We know our worst moments—even if others don’t—and it leaves us wary towards ourselves.

If we are to have hope, it can’t be in humanity. It must be a hope for humanity. 

In Jesus, we find that hope.

Though Adam acted in sin, leading to the fall of humanity, Christ lived sinlessly so that His sacrifice could restore humanity. He was faced with temptation just like Adam and Eve (and just like you and me) and yet, He did not sin (Matthew 4:1–11). He lived a spotless life to rescue us from our blemished ones. He was the perfect Lamb that was slain that we might experience atonement for our sins and newness of life! 

During this Advent season, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we celebrate with hope. Our hope is not in humanity, and it’s not in ourselves. We hope in Jesus, and as we remember His birth, we rejoice in knowing that sin isn’t the end of the story for us. Because of Jesus, we hold on to an eternal hope, we find freedom from darkness as we follow our Savior, and we know that Jesus will one day return in all His glory to bring renewal to all things. 

Today, turn to Jesus for hope. The sins of humanity may leave you heartbroken and doubting. Your own weaknesses and temptations may leave you humbled and unsure. In Christ alone, you find true hope—one you can depend on, rejoice in, and build life on.

(192) Comments
[x]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

192 thoughts on "Hope for Humanity"

  1. Tamya Hurry says:

    Amen ❤️

  2. Nicole Powell says:

    Hope is a beautiful thing

  3. Cee Gee says:

    Galatians 3:29 NLT
    And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children* of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.
    .
    Psalm 65:5 NLT
    You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,
    O God our savior.
    You are the hope of everyone on earth,
    even those who sail on distant seas.
    .
    The prompt in the study guide asks me to “write a prayer of gratitude thanking Him for making a way for the whole world to experience His blessing.”
    Heart check here – like SEARCHING, something I don’t do often enough! Shame on me! Convicted and repenting.
    .
    The song that comes to mind for me is an old favorite, He Reigns.. .
    All God’s children singin’
    “Glory, glory, hallelujah”
    “He reigns” He reigns
    All God’s people singin’
    “Glory, glory, hallelujah”
    “He reigns”
    .
    Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤

  4. pam smith says:

    The appearance of sin is always appetizing, their is an enjoyment that comes with it when we think it will bring us a feeling of satisfaction. But really there is no greater satisfaction than that of fulfilling the plans that God has for us. When we trust in him there is always hope, joy, and love and especially when we live in the community of Christ. Truth always outweighs the lies of the enemy.

    God has so much more for our lives than we want for ourselves. We just have to trust that he has all things worked out for our good. He is sovereign.

  5. Ashley Banks says:

    ❤️

  6. LeAnn Schmitt says:

    “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’s blood and righteousness. . .” Thank you Jesus, our living hope.

  7. Sophie M says:

    I’ve shared this scripture before in past studies and always seem to find my way back here, but Romans 5:3-5 says, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” Amen! I am often in awe of Gods grace and love for us. Asking of you ladies to keep my family in your prayers. We are a young family trying to buy a home. Sending love, She’s ❤️

  8. Melissa Richards says:

    Amen ❤️

  9. Tina says:

    In Jesus, we find that hope..
    Mike drop comment right there!
    .
    BUT GOD..❤️

  10. Tina says:

    Joining you in prayer Rebecca..
    .
    BUT GOD.
    .
    Right? ❤️

  11. Aubree McElreath says:

    It’s so reassuring that we get to turn to Him for hope!

    1. Kristie Sump says:

      Absolutely! I can’t imagine facing all that this life has without His hope!

  12. Abby Roudebush says:

    “In Christ Alone, my hope is found…”

  13. Kristen Lowery says:

    My hope alone is in Jesus my Savior!

  14. Hannah Collier says:

    I’m not enough, but Jesus is! That is extremely hopeful!!

  15. Shawna Boleratz says:

    We should rest in hope of Jesus instead of worldly things

  16. Kimberly Z says:

    Love this devotional today. There are many times in my life I have needed hope. Praying you all feel loved today and that there is hope for brighter days if you are feeling defeated.

  17. Deanna Perkins says:

    Beautiful! I so appreciate this picture you painted of how our culture tells you to lean on yourself, improve yourself, etc…and yet, we can’t do that consistently when we are such inconsistent human beings. The only person who is consistent is Jesus. That is where we can find constant hope in the midst of anything going on in our lives.

  18. Audren Phalen says:

    Tears as I read this today. Life in general can just make you weary, and there are times where I didn’t even realize that I my hope had slipped into my own weakness rather than Jesus’ strength. It is not only a sinful place but a painful place to be. I’m not going to get it perfect, but all we have to do is submit to the One who holds us so close, and He’s got it from here.

    1. Christy C says:

      Love this!

  19. Julia Palmer says:

    Such a good reminder that hope is outward! If we look within on the inward we will be discouraged- but if we look to Christ we will be encouraged in hope!❤️

  20. Mercy says:

    My comment is awaiting moderation too. I wrote a long one. Praying to God it will go through.

    1. Tina says:

      Waiting with bated breathe with you, Mercy..❤️

  21. Mercy says:

    Hello shes, I really loved the devotion today. NICOLE summed it up really well the condition of humanity, especially in the last days. Sometimes we can live in a bubble, diverting our focus to avoid life disappointments, but the tension of the last days is still there. But we have hope in the harvest of souls for the last days through the Lord Jesus. The last call to come to Jesus is through the brokenness, the shakings, the birth pains that grow closer and closer, that the world must cry out to Him who is able to save.
    .
    Thank you so much dear sisters for your love and prayers. I have felt better today. Joy was in my heart waking up. The surgery went well but my eyes had such a strong inflammatory reaction. Anyways, during a post-op visit with my surgeon, I could barely see, and was waiting to be called in. Interestingly, the day before I was praying, and the Lord said, tomorrow go tell your doctor about Me. I was kind of ignoring this. And the day of the visit, I sat and waited for almost an hour for my appointment, they had so many patients and got backed up, I waited and waited, the Lord said again, tell your doctor about Me. I was making excuses and asked God, if I don’t tell him about You today Lord, would you send another person to tell him about You, perhaps the receptionist, a nurse or a staff, can they tell him ? And the Lord said, this doctor is their boss, and they won’t speak because of this professional ranking, but I am a patient (client) so I am at a better position to speak, and it is now. I sat and wondered what excuse I should give God (funny how I had a whole hour to go back and forth). Then I sat quiet lol, nothing to say (I must have looked ridiculous to God). Then He went on and asked me this, have you seen a car salesman, who can just come up to a stranger and talk so passionately about a car and can create an instant connection? I said oh yes Lord, I have met a few good car salesmen at Toyota dealership and they were so good at making me feel so welcome walking in. Then God said, exactly, I want you to be My car salesman, so go tell your doctor about Me. So I told Him yes, Lord I will be your car salesman by your grace, please be with my mouth as you were with Moses’ mouth. I was very intrigued at the image of a car salesman image He used to show me. So I prayed for courage my name was called, and in I went. After my doctor checked my eyes, I opened my mouth and words just came out so boldly (shocking) (praise Jesus!), so I said, doctor, it might sound weird, but I was praying to the Lord Jesus yesterday and He told me to tell you about Him, He wanted me to tell you that the state of the world is getting worse and worse each day, but He wanted you to put your hope and trust in Him. Then silence. I saw my doctor ’s eyes only, behind his mask, and his eyes were smiling. (He is an elder senior doctor, surgeon, eye specialist and it was by God’s special grace that I got to be treated by him without being on next year wait list. Somehow I felt is this God’s planning?). The doctor told me it was so kind of the Lord to tell me to do that and He thanked me repeatedly. Phew. I walked out, it wasn’t so bad, and i was sweating. Thank you Jesus for helping me to stepping out on a limb for the sake of another person. I didn’t know where the doctor is with His faith, but GOD!! (as our beloved TINA would always say). I pray for the salvation of my “neighbor”/doctor and his family. If this day friends, you hear God’s voice, don’t harden your heart, like I was tempted to, pray that God helps you to go through with it, the temptation to not obey is SO great. Praise God for that experience.
    .
    Be blessed dear sisters.

  22. Julia C says:

    Sin is misplaced trust.

    Eve did actually know what God said (Gen. 3:2-3) but she didn’t trust Him and His words. And that’s where the devil hits hard. He only needs to suggest that God is not Who He says He is: all-knowing, powerful, good, infinity loving…

    Eve, mislead by a wrong image of her God, misplaced her trust in something that was merely good-looking.
    How often do I do the same?

    Thankful for Jesus, who knows what it is to be tempted but didn’t make the same mistake, and who taught us: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

    May Jesus be our Treasure and may we then follow “our heart”, a heart that belongs to Him completely.

    1. Tina says:

      .❤️

    2. Dee Dee says:

      ❤️

  23. Shelby says:

    Thanks be to God! Thank you for the reminder of where our hope is found. When reading today, I also found it interesting that while Eve was the first to eat of the fruit, Paul only compares the sin of Adam to the blamelessness of Christ.

    1. Brenda P says:

      Interesting

  24. His Sparrow says:

    Social media is replete with videos and snippets about people showing kindness towards others and they leave a warm blanket of “trust and hope in humanity” feeling over the hearts of men. But surely even the most kindest of acts we witness is so temporal and soon forgotten, but the true Hope for humanity — Jesus — remains eternally
    . If only men would see it.

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Well said! ❤

  25. Abby Hope Lancaster says:

    Today’s reading reminded me once again of the importance of not only meditating on God’s word, but memorizing and allowing it to completely wash over our heart and mind. My husband and I recently had a conversation about my active listening skills. I tend to run at 100mph with about 10 different plates spinning at all times. I love being busy, but sometimes it comes at the expense of others trying to share their time with me. Reading through Eve’s exchange with the serpent, I could easily relate to her experience. “Did God ACTUALLY say that?” All too often, my rushing leads me to question what I heard vs. what I know. If we ground ourselves in the word of God, we can stand firm against the enemy when temptation comes as we see when Jesus is tempted by Satan. When darkness creeps in, we can combat it with eternal INTERNAL knowledge of who Christ is and what He says is truth. This holiday season, I am going to challenge myself to slow down, listen, engage, and actively work towards planting the words of God in my heart and mind.

    1. His Sparrow says:

      This is so good!

    2. Lauren Ramirez says:

      Amen!

    3. Dee Dee says:

      ❤️

  26. Haley Schley says:

    Reading through this I’m hit with mixed emotions… PRAISE that I know the source of unending hope!! Heartbreak for the many in this world that don’t know the source and are living in a way of hopelessness. I pray they answer when God calls and I pray that God puts them in our lives so we can point them towards the source❤️

  27. Jazz Nean says:

    Thank you Jesus for standing up to temptation for us!!! If he wouldn’t have, it would be death for us all!!

  28. Mia Faith says:

    I dint know where I’d be if not for the hope I have in Jesus. After losing our son and now my husband, well, I could not go on if not for this HOPE!

    1. Wendy B says:

      ❤️❤️❤️

    2. Julia C says:

      ♥️♥️♥️

    3. Chelsey says:

      Praying for you ❤️

    4. Tina says:

      Hugs Mia.❤️

  29. Annie says:

    Jesus is the Hope of the world and universe! All glory to God.

  30. Hannah West says:

    My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. Amen and amen.

  31. Christy says:

    After reading Genesis 3:1-10 it made me think about the ways the devil tries to make me doubt what I know to be true just like he did in the garden. Whether that be God’s promises or in moments where I am tempted to put my strength in myself or try to take control rather than wait and let God orchestrate things in His perfect timing and way. I’ve experienced His love and provision in miraculous ways time and time again, so why would I allow my fears and doubts to influence my decisions? I pray that I would be more conscious of those times I’m tempted or start to doubt and that by His grace I would turn my eyes to Jesus the one I can find true hope in and depend on.

    1. Cathy McVey says:

      Amen Christy!

  32. Kris says:

    We often have a faltered view of the world. If you think of ALL the people you know, from the very first people you ever met as a toddler up until now, how many of them are criminals, terrible, rotten, evil people? Unfortunately, the media highlights the bad people, so we tend to think the whole world is terrible. But realistically, MOST people are good. MOST people are honest. MOST people are really trying to live a good life. Yes, everyone needs salvation, but lets not think that the whole world is evil. God has certainly put His laws in our hearts and most people believe in His ways of doing things, even if they don’t necessarily believe in God. Scripture tells us He has put His laws in our hearts so we don’t have an excuse. MOST people are good. There is MUCH HOPE for our world.

    1. Gwineth52 says:

      Yes, Kris.
      And let’s strive to be a part of MOST people!
      Amen!

  33. Tanya Evans says:

    “Turn your eyes toward Jesus.Look full in his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”

    1. Julia C says:

      One of my favorites ♥️

    2. Tina says:

      Love this song..❤️

  34. Sarah Canfield says:

    Feeling discouraged today. Needed this reminder to place my hope in the Lord.

    1. Gwineth52 says:

      Dear Sarah
      Let’s both kick Satan aside!
      And seek our safety & security, day by day,
      in Jesus Christ.

    2. Mari V says:

      Praying for you right is Sarah

    3. Annie says:

      Praying for you, Sarah!

    4. Julia C says:

      May the Lord fill you with His Hope, Joy, Peace and Love, Sarah ♥️

    5. Tina says:

      Holding you, Sarah close in prayer. For your discouragement to be lifted and be replaced with hugs and love and Hope of God..
      Blessings, dear She! ❤️

  35. Manda says:

    Needed this reminder today. God is so good and I’m so thankful for how he shows his love and his realness to me. Before sitting down to read today’s reading for Advent. I was feeling a little discouraged. I’ve been having a lot of conversations with a friend who is an Atheist and sometimes I feel very drained after talking with them. I was having thoughts of doubt this morning, but I decided to run to the one thing that helps erase those thoughts! God’s Word. Today’s reading was so timely! I step away from this reading with Hope for today and making my verse for today.

    “Get thee, hence Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” – Matt 4:10

    Continuing to Pray for my friend that they too can experience hope through Jesus.

    1. Julia C says:

      Praying for you and your friend, Manda. ♥️ Remember “You are the light of [Christ to] the world” – Matthew 5:14a (AMP)

    2. Tina says:

      Before I finished reading your comment Manda, I had already decided to remind ou of Jesus in the wilderness!
      You’ve got this, because you’ve got Gods Word and youve got Jesus!
      Blessings.❤️

  36. Hanna Wardell says:

    Romans 5:12

  37. Cheryl Blow says:

    I love all of your comments! Praying for all!

    I just keep having “in Christ alone,” standing out to me! We cannot do this life on our own. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! Keep looking to Jesus in this dark world when you feel hopeless. We always have a hope in Him! And let’s share this Hope with all that we encounter today!

  38. Gwineth52 says:

    Hello Shes
    I echo so many expressions this morning…
    a lasting hope can be built on nothing less
    but Jesus & His faithfulness.
    Not by my might, but His.
    Daily. Undeniably. Dauntless.
    Praise His holy name.

  39. Brenda P says:

    What i find most interesting about this rewding is in Matt 4:1-11. Jesus put up with temptation about food and pain/physical harm, but told Satan to leave over temptation of power. How hard must it be for politicians to hold office, without offending God. Also, what areas in our lives are we tempted to rule over others by ways unsanctioned by God? Where in our lives are we tempted to use ungodly means to gain power over others? These were the temptations Jesus seemed most bothered by.

    1. Lexi B says:

      Brenda, I’ve never noticed that before- Jesus telling Satan to leave over temptation of power. Thank you for pointing that out!

  40. ERB says:

    Dearest KellyNEO!! Yes! I am here with you all!! I don’t comment that much anymore, just a season God has me in..but I am here reading and PRAYING, always!!!! May you feel God’s loving and faithful arms being wrapped around you right now!! May you be filled with encouragement, wisdom and JOY!!! SO appreciate you dear sister, and I love your heart!! ♥️

    *
    I SO appreciate and love ALL of you dear sisters and your hearts, may the Holy Spirit fill, lead and guide each and every one of us!! God’s JOY to our days!!! Amen!

    1. Julia C says:

      Sending you some ♥️

    2. Mercy says:

      Miss you ERB. Much love and hugs to you and your parents.

    3. Tina says:

      Hugs Received! Sending you much love and hugs ERB.
      .
      Thank-you.❤️

  41. Dalia Fuller says:

    I loved reading the Bible verses. I can honestly say that Romans 5 is my favorite chapter in the Bible. I love the way it explains the contrast between Adam & Jesus! How through one man we all received death and through another (who is perfect!!) we ALL receive LIFE and life ABUNDANTLY!!

  42. Cee Gee says:

    #1 – I am THANKFUL for Jesus’ example in ignoring Satan.
    #2 – I never really noticed this verse before – always focused on the preceding verses.
    1 Co. 15:49 NLT
    Just as we are now like the earthly man, we will someday be like the heavenly man.
    .
    Therein lies our HOPE! God’s promise!
    .

    MERCY, dear sister, it is SO GOOD to have you back! I have missed you and am thankful you are recovered enough to be here. Praying that darkness leaves now that you are back with your sisters! ❤
    .
    LINDA IN NC – thank you for the update and congrats on that #5!!!That’s a lot better than turkey! Lol ❤
    .
    LYNNE IN ALABAMA – holding you and Jack in my heart, sweet sister!
    .
    Prayers for your requests, sisters. Hugs to you all. ❤

    1. Jazz Nean says:

      Same Cee Gee about #2, and it jumped out at me today.

    2. Julia C says:

      ♥️

    3. Mercy says:

      hi Cee Gee, thank you so much for the sweet welcome back. Miss you too! Much love and hugs.

  43. Starr Schoppy says:

    Thank you Jesus for giving us a hope no other can bring !!

  44. Adrienne says:

    Our world would be so different if everyone had the hope that we have, wouldn’t it?

  45. Traci Gendron says:

    When I look at the world I become down. It seems to be filled with wrongdoing and evil practice. But when I put my focus on God I forget all about the world. “Our hope is not in humanity and it is not in ourselves. We hope in Jesus as we remember his birth.”

    1. Adrienne says:

      ❤️

    2. Julia C says:

      Yes, let’s keep looking up and turn our eyes to Jesus.❤️

    3. Tina says:

      Amen, Traci.
      .
      Hugs dear friend. ❤️

  46. Donna Wolcott says:

    Good morning sisters! I don’t have time to read comments right now, but I just wanted to say how Romans 5:18-21 jumped out to me today.

  47. Rebecca W says:

    Dear Shes, I come today asking prayer for my son. He has decided to stop drinking and is looking into treatment options. I have prayed for this for a very long time and know a tough road lies ahead. I’m believing that Jesus will use this journey to draw my son back to Him and trusting my son will find sobriety and Jesus!
    Lifting all your prayers

    1. DW says:

      Praying for your son!

      1. His Sparrow says:

        Praying for God’s power! He is able!

    2. Kris says:

      Halleluiah!! So happy he is deciding to turn his life around. Yes, Jesus, walk right beside him through this decision, making the most of it, giving him every opportunity to find You. Put the right people in his life to guide him on Your path!!!

    3. Tanya Evans says:

      God is willing and able.

      In my reading of the Genesis scripture this morning. Adam and Eve heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the evening breeze… in verse 9 it says:So the Lord God called out to the manand said to him , “Where are you?” God took the initiative in reaching out to sinful humanity.”CBS Study Bible

    4. Maria J says:

      Rebecca, I will be praying for your son and my son and that through all of this God will be glorified and the name of Jesus would be lifted up and many would be drawn unto Him.

    5. Gayle Craik says:

      Rebecca, that is amazing!
      Heavenly Father, please give your son the strength he needs to get through this time. We know you are adding to his testimony & what a testimony that will be! We pray that he feels you near & that he finds the right option for him. In these things we believe in Jesus name Amen .

    6. MARTHA HIX says:

      Praying for your son. ❤️

    7. Wendy B says:

      What great news! Have prayed right now.

    8. Julia C says:

      Awareness is the first step! Praying for your son on his way to recovery, Rebecca ❤️

    9. Mercy says:

      Praying for your son.

    10. Tina says:

      Joining you in prayer Rebecca..
      .
      BUT GOD.
      .
      Right? ❤️

  48. Erika Martinez says:

    Praising God this morning that our hope is in his son Jesus! And praying that humanity will see and know that hope is Jesus – hope is here ❤️

  49. Wendy B says:

    This world we live in is so lost and hopeless. It can so often feel so defeating and heavy. We have to hold onto the Truth of God’s Word, and the One who is our True Hope
    ‘Let us hold unswervingly to the HOPE we profess, for He who promised is faithful.’ Heb 10:23

    A few great songs come to mind – In Christ Alone by City Alight/The Getty’s, All our Hope by Crowder and Living Hope by Phil Wickham. Additional words along with scripture that orients our hearts.

    Thank you Lord that all our HOPE is in you.

  50. Megan says:

    Thank you Jesus for being our hope in this broken world. I can’t do it on my own. My hope is in you alone

  51. Cassie Hamilton says:

    It makes me sad to think alot of people don’t know of the hope in Christ. How defeating and lonely and depressing that would be. We have to tell everyone about His hope! Its life giving

  52. Mari V says:

    I’m turning to my JESUS for hope!! AND lifting up my sweet friend A that she would hold on to that HOPE as well. We live in a sinful world, full of sinful imperfect beings like myself, BUT GOD…YES because of our JESUS we have HOPE that all will be restored even if its not on this side of heaven, BUT we hold on because we trust and know that’s why OUR JESUS being fully human and fully GOD understands us. I TRUST Him! My hope is in Him alone! I will rejoice in HIM alone and build my build my life in HIM alone. I believe HIS promise! LOVE you all sweet She’s! Thank you for praying for my sister Patty. I just texted her at 4:45 AM and she made it home to Florida. I miss her already!

  53. sydnie spears says:

    I needed to hear this. Looking to the world all i see is hopelessness and darkness and it’s been making me so frustrated. Taking the time to read scripture this morning, i see the answers to all the frustration. It’s to move that frustration to hope in Jesus

    1. Gwineth52 says:

      Dear sydnie spears
      Pray you/we turn frustration into faith…
      hurts into hope.
      With God’s help.

  54. Diane Pentoney says:

    Amen. Hope.

  55. Ashlynn Matthews says:

    Thank you Lord for giving me peace and confidence that this world is not what I find my hope in!

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Yes! We need to remember this world is not our home, we need to be Kingdom minded!

  56. Jennifer Stukes says:

    I hear daily, “believe in yourself” and you are enough. No wonder our world is so lost.

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Yes, we are so “proud” to think we can become better people by …”doing it ourselves!” Funny when you think of it that way! Only God can change us to be more holy like him. Anything else we strive to be is futile in the end.

    2. Aubrey Browning says:

      !!! truth!

  57. Rhonda J. says:

    hmm I got the “awaiting moderation.” boo.

    1. Mercy says:

      I see your comment now. I got stuck last time too with the word ince$t.

  58. Rhonda J. says:

    Love the title “Hope for Humanity.” Thank God is all I can say when I read that. Some days the world looks so sad, fallen, wrong, tragic, dull and dark. Especially when you turn on the news, humanity is evil, really. We are. Murders and incest, and sex-trafficking..all things that used to shake us to our core are all common things on the news. It’s beyond sad. But there is HOPE for humanity in Jesus Christ. A living hope, a light in the dark, a SAVIOR to SAVE us and RESTORE the world. OH what a hope to hang on to this week and beyond. We are all called to not only live in that hope, but to go and give that hope to others! We can be the hope in seeds and light. They need it! Just like the light is not meant to be covered, our hope is not to be in our hearts alone. Let’s share our hope this season in prayer that God will show us the how, where, and who! Lord use me, let me/us share the good news, the ONE who came to give life, abundantly. And may we also recognize, be convicted quickly of our own sin, to repent and come back into your mercy and grace.

    1. Julia C says:

      ❤️

  59. Karen Swanson says:

    I use the Bible Hub app. You type in a verse and it gives you every single translation of that verse

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Also, for others, if you use your laptop or phone and click on the Bible verses, when it takes you there, to the side is the current version and you can click on it to see all the others.

    2. Mercy says:

      Yes I love Bible Hub so much as well ❤️

  60. Jaime Garrett says:

    Amen

  61. Dawn Coleman says:

    Hope can’t be in humanity, it must be a hope for humanity! We are all sinful. May Grace reign.

  62. SusieMarie Howe says:

    Amen! There is hope in Jesus!

  63. Rachel Commerford says:

    “If we are to have hope, it is not in humanity… it is a hope FOR humanity.” What a powerful statement. Thank you God for your divine hope.

    1. Carol J Mylin says:

      ♥️

    2. Dee Dee says:

      Amen❤️

  64. Tricia C says:

    I’m so thankful that because of Jesus we have a hope and a future. Some days are beyond difficult, but when we look to our Hope, it can make them a bit easier.
    I am enjoying this advent reading already. I love reading your comments. I am praying for your requests as I come to them.
    All Glory to God who gives us a living Hope. Amen

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      There is a new song by We The Kingdom that has that verse as the them…”for I know the plans you have for me, for a hope and a future!” Jeremiah (?)

      1. MI Sherry says:

        Jeremiah 29:11

  65. Ada McCloud says:

    All of us need Hope.

  66. Jennifer Jackson says:

    Jesus is the hope we need in this world. Thank you God for sending Jesus to save us and to redeem us. We have so much to rejoice about in that truth.

  67. Alexandria M says:

    Thank you Jesus that our hope is not in humanity or ourselves, but in you, our perfect sacrifice ❤️

  68. aubrey Ray says:

    “If we are to have hope, it can’t be found in humanity.” In all the years humans have existed, no matter how much progress we’ve made, we are still in the same place. Capable of great good yes, but so much harm too. So much harm to ourselves, and our planet, this great resource God has given us. We can’t solve our own sin problem. A realistic view will reveal we should *not* hope in humanity. Thankful that God stepped in to provide another way!

  69. Charlene Witherington says:

    Amen! The hope for humanity is found in Christ alone.

  70. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    Indiana Elaine – Praying for you as you say goodbye to your brother. May God comfort you during this transition.

    Gayle Craik – Praise the Lord for good numbers!! Prayers for healing!

    Aleida – I miss seeing you here, I hope things are going well with your family and especially for Victor – continued prayers!

    Praying for all your requests as I see them. ❤️

  71. LaRae Taylor says:

    This also explains our constant struggle with the flesh.

  72. Searching says:

    Thank you, Lord, there is hope for humanity! We’ve made such a mess of things here on earth, and are totally hopeless without You.

    In reading these Scriptures, especially about ‘the Fall’ as it is often referred to, I am always struck by how quick Eve and Adam were to disobey God’s instructions. They knew God, had a personal, daily relationship with Him, had experienced His love and provision. And they chose to listen to an animal rather than God – not sure if the serpent was slithering at the time, as God cursed it after their sin.
    Why, why, why?
    Looking at my life and asking the same question about my own poor choices….

    Thinking of obedience, disobedience, forgiveness, The Gift! of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice. How blessed we are!

    So many songs about our hope in Jesus, coming to mind are:
    All My Hope (Crowder, written by Crowder and Ed Cash)
    My Hope is in You (Aaron Shust, written by April Geesbreght)
    And a throwback from the 80’s (I think),
    My Life is in You Lord (written by Daniel Gardner)

    LINDA IN NC – praying for Gene’s recovery and thankful your numbers are improving, and a high 5 congrats on #5 on the way … so many 5’s in your announcement ❤️

    INDIANA ELAINE – praying for you and your family as you say goodbye for now to your brother, thankful for his faith in Jesus.

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      and don’t forget “Our Living Hope” Phil Wicham!

      1. Rhonda J. says:

        lol..Oh yes..”In Christ Alone”…not what I put! I saw Sharon’s correct title below!

    2. Julia C says:

      We are blessed indeed❤️

  73. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    “In Christ alone, you find true hope—one you can depend on, rejoice in, and build life on.”

    There is not a lack of brokenness in this world, and sin abounds – But, where sin abounds grace abounds more.
    —-
    Thank you Father for your amazing grace! Thank you that my true hope is in Christ alone. Jesus never fails, on Him I can always depend. May I rejoice in the hope of Jesus today, and every day! In Jesus name, amen.

    In Christ alone, my hope is found
    He is my light, my strength, my song
    This Cornerstone, this solid ground
    Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
    What heights of love, what depths of peace
    When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
    My Comforter, my All in All
    Here in the love of Christ I stand…
    (In Christ Alone by Keith Getty/Stewart Townsend)

    Have a blessed Tuesday She’s!

    1. Cheri says:

      Perfect summation, thanks for posting.

    2. Dee Dee says:

      ❤️❤️thanks for sharing, Sharon! Love that song

    3. Adrienne says:

      Before I even read your post, this song was running through my head!
      .
      Blessed day to all, sweet sisters.

    4. Cheryl Blow says:

      Love this song! I was just thinking of it too!

    5. Julia C says:

      ❤️

  74. Sara Harper says:

    True hope is found in CHRIST alone!!

  75. Jennifer Harding says:

    Can’t help but to think of singing the following verses with our K-1st grade kids church class and giving a very loud shout and jumping at the word VICTORY!!
    “But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore by beloved brothers be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58
    Amen!

    1. Gwineth52 says:

      Yes, Jennifer.
      Joyful jumping!To God be the glory!

  76. Aimee D-R says:

    Thank You Lord for the Hope your Blood shed on Calvary and the Grace and Mercy we so freely receive bring us! Amen!

    1. Julia C says:

      Amen ❤️

  77. Laura says:

    It’s so true, isn’t it? We cannot hope in ourselves. We are fickle and weak and bent towards doing the wrong things. When I see my own sin clearly, I am often amazed and ashamed at how much I love sin. Why? Because it is what WE want, our own way, it’s all about us. And we don’t like giving up control and allowing someone else to be in charge. I am so thankful for the contrast in these readings today between the sin of man and the perfection of Christ. It is so humbling.

    1. Laurel W says:

      So similar to my own thoughts, Laura. Nicole really spelled it out for us today, especially her statement, “We know our worst moments–even if others don’t.”
      I know I need to be confronted–boldly–by my imperfection in order to take myself off of my pedestal. Always a work in progress.

  78. Tami says:

    “Your own weaknesses and temptations may leave you humbled and unsure.“
    I’m feeling this! Struggling with feeling like I will never have a heart change towards my husband. I’m having a hard time letting go of his “sins of the past”. Not an affair, but just words and actions that have hurt and build a wedge between us. He has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and I’ve been learning about it as it relates to marriage. He is trying to make things better. But my heart is hard. Even though I am learning that some of his reactions and impulsivity are due to how his brain works differently than mine, it is still hard to unravel years of dealing with it and not knowing. I need the hope of Jesus for my marriage.

    1. Kate K says:

      Praying for you and your husband Tami. I also struggle with old resentments and bitterness. Praying for communication full of truth and grace.

    2. Laura says:

      I can relate to this, Tami, in so many ways. I just had a conversation with my husband yesterday about some of the hurts that have happened in the past that I am still dealing with. When this happens to me, I am often reminded of how Jesus so freely forgives without bringing up the past, and I am convicted to do the same. But I am honestly telling you, I have to intentionally forgive many times and it doesn’t always feel good. It feels unfair, right? Yet Jesus taking on all the ugly sins of humanity even though He was perfect, the ultimate unfair deal! My husband also has ADHD, and although it allows me to see that we are not the same, I also won’t allow him to use it as an excuse to be unloving and unkind to me. We have learned that it is important for both of us to be heard and understood, even though we are usually coming from two different places. It has been a process…prayers for you and your husband. I believe that marriage relationships are the best way to truly understand God and His love for us.

    3. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      Praying for you and your husband Tami. And that God will soften your heart to him and to forgiveness. Hurts of the past can leave deep wounds, but not so deep that God can not heal. ❤️

    4. Searching says:

      Praying, TAMI, KATE, LAURA for your marriages … and mine, and other marriages facing challenges.
      As the song says,
      Don’t stop praying, don’t stop calling on Jesus’ name, keep on pounding on Heaven’s door, let your knees wear out the floor …

    5. Kim says:

      Ohhh, I have been there. Having a child radically changed my feelings towards my husband and I resented him and really didn’t like him for quite some time (a few years). The older we get, the more I become aware that we are just two very different people. We’ve been together for 16 years. I would pray about it off and on, but honestly, my marriage wasn’t the main focus of my prayers during this hard time. My prayers were about fixing him. In the last few months, things have significantly changed. I actually like him again on most days, and I want to take care of him and spend time with him again. Thank God! For me, things shifted when I was nudged to make some personal changes that I was originally resistant to, but it was exactly what I needed to rekindle my love for my husband. I’ll be praying for you guys! Marriage is definitely not easy, but it is worth the battle.

      1. Rhonda J. says:

        Yes, I feel all these comments. We know marriage is the hardest relationship. We have been going through a seemingly endless cycle the last couple of years that seems so challenging and draining and I point the blame to him. But with praying, and constant awareness of myself and my own reactions and critical spirit, and realizing that Satan is in the middle..I see it as a challenge and something I cannot let overtake us! We read a marriage devotional book every night. Since we can’t “talk” well, someone gave me the idea to get a notebook and have it as a place where we can say what we want to and leave it for the other to read, and they can respond or not. But it seems to help so you can say your thoughts without interruption. We will see if it is something that works with us.

        1. Traci Gendron says:

          1Corinthians 7:28 But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.

          It’s so true. When young all we want is to get married. As you age you realize how hard it actually is.

    6. Jane K says:

      Tami, praying for you and your husband that God would bring healing and restoration to your marriage.

    7. Adrienne says:

      I don’t want to say I’m “happy” that others have marriage struggles, but have hope because so many other sisters struggle in ways that I do, in this regard. ❤️

    8. Erin Elizabeth says:

      Oh Tami, I so understand and relate. My husband of 20 years also has AHDH and was diagnosed with bipolar II over the summer and now we’re looking into a possible autism diagnosis. Through all the pain and instability, God has been so close and faithful. May our hope be in Jesus today and always. Praying for you right now. Jesus be close to Tami and bring her peace and comfort as she is in pain. Heal her marriage like only you can. May she see her husband as you do, your beloved made in your image, fearfully and wonderfully made. Make our hearts more like yours. Amen.

    9. Cheryl Blow says:

      Tami and everyone else. Marriage is hard with the best of circumstances and people! We’ve been married 50years and it is still difficult. But God makes the difference. I encourage all to keep praying, forgiving and making the choice to continue to love as Christ loves us! Praying for all our marriages

    10. Lanie H says:

      Praying Tami! I am only 3 years into marriage, so not a lot of experience here, but I want to share one of my favorite God moments ever. My husband pushed me over the edge where I was so mad I walked outside and just started praying. I said, “God he really thinks he’s doing everything, can you please open his eyes and see how it’s really me doing everything.” And I heard God so clearly say, that’s so funny you would say that, because YOU think you are the reason for your success and you need to open YOUR eyes to how I am doing everything”. And it was a mike drop moment in my marriage. It changed everything for me. I can now see that we are both flawed, and the goodness and success isn’t me vs. him, it’s only by God’s grace. Anyways, my best advice to everyone is go ahead and complain to God about your husband and he will set you straight

      1. Lauren Ramirez says:

        Love this Lanie! Lol

    11. Julia C says:

      Adding an AMEN to all these beautiful comments and prayers. Praying for your husband, Tami.

    12. Mercy says:

      I also relate to this Tami. Mine also has ADHD recently diagnosed, a bad case. And this explains lots of communication issues, avoiding of responsibilities, etc that added strains to marriage. I was new to this and totally unprepared. But God. We take authority in the Name of Jesus and rebuke ADHD and its havoc of our family and future generations. Praying for you.

  79. Crystal Pitzer says:

    Thank you, Jesus!!

  80. Lori says:

    I love that ‘sin is not the end of the story for us’. I felt this hopelessness yesterday feeling helpless to change and asking myself why I can’t be different. But I truly have no power to change, its only about HIM.

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Yes, in the time when therapy is actually the cool thing to do, and the “live your truth,” I remind people that we can not change on our own truly—only through the Jesus, and the Holy Spirit IN us…sanctifying us, do we truly change! We have to call on His power, not our self- which is what the culture teaches!

      1. Gwineth52 says:

        Yes, Rhonda J
        One of the tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous, or any addiction program, is admitting our powerlessness & submitting to a higher power. As Christians, it is God who hears us & helps us & heals us. He alone engages & enables us to do the hard work of recovery. The honor is to Him.

  81. Kelly (NEO) says:

    Thank You, Lord that You did not leave us “naked and ashamed”!
    .
    SEARCHING – thanks for the update on your family member.
    .
    GAYLE CRAIK – so thrilled to see your post! Raising hallelujahs for your “good numbers”
    .
    MEG ALBA – praying the Lord fills you with His peace as you start the job search.
    .
    INDIANA ELAINE – praying for you and your family as your brother transitions into eternity.
    .
    Still working my way through yesterday’s comments. Welcome to all. Praying as requests come up.

    1. Julia C says:

      ❤️

  82. Vicki M says:

    ‘But where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more…’

    This is so humbling.

    ‘…so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace will reign through righteousness, resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ Romans 5:20-21

    I didn’t seek Him. He sought me – to move me from shifting sand onto solid rock. As Nicole Smithee said: “In Christ alone you find true hope – one you can depend on, rejoice in, and build life on.”

    And so I continue to pray for my son and his partner and all our prodigals, for friends who have drifted away, for those who still don’t know the hope that brings light and life.

    1. Julia C says:

      Praying with you, Vicki. May we all know, believe and trust in Jesus ♥️

  83. Anna Whitt says:

    “But where sin increased, grace abounded alll the more”

    Thank you, Jesus, for the victory we have you in!

    1. Raquel Franco says:

      That verse really stuck out to me too. I feel so thankful for His grace and mercy.

    2. Kira H. says:

      That verse stuck out so much to me too! I don’t know how many times I have read that passage from Romans, but what an absolute gift it was to pick up on that today! Always grateful for the power of the Spirit as it leads new verses to stick out – may we rest in the power of the truth revealed. Grace simply cannot be overwhelmed by sin – praise Jesus!

  84. Courtney Shepard says:

    I loved swiping to read these verses in different versions to gain a better understanding. The message states it beautifully! God loved us at our worst!

    1. Megan H says:

      Courtney, what do you mean by swiping? How can we change the translation?

      1. Brenda Walker says:

        I am not sure about what Courtney swipes, but if you use the Blue Letter Bible app, you can have 2 versions of the Bible side by side as you read and can easily switch to other versions as well.

        1. Searching says:

          Same with Bible Gateway, on their website at least, not sure about their app. I copy the Scripture references listed after “Scripture Reading” each day and paste them into the BG search bar, then choose comparison if I want.

      2. Kristin S says:

        Yes and on the Bible app on my iPad i can have two versions up but on my phone app i just change the version if i want to see different ones.

  85. Mary Ann Graves says:

    Jesus=Hope

  86. Teresa Eddy says:

    Thank you, Jesus, that you gave us a place to put our hope! Amen