In a recent conversation with a friend discussing some of our past work experiences, I revealed that one of the very first jobs I landed when I moved from Canada to the United States was one of a caregiver. I worked as a nanny for a set of newborn twin girls. Their mother (my boss) and her husband made the decision to adopt.
Little did I know that my position as a caregiver would allow me to share the hope that is found in Christ and His ability to make us victorious in all circumstances. The position also gave me the tools to fight the good fight of faith years later when it came to my own battle with infertility. As a caregiver to those two girls, I learned the faithfulness of God in our lives.
In Genesis 14:17–20, the text highlights Melchizedek bringing bread and wine and most importantly, Melchizedek’s decree “Abram is blessed by God Most High.” Abram (meaning “exalted father”) was blessed before he was renamed Abraham (meaning “father of many”). Abram believed in God’s promise, and it came to pass.
I love the Advent season for several reasons, but one of them trumps all the others, and it is the ability to have a retrospective look into Scripture and see that through it all, God’s promise of triumph (Psalm 110:1–4) remains steadfast and that His reign is eternal. Now let’s wait in anticipation “for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11–14).
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45 thoughts on "Born to Reign in Us Forever Day 30"
Yes
@Churchmouse your post reminded me of something I may have read here on SRT and that is that there is a difference between what we hope for and what we hope in. I may hope for a strong marriage, good health, and happy children but my hope is in Christ. Even if the things I hope for do not happen, my hope in Christ remains because he has already secured our salvation and nothing can take that away from us.
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Merry Christmas She’s!
@michelle patire praying for you! I hope your family issues will be washed away soon. No family is perfect and all you can really do is pray for them. Hang in there sister! It will get better.
Michelle praying for you and your family. If I can ask for prayer for my sister who I just learned is not a believer- we all grew up going to church and I assumed she was but she told us just the other day she doesn’t feel like she believes in God. She lives her life well, doesn’t have any major struggles, and to the unbeliever you would think she doesn’t “need” God…but of course we all do. If I can also ask for prayer for my appointment on Wednesday, thank you!
I love that we are continuing this study beyond Christmas because it continues to remind us why we celebrate and the true “reason for the season.” Yes, there’s a big celebration now, but our celebration continues year round as our faith grows in what is to come.
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So grateful for you all’s comments here. Christmas was hard yesterday. It was a wonderful encouragement to read about our priest and King today.
Merry post-Xmas dear shes. I really don’t want Xmas to end so the tree is gonna stay for a couple of weeks…or more. I hope you had a restful time yesterday. I was alone with the kids as my husband worked Xmas Eve and Xmas Day. I felt sad for a moment, then we watched home alone and had cookies and hot cocoa. Some of my cookies didn’t turn out so well. But we were gifted with some fudge bars from my husband’s work when he came home late last night, praise God, those treats were out of this world delicious, and not overly sweet at all. I asked him to ask for the recipes, if his coworkers would be willing to share. I hope they will. God comforted me with these tasty fudge bars yesterday. Praise God.
@Dorothy: what a surprise turn of event, isn’t God amazing? I am so happy you have running water now. I was concerned for you.
@Rhonda J: I am gonna re-watch the Chosen, especially the part when Jesus answered little James why he hasn’t been healed, that was so unexpected for me. This is true communication with God, and not just normal made-up human movie dialogues. Oh the heart of God for us, even in the suffering that He allows.
@Michelle Patire: it’s gonna be okay Michelle. I am praying for all your siblings for the spirit of addiction be completely removed. I am praying for you and your mom. The testing of faith sometimes is heated up like furnace, the ministry of fire… and God stretches us like a bow and arrow. We can cry out to Him that’s enough Lord, but sometimes He may not answer just yet. To the point we can’t stand anymore. But God still aims us like an arrow in His firm hand…focused at His target…and He will let fly when it’s the right time… and His purpose/target is achieved through us.
@Allison M: praying for your relationship reconciliation with your ex and in laws. I am going through this stage too with my mom, and I was told to be very patient, and be minimal with words. I indeed try to journal out any pain/resentment/anger onto paper, and ask God to help me. I couldn’t get myself to finish as I got stuck. I am praying for me and for you as well, and the much needed patience and calmness as we walk this road.
Be blessed dear sisters. The Lord is our blessed hope and our only reward.
God is always the great oath keeper.
I’m so glad that God’s promises and power lasts forever ❤️
Allison, I am praying for you and your family. I pray that God will recover what is lost and restore all that is broken in your heart and the hearts of your family. I pray God will fill you up with new wine as you step into faithfulness pursuing your ex husband. I pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ Amen!
Good morning, sweet sisters, as it is still morning (almost noontime) here in California I slept-in. I was trying to get up at 7 AM and it didn’t happen next thing I know it was 10 AM. I know my body needed the rest. I hope everyone enjoyed their families yesterday on Christmas day.. I am reminded why I get up early and why I’m the first one up I need that “time” alone without any interruptions.
I ended up having a great Christmas because while at my aunt’s house last evening I received a call and they had fixed my pipes and were able to turn my water back on — that was my Christmas present. Thank You Lord for a couple of maintenance men willing to work on Christmas Day to help this woman out.
Merry Christmas dear sisters! I just now was able to read through yesterdays and todays comments. So very interesting to see how our prayers come from all around the world. I love that!
This Christmas (and Thanksgiving) were especially sweet for me. It was a reminder of just how faithful our God is. I had watched my son descend down a very dark path over the years. My heart was constantly breaking as I cried out to God. I felt so desperate at times but never let go of God’s promises and clung to Hope. Talk about waiting! I waited and waited and waited (years, not days)until a virtual miracle happened! What I saw as an impossible situation, God was able to turn around. As we celebrated around the table yesterday I was so thankful and cognizant of all Jesus had accomplished. I love Him so much! I say all this to encourage those of you who are struggling right now (Michelle Patire) that what seems like an eternity of waiting and unanswered prayer WILL be answered in His perfect time. He is the Joy of every longing heart! Prayers for and love to all!
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Anticipation of my Lord Christ Jesus is wonderful, fantastic and beautiful. So upon reading the word anticipation I thought of the song by that name — “Anticipation” by Carly Simon sung back in 1971. Here are some of the words, which could very easily apply to how I (possibly we) feel in waiting for Christ’s second coming:
We can never know about the days to come
But we think about them anyway
And I wonder if I’m really with you now
Or just chasin’ after some finer day
Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin’ me late
Is keepin’ me waitin’
The anticipation of waiting for Christ to come is also exciting because we don’t know when it will be.
Lord God help me to spread Your Word while excitedly and anxiously awaiting the arrival of Your Son. Amen.
Sisters be blessed and anticipate His arrival and spread His Word.
Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.
I live in an area that is full of godlessness. There was a young man in our old town area with a sign that said “F&%$” Christians”. A young girl that worked for me went and tried to talk to him. He wanted no part of it. We are living in a time of such unbelief and the focus is on themselves and what they believe will make them feel good. They are searching. I learned once I took that focus off of myself and onto God, life was so much better. There are so many hurting people out there. I pray that our “blessed hope” and faith shines brightly for all to see. I had a client that did this for me. I remember thinking, “I want what she has”. It was a bit of a slow change, but change did come. I think that we need to remember to live out our lives in a godly manner. Not to try and change people. That turns them off. To show love and just maybe they will see something that they “want” just as I did. Have a blessed day ladies – Love to you all.
I ask for the prayers of my sisters in faith. I recently reconciled with my ex husband. We were married for 18 years and our divorce was final in August. It was a horrendous mistake. I was far from my heavenly Father at that time……running away even further. But He pursued me still and welcomed this prodigal daughter home. I am in therapy, dealing with childhood trauma and we have had pastoral counseling, which is on hold while I focus on the healing of trauma. But I ask for prayers for the reconciliation of my relationship with my stepdaughter, who refuses to speak to me, and of my relationship with my b-in law and s-in law. My ex and I aren’t living together but instead live 5 hours apart, which is difficult but bearable as we get together as much as possible. Please pray for these relationships with me, if you will. Thank you.
Michelle, I will commit to praying for you and for your siblings and Mom. I am learning through extended family drama that only God can change hearts. Sonetimes God takes us through difficult times to realize our need of Him. Be light and hope to your family and may God guide you.
@Michelle Patire-praying for you and your family. It is hard being surrounded by so much unstableness. My daughter has much the same story as your sister, Heather. I can struggle with the disdain and sadness of how she’s living her life and the love and hope I have for her. I’m praying that you’ll be a light to your siblings, guided by God’s peace and love. For both of us I pray that God shines through all our words and actions, that He will be seen, not me(us). Love to you. So thankful that God has you placed in their lives.
I love your post, Rhonda J!
Blessed Hope!
The perfect way to live our lives!
Hugs to all this glorious day after Christmas ❤️
“With You is the beginning in the day of Your power, in the brightness of Your saints; I have begotten You from the womb before the morning star” (The Lord said to my Lord, Father to Christ, Psalm 109 (110) v. 4 OSB). I am in the beginning now, a new beginning with the Bright Morning Star; with the One Who is the Beginning and the End. The Alpha and Omega of my heart. My High Priest forever according to the mystery of Melchizedek. The Law transformed by the Perfect King of Love and Grace. “For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on Him will not be put to shame… the Lord of all richly blesses all who call on Him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:11-13). I have and I am. Thank You Lord Jesus. No matter my discomfort here on earth, I have the comfort of Christ. No matter my weakness, I have His strength. Lord, help me give and give and give of myself for You. You are the point of grace, the point of all existence, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. On this day after our Christmas, what I do next matters. Do I truly believe You came as a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, born of a Virgin, Holy Incarnate, with no earthly father? Your beginning was way before mine and way before time even started. Yes I believe this. I know it is true by the way my spirit within me burns at the thought of You. Just like on the road to Emmaus, when You caught up in step with Your disciples, when You spoke of the ancient scriptures, they also knew it was true. So what do I do with this truth? I lay everything down. What I pick back up, I must lay down again. And again. And again. Forgive me of my sins as I forgive those who sin against me. Lead me, not into temptation, deliver me from evil. For Yours is the only Kingdom I want to serve. With Your help I can do it. Each gift of a new moment holds the promise of living better for You. I slow and breathe in, aware that You are the breath of life. The lasting Word. The lover of my soul. This fills me and overflows each time I seek You for my thirst in a dry world. I know one day I will be permanently quenched. The fire that will burn will not dry but shine, for You. I cannot imagine the glory to come, but I know it will. So I keep the flame alive in my heart, I keep trying. Until… Selah. Maranatha. Amen.
Good morning Shes!
Michelle Patire: Praying for you to find peace amidst the family drama and the waiting. I understand the feeling of wanting to move out (I’ve lived with my in-laws for 14 years) and although it’s not quite the same, I know that the advice some sisters shared here will help both of us – including being the example, praying, and abiding in Christ. He truly does make us strong in our weakness. I thank Jesus for being our Wonderful Counselor.
Dorothy: Praying that the pipes will be fixed quickly and efficiently, so you don’t need to stay at the hotel that long. And for your son and d-i-l for healing.
“Blessed Hope,” How I love the sound of that. Not just hope, but a blessed, assured, longing of our heart comforted-hope! That might have to be my word for the coming year! I focused on joy this past year, and how wonderfully often my mind shifted to that word when anything would try to steal that joy from me! Life is so different for those with no hope and we see it play out in many forms including sadness, anxiety, depression, complaint, drug-use, (and I’m not referring to the clinical forms of these!) but how we try to put a bandage on our deep inside hopelessness. We have all been there at random points in our lives. But God- He gave us the solution! What an amazing gift! Not only a Saviour to assure us of HOPE through all situations and for a life in eternity, but also the Holy Spirit that lives in us to give us a daily hope to live in a way that reflects this! Are we reflecting hope to everyone around us in our words and actions? Are we living in a way that shows the power of God, that He gives His people!? We are to be set apart, a powerful light to the world! Let’s live our lives with that power, and blessed hope, that we know the amazing secret, WE are The Temple of God! Let’s keep that confidence forefront in our lives! Love you all blessed She’s!
@Dorthy-sorry you didn’t have the Christmas you had expected! Hopefully you still got to talk with your brothers?! And will get back in your home quickly!
@Mercy-That Chosen episode was SO, SO good! wow! It is still lingering with me this morning!!
Praying for the other needs and requests! @Michelle- my advice for what it’s worth, is let those siblings do their thing, it will drive you crzy trying to “fix” them. Focus on bettering yourself, they will see your example in the long run. (advice to myself with my hubby.)(I quit drinking wine after fasting last Jan, now I want to fix my hubby from drinking anything, which isn’t really fair)
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Praying for you Michelle, that God will grant you peace no matter what is happening with your siblings, and will guide your heart. Praying for your whole family. Merry Christmas
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Praying for you Michelle, and your family..
Merry Christmas ❤️
John 1:14
Merry Christmas ❤️
@Dorothy — I hope the situation is resolved soon. I am sorry to hear that :( May your stay in the hotel be comfortable and a safe space for you for the time being.
Good morning Shes. My Christmas was very strange. I admit, I kind of got sucked into family drama. I started off the morning actually in worship funny enough, but there was some fights in the house. My one sister Heather (who recently moved back) is not really living wisely. To cope with anxiety, she got a med card and smokes pot. I don’t know what you all believe, but the Lord convicted me of doing this drug and told me to live sober minded, several years ago. Now, my brother Justin is buying it for her, to cope with his own pain- he enables her use and does it himself. He is in a faith crisis. My other sister Claire was over and says she is happy, but living life without heeding wisdom and putting herself at risk, often.
I got really upset and told my mom they were smoking pot in the bedroom so then my mom got really upset. I went to bed feeling bad that I am not promoting unity. I know I can’t change my siblings choices. I cry writing this…. Admitting, it is very, very hard for me to see my siblings struggling and not heeding wisdom. My sister Heather constantly asking for money. Justin hurt and angry at God, claiming he doesn’t know Jesus anymore. (God said don’t worry about his faith, but it’s still hard to watch this play out.) Claire, running from state to state, dismissing the wisdom she asks for. I am one of 7 kids, my siblings are all in their twenties – except for me and Mario, the oldest. It is hard to watch them make the mistakes I have. Mothers, do you have advice? Sisters, can you pray for me? I don’t know how much longer I will live here… But seeing my family struggle weighs on my soul. Lord, be our light and salvation.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem the week of His death and resurrection on a donkey, showing that He was the Son of David, King of Israel (Matthew 21:1-9). One day, He will return to earth riding on the clouds, showing that He is the King of all. Jesus is the King of Righteousness and the King of Peace (Hebrews 7:2). He has no beginning of days nor end of life, but remains a priest forever (Hebrews 7:3). He holds His priesthood permanently (Hebrews 7:24). He became priest based on the power of an indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16). He is holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens (Hebrews 7:26). He gives us a better hope than earthly priests, because He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:19, 25). He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices every day; He did this once for all times when He offered Himself (Hebrews 7:27). He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people for His own possession, eager to do good works (Titus 2:14). In fact, those who confess with their mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in their hearts that God raised Him from the dead will be saved (Romans 10:9). He is the Son appointed as priest, who has been perfected forever (Hebrews 7:28).
Wishing everyone a happy day-after-Christmas Monday! I love seeing family this time of year but am happy to be out of the kitchens that I’ve been in the past 3 days. Every year I realize I’m not as young as I used to be :)
So thankful to know Christ as Savior and to have the hope of Christ’s return.
Yes, CHURCHMOUSE, I know I use hope regularly as ‘wishful thinking’ particularly about things in the past, like I hope she took a coat with her. She either did or she didn’t. Not sure what I should be saying instead but “hope” to change the past is not correct, for sure.
May we all focus on “the better Hope” as you reminded us, Jesus is our never failing Hope – thank you.
DOROTHY – sorry to hear about your pipes bursting and son/DIL being sick.
INDIANA CHRISTINA – praying for your marriage and for your husband to be freed from the anger and addiction
LEHUA K – praying for your husband’s salvation
And for the salvation of all of our unsaved loved ones.
God always does something more with our lives than we could have hoped or expected- ‘exalted father’ to
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“He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.”
Help me be “eager” to do good works for Yoir glory, Lord.
Often when I say “I hope” about something it is merely wishful thinking. It is not Biblical hope, the “better hope,” of which the Scriptures speak. Biblical hope is supported by God’s unfailing Word, the purity of His character and the fulfillment of His every promise. What peace this gives me! Regardless of my circumstances, my present and my future are secure. No matter how bleak things may look, how deep the darkness, I stand confidently in His Light.
May I always wait in joyful hope! In Jesus name, Amen
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Well stated both Tina and Arina!! Hope upon Hope ✨
Amen. Christmas us over for many of us (here in the Netherlands we’ve got a second day of Christmas today). But while we slowly return to normal life in the coming days, our wait isn’t over. Our blessed hope, the coming of Christ isn’t here yet. Our waiting, our expecting continues. But we can wait with more hope than ever before. We’ve had another Christmas in which we celebrated the surety of His promises. Being reminded that God does what He says, even if it is in unexpected ways. Everyone who believes in Him will not put to shame. So we wait with confidence.
My, BUT GOD… moments each day, have allowed me, hand on heart, to go ALL IN and wait in anticipation “for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus.”
I have seen.
I have known.
I am ALL IN..
BUT GOD..
AMEN.
It’s turned cold here so, sending some warming love and hugs wrapped in prayers across the pond, for a good and God Blessed today!❤