Around the month of November there is a nudge in my heart to start thinking about a spiritual theme for the New Year. What does the Lord want to teach me through His Word? How will He work through my life to encourage others in their relationship with Him?
In October I was preparing for a women’s retreat, A Cup of Hope, based upon Romans 15:13. As I studied and prepared for this retreat I knew I had much to learn about the word hope. For example, I never thought about the theology of hope, nor have I ever thought about having an attitude of hope. From this retreat came the following spiritual theme:
Christ in me, the Hope of glory, through my life may others see.
Throughout the days of 2012, sharing this Good News: His Only Purpose: Eternity.
This hope is not based upon the definition found in Webster’s Dictionary. This hope describes something that is certain, but not yet realized. This Hope is based upon “Christ Jesus, who is our hope,” (1 Timothy 1:1b). He purchased salvation for mankind on the cross and it is this hope which will lead to the glory of God.
Those who do not know Christ are living in hopelessness. Jesus Christ is the answer for those living in hopelessness and the Word is the Good News we have to share. Paul writes, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:1-5 NASB).
Will you join me this year as we learn together how to share the message of Hope to a lost and dying world?
Laura Leathers
About Laura Leathers
Laura is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is the founder of Tea Time Treasures, a ministry promoting Biblical Hospitality (www.teatimetreasures.net). Currently she is employed as an administrative assistant within a detention center—ministry in the marketplace. Laura received her Women's Ministry Certificate Advanced Degree from New Orleans Theological Seminary. She is a graduate of Speak Up with Confidence Seminars (Basic and Advanced) and CLASS (Christian Leaders, Authors, and Speaker Services). Over the years she has served as a Bible teacher, conference speaker and a free-lance writer.
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