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Overview
Readers of Jesus, Our Perfect Hope will:
- Be enlightened with a new perspective on life and a renewed sense of hope
- Gain an understanding of what it means to have hope in Christ
- Have the opportunity to experience a sense of freedom and hope in Jesus
This 365-day devotional is complete with:
- A durable leathersoft padded cover with foil accents
- A beautiful ribbon marker to hold your place
- 365 meaningful prayers and key takeaways
Jesus, Our Perfect Hope makes an ideal gift for anyone experiencing a difficult time or a lovely self-purchase if you are in need of hope.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780718098865 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Nelson, Thomas, Inc. |
| Publication date: | 10/02/2018 |
| Series: | Devotionals from Charles F. Stanley |
| Pages: | 400 |
| Sales rank: | 132,091 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.60(w) x 8.10(h) x 1.40(d) |
About the Author
Dr. Stanley’s messages can be heard daily on In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley broadcasts on television, radio, and satellite networks and stations around the world; on the internet at intouch.org and through In Touch+; and via the In Touch Messenger Lab. Excerpts from Dr. Stanley’s inspiring messages are also published in the award-winning In Touch devotional magazine.
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
January
Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.
Psalm 98:1
January 1
Something New
"Behold, I will do something new ... will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness."
Isaiah 43:19
Perhaps you've grown hopeful about something new — whether it's a new year, the start of a relationship, an exciting opportunity, or something else. Maybe you feel optimistic that you can shake free from your past mistakes and tiresome burdens. But then your heart sinks when you realize that the issues that plagued you December 31 will continue on into January 1 and beyond.
No doubt, that was the way the people of Israel felt as they awaited the Messiah year after year. What they didn't realize was that even when they couldn't see the incredible plan the Lord was setting in motion, He was working to fulfill His promises to them in an incredible way they could never have imagined (John 1:12–13).
The same is true for you. God is making a way for you even when you don't see it. So don't be discouraged because everything looks the same from one day to the next, your burdens remain, and new opportunities don't seem to work out. Trust that at the right time, He will make you aware of all He's done on your behalf.
Lord, thank You for working in the unseen and in unimagined ways to set me free of the things that bind me. Amen.
My hope is in Jesus because He is making a new way for me.
January 2
Fixed on Jesus
Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.
Hebrews 12:2 GNT
When you read the news headlines or think about the daily struggles you and your loved ones face, it is easy to lose heart. The challenges can certainly seem too overwhelming to overcome.
But that is why Scripture calls you to have a different focus — not looking at the circumstances before you, but having a gaze fixed on Jesus. Why? Because He is greater than whatever is happening to you. Your relationship with Christ opens the door to every blessing the Father has promised in His Word and provides all the resources you will ever need. Jesus is the reason you can have an unshakable, eternal hope that everything is going to be okay, regardless of the situation.
So no matter what you're facing today, don't think of it in terms of your strength or knowledge. Instead, consider what Jesus — the all-powerful, all-wise Savior who defeated sin and death on your behalf — can do. Certainly, He is the anchor that will always hold you steady, no matter how severe the storm may be.
Jesus, when I get distracted or overwrought by circumstances, always remind me to look to You. Amen.
My hope is in Jesus because He is greater than anything I face.
January 3
His Love
We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us.
1 John 4:16
Read today's verse again. We know and believe God's love. Do you realize the incredible love the Father has for you? Many times, our perception of love may be marred because of our past experiences — we may think of it as conditional, having unsustainable requirements, being easily lost, or even a tool of manipulation.
Yet, John painted a different picture: "God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him" (1 John 4:9 nlt). His is not unattainable or pain-causing love. Rather, the cross is the ultimate expression of God's care — it is unconditional, generous, healing, and always seeking the best for you.
Friend, you don't have to be afraid of God's attitude toward you even when you face difficult circumstances. What's crucial is that you know and believe that He loves you in increasing measure. Because when you do, you realize that everything that touches your life must first pass through His loving purposes for you, and that even the challenges are sent for your good (Romans 8:28–39).
Jesus, help me to embrace Your perfect love and love You more in return. Amen.
My hope is in Jesus because He loves me unconditionally.
January 4
The Word of Prayer
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1
We know that in the beginning, the Lord spoke the world into creation. "God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). His agent of creation was His Word, and John 1:14–18 tells us that His Word has a name: Jesus.
In Hebrews 7:25, we read that Jesus "lives to make intercession" for us. Think about that. The One who carried out creation is the One who prays for you. But consider what that means — what happens when He speaks out His desire to help you.
The same voice that called the universe into existence is moving people, engineering situations, and orchestrating circumstances so as to carry out His wonderful will for your life. He declares the details, the limits, the solutions of your experiences — all to teach you, to prepare you, and to draw you closer to Him.
Jesus uses His unfathomable wisdom and creative power in order to help you. So when you grow disheartened, remember who your Advocate is. He was there before the beginning, He is God, and He always speaks for your good. Praise Jesus' holy name.
Jesus, with a word, You make all things possible for me. I trust You and praise You. Amen.
My hope is in Jesus because His voice moves the universe.
January 5
He Sees You
"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree."
John 1:48 NIV
Jesus sees you — the real you. If you've ever felt that people don't truly understand who you are or what's in your heart, then know for certain there's One who does.
This may be surprising to you. It certainly was to Nathanael. John 1:47 reports Jesus saw Nathanael and said, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" This was astounding to Nathanael because Jesus saw him under the fig tree. We are never told what Nathanael was doing there, but apparently, he was having a holy moment — one only observed by heaven. We know this because of Nathanael's response: "You are the Son of God!" (v. 49). Nathanael recognized that Jesus saw his inmost being — his heart laid bare.
Jesus sees your inmost being as well. Regardless of how others treat you, you never have to feel unloved, unrecognized, or even invisible because your Savior sees you — your past, present, and future. Jesus knows your hopes, thoughts, fears, struggles, and wounds. And He loves you deeply. So trust that you matter to Him and that He leads you in the best way forward.
Jesus, thank You for seeing, loving, and providing for me. Amen.
My hope is in Jesus because He knows me fully and loves me completely.
January 6
Truth in Profound Places
Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.
Psalm 51:6
Sometimes our most enduring childhood memories are formed when we feel lonely and fearful. For example, my first memory is from when I was two years old. I had an earache, my mother was at work, and I felt miserably alone with no one to comfort me.
Such experiences make an impact on our young hearts — at times creating wounds that have a profound influence on unanticipated areas of our lives. Whether we realize it or not, they ingrain certain survival instincts within us. And often, our pervasive feelings of anxiety, loneliness, unworthiness, and anger, as well as our needs for self-reliance and control, can be traced back to those early ordeals. But these are the wounds we must overcome if we are to experience the fullness of the life Jesus has made available to us.
So today, pay attention to the early memories you have. Seek God to make sense of them for you. Ask Him how they impact the trials you're facing today and why you're responding to them as you are. Then trust Him to heal those areas of your life in the way only He can.
Jesus, You know my blind spots. Expose these areas of my life so I can trust You fully. Amen.
My hope is in Jesus because He sets me free with His truth.
January 7
The Faithful Witness
Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. ... Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood.
Revelation 1:5
If you ever want an idea of what God is really like, all you have to do is look at Jesus. Jesus is the exact representation of the Father's unconditional love, mercy, and presence (Hebrews 1:3). He is "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).
Before the incarnation, people could only catch a glimpse of the Lord through the Law, the testimony of the prophets, and His intervention in Israel's national situation. Sadly, they tended to view Him as legalistic, distant, and full of wrath.
But Jesus said, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). So when we read about Jesus forgiving sins, healing the sick, and comforting those who suffer, we see an incredible picture of who God really is.
Jesus gave His life so you could be liberated from everything that enslaves you. That's who your loving God is. So trust Him with whatever is troubling you. Certainly, He provides everything necessary so you can live the abundant life He created you to enjoy (Romans 8:32).
Jesus, thank You for making such a sacrifice to show me who You really are. Amen.
My hope is in Jesus because He is God, and He loves me.
January 8
Investing in Forever
"Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."
Matthew 16:25
Do you know why it's important how you live your earthly life? It matters because you set the stage for eternity with it. This life may only last a few decades. But eternity is everlasting — infinite. And right now, you are creating your résumé for how you will exist forevermore — for how you will serve and the privileges and responsibilities you're given in the unending kingdom of God (2 Timothy 2:12).
This is what Jesus meant when He spoke about storing up your treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19–21). This life is only a breath in comparison to what is to come, so it only makes sense for us to invest in those things that will last. Not worrying about titles here, but exalting the ever-reigning King of kings and Lord of lords. Not agonizing about who you rule on earth, but focusing on who you serve and witness to here so that more souls may enjoy heaven.
So live for Jesus! Certainly, that's an investment you'll be glad you made forevermore.
Jesus, sometimes my vision is too earth-bound. Help me always to invest my energy and passion in Your eternal kingdom. Amen.
My hope is in Jesus because He leads me to bear fruit that lasts in eternity.
January 9
Dreaming
"Listen to this dream which I have had."
Genesis 37:6
Joseph had a dream — a vision of his life that came from almighty God. Who wouldn't be excited about that, especially when such a dream promised great blessing and authority? Yet the mistake that Joseph made was thinking that the dream was an immediate reality rather than something the Lord would work in and through his life over the years.
It is an honest mistake that many of us make. We may believe that the path of God's plan will be easy and full of blessing. However, when we look at Joseph, David, and even Jesus, we see that the fulfillment of the Father's plan takes commitment, faith, and patience. Yes, the path of God's will is glorious — eternally so! But if you are struggling today because what the Lord has shown you has not yet come to pass, fret not (Psalm 37:3–9). This time of pressure and waiting are part of the process of making you into the vessel worthy of carrying out all He has planned for you to accomplish (Ephesians 2:10).
Lord, the waiting and the challenges are so difficult, but I will trust in You because You always fulfill all Your promises. Amen.
My hope is in Jesus because He is making the dreams He has given me into reality.
January 10
Stop Shifting Blame
When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.
Psalm 32:3 NLT
It is human nature to deflect responsibility for the things we do wrong. We see it as early as the garden of Eden, when Adam said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate" (Genesis 3:12).
However, blaming someone else for our sins — though perhaps making us feel better temporarily — does nothing but damage our relationship with God and increase our woundedness. Our heavenly Father is calling out, "Stop doing this — it's destroying you." And we're hiding behind excuses: "They hurt me, so I'm justified in hurting myself." Do you see the problem?
God is calling you away from sin so you can experience the fullness of the life for which He created you. Not to shame you or make you feel worthless, but so you can enjoy His abundant purpose and peace. So stop hiding behind others and focus on Jesus.
Agree with what He says. He is pointing out your sins to liberate you from them. Cease looking for people to blame and start walking in His freedom.
Jesus, it's difficult to stop sinning. Please help me to confess, repent, and be free. Amen.
My hope is in Jesus because He addresses issues in my life for my good.
January 11
In a Moment
Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5
In just a moment, everything can change.
Joseph spent many seemingly interminable days in an Egyptian prison, during which it certainly must have appeared that the great dreams God had given him would never come to pass (Genesis 39–41). But then, in the twinkling of an eye, Joseph's circumstances were transformed radically.
Genesis 41:14 reports, "Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once, and he was quickly brought from the prison" (nlt, emphasis added). A few verses later we read that Pharaoh proclaimed, "You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take orders from you. Only I ... will have a rank higher than yours" (v. 40 nlt). Joseph went from prisoner to ruling the palace — just like that.
However your circumstances may appear, the one thing that's certain is that they will eventually change. So appreciate and cling to what's good while you have it and don't despair over the burdens and disappointments. God's help will come. And just like that, He will transform your situation in ways you could never imagine.
Jesus, help me to hold on until Your help comes. My life is in Your hands. Amen.
My hope is in Jesus because He can change everything in the twinkling of an eye.
January 12
Decide to Believe
"Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?"
John 11:40
There may be times when your struggles are so overwhelming that you'll pray, "Lord, I just can't do this anymore — not one more day, hour, second." It may be the emotional pain that has you devastated. Or perhaps the toll on your body is too much to handle. Or maybe you've just gone too long without a glimpse that God will make a way for you. If that's where you are today, I can honestly say I know how you feel.
However, I can also confirm that Jesus consistently used those times to stretch my faith — just as He is doing with yours now. And no matter how impossible the situation, He always came through for me. He will for you too. But if you want to make it through the next day, hour, or minute, you've got to get your focus on what He can do. You must decide in your heart you will trust Him. Because when you do, He will comfort you with a peace that transcends understanding.
Jesus, help me see You and love You more so I can trust You more deeply — even when things are at their worst. Amen.
My hope is in Jesus because He always comes through for me.
January 13
The More Important War
He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.
Proverbs 16:32
There are people who will irritate and even infuriate you every time you see them. When you lay eyes on them, the anger rises up and you find yourself tempted to tell them what you really think of their character and behavior — even if your opinion is based on secondhand information.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Jesus, Our Perfect Hope"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Charles F. Stanley.
Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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