Whiting - 365 Devotions for Hope

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365 Devotions for Hope

Copyright 2015 by Zondervan

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Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

ePub Edition January 2016: ISBN 978-0-3103-5644-8

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version). Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the the King James Version. Public domain.

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Contents

N orman Vincent Peale was not always an optimist, but he always had hope. He practiced hope, looking for it in each situation he encountered, offering it to others along the way, and seeking it to provide a permanently happy spirit.

We can do that too. We can practice hope no matter what our circumstances are and no matter what life is like for us at this very moment. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith gives us confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.

You have every reason for hope, every reason to have a happy spirit. As you read through the pages of this book, may you be reminded of the ways that having a hopeful heart strengthens and renews you. May you see new possibilities for each area of your life and continue to walk in faith.

With the rising of each morning sun, may your spirits be lifted high, carried along on the wings of hope.

In hope and joy,
Karen Moore

He who is not everyday conquering some
fear has not learned the secret of life.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

John 10:9 ESV

T oday marks the beginning of a new year. It is an open door to many possibilities. An open door looks inviting and beckons you to walk through and discover what is inside. You hope that when you open the door, what you find will be bigger and better than anything you could have imagined. You hope that what you find will not confine you like a closet.

Jesus said, I am the door (John 10:9 ESV). Jesus is the door through which all must enter to receive eternal life, and for those who enter, He becomes so much more. Just imagine that you are standing on a threshold with Jesus, looking at the world and all of its possibilities. These possibilities are bigger than life. More amazingly, Jesus is with you to protect you through the storms of life. Though a storm may come, it cannot break apart your dreams. Jesus promised to keep you safe. With Him all things are possible. With Jesus there is hope for today and tomorrow. He is the door by which you should enter if you want an extraordinary, secure, and hope-filled year.

Lord God, thank You for Jesus. He is the door to my dreams and my life. He is my hope for today and tomorrow. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me.

Psalm 138:8 ESV

G od created the world. He made the mighty sun that warms the earth and the powerful oceans, including all the creatures that inhabit the oceans, both small and great. Everything that God has made has a purpose. Take the seashells for example. Have you ever strolled along a beach looking for seashells? You catch a glimmer of a seashells color in the sparkling grains of sand and stoop to pick it up. Seashells come in many shapes and colors: some are brown; some are tan; some are white, and all have distinctive patterns. Each beautifully designed shell once served as a home for a little sea creature. Though the sea creature has moved on, the empty shell, having fulfilled its purpose, is left behind. It is a small reminder of God as Creator and His purpose fulfilled.

Sometimes we get caught up in the busyness of lifejobs, bills, relationships, and family. These can become distractions that take our eyes away from God, who created each of us for a purpose, just as He created the tiny seashells. Everything God has made has a purpose, which He will fulfill in His time. Rest in this amazing truth, and allow it to give you hope.

Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me for a purpose. I will rest in the hope that You will fulfill my purpose in Your time. Amen.

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.

Genesis 50:20 ESV

T he book of Genesis reveals that God gave Joseph dreams and a vision to do great things. Joseph knew that God had a plan for him. However, being sold into slavery by his brothers did not seem to fit the plan. Joseph came to realize that the plans of his brothers were for harm. But although it was meant for harm, God turned everything around for Josephs good. God knew ahead of time what would happen, and He had already devised a plan to make Joseph a ruler in Egypt.

Are you stressed because your life seems out of sorts? Are you currently in the midst of a hopeless situation? Remember that God always has a plan, even when the unexpected happens or when things go wrong. God took care of Joseph when his brothers wanted to get rid of him. He used their actions to fulfill a plan that He had ordained. Their actions became tools in His hands to fulfill His purpose for Joseph. If God did that for Joseph, He will certainly do the same for you. He ordered your steps a long time ago and will keep you in His plan, even when others intend to harm you or when circumstances become difficult. Joseph never lost hope, nor should you. Remain faithful to God, and determine to pursue His will. Remember that God is in control.

Dear God, thank You that You know all about me and can use any situation for good. Amen.

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16:3

T heres a story from China about people who strive to make long-term plans that will last for six hundred years. The reason for this is that they want their dreams to go beyond the first person who makes the initial plan. They want to build a legacy and a lasting future.

The Israelites suffered greatly at the hands of their enemies. They were defeated in battle and were carried away to live in another country where they remained for more than seventy years. But while they were in exile, God gave the prophet Jeremiah a prophecy of hope. He told the people that God had good plans for their future. God wanted the Israelites to know that His plans for them were not just for one day. He planned to build for them a legacy and a lasting future.