ENDURANCE, ENCOURAGEMENT AND HOPE

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Romans 15:4-6 NIV)

Hope is willing to leave unanswered questions unanswered and unknown futures unknown. Hope makes you see God’s guiding hand not only in the gentle and pleasant moments but also in the shadows of disappointment and darkness. 

-- Henri J. M. Nouwen

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PRAYER AND DEVOTION

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”  (Colossians 4:2 NLT)

Prayer is the creator as well as the channel of devotion. The spirit of devotion is the spirit of prayer.  Prayer and devotion are united as soul and body are united, as life and the heart are united.  There is no real prayer without devotion, no devotion without prayer. 

-- E. M. Bounds in “Power through Prayer”

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