Date: 10-4-2009

Message: The Hope Choice

Series Title: LHC (Part 2)

The Hope Choice: Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to him, that He has the power to help me to change.

Matthew 5:4 (NIV) “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

The human path to comfort is ESCAPE

The ultimate path to comfort is to . . .

1. See who GOD REALLY IS.

Romans 8:34 (TLB) Who then will condemn us? Will Christ? No! For he is the one who died for us and came back to life again for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us there in heaven.

Psalms 86:15 (NIV) But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Psalms 23:4 (NCV) Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and your walking stick comfort me.

2. See who I REALLY AM.

Romans 3:23 (NLT) For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard.

Luke 12:2 (NASB77) "But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

Jeremiah 31:3 (GW) “I love you with an everlasting love. So I will continue to show you my kindness.”

Psalms 119:76 (NIV) May Your unfailing love be my comfort.

Romans 3:24 (NLT) Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins.

3. See how GOD CAN CHANGE ME

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT) ²⁸ Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. ²⁹ He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. ³⁰ Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. ³¹ But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Philippians 2:13 (Phillips NT) For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve His purpose.

READ CHAPTER

2

Pay particular attention to the stories from Mary and Tim at the end of the chapter.

Daily Doses:

For those with extremely busy schedules: Take just a minute a day to start out with a Word from the Lord. Read it! Listen Again! Write down how it applies to you. Finally pray about it.

qMon. Mat. 5:4	qWed. Rom. 3:23	qFri. Jer.31:3
qTue. Rom. 8:34	qThr. Luke 12:2	qSat. Philp 2:13

Through the Bible in One Year "Parson Larsen's Quiet Time Notebook" or “Through the Bible In 1 Year” brochure study guides are available in the lobby of the church. This free resource should help you to develop a Bible reading plan that will certainly bless your week.