The God of Hope

Devotional from HeartCall: The Call to Prayer, published 1999 by North American Mission Board, Jaye Martin compiler and contributor

June 19

Background Passage: Romans 15:13-33

Focal Verse: Romans 15:13

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Paul’s intention as reflected in these verses and throughout his letters in the New Testament is to always be ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ and His saving power.  His desire and ability to be obedient to this task is established in the God of hope who will fill him with all peace and joy.  As I read this scripture I find great encouragement in knowing that the same God of hope will fill me with peace and joy as I serve Him.  There have been times of anxiety to even pray specifically for a lost relative or friend fearing that God would tell me to speak a word of testimony.  As I spend time with the Lord He teaches me that I can possess peace and confidence when sharing my faith with others as I surrender these encounters to God, knowing that it is Christ working through me and the power of the Holy Spirit.  It is not my efforts which bring results.  Paul’s desire to give testimony to his faith in Jesus Christ flows out of the abundance of true joy he receives as a result of his daily walk with the Lord.  What an awesome God we serve!

Paul’s prayer for the Christians in Rome and mine for you is that you will be encouraged to pray for the lost and then under the direction and power of the Holy Spirit be willing to give testimony of the peace and joy you have through Jesus Christ.

Bridget Cavey

Catonsville, MD

For information on HeartCall, go to http://namb.net/heartcall

Simplifying Womanhood in a Complicated World

I have been told many times that I have the gift of simple. It is the gift of taking complicated things and making them simple, or uncomplicated. That is the whole plan with the W conference coming to Southern Seminary the weekend before Thanksgiving.

We at Southern Seminary are pretty pumped about it. Mary Kassian will be teaching her new book, Girls Gone Wise. Heather Payne, formerly with Point of Grace, will be leading us in worship, and we have some awesome breakout leaders and breakouts. All designed to help you simplify your life in this crazy, mixed-up world that we live in. Think of it as the conference for young women that will sort out what the Bible says and how to live it out as a woman in today's culture.

Check out all the info on the provided link. http://events.sbts.edu/wconference. We would love to have you come and bring your friends. Pray that God would do a mighty work before, during, and after this conference. We'd like to see the world changed...one woman at a time.

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise" (Ephesians 5:15, ESV).