Set Your Hope on the Grace of Jesus

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. — 1 Peter 1:13

God commands us to keep our minds alert.

And to focus on His Word.

Our guide to living.

He calls us to set our hope on His grace through Jesus.

And the grace to be brought to us when Jesus is revealed at His coming.

Set our minds on Christ.

Apart From God There Is No Savior

I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed— I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God. — Isaiah 43:11-12 

God is our Lord, our sovereign Father.

His Son Jesus, is our Savior.

Apart from Him there is no Savior.

He has revealed Himself to us in creation and in His Word.

We are His witnesses, that He is God.

Each time we sing His praises, we're proclaiming that He is the Lord.

All Nations Will Worship

All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed. — Revelation 15:4  

God has brought us into this new year.

And we are thankful.

We worship him and give him praise for His goodness.

We bow down in thanksgiving.

Christ is with us.

Praise the Lord.

Simeon Blessed Them

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed."  — Luke 2:33-35 

Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to dedicate him.

Simeon was waiting there to see the promised Messiah.

When he saw Jesus, he blessed his family.

And he prophesied about Jesus that He will cause the falling and rising of many.

And Christ will be a sign that the world will speak against.

He will reveal the hearts of people everywhere.

We welcome Jesus into the world!

Set Your Hope on Jesus

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. — 1 Peter 1:13

This week, my friend Brad sent me a very thoughtful text, reminding me of my work anniversary with AnsMar Publishers.

It was ten years ago that he asked me to come to work for him.

Those years were a great experience getting to work on Math curriculum for grades K - 8.

I learned a lot and grew as an editor, manager, writer, marketer, and publisher.

When Brad retired, I moved on to Axos Bank, where I've been now for almost four years.

God has placed me just where He wants me to be.

I just pray that He will continue to use me to do His will.

Here's my former boss Karen and my coworker Jen reconnecting after a year apart.

I am blessed with wonderful friends.

Do What Is Right

Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. — Isaiah 56:1

Tonight we watched the final episode of WandaVision.

Abby and I went to Starbucks and ordered a WandaVision Frappuccino from their secret menu.

Fortunately, Abby brought the recipe so we could read it to the barista.

I asked them not to mix in the strawberry so it would show on the side of the cup.

They did a great job.

Kirk and I tried this one before I got the photo taken.

Then I managed to finish it off.

 

Simeon Blessed Them

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. — Luke 2:34-35

After Simeon saw the baby Jesus, he blessed His parents.

And he praised God for sending Jesus.

He went on to tell about how God would use Jesus to save the world.

We are grateful that Jesus has filled our hearts with His love.

And that He has sent His Holy Spirit to guide our lives.

And that He has blessed us with wonderful family members who pray for us.

Righteous and Devout

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. — Luke 2:25-26

Simeon believed the Lord.

He watched and waited for years to see Jesus.

He was righteous and devout.

I wish I could say the same.

He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.

The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would get to see the Lord's Messiah before he died.

Set Your Hope on God's Grace

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. — 1 Peter 1:13

Today I went to my exercise class at the YMCA.

They have cancelled our LiveStrong class until April.

I can still go work out and use the gym.

So now I'll go there just once a week and work out another day at the gym where I work.

Our church has also canceled our worship time on Sunday.

Instead, they will livestream a service with very few people there.

Therefore, with alert minds, we set our hope on the grace to be brought when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.