Filling Our Cups With Hope
24.02.202512:33
"A lady was visited by her Pastor, while doing some embroidering. As she continued her work, she complained of her many trials and could not understand why there should be so many troubles in her life. The man of God asked to see her embroidery and upon examining it said, "My this is an ugly piece of work; it is nothing but a tangle of threads." Taking the work from his hands and turning it right side up, the lady said, "You're looking at it from the wrong side!" "So," pointed out the Pastor, "perhaps you are looking at your troubles from the wrong side; from your side, not seeing that God is working out a more wonderful pattern than you could ever imagine."
Your trial can be a messenger of love and life to you. Christ is never more needed nor more accessible than in life's darkest hour." ☕️
~ George E. Sadler~
~Excerpt from Shut-in But Not Shut Out~
Your trial can be a messenger of love and life to you. Christ is never more needed nor more accessible than in life's darkest hour." ☕️
~ George E. Sadler~
~Excerpt from Shut-in But Not Shut Out~
24.02.202511:30
👇👇👇
24.02.202511:21
23.02.202519:59
Think with me of two prodigal sons in the Bible – one unnamed, yet familiar, the other named Absalom.
These accounts had similar beginnings, but far different endings.
*Both sons went away from their fathers.
*Both sons had their own agendas and rebellious hearts.
*Both came to a point where they wanted to return to their fathers.
*Both returned and were received by their fathers with a kiss; yet, there the similarities end, because one returned with a heart of regret, the other with a heart of repentance.
*One returned saying, “…make me as one of thy hired servants..” (Lk. 15:19); the other returned and stole the hearts of his father’s servants (II Sam. 15:6).
The return of Absalom surely included some regrets for the consequences that sprang from his actions when he killed his brother and fled the country. He did not like the impact nor the implications of separation from his father, so he sought to come home and return to some semblance of normalcy, but we see by his future actions that his heart toward his father had not truly changed. He was not sorry for the sins that had caused the distance between them, only for the inconvenience that distance produced. His return was not motivated by any type of repentance, only by regret for the outcome his own actions had created.
The return of the other prodigal in Luke 15 is a much different story. We find him coming to the end of his own resources, to the emptiness his own choices had created, and there is no doubt that he had regret, but his regret moved him to repentance.
He came to see himself and his own actions in a different light.
*His return was not only motivated by a desire to improve his own condition, but by a desire to take responsibility for his own decisions.
*He not only wanted food from his father’s table but a restoration of a relationship with his father, even if that relationship was in a different context.
*He realized he would rather be a servant near his father than a son far away.
There is a difference in regret and repentance. All of us at some time have regret for the consequences of our sin. It is painful to us. It creates separation from our heavenly Father. But are we truly repentant?
Do we see ourselves as a victim of circumstances, or do we acknowledge responsibility for our own actions?
Would we go back and do the same, or worse, if we thought we could change the outcome (as Absalom sought to do), or are we willing to forsake our sin and change in our heart and our actions toward our Father?
Regret alone will never truly change us. It will never bring restoration and peace, but repentance will.
Regret continually looks backward, but repentance allows you to move forward.
Perhaps the difference between the two can be summarized in this poem:
Regret says, “Lord, please change the bitter taste of my sin’s fruits.”
Repentance says, “Lord, please change me, dig up sin’s bitter roots.”
Regret says, “Lord, I don’t deserve to reap what I have sown.”
Repentance says, “I don’t deserve one mercy You have shown.”
Regret says, “It’s not all my fault, this trouble I am in.”
Repentance says, “Against Thee and Thee only have I sinned.”
Regret says, “I’m sure hungry, And these swine eat more than I.”
Repentance says, “I’ve been a fool, but I don’t have to die.”
Regret says, “I have nothing left, no money and no friends.”
Repentance says, “I’ll go and tell my Father I have sinned.”
Sin will lead you far astray, and no matter where you roam,
Regret laments the journey’s end, but repentance brings you home.☕️
© Copyright 2015 Niki Lott.
~Shared with permission~
Christian Compositions
These accounts had similar beginnings, but far different endings.
*Both sons went away from their fathers.
*Both sons had their own agendas and rebellious hearts.
*Both came to a point where they wanted to return to their fathers.
*Both returned and were received by their fathers with a kiss; yet, there the similarities end, because one returned with a heart of regret, the other with a heart of repentance.
*One returned saying, “…make me as one of thy hired servants..” (Lk. 15:19); the other returned and stole the hearts of his father’s servants (II Sam. 15:6).
The return of Absalom surely included some regrets for the consequences that sprang from his actions when he killed his brother and fled the country. He did not like the impact nor the implications of separation from his father, so he sought to come home and return to some semblance of normalcy, but we see by his future actions that his heart toward his father had not truly changed. He was not sorry for the sins that had caused the distance between them, only for the inconvenience that distance produced. His return was not motivated by any type of repentance, only by regret for the outcome his own actions had created.
The return of the other prodigal in Luke 15 is a much different story. We find him coming to the end of his own resources, to the emptiness his own choices had created, and there is no doubt that he had regret, but his regret moved him to repentance.
He came to see himself and his own actions in a different light.
*His return was not only motivated by a desire to improve his own condition, but by a desire to take responsibility for his own decisions.
*He not only wanted food from his father’s table but a restoration of a relationship with his father, even if that relationship was in a different context.
*He realized he would rather be a servant near his father than a son far away.
There is a difference in regret and repentance. All of us at some time have regret for the consequences of our sin. It is painful to us. It creates separation from our heavenly Father. But are we truly repentant?
Do we see ourselves as a victim of circumstances, or do we acknowledge responsibility for our own actions?
Would we go back and do the same, or worse, if we thought we could change the outcome (as Absalom sought to do), or are we willing to forsake our sin and change in our heart and our actions toward our Father?
Regret alone will never truly change us. It will never bring restoration and peace, but repentance will.
Regret continually looks backward, but repentance allows you to move forward.
Perhaps the difference between the two can be summarized in this poem:
Regret says, “Lord, please change the bitter taste of my sin’s fruits.”
Repentance says, “Lord, please change me, dig up sin’s bitter roots.”
Regret says, “Lord, I don’t deserve to reap what I have sown.”
Repentance says, “I don’t deserve one mercy You have shown.”
Regret says, “It’s not all my fault, this trouble I am in.”
Repentance says, “Against Thee and Thee only have I sinned.”
Regret says, “I’m sure hungry, And these swine eat more than I.”
Repentance says, “I’ve been a fool, but I don’t have to die.”
Regret says, “I have nothing left, no money and no friends.”
Repentance says, “I’ll go and tell my Father I have sinned.”
Sin will lead you far astray, and no matter where you roam,
Regret laments the journey’s end, but repentance brings you home.☕️
© Copyright 2015 Niki Lott.
~Shared with permission~
Christian Compositions
20.02.202523:16
There is a greater possession than money, and it is a godly life that fears the Lord and builds a loving home. Through wisdom, you build a happy home rather than a rich one by the world’s standards.
~Bible Study Tools~
Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.☕️
Proverbs 24:3-4
~Bible Study Tools~
Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.☕️
Proverbs 24:3-4
24.02.202513:22
24.02.202511:43
Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
Psalm 71:8
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:30
O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth
Psalm 25:1
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Hebrews 13:15
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name
Psalm 103:1
To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. ☕️
Jude 1:25
Psalm 71:8
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 69:30
O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth
Psalm 25:1
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Hebrews 13:15
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name
Psalm 103:1
To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. ☕️
Jude 1:25
24.02.202511:28
It matters who we surround ourselves with. ☕️
24.02.202511:20
It's never easy waiting on the Lord. As you wait, He begins transforming you, without you ever even realizing it. ☕
23.02.202519:57
👇👇👇
24.02.202513:02
Following Jesus requires total surrender. True followers are all in. You cannot be superficial.
Do not fail to see people.
Do not get sidetracked by theological debate. We are here to be witnesses.
Do not get distracted from the work. Stand boldly for Jesus.
Do not hesitate to share your testimony.
Do not be surprised when there is retaliation. Humbly and greatly worship Jesus. Stand amazed at His grace. ☕️
~J.S~
Do not fail to see people.
Do not get sidetracked by theological debate. We are here to be witnesses.
Do not get distracted from the work. Stand boldly for Jesus.
Do not hesitate to share your testimony.
Do not be surprised when there is retaliation. Humbly and greatly worship Jesus. Stand amazed at His grace. ☕️
~J.S~
24.02.202511:34
Love First…Love Always: Love as Jesus Loved
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." — John 13:34
Jesus didn’t just tell us to love—He showed us how. He loved with humility, washing the feet of His disciples. He loved with compassion, embracing the outcast. He loved with sacrifice, giving His very life for us.
This is the love we are called to—a love that serves, forgives, and gives without condition. A love that crosses boundaries, breaks down walls, and reaches beyond what is easy or convenient.
Loving like Jesus isn’t always comfortable, but it is always transformative. How can you love someone today in a way that reflects Christ’s love? A word of grace, an act of kindness, a step toward reconciliation—it all matters.
Let’s love one another, not just in word, but in the WAY Jesus loved us. ☕️
~Rev B~
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." — John 13:34
Jesus didn’t just tell us to love—He showed us how. He loved with humility, washing the feet of His disciples. He loved with compassion, embracing the outcast. He loved with sacrifice, giving His very life for us.
This is the love we are called to—a love that serves, forgives, and gives without condition. A love that crosses boundaries, breaks down walls, and reaches beyond what is easy or convenient.
Loving like Jesus isn’t always comfortable, but it is always transformative. How can you love someone today in a way that reflects Christ’s love? A word of grace, an act of kindness, a step toward reconciliation—it all matters.
Let’s love one another, not just in word, but in the WAY Jesus loved us. ☕️
~Rev B~
24.02.202511:25
23.02.202522:04
Hope does not disappoint" A true and well-placed hope,
will never leave you feeling let down or frustrated because it is founded on a solid foundation that will ultimately be fulfilled, even in the face of challenges or setbacks; it is a steadfast belief that good things will come to pass.
will never leave you feeling let down or frustrated because it is founded on a solid foundation that will ultimately be fulfilled, even in the face of challenges or setbacks; it is a steadfast belief that good things will come to pass.
23.02.202519:50
TWO TRUTHS ABOUT US
#1 On our worst day we are not beyond the grace of God.
#2 On our best day, we are not beyond the need for the grace of God.
Years ago, I learned something the Quakers do - a posture to help frame prayers. I call it “Palms Down, Palms Up”. It is just like it sounds. You literally pray with your hands Down and your hands Up.
Begin with hands down symbolizing letting go of things: stress, worry, jealousy, fear, a relationship, anger, an agenda, sin. Next, turn your hands over and thus Up saying: I am ready to receive - grace, help, comfort, strength and our daily bread. Give space and time for God to restore your soul.
PALMS DOWN…Empty your heavy backpack. PALMS UP … Be the recipient of HIS GRACE.
P.S. Make sure you don’t pick the stuff up when finished
~Michael William Sprague
#1 On our worst day we are not beyond the grace of God.
#2 On our best day, we are not beyond the need for the grace of God.
Years ago, I learned something the Quakers do - a posture to help frame prayers. I call it “Palms Down, Palms Up”. It is just like it sounds. You literally pray with your hands Down and your hands Up.
Begin with hands down symbolizing letting go of things: stress, worry, jealousy, fear, a relationship, anger, an agenda, sin. Next, turn your hands over and thus Up saying: I am ready to receive - grace, help, comfort, strength and our daily bread. Give space and time for God to restore your soul.
PALMS DOWN…Empty your heavy backpack. PALMS UP … Be the recipient of HIS GRACE.
P.S. Make sure you don’t pick the stuff up when finished
~Michael William Sprague
24.02.202512:45
God never asks us to do anything that is insignificant or unimportant. There's always a purpose for it. It is always for our good.☕️
~Charles Stanley~
~Charles Stanley~
24.02.202511:31
Forgiving someone who has hurt us
is one of the hardest things
God requires us to do.
And yet,
He forgave me.
And He forgave you.
When I stop and think
about God's mercy and grace -
forgiveness so undeserved,
but so lavishly given to me -
it helps me
extend it
to others.
Not always without struggle.
Not always without many tears and much anger.
Not always as soon as I should.
Not always as completely as I should.
Sometimes it is
me on bent knees
praying honestly
and begrudgingly -
"But Lord, they . . ."
to which I always
hear God's gentle reply:
"I know, My Child.
Forgive them anyway."
Our Father knows
just how very hard
forgiveness is.
He knows first hand
the cost of forgiveness.
He understands
the wrong done to us,
the pain inflicted,
the wound left behind.
And He wants to bring healing.
This is what forgiveness does.
It doesn't excuse the wrong.
It doesn't pretend nothing happened.
Forgiveness acknowledges the hurt
and then,
by the grace of God
(how could you without it?)
chooses to extend grace.
As forgiveness floods over us,
it washes away
bitterness and anger.
Maybe not all at once,
but definitely over time.
Sometimes
(just being honest)
you have to choose
to forgive
over and over again.
But given enough time
and given enough grace
even the deepest wounds
can be healed.
"But Lord, they . . ."
"I know, My Child.
Forgive them anyway."
He did it for us.
With His Spirit
at work in us
and through us,
we can do it, too.☕️
~Stacy L. Sanchez~
is one of the hardest things
God requires us to do.
And yet,
He forgave me.
And He forgave you.
When I stop and think
about God's mercy and grace -
forgiveness so undeserved,
but so lavishly given to me -
it helps me
extend it
to others.
Not always without struggle.
Not always without many tears and much anger.
Not always as soon as I should.
Not always as completely as I should.
Sometimes it is
me on bent knees
praying honestly
and begrudgingly -
"But Lord, they . . ."
to which I always
hear God's gentle reply:
"I know, My Child.
Forgive them anyway."
Our Father knows
just how very hard
forgiveness is.
He knows first hand
the cost of forgiveness.
He understands
the wrong done to us,
the pain inflicted,
the wound left behind.
And He wants to bring healing.
This is what forgiveness does.
It doesn't excuse the wrong.
It doesn't pretend nothing happened.
Forgiveness acknowledges the hurt
and then,
by the grace of God
(how could you without it?)
chooses to extend grace.
As forgiveness floods over us,
it washes away
bitterness and anger.
Maybe not all at once,
but definitely over time.
Sometimes
(just being honest)
you have to choose
to forgive
over and over again.
But given enough time
and given enough grace
even the deepest wounds
can be healed.
"But Lord, they . . ."
"I know, My Child.
Forgive them anyway."
He did it for us.
With His Spirit
at work in us
and through us,
we can do it, too.☕️
~Stacy L. Sanchez~
24.02.202511:22
23.02.202522:02
21.02.202521:26
If ever human Iove was tender, and self sacrificing, and devoted; if ever it could bear and forbear; if ever it could suffer gladly itself out in a lavish abandonment for the comfort or pleasure of its objects; then infinitely more is Divine love tender, and self-sacrificing, and devoted, and glad to bear and forbear, and to suffer, and to lavish its best of gifts and blessings upon the objects of its love. Put together all the tenderness love you know of, the deepest you have ever felt, and the strongest that has ever been poured out upon you, and heap upon it all the love of all the loving human hearts in the world, and then multiply it by infinity, and you will begin, perhaps, to have some faint glimpse of what the love of God is. ☕️
~H.W. Smith~
~H.W. Smith~
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