We humans, we’re just not good at waiting. It’s why we honk at slow drivers, tap our toes as we wait in line, and even shout our impatience at the train blocking the intersection. God, however, is consistently described as patient – slow to anger, and long-suffering. There’s no yelling coming down from heaven whenContinue reading “God of Hope: All-Powerful and Patient”
Tag Archives: Hope
God of Hope: Sovereign and Good
Years ago, I was part of a teaching team that led a Christian “basics” class. One particular session offered discussion prompts around the idea of God’s lordship, such as: “God runs a kingdom not a democracy.” “In a democracy, the leaders represent the people; in a kingdom, the people represent the king.” For many, thisContinue reading “God of Hope: Sovereign and Good”
God of Hope: Holy and Loving
When we give ourselves space to think about who God is, we can sometimes get caught up in a mental game of tug-of-war because we can’t quite discern if He is this or that. Is He full of wrath or slow to anger? Is He to be feared or trusted? Is He holy or loving? Continue reading “God of Hope: Holy and Loving”
God of Hope: Human and Divine
Welcome to Lent. In these next seven weeks leading up to Easter, we will intentionally slow our hearts and minds and bodies so that we can reflect on who God is – especially in the midst of the tensions that exist within us and around us. And, as we do, we will discern God’s wayContinue reading “God of Hope: Human and Divine”
Cultivate: Planting for Hope
How many times have you heard the adage, “You reap what you sow?” How many times have you seen it fulfilled? All the time – that’s why it’s proverbial. In my own life, if I sow much sugar into my body, I reap much pain and discomfort. If I sow a steady diet of socialContinue reading “Cultivate: Planting for Hope”
Cultivate: Hope’s Level Ground
I may not like gardening, but I delight in a beautifully landscaped yard. So, when we moved into our Oklahoma home, my husband and I actually took great pleasure in the hard work of filling flowerbeds, hoisting rocks into the just right positions, and throwing down that top layer of fresh mulch. But there wasContinue reading “Cultivate: Hope’s Level Ground”
Cultivate: Tilling for Hope
I don’t love cooking, but I do love eating a homemade meal. So I cook. In much the same way, I don’t love gardening, but I do love eating fresh, homegrown veggies. So I go to the farmer’s market. Ha! However, there were a couple of summers that my gardener husband had time and energyContinue reading “Cultivate: Tilling for Hope”
Cultivate: Plowing for Hope
One winter I had the inspired idea to plant tulip bulbs in the hard, red dirt of Oklahoma. I went into the project thinking I’d dig some holes, drop in some bulbs, and wait for spring. But what transpired was HARD WORK. My little spade proved quite inadequate, especially used by my scrawny-mom arms. IContinue reading “Cultivate: Plowing for Hope”
Hope Revival
Even people who don’t typically keep up with the NFL (National Football League) have more than likely heard about the recent collapse of Buffalo Bills player, Damar Hamlin. The night Damar’s heart stopped beating on the football field, everyone present and watching on TV stopped. Right where they were. With bated breath. Praying and hopingContinue reading “Hope Revival”
Hope Redeemed
Turn the news on, and we hear story after story that seemingly affirms what we’ve suspected: the world is out of control. Invasions, crime, political divides, corruption, and religious failures scream to our fears, “There’s no hope!” Add to this list our personal burdens–family conflict, financial strain, failing health–and it’s no wonder we’ve become theContinue reading “Hope Redeemed”
Shelley Johnson 