I Have Hope

Scripture: 15 Here is my crime: I have a hope in God that there will be a resurrection of both the just and unjust, which my opponents also share. 16 Because of this hope, I always do my best to live with a clear conscience toward God and all people. 17 I have been away for several years, so recently I brought gifts for the poor of my nation and offered sacrifices. 18 When they found me, I was not disturbing anyone, nor was I gathering a crowd. No, I was quietly completing the rite of purification. Some Jews from Asia are the ones who started the disturbance — 19 and if they have an accusation, they should be here to make it. 20 If these men here have some crime they have found me guilty of when I stood before their council, they should present it. 21 Perhaps my crime is that I spoke this one sentence in my testimony before them: “I am on trial here today because I have hope that the dead are raised.” (Acts 24:15-21 The Voice) Simply stating once again that he had hope in the resurrection, got Paul in trouble. He spent so much time being beaten and imprisoned, but never gave up on the hope he had. Because of this hope, he could live his life with a clear conscience before the God he served. Should we ask ourselves on a daily basis even, where our hope is? My God, and my Father, my hope is You and You alone. Thank You that You have always been there for me. You have unfailing love for me. AMEN Lord, You are my rock; my loving ally and my fortress. You stand before me as a shield and I will take my refuge in You. Psalm 144
]]>