by Jamie Pantastico | Mar 9, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
In the life of a believer, Jesus stands as the unshakable anchor of our greatest hope. The apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, articulates this profound truth across his letters.
Romans 5:2 reminds us that through faith, we stand in grace, rejoicing in the hope of God’s glory. Our hope is not in fleeting circumstances but in the eternal glory that awaits us.
1 Corinthians 15:19 challenges us to seriously reflect on the significance of our hope. If it were confined to this earthly existence alone, our hope in Christ would be pitiable. Yet, Paul magnifies our hope beyond the temporal, fixing our gaze on the eternal promises found in Jesus.
Colossians 1:27 unveils a mystery—the hope of glory resides within us, and that hope is Christ Himself. It’s a transformative hope that shapes our identity and purpose.
In 1 Timothy 1:1, Paul establishes the authority of his apostleship by emphasizing that it is “by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ” that he writes. Our hope is anchored in God’s grace and the redemptive work of Jesus.
The crescendo of our hope is beautifully articulated in Titus 2:13. We are urged to look with anticipation for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our supreme hope transcends circumstances and earthly matters. Our hope is firmly anchored in Jesus Christ, His redemptive work, and the promise of His glorious return. As believers, let us steadfastly cling to this hope, finding assurance in the unwavering faithfulness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Scriptures:
Romans 5:2: “through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 15:19: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.”
Colossians 1:27: “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
1 Timothy 1:1: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope.”
Titus 2:13: “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
by Jamie Pantastico | Mar 7, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
In a world filled unprecedented hatred for the Jewish people and the nation of Israel, there stands an unwavering truth: the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is not finished with His chosen people. The book of Jeremiah verses 32:37-43 declare that Israel, despite its present state of unbelief, remains the “apple of His eye” and an integral part of God’s eternal plan.
The world, and most of Christendom for that matter, may turn their backs on Israel (or not even recognize Israel and God’s chosen people “replacement theology”), but let this serve as a clear warning: those who oppose God’s covenant people tread on perilous ground. The promise of Genesis 12:3 holds true today—those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will find themselves in the annals of forgotten history.
In Psalm 89:24-37, the unbreakable covenant with David echoes through the ages, proclaiming that God’s promises are not contingent on the present circumstances of His people. Even when Israel falters in unbelief, the Almighty remains steadfast in His commitment.
To the world chanting slogans of upheaval, like “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” beware: the force (Jesus Christ) that holds the universe in its hands stands guard over His chosen people. No cry for the demise of Israel, no matter how loud, can alter the course set by the Creator of all things. The warning is clear—those who defy the divine order and seek the downfall of God’s chosen people, the Jewish people, risk being crushed by a force mightier than any in the universe.
Let Psalm 89:24-37 and Jeremiah 32:37-43 serve as a resolute reminder: God’s promises endure, and the destiny of His chosen people, the Jews, remains under the sovereign protection of the Almighty.
Scripture References:
Jeremiah 32:37-43
Genesis 12:3
Psalm 89:24-37
Jeremiah 32:37-43
“Behold, I will gather them out of all countries where I have driven them in My anger, in My fury, and in great wrath; I will bring them back to this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely. They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me. Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this land, with all My heart and with all My soul.”
Genesis 12:3
“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Psalm 89:24-37
“But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him, and in My name, his horn shall be exalted. Also, I will set his hand over the sea, and his right hand over the rivers. He shall cry to Me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.’ Also, I will make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. My mercy, I will keep for him forever, and My covenant shall stand firm with him. His seed also, I will make to endure forever, and his throne as the days of heaven.”
by Jamie Pantastico | Mar 5, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
As we eagerly await the Rapture, our blessed hope, let’s take heed to what the apostle Paul writes on how we as members of the Body of Christ, should represent Him as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). Our daily walk should reflect the godly guidelines and Christlike behavior outlined in Scripture; below is a list of a few.
‘Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ‘
II Corinthians 5:20
- Galatians 5:22-26 (NKJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV): “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:8-11 (NKJV): “Therefore, he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:20 (NKJV): “For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults.”
- 1 Timothy 5:13 (NKJV): “And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.”
- Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV): “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV): “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Let’s walk in love through our words and deeds, embodying the virtues that reflect our identity as ambassadors of Christ.
by Jamie Pantastico | Mar 3, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
Beloved in Christ, never allow the criticisms, scoffing, or animosity of the unsaved steal your joy found in Christ. In John 15:18-19, Jesus warned us, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
Expect opposition, for living a godly life, though imperfect, often draws hostility. Just the mention of Jesus Christ in a conversation with your unbelieving friends or family can go nuclear. Even those closest to you may turn away. Philippians 1:29 make clear “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” And being scoffed at, and hated by family and friends is no doubt suffering.
The apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 3:12, reinforces this truth, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
Remember, 1 Peter 4:12-13 reminds us, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
Stand firm, for your joy is rooted in Christ, and the animosity of the world cannot extinguish the light within you. Keep shining, knowing that your ultimate reward is in Him.
by Jamie Pantastico | Mar 3, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
Beloved, in the midst of the darkest times in our lives—be it the pain of physical ailments, the heartache of losing a loved one, the weight of past mistakes, or any seemingly insurmountable circumstance—let us fix our eyes on Jesus Christ and His eternal promises. Romans 8:18 reminds us, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
I understand that as you read this, you might not feel immediately encouraged, especially when you’re in the midst of a trial like the recent loss of a loved one, enduring significant physical pain, or grappling with the mental anguish of past mistakes. The future, no matter what we read or hear, may not seem to provide hope during these challenging moments. The thoughts of a future heaven, as glorious as it promises to be, may not factor into the current struggles. However, this is where our faith becomes crucial. We must trust God, taking Him at His word, and have faith that He will comfort us because He has promised to do so. We rely on His assurance and commit to trusting in His comforting presence despite the difficulties we face in the here and now. For us, as believers eternity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is our greatest hope.
No matter the depth of our current challenges, they pale in comparison to the glory awaiting us. As we navigate through the shadows of hardship, let our hearts be anchored in the assurance that a surpassing glory is promised for those who believe the gospel.
1 Corinthians 2:9 echoes this truth, “But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'”
The unimaginable blessings God has in store for His children surpass our comprehension. Even as we my be living our day to day lives in a constant struggle let’s walk in faith, let us anticipate with joy the unveiling of the glorious future He has prepared for us.
Beloved, press on with unwavering hope, for the sufferings of today cannot diminish the eternal glory awaiting you. Fix your eyes on the promises of God, study His word, and let the anticipation of His incomprehensible blessings fill your heart with enduring joy. Amen.