You Are Included – Hope #3

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
You Are Included - Hope #3
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As I write “You Are Included,” I remember a special event several years ago.

I was finishing a book manuscript in a bed and breakfast when I met a lovely couple staying in the next room. In the dining area, they invited me to join them at their table. I learned they were on their honeymoon through a previous, introductory conversation. So, I declined. Still, I felt special to be invited.

The next day, they invited me again! I told them my reservation – “You’re on your honeymoon, and I don’t want to barge in!” They reassured they wanted to visit with me. Suddenly, I had courage to say, “yes.” Subsequently, I found myself delightfully included at their table.

This is #3 in a series on hope. It’s been encouraging exploring hope for two articles. Check them out. (See below.)

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Pinhole Of Hope #2 – Scripture Dissection

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Alive and Active Life
Pinhole Of Hope #2 - Scripture Dissection
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Hope is so important, don’t you agree? Sometimes it seems hope just . . . disappears! Or – you can barely it see through a pinhole of hope. Regardless, just like –

  • Life-saving fluids enter your body through a “pinhole” of an IV needle.
  • The “pinhole” of a telescope, microscope, camera, or binoculars provides a refined, clearer view –

 

– so the “pinhole” of hope gives you a more realistic view of life. This is critical – especially during difficult seasons.

This is #2 in a series on hope. I’m excited about this series. I hope you will be, too.

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A Message Of Hope – #1

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Alive and Active Life
A Message Of Hope - #1
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To be without hope is discouraging – even exhausting. Equally, a message of hope is such welcome news. Perhaps you need that right now.

This is #1 in a series on hope. So, stay tuned!

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Well-Thought, Well-Spoken, Well-Lived

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Well-Thought, Well-Spoken, Well-Lived
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I’m thinking of a specific person. Actually, a remarkable person. As I got to know and interact with them, I realized they are the perfect example of what we discuss today – well-thought, well-spoken, well-lived. Over time, I came to deeply respect this person because they represent a very well-lived life!

Who comes to your mind as you consider today’s content?

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Covered By God’s Love

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Alive and Active Life
Covered By God's Love
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OK! Think WINTER! Freezing cold. You feel exposed – at risk. Plus – you’re shivering! Next thing you know, someone offers you a soft, comfortable, big blanket. Plus, it’s an electric blanket, already plugged in – cozy and warm. This word picture shows what it’s like to be covered by God’s love. Particularly in the cold of the world where you are sometimes exposed and at risk.

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The White City And Your Life

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Alive and Active Life
The White City And Your Life
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Question for you. What does the White City and your life have in common? Of course, you’ll remember the White City is straight out of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. Interestingly, between the White City and another city, Osgiliath, there’s a lot in common with your life. Let’s look.

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Hope And Hard Work – Scripture Dissection

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Alive and Active Life
Hope And Hard Work - Scripture Dissection
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Do you remember Aragorn’s famous quote in The Lord Of The Rings? “There is always hope!” Then there’s another quote by the great soccer player, Pele. “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice – and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” Hope and hard work are guideposts that keep you on a good path.

The first quote provides a picture of avoiding despair – when there is still hope. The second is a realistic picture of what hard work looks like.

Now – let’s tear into hope and hard work.

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Discouragement Or Depression

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Discouragement Or Depression
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Last article, we explored how to respond When Life Gets Hard. Here’s the thing. Sometimes, life stays hard for a long period of time. Despite your best efforts, practicing great action steps, and staying close to the Lord – you can still end up in a place of discouragement or depression. So, how do you cope? What can you do to manage these conditions?

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When Life Gets Hard

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Alive and Active Life
When Life Gets Hard
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I remember a time when I made a plunge I didn’t intend to. Nor did I want to. Matter of fact, it surprised me when I realized where I ended up. Interestingly, I found myself in the very place a guy in Scripture landed. When life gets hard, it can knock the wind out of you. Also, you feel exhausted. Things pile up over your history. Then, you can plunge – and slip from the comfortable place you normally enjoy.

When life gets hard, it’s critical to pro-actively do certain things to re-enter a comfortable, healthy place. Incidentally, that’s what God wants for you. So, let’s look at some helpful action points.

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Secrets About Your Life In Christ – Scripture Dissection

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Alive and Active Life
Secrets About Your Life In Christ - Scripture Dissection
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You know what it’s like when you’re about to tell someone a secret. Or when they want to tell you a secret. You “lean into” the other person with eager expectation. Even excitement. There are many kinds of secrets to share with a friend in life. And the best ones are secrets about your life in Christ.

So – let’s tear into it!

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