Today's Scripture:
Romans 5:1-5

Key Verses:
Romans 5:1-2

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

The Point:

A Thriving Heart is Hopeful - Anchored in God's Promises

Hope is not wishful thinking as many today would think! Biblical hope is a confident, patient, and certain expectation that God's promises are true, and His character guarantees us He will keep them. God's "seal" of certainty is grounded in the finished work of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Ghost! (Romans 15:13). Biblical hope anchors the soul even in times of trouble and difficulty. When our hearts are anchored in Him, hope remains steady, even when life feels uncertain. (Hebrews 6:18-19)

A hopeful heart doesn't ignore reality, but it looks beyond present troubles to the unshakable truth of God's Word. A hopeful heart clings to God's promises, even when the outcome is unseen. This hope produces strength for today and courage for tomorrow. Through the Holy Spirit, hope is not just sustained, it overflows. We can expect God to work all things together for good to them that love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) We can also expect there is purpose in the pain of our struggles when we realize He is conforming us to the image of his Son! (Romans 8:29)

Romans 15:13 "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."

Hebrews 6:18-19 "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:  Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;"

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:29 "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."

Study Today's Scripture (Romans 5:1-5) and answer these Reflection Questions:

1. Remember, you can be the vessel God can use today. Simply ask the Holy Spirit to show you if you are trying to live your life without confessing and repenting of sin.
2. Are you living in the sin of allowing selfish and carnal thinking to rule your life?
3. Are you allowing sin to keep you from focusing your affections on things above?
4. What promises of God am I holding on to right now?
5. Where do I need renewed hope?
6. Am I feeding my heart with God's promises?
7. Do I know someone who is suffering with doubt about God's promises or goodness?