Dear friends,
     "It can't be done."
     "We've tried that before."
     "I don't think so-and-so will like that."
     "Been there, done that, not gonna work."
     Have you ever heard these words?  Have you ever SAID these words?  Where were you when you heard (or said) them?
     Words like these are often spoken around the kitchen table, with the checkbook open as a family talks about their financial situation.  Maybe you're a part of an organization that has limited resources and limited people-power and heard them these.  Maybe you've heard these words when the "reality" of your situation is mentioned.  Or maybe on TV, from a sports announcer or "news" outlet.
     Maybe you said these words about a health condition or handicapping ailment.  Maybe you heard these words at work when a new idea is brought out.  Or - HEAVEN FORBID - you heard these words in church!
     You see, we HAVE hope.  And hope is kept alive by remaining steadfast in our faith and conviction.  Philippians 4:1 tells us, "Stand firm in the Lord."  Even when it looks like it's not going to work out... even when it seems no one will agree with you... even when it appears that you're the only one who can see the ray of sunshine peeking through the gloom, stand firm.  Don't give in to the pessimism or apathy around you.
     Pessimism is like an unsatisfied hunger.  Once you give in, it just leads to more and more negativity.  HOPE is the opposite.  It allows us to grasp the reality of our present situation and, at the same time, to be able to see God's long-range purpose.  It allows us to live in the "here and now" as well as the "there and then."  Hope takes away the stress of the immediate situation and stresses that God is truly in control.
     To remove that hope from any situation - yes, ANY situation 0 is to disallow God's grace to guide us through that situation.  to dash someone else's hope isn't just hurting their feelings, it's really asking God to step out of the situation.  Without hope, we can't expect God's action.
     As Christians, we live in hope!  Hope should motivate us in everything we do.  You see, I've learned that there are NO hopeless situations in life - only people who have grown hopeless about them.
     What are you facing in life?  at work?  at Lincoln Chapel?  Are you hopeful?  if not, change your outlook.  Look at the situation from a different point of view.  Allow God's Spirit to guide you in your thinking and acting.  Don't set boundaries on what God can do in the situation.  Remember, people who live in hope are those who see invisible bridges at the end of the dead-end streets!
     Marcia and I wish you a blessed summer,  
     Pastor Jon