Our Hope in Jesus


Today’s Verse:
Romans 5:5
NIV

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.


Having hope is a wonderful feeling. No matter what you have “hope” in, that feeling of optimism that overtakes you is comforting. However, sometimes our hope in things in this world can bring disappointment. Take, for instance, the fans of the New Your Jets football team. At the start of the season, their hope in their team was off the charts. They talked about winning their division and making it to the Super Bowl. Instead, on this Tuesday, Jets’ fans are pondering what went wrong as they prepare to watch the playoffs next weekend without their beloved team playing.

Yet in Romans 5:5, Paul assures us that the hope we have in Christ will never put us to shame. Why? Because it is grounded not in ourselves or our circumstances, but in the steadfast love of God. His love is not distant; it is right here with us now as we live in God’s grace.

This is the kind of love Martin Luther often wrote about—a love that comes to us freely, as a gift of God’s grace. It doesn’t depend on our worthiness or effort, but flows unceasingly because of who God is. When the Holy Spirit pours this love into us, it transforms our hearts, enabling us to endure trials, forgive others, and live in joyful service.

As you meditate on this verse, ask yourself: Are there areas in your life where you’ve been hesitant to hope? Bring them to the Lord, trusting that His love will not fail you. Let the Spirit renew your hope today, knowing that in Christ, our future is secure, and our present is filled with His abiding love.

Prayers

A Prayer for Today:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope that does not disappoint. Fill my heart anew with the love of Christ through Your Holy Spirit. Help me to live each day in the confidence of Your grace, sharing Your love with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Luther’s Morning Prayer:

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.


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A Song for Today


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Seeking Hope and Joy in God

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What Are Your Treasures You Can Offer to Jesus?