The power of HOPE

What does God say about Hope?

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. 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."

 -Romans 5:1-5

I have a question I want you to really think about... Why does Hope not disappoint us? We've all heard of the word, and I'm sure we have all told someone or have been told to "have hope". But the Romans Bible verse makes a pretty strong statement. "Hope does not put us to shame, hope does not disappoint us, hope maketh not ashamed, hope never makes us ashamed" Whichever translation in the Bible you may read, Hope is sufficient. 

Think of something hard you're going through right now. Think of how the world goes about telling you how to solve this problem, now think how God calls you to have hope in Him. What does that look like? What does that feel like? For me it is a huge challenge. When something is not going as planned, or I am feeling down about a situation, having hope isn't my first thought in recovery. But according to Romans, God puts us through tough situations that lead to suffering, which builds our perseverance, which reflects on our strong character, and gives us more hope that THE PLAN HE HAS FOR US IS BETTER THEN OUR OWN. Its a simple concept, but easily forgotten. "The best is yet to come" is a quote I imagine God whispering to me when i fall. Whether that be a answer that takes a day, month or year to get, or whether that is Eternity. What God has for us is more then we can ever ask for. 

I challenge you to choose hope in God and what He has for you, instead of your own plan next time something doesn't happen the way you imagine it to go. Take a step towards him. Pray more, trust more, and believe in that Hope he says that won't fail us. 

-Abigale McFaul

Smu AIA President

Lover of Jesus

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

  

4 reasons why you need to purchase a Journaling Bible

WHY IM OBSESSED WITH MY NEW JOURNALING BIBLE

and why you need one!

Before I explain why you need to get this new bible, let me give you a little back story. At my Bible study a couple months ago, one of the girls had this cute little book sitting on her coffee table, and one of us picked it up and opened it up and saw that sure enough it was a Bible. That was the first time I have ever heard of a thing. I told my mom about it and how it would be a great graduation present, and we went into the store and ended up walking out with a new custom made Journaling Bible. I made my first entry last night, and am still smiling about it, which is why YOU NEED TO BUY ONE TOO! Here are 4 reasons why this purchase will bring your joy.

1. IT'S BEAUTIFUL 

It really is. This little book is dainty and beautiful. I bought one with a decorated cover, and also got my name engraved on it. Not to mention, the inside opens to scripture that has a tiny font and big margins. To me it just looks so fresh. I already know that in the future when I get my own apartment or house it will sit on my coffee table, maybe in a bucket or next to a cute vase with Sunflowers in them. This is the one I recently purchased 

2. YOU CAN DO SO MANY THINGS WITH A JOURNALING BIBLE

I google searched Journaling Bible and clicked pictures, and look at all the beautiful things people have done with theirs. If you are a doodler, you need to jump on this. Or, if you are a note taker, yes you need this as well. I also look forward to writing note about sermons. My regular bible has tiny tiny little notes or phrases or explanations in it. I look forward to water color painting mine, doodling in color pencils, and even highlighters. Check out some of the cool things people drew in theirs!

 

3. IT'S FUN AND RELAXING

I drew my first doodle last night on a busy saturday night with some friends over. We all were just hanging out, talking, and I had my journal out and was drawing in it. Im sure you've all seen the newest thing where there are adult coloring books, yes, those are great. If you're into that, get one I'm telling ya. You are in the word, free hand drawing or doodling about GODS WORD. Its a good time :) Here is mine from last night that I drew from Psalms 9:10!

4. YOU'RE SPENDING TIME KNOWING THE WORD, AND HIS LIFE/LOVE.

Isn't that the point of a Bible? To open it, to read it, to analyze it, and TO KNOW JESUS. Having this Bible is going to allow me to doodle, but more importantly reflect on verse that stands out to me. Spending a hour perfecting a bible verse actually allows me to focus word by word how important they all are. You have to someone narrow down which Bible verse you are going to choose, but I'm willing to bet that the one you choose is a special one.