DON'T GIVE UP HOPE!

Job 6:8
“Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for"

Psalm 9:18
But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

Psalm 25:3
No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.



Psalm 25:5
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:21
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, LORD, is in you.

Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.



Psalm 33:18
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

Psalm 42:5
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.



Romans 5:5
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 8:24
For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Mobilise 2012

Last week I was in Prestatyn at a christian conference called Mobilise. It was aimed at students and 20 to 30 year olds and, i guess, was for the equipping of people to be more effective...in a sense. There was a lot more to it than effectiveness. Those who spoke include Tom Shaw, PJ Smyth, Joel Virgo, Mike Betts, Adrian Holloway, Wendy Mann, Matt Carvel and Josie Shaw. (There were many others, but these were the ones i heard- Google 'em if you're curious)

The first main talk I am aware of (so recorded in my journal) was by a guy called Tom Shaw. He spoke a message entitled 'Dive into Discomfort'. I found it sobering, powerful and painful. (according to my notes). Tom and PJ Smyth preached messages that are uncomfortable to hear but very good! Here are some snappy bullet points of some thoughts that I wrote down.

• We need to learn that life, like the year, has seasons.
• God is more interested in fruitfulness than productivity
• 'You don't need to parent yourself'. 
• Sin is pleasurable, but it is fleeting & leaves destruction in its wake
• What God has started He WILL bring to completion
• Moments of rest are good, but life isn't just about having that continually- life isn't about freedom from responsibility.
• Don't compare yourself to others!
• Celebrate & honour those who are getting favour & success in the area that you want.
• Slow down.
• Be grateful.
• Don't try to save yourself, it won't work.
• Don't do evangelism to cleanse your conscience.
• Get out of the christian ghetto.