Welcome to Day 18 of our 40-day countdown to Easter 2019. Real Hope is in the Lord. Not long after 911, CBS interviewed Billy Graham's daughter, Anne, about the tragic event. The interviewer asked, "How could God let such a terrible thing happen?" She replied, "I believe God is deeply saddened by what happened just like we are, but for years society has told God to get out of our schools, our government and lives, and being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out."

Now that's a sobering thought. It's like not appreciating the water until the well runs dry. Or in this case, the pain of a godless society doesn't become evident until God is no longer there. Anne finished her answer by asking the interviewer a question. She asked, "How can we expect God to give us His blessing and protection if we demand that He leave us alone?"

In Proverbs 1, we see this scenario where God is continually reaching out to mankind but man rejects his love and righteousness. Then after trouble strikes, all of a sudden people remember that real hope is in the Lord. But He says in verses 28-31, "Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord...Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices."

Folks, it's high time that we invite God's presence back into our lives. Each person understands that being human means being limited in our ability to respond to the tragedy, excruciating pain and severe disappointment that life can sometimes dish out. Yet, so many people fall for the lies of the world that say, we don’t need faith in God. Then something bad happens and the hungry heart intuitively yearns for something it knows is missing - something greater than ourselves. Deep within, we know it's not weakness, desperation or delusion. Admit it or not, re-name if you want, but the missing link is faith in God.

Beware of the philosophies of men who refuse to acknowledge God or those who can't fit God in their box of intellectual thought. These are they who convince people to deny faith. Then they falter and eventually self-destruct. In reality, there will always be times of loss and confusion. Things will happen where there is no good logical answer. In the midst of all that carnage, there will be times when people need and will seek hope that is beyond human logic. When that happens, logic by itself will not produce the hope we need.

"Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 GNB

Peace beyond human understanding. That's real hope and it can only be found by faith in God. That's what we really need!

Let's Pray!

Dear Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I come to you today asking for real hope. Real hope that is birthed by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. I yield my heart, I yield my intellect, I yield the ideas, thoughts, teachings, and every philosophy that has been delivered to me. I give it all to you, O Lord. Wash my heart and my mind from the deceit of the world and expand my faith to embrace the glorious freedom that You promised all men who receive Christ as Lord and savior. Jesus Is my Lord! Jesus Is my Savior! Thank you for the grace, faith and hope that I need to win in 2019. In Jesus's name, Amen.

Inspiring Hope and Seasoning Faith, Pastor Sean