Romans 4:13-18 NIV
“It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
INSIGHT
-Hope in Hebrew is written as batach which means to put your trust in. Another word is yakhal which means to wait. Abraham our father was not justified by works, and had nothing to boast about through the law but by grace. It is by grace through faith that we have been saved and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). The Scripture says “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness”. Apostle Paul used Abrahams own life to demonstrate that the gift of salvation is not restricted to those who have received the physical sign of being included among the people under the old covenant, that is circumcision but an inward sign of baptism through faith. Therefore, Abraham’s salvation and eternal blessings came through faith in which we possess in Christ. If then we are the seed of Abraham according to the promise and share in the same covenant of blessings, we have hope of eternal glory in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus we believe in You and all our hope is in You. We thank You for the gift of life and for enabling us to see this new week in peace. We pray for all those who are sick and suffering that You may restore their health. We pray for all those who are bereaved that You may comfort them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. We pray for all those lack the basic needs including school fees that You may provide Lord. We commit the lives of those who suffer drought and lack that You may restore them merciful Savior. You are our Lord and God, we put all our trust in You. We declare that You are our God and nothing shall separate us from Your love, neither trouble nor hardship, persecution nor famine, nakedness nor danger. We are the chosen of You Lord our God, the seed of Abraham according to the promise. May You increase our faith and establish us in Your truth dear Jesus. May You grant the gift of salvation unto our families, society, nation and the nations of the world merciful Savior. All glory, honor, power, praise and grace belong to You Lord now and forever. Amen
Further reading: Genesis 15:6
Luke 8:43-44 NKJV
“Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.”
INSIGHT
-The story of the woman who was healed from her long time disease is a story of hope for many. She used up all her resources in different physicians as she sort for medical attention. I’m sure her discouragement was unmatched in her quest for healing. When she heard of Jesus probably she was not even sure that she would get well, but she took her chances. Since she had suffered shame and rejection, she continued to hide within the crowds even after she had received her healing. She only got a chance to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment and she immediately got well. Many among us are unwell and have suffered from disease and infirmity for a long time. Some move from one hospital to another, and from doctor to doctor seeking for help. A number have lost hope and lie on their beds waiting for the Lord to take them home. Others have a spark of hope as they read this message. Jesus said to the woman, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace” (Luke 8:48). The Lord is saying to you, “daughter/ son, be of good cheer, your faith has made you well, go in peace”. Jesus is our healer and deliverer. Jesus also healed the man by the pool of Bethesda who had suffered for thirty eight years (John 5:5-8). When we rely upon Jesus who heals all our diseases and restores our health, we are in safe hands, for nothing is impossible with God.
PRAYER
Heal us O Lord, and we shall be healed. Save us and we shall be saved, for You are the One we praise. You are our Jehovah Rapha, our healer, may You heal our wounds and restore our health dear Jesus. May You heal all those who are sick and suffering among us for by Your stripes we are healed. You sent Your word and healed our diseases, may You send Your word and heal all those who are sick in hospitals and at home. May You break every chain dear Master and cover us with Your precious blood. You are powerful to save us, may You hand of mercy touch every sick person. May You heal all those who are suffering from Ebola in Uganda. May You restore hope to the hopeless and renew their strength. May You protect all our school going children and grant them knowledge, wisdom and understanding as they study. We wait and trust in You Lord may You bless us and heal our land. Heal our nation dear Jesus from drought and famine and empower our leaders to execute Your mandate in this nation. Our Father who art in heaven; hallowed be Your name; Your Kingdom come; Your 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. Lead us not into temptations but deliver us from evil; for thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory; forever and ever. Amen
Further reading: John 5:1-18, Psalm 30:2
1 Samuel 1:9-10 NKJV
“So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish.”
INSIGHT
–The story of Hannah and Rachel is somehow similar in distinct ways. Jacob had two wives, Leah and Rachel, while Elkanah also had two wives, Peninah and Hannah. Jacob loved Rachel more but she was barren, while Elkanah loved Hannah more and she also could not give birth. Leah made fun of Rachel and mocked her since the Lord had closed her womb, similarly Peninah provoked Hannah severally to make her miserable for her childlessness. Hannah often cried to God in prayer and during this time she had bitterness in her soul and she wept in anguish. When Eli the priest saw her, he thought that she was drunk and said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” (1 Samuel 1:14). Hannah responded and said, “No, my Lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.” (1 Samuel 1:15). Many among us are like Hannah. They are bitter in spirit and sorrowful as they wait on the Lord for the gift of children. Some have experienced ridicule from the masses and rejection by their spouses. Eli said to Hannah, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” (1 Samuel 1:17-18). God is a God of hope, and is calling all those who are discouraged while waiting for the fruit of their womb and other hearts desires to take courage and rejoice in Him. Like Hannah, Sarah and Rachel who were branded as barren but they conceived, God is opening up wombs and releasing children for the glory of His name. God is also uniting couples together in marriage for His grace is sufficient to all, and His power is made perfect in weakness, and when we are weak then we are strong for He is with us and in us.
PRAYER
Lord You deserve all the glory and honor. You are awesome in wonder and honorable. You do great and unsearchable works. You perform wonders without number. No one can completely fathom Your plans and Your purpose is perfect for each one of us. You are faithful to keep Your promise. Like You promised Abraham that he would be a father a many nations even at an old age and You gave them a son Isaac, may You perform the same miracle to all those who are waiting on You for children and other desires. You performed the same miracle to Hannah who was bitter in spirit and You gave her a child, may You hear the prayers of all women who are crying to You for children and open up their wombs. Children are a heritage from You Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; for they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate. Your promises are yes and amen, may You answer us according to Your merciful love. May You grant the grace of marriage to all those are waiting on You for spouses for You have said in Your word that none shall lack a mate. Lord You are faithful to keep Your promises. May You forgive us all our sins and remember them no more. You are loving Lord and You love us with an everlasting love, great is Your faithfulness. We pray this trusting and believe in Jesus mighty name. Amen
Further reading: Isaiah 66:7, Romans 4:19
2 Kings 4:1 NKJV
“A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves.”
INSIGHT
-There was a certain woman who was distressed and faced a financial crisis, which might have accumulated after the death of her husband. Commentaries by Josephus have it that she was the widow of prophet Obadiah. The auctioneers threatened to take her two sons as slaves possibly because the widow was needy and had no assets to be repossessed. We all know the love of a parent to her children. It is obvious that she had sleepless night trying to look for solutions to her problem. Many among us has been threatened by auctioneers and other creditors who seek to collect their dues. Many have failed to repay their debts possibly due to low income or no revenues, and the slowdown in economic development. The Lord sent Elisha to save the woman from her economic turmoil. He performed the miracle of multiplication and the widow received enough oil for creditors and her livelihood, together with her two sons. The Lord is our provider and sustainer. Our ever present help in times of trouble. We are called to take heart and wait on the Lord in our situations, work and businesses, and He will make a way for us even where there seems to be no way. Isaiah 49:15-16 says that, “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.”
PRAYER
Lord You make firm the steps of those who delight in You. Though we may stumble, we will not fall, for You uphold us with Your righteous hand. We wait on You Lord in our businesses and our work, even though we face trouble You shall deliver us from them all. Lord You prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. You anoint our heads with oil, our cups run over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives, and we will dwell in Your house forever. You are our Savior and our Father, we humbly ask You to prosper our businesses and bless the work of our hands. May You grant us the grace of increase, and may Your favor be upon us. May You enable all those who are jobless to get meaningful job opportunities dear Jesus. May You revive our economy and open up new opportunities for us to prosper. You are our God, we put all our trust in You. May You rescue all those who are faced by auctioneers and creditors and deliver them. May You bless all the widows, fatherless and orphans, and prosper all their ways. Lord You have good plans for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. All our hope and trust is in You Lord our God. You have inscribed us on the palm of Your hands, thank You for loving us and for choosing us. We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, Your special possession, that we may declare Your praises for You called us out of darkness into Your wonderful light, thank You Jesus for loving us and for choosing us. Amen
Further reading: Psalm 37:23-24, 1 Peter 2:9
John 4:17-19 NKJV
“The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.” The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.”
INSIGHT
-The Samaritan woman was perplexed when Jesus asked her for a drink. She did not expect any Jew to interact with her. Jesus also exposed the fact that she had five husbands previously and the one she currently had was not her husband. She became more interested when Jesus revealed that the drink He gives, springs forth into eternal life. Many among us are hopeless and helpless possibly because of the life we have lived and the decisions we have made. Possibly, the Samaritan woman experienced terrible rejection in her small community, having been married five times and divorced, and her current husband was not her own. Most likely, she felt morally impure because of the decisions she made in life. Many in Samaria believed in Jesus because of the testimony of the woman, and more so because of the word that Jesus taught them. The woman transited from a hopeless situations and was filled with life, and with joy she told everyone about Jesus the Messiah who changed her life. Are you feeling hopeless, desperate, unless You receive Jesus of the Samaritan woman, you will never find hope. By drinking water from the well of eternal life, and receiving Jesus in Your heart, you find hope in Christ and receive a sense of comfort, security, importance and purpose in life. Some among us feel morally and emotionally dirty and the soul is slowly darkening, lost and slowly degrading into hopelessness.
SUMMARY
Hope is a word that demonstrates anticipation, and expectation. When one looses hope he/she doesn’t look forward to any good thing in life itself and life after death. Without hope people don’t have any confidence and reassurance, they see life as useless and end up depressed. Hope and faith are indispensable. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). God promised Abraham that He would give him a son, and vowed to make him the father of many nations. Abraham did not consider his old age as impotence since he was almost a hundred years old, nor the deadness of Sarah’s womb as infertile (Romans 4:19). He did not look at the hopelessness of the situation but believed in the God of hope. He lived not on the basis of what he thought he couldn’t do or achieve, but he held on the word and promises of God. So he was made the father of a multitude of people. Like Sarah who was blessed with a son even though she laughed at the promise of God, we are reminded to trust the Lord despite our shortcomings and hold firm unto the promises of God. Hannah was also blessed with a son when she wept bitterly to the Lord. Many among us have waited for the gift of children and have become hopeless. Others are crying to the Lord for spouses. Many others like the Samaritan woman do not have their own husbands or wives, and are not in stable relationships or marriages. God is calling us to come to Him with sincerity of heart, and He will deliver us from all evil and grant us the grace of marriage, and the gift of salvation. We are also reminded to put on the faith of Abraham, and believe in the unbelievable, for nothing is impossible with God. Some among us, our friends and family members are battling with chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV aids, cerebral palsy etc. Many have become hopeless and no longer pray about their situations. Like the woman who had the issue of blood for twelve years and her health was restored, God is our Healer and is encouraging us to wait upon Him and trust in Him for healing. Many are faced with financial difficulties and are unable to sustain their lives and those of their loved ones. Many cross borders due to hopelessness in their work and our nations economy. They prefer to move into other nations in search for better economic and financial climate. Others choose to commit crime because of economic and financial hopelessness. Some are depressed and end up committing suicide as they feel like nothing is worthy living for. Judas became hopeless and committed suicide out of hopelessness in the consequences of his actions. God loves us with His eternal love and He is calling us to believe in Him and He will give us the water of life that stems into everlasting life.
PRAYER
Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is Your unfailing love, O God. All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings. I will be glad and rejoice in Your unfailing love, for You have seen my troubles, and You care about the anguish of my soul. Lord Jesus I repent of all my sins. I believe that You are my God, and You died in the cross for my sins. I believe in You Jesus and humbly ask You to write my name in the Lambs book of life and save me. Thank You dear Jesus for loving me and for inscribing my name on the palm of Your hand. Thank You Lord for showing compassion upon us, our families and nation because of Your unfailing love to us. Help us to be strong and courageous despite our shortcomings, to have strong faith even as hopelessness tries to creep in. Teach to love You and our neighbors as ourselves. Help us to forgive each other and to remain united in Your love. How priceless is Your unfailing love, O God. We take refuge in the shadow of Your wings, great is Your faithfulness Oh Lord our God. May You make Your face to shine upon us and be gracious to us. May You lift up Your countenance upon us and give us peace. We pray this believing and trusting in Jesus mighty name. Amen
Further reading: Psalm 36:5-7, 1 Corinthians 13:13