"may the god of hope fill you with all joy and peace..."

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.   Romans 15:13

Dear Friends,
 
We have all heard the tragic news of the Las Vegas massacre – this event especially hit me hard.  It may be that Chelsea had a good friend and their family were at the concert (thank God they were not hurt) or that a friend’s cousin was killed or perhaps this tragedy was only five hours away.
 
I’ve noticed a heavy mood that seemed to linger – an anxiety or fear of the future, perhaps a sense of instability.  As I sat in a restaurant I overheard people talking about the hostility amongst our political parties, the raids of ICE, dear loved ones dealing with cancer, even as insignificant as the controversy with NFL players kneeling and not standing for the American flag. All these issues that the media and local news keep pressing upon us. The bad news goes on and on and on.  Yes, it is overwhelming, but . . . this month I have been studying the book of Daniel and I have discovered these truths:

• We will experience trials
• GOD is present with us – even through the heat of the fire
• GOD has the power to save us
• We need to believe GOD will save us

 
Now, the hinge pin in Romans is: as you (and I) trust in Him – the text continues “so that you may overflow with Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  I love that part; it is not even based on our ability or grit, rather it is totally based on the Holy Spirit. 
 
Hard times – yes.  Trials – yes.  Fears – yes.  But GOD.  Let’s trust him together.
 
Because of Him,
Betty Alvarez Ham
President

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