Jazz @ Emmanuel – September 14 – Always Hope
Always Hope. Why? Because there is always hope. Always.
It is so easy to jump to conclusions and false assumptions and exaggerated negative outcomes — even when we are not normally pessimistic. When we are threatened, panic and frantic swiftly move in to try to “organize” the situation and “prepare” us for the worst. Am I talking to myself here
Most of us are familiar with good ol’ Job from the Old Testament. Everything he worked for, everything he loved, was taken away. In the beginning of the story he spoke of hope:
“Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for.” Job 6:8
But as his situation got worse and worse, he began to lose hope:
“He tears me down on every side till I am gone; he uproots my hope like a tree.” Job 19:10
And so it goes, back and forth, one minute he hopes and the next minute he laments that all his hope is gone.
Pretty familiar? Yes, it is. The thing is, whether we hope or not does not change God’s plan. God’s plan is always good. Having hope of course, does help us to be patient and it helps us to sometimes imagine progress or good outcomes, but God is always on our side whether we hope or not. He works EVERYTHING for our good. The hard part on our end is to hold on to hope because we know God loves us.
Always hope. Always. And even if we don’t, there IS always hope.
“No one who hopes will ever be put to shame.” Psalm 25:3
This week:
Dr. “J” – James Johnson, Jr.,
Benjamin May on Bass,
Lou Schreiber on Horns,
Pamela Johnson, Vocals,
James Johnson the Third on Drums
Join Us!
Jazz @ Emmanuel
2nd Sunday
September through May
5:00 PM in the Sanctuary.
Jazz @ Emmanuel is supported in part by Jazz Enthusiasts and Worshippers like YOU.
Thank you for your generous donations. 🙏🏻
A shout out to We thank WRCT 88.3 FM for their generous donation and publicity also!
Thank you
“No one who hopes will ever be put to shame.” Psalm 25:3
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Jazz @ Emmanuel – March 8 – Rejoice!
We continue with a Season of Characteristics of Love with a focus on Rejoicing! Rejoice is a word we associate — for good reason — with Easter — REJOICE! Although it is still Lent – in Lent we prepare our hearts and lives for the great day of rejoicing that Christ is Risen, Indeed! Halleluhah!
