Our December series deals with the idea of HOPE.

Last week we learned that the nature of Biblical hope is much different than what we have learned about hope on this earth.
Worldly hope is usually defined by wishful thinking, dreams of the future, and desires we would like fulfilled.
Biblical hope on the other hand is rooted in the character and promises of God.

We learned last week that our sense of joy and peace come from trusting God. We can't do that if we don't know Him (His character) and what He has said (His promises).

Have you ever been in a jam, faced with a problem, or caught up in the chains of life and wished you had a helping hand come to your aid?

Take a few minutes to talk at your table. What was the issue you faced, who was the person, and what did they do to help you?
Or perhaps, what have you done to come to the rescue or aid of someone else?

Speaking up for others is a Biblical principle seen in Proverbs 31:9.
Many of us have seen movies, TV shows, or read books where a person in need has someone speak up on their behalf.
Have you experienced that? Have you done that for someone else?

In the Christmas story we are so familiar with, we see an instance when this sort of intervention takes place.
In Matthew 1 we see a couple who are engaged to marry. God chose them to be the guardians over the birth and life of His Son, Jesus.
Matthew 1:18-21
In verse 20 we see God speaking up. He intervened in what could have been a very messy situation.

We have HOPE because God chose to speak up - FOR us and TO us.
As a loving Father He wants us to know Him, His will for our lives, and how to live in the midst of a dark and evil world, so that we honor Him and help others.

Hebrews 1:1-2
There are countless examples of God speaking in the past and He is speaking to us now too:
~God made Himself known to us through His revelation in the Bible and nature.
~He spoke and thereby created all that there is for our enjoyment and care.
~He talked to Adam in the context of a close relationship.
~He called out to Adam and Eve after they rebelled against Him; even as they hid in sin.
~He directed Noah to build an Ark before His wrath came flooding down.
~He said to Abram that he was to leave his country for a distant land, to become the founder of a great nation.
~He challenged Moses lead the Jews out of Egypt.
~He told an old prophet to choose a young boy out of a large family, and to anoint him to be the King and leader of Israel.
~He implored the people of Israel to repentance and holiness by speaking through His prophets and their kings.
~He declared through a messenger, to both Mary and Joseph, that they would be the guardians of His Son.
~He confirmed to a young Nazarene carpenter that He was the long awaited Messiah.
~He instructed a number of apostles, through His Spirit, that He wanted humanity to know about Jesus, sin, salvation, and their mission in life.
~And He revealed Himself to Paul; His words convicting, saving, protecting, and then directing the course of his life and ministry.

The fact that God chose to speak up on behalf of humanity and to us as followers of His Son Jesus, is utterly amazing.
It's amazing because it says in Romans 3:11, "There is no one who seeks God."
God wants us to know Him. Generally He speaks softly, redirecting our attention from this world unto Himself.
Other times He speaks sternly to correct us, passionately to ease the pain of our hurts and troubles, but also desperately to find us when we have wandered, or to warn us of danger.

God speaks up because He cares and wants our attention and affection.

There are many ways that God speaks up; here are a few:

1. Through His revealed Word.
2 Timothy 3:16

2. Through creation and nature.
Romans 1:20

3. Through people who are representative of His values.
Proverbs 12:15

4. Through the circumstances of life.
1 Peter 1:3-9

5. Through His Holy Spirit.
John 14:16-17

6. Through our determined and honest prayer.
Philippians 4:4-9

We have to learn HOW God speaks to us before we can process, prioritize, and put into practice His will for our lives.
Be observant as to what God is saying to you through these various methods, then obey.

Birthdays and Anniversaries We're Celebrating This Week!

Saturday, December 10th - James & Nikki Berry
Sunday, December 11th - Dwane Moore, Lauren Sensiba, Lydia Schilz, Charity Odette
Monday, December 12th - Jared Justice
Wednesday, December 14th - Trish Miller
Thursday, December 15th - Lexi Booher
Friday, December 16th - Matt Firman