THE 'DIET' FOR AN ETERNALLY HEALTHY HOPE

SCRIPTURE: " For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins… 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." Colossians 1:9-14, 27, 28

We all know what a good meal looks like, right? We know that for quite a while whole foods, with limits on processed foods, favoring a plant predominant plate, generally work best. We know that limiting carbohydrates is helpful: less grains, cereals, and breads... careful limiting of potatoes and rice and pasta, in favor of green leafy vegetables, nuts, and higher fiber choices. Home-procured and home-cooked foods are preferred over instant foods. Careful avoidance of additives helps. The case may be made to limit exposure to foods and drinks presented in plastic [containers and bottles]. The manner of food preparation matters. Our choices are evolving along with our understanding. Organic, non-GMO, cage-free, and open-range have entered the vocabulary. 'Fast-foods' are in a free fall. Expert voices, good and bad, conventional and controversial, with and without credentials abound before a harvest of itchy ears.

Don't we see this as well in regards to matters of the spirit? One minute on the internet, and you'll see immediately the popularity and prevalence of our societal drift. See the news. More than ever before, our hope needs a sure defense, and a solid friend. That hope defender is the 'hope of glory', Christ's presence in us! That hope offers us a warning to everyman: "The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)". That hope brings wisdom to everyman through teaching: "We are saved by grace through faith, and not by our own works (Ephesians 2:8)"  That same hope presents everyman as acceptable, perfect, before God: "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved (Romans 10:9)". That hope illustrates for us a blessed assurance: "Nothing shall separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39)"  Our diet for an eternally healthy hope is the gospel of Jesus Christ... it is indeed food for the soul. Take and eat. Take and drink. And as often as you do this, do so in remembrance of Him.( 1 Corinthians 11:24-25)
 
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help us to stay the course, to share our hope, and find across all living, the absolute sufficiency and suitability of grace, as revealed daily by the Spirit and the Word, to meet every need. Let us bless this day we're given with elevated intentions, faithful steps, and fruitfulness. Thank You Lord Jesus. Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington