5 Minutes of Hope

There’s just something about the commencement of a brand new college semester.
Big dreams.
Renewed hopes.
Fresh beginnings.
New freshmen.
Woooo HOO!

She was STRIKING in appearance from the first time I observed her. Waist long hair, flaming red, flowing freely.
A most captivating smile and an infectious giggle. A non stop flurry of activity, her!
We bonded almost immediately. She loved and laughed uncontrollably at my many silly jokes. A friendship developed and we thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company.

However, rules are rules. And the rules at this immensely strict Bible college in the mid 70’s prohibited and prevented much time alone to fraternize with the opposite sex.

Hello friend and welcome to 5 Minutes of Hope.

Today’s topic is: Fellowship with the Father.

When our friendship bourgeoned into romance … the need for increased time together alone … increased.
I HAD to be with her.
I HAD to hear her sweet voice.
I WANTED to get to know her better and better.

Ayup! THAT’S what love is all about.
You desperately desire to spend as much time as you possibly can with one another.

Hey, maybe you remember your first love.
When we first said “yes” to Jesus and we just couldn’t spend enough time with Him.

… in His Word.
… at the prayer meeting.
… around the altars.
… worshipping Him.
… praising Him.
… talking with Him.
… talking to others about Him.

Then, we got busy.
The schedule widened.
The hours turned to minutes and the minutes to moments.
Somehow, living for Him and doing for Him became routine, mechanical, and monotonous.
The hurry scurry busyness of life has caused us to forget:

🎶 In the presence of Jehovah, God Almighty, Prince of Peace. Troubles vanish, hearts are mended, in the presence of the King.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11

If there were another verse to that chorus it might go like this:

🎶 In the presence of Jehovah, God Almighty, Prince of Peace. Healing and hope restored, encouragement from spending time in Your Word, blessings upon blessings, anxieties disappear, worries lessen, oh LOVE of God, in the presence of the King.

When we snuggle up like John the Beloved, who is believed to have reclined on Jesus’ breast at the last supper, we will enjoy close fellowship.

Nothing in all the world compares to time spent alone with the Master.

Dear one, NO YouTube video, NO news broadcast, NO newspaper headline SHOULD or CAN alarm you if you are “STAYING” and “ABIDING” IN the Word of God and WITH the God of the Word!

He’s GOT this! He’s GOT you! We were formed and created for fellowship with the Father and … NOTHING else will EVER satisfy!

Mighty God, thank you for the invitation to come and dine with You May we accept and daily find ourselves alone in Your presence enjoying You. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we pray. Amen

Friend, may you be FILLED with hope today and share it with others.