Hope

There is a passage in the Bible, Old Testament, that tells us the sins of the Father are also the sins of the Son (Deuteronomy chapter 24, verse 16.) This verse lets us know that there are generational consequences of our sins that affect those closest to us. We are later told in I John chapter 1 verse 9, that; “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive and purify us.”

I believe it is the same when it comes to hope. The definition of Hope is; the desire accompanied by expectation, or belief and fulfillment. 2.) trust, and reliance.

When we have Hope in God, we are trusting and relying on Him. As parents, our sin is not the only thing our children will inherit from us. They will also inherit our hopes and dreams, as well as our unconditional love. Hope is a very delicate thing, and must be nourished like a seedling planted in the ground.

In this day and age, it is all too easy to get one’s hopes up for something or someone, only to have those hopes give way and turn into disappointment.

How can I stay hopeful?

How can a person stay hopeful in today’s world? Lamentations 3 verse 26 says; “It’s a good thing to quietly hope. Hope for the help from God.”

Keep your heart and mind on the Lord and His promise. God loves a hopeful spirit. Isaiah Chapter 40 Verse 31, tells us that God wants us to quietly hope and wait on His promises for strength.
The Word of God has never returned void, and I take great comfort in knowing my quiet Hope in God is my strength. With Hope, I can trust God and His promises for me and my life journey.

If you’re having a hard time finding Hope, I ask that before bed or when you open your eyes in the morning you recite this prayer; Father God, place in me the seed of Hope. I trust you. I look to your word and trust in it. In Jesus name, amen.”

This recipe is another family favorite. Not only is it delicious, but it also is a no-fail. Happy cooking.

No-Fail homemade bread

Ingredients

• 6 cups of all-purpose flour
• 3 cups of wheat flour
• 2 packages of yeast
• 1/2 cup of oil, or margarine melted
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 cups of warm, (not hot) water

Cooking Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, put two cups of warm water.
   Add yeast salt, sugar, and oil or butter.
2. Stir or let stand a minute, until the ingredients are mixed well.
3. Add 3 cups flour and mix well with electric mixer.
4. Gradually add 3 more cups of flour, stirring well.
5. Pour onto a floured surface. Knead well for 10 minutes.
6. Put in a greased bowl, and cover with cloth.
7. Put in a warm place, and let rise until double the size.
8. Shape the dough into loaves, rolls, or cinnamon rolls.
9. Bake it at 375F until golden brown. (7-11 minutes)