Good Morning, Hope!
I've been thinking a lot about
optimism
over the past few months. It has led to a deep self-assessment of my own life - looking at how I was shaped with optimism by parents, pastors, coaches, leaders and friends. I tend to navigate toward people who are optimistic - those who actually believe the best is still before us regardless of circumstance.
When I became a pastor at Hope, I was walking into the office at our campus in WDM and Pastor Dave Johnson stopped me and asked me, “Eric, what do you think people need?”
I replied, “I think people want to know that things are going to be OK.”
Dave smiled and told me, “You’re going to be a great pastor.”
Optimism is more than feeling good or happy about something. Optimism’s value surfaces in the face of challenge and agonizingly difficult circumstances. Optimism isn’t about winning. It simply is believing and trusting that with God all things are not only possible, but that God will bring about something great for those who call on his name.
On a scale of 1-10, where would you put your optimism today in light of the challenges you, your family or the world around us face? Do you really live like you believe it will all be OK? What challenges do you or others around you face that you are optimistic about?
In our current weekend teaching series,
The Book of Acts
, we are learning how the power of the Holy Spirit changes people’s lives forever and how the Holy Spirit offers to do the same in us and in all people in order to bring us into complete unity with God.
Jesus prayed to the heavenly father that all people would experience unity. And the Holy Spirit empowers us all with the tools of optimism - reconciliation, friendship, forgiveness, grace, mercy and power - because he loves us.
Want to increase your supreme optimism?
- Start with prayer - ask God right now to increase his power in you to see yourself and others the way he sees you.
- Deepen your connection with Jesus Christ by activating your faith - check out Hope's website for all the ways you can worship, connect, grow and serve.
- Read the Bible - soak up the promises and the story of God every day.
Supremely optimistic,
Pastor Eric
- Ride Team: A few people in our neighborhoods need a ride to and from church on the weekend, and we are forming a team of people who like to give rides.
- Digital media/studio team: We are putting together a volunteer team of people who have the skills and passions for taking photos and video and then editing it to make awesome stuff that celebrates ministry!