What Kind of Day Is This for You?
Let me ask you a question – when you woke up today, what kind of day did you expect?
The truth is that many of us wake up stressed and angry. Maybe something happened the night before that put you in a foul mood, so you woke up that way. Maybe you woke up to screaming kids, the thought of a report being due, or fear about your finances.
Understandably, we get trapped by our thoughts and feelings. Concerns, fears, worries, anxieties, and other similar types of feelings can have a dramatic influence on our day. In fact, they can paralyze us before we even get started.
God Has a Different Vision
While there may be a great deal for you to be concerned about, God has a different vision for your day. Psalm 118:24 tells us: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
God did not envision you waking up stressed and overwhelmed by your thoughts about the day. In fact, he wanted you to find joy in it from the moment that your eyes opened until you went to sleep that night.
Some of you may say, “Doesn’t God understand the horrible day I have ahead of me?” Of course He does. God knows everything about your day long before you opened your eyes. He knows exactly what is going to occur, and this is why He tells you to rejoice. Three verses later, in Psalm 118:27, He tells us: The Lord is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us.
Why can you rejoice? Because your God is God. He is in control of everything. He has also made His light shine upon you. No matter what may be going on in your life, you can still be sure that God’s light is shining down on you. He is giving you a clear pathway, He is exposing the darkness around you, He is giving you hope no matter how much darkness may be impacting your day.
Honestly, most of us have some level of fear of the dark. There is so much uncertainty in darkness. We do not know who might be there to harm us. We don’t see the obstacles and challenges in front of us, because we simply can’t see them. However, God’s light is shining down on you, exposing all of those traps, pitfalls, and obstacles.
No one is coming to destroy you on this day! God has already revealed His light to you, letting you know that you can celebrate and rejoice in Him. Your challenges may seem overwhelming, but He has already given you the ability to overcome that challenge.
Keep in mind 1 Corinthians 10:13, which tells us: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
You are honestly going to face temptations. You are going to have fears and anxieties. However, our God is faithful to shine a light on your circumstance, helping you to overcome the fears and anxieties you have. He will ensure that you will not be overwhelmed and that you are able to endure, battle through, and have victory over your challenges. He will bless you with His light!
So, Let’s Celebrate!
At Hope, we celebrate the incredible light of God, recognizing that He has given our participants, volunteers, and staff the light we all need to overcome our challenges. This is especially true for our participants, who are seeking to overcome the darkness that has encapsulated their lives for years, for decades for some. God is helping them do that, giving them grace and mercy so that they can be free from addiction.
We want you to celebrate this “light,” so come and attend our Fifth Annual Hope CDA Gala event on October 2. If you have not been invited yet, then contact Dr. Robert Pannier (rob.p@hopecdacr.org) and get on our guest list. We would love to have you join us!
We also ask that you help us to meet our financial goals for the upcoming year. Dr. Pannier is looking to get $150,000 in sponsorships by October 5. If you would like to donate to this, please contact Dr. Pannier to help.
Please come and join us as we celebrate all that Jesus has done for our men. We would love for you to be part of this event!
Hope Good News
José Trevino was granted his parole and will be joining the Hope CDA program within the next few weeks. We ask you to pray for the safety of José as his time in prison winds down and for success in transforming his life once he arrives at Hope… The Alpha Course continues at Mission of Hope. The men are learning a great deal, and we thank all those involved (Especially FaithLife Lutheran Church and Mission of Hope) for all they are doing to help make this event happen… Hope CDA has recently completed two more houses and should have two more renovated by the end of October.
Get Those Projects Done Now!
With summer winding down, it is a great time to get some work done on your home and car. For those needing a great cleaning of your vehicle, please contact Divine Shine (319) 929-3084. We not only can make your car, SUV, truck or other vehicle shine like brand new, but we are also offering RV and boat detailing. Divine Shine is ready to get your boat or RV ready for winter.
Still need a home remodel or renovation project done or are you looking for a concrete project to be completed. Call Cory Clubb (319) 929-6062 to get a free estimate on your project. Don’t put it off. Call today and we are offering a 15% on labor costs if you book by September 15.
Prayers for the Week:
We ask you to join in prayer for these things:
- For Jose as he prepares to join Hope CDA. May the life transformation experience lead our brother on a pathway of light.
- For the upcoming Gala. We pray that this event will provide for Hope CDA for the upcoming year while also providing a light for Cedar Rapids and the surrounding communities.
- For Tim Ehlers, who is still in jail. He has an upcoming court appearance and we pray that the court will grant his return to Hope CDA.
- We pray that God would find amazing families to purchase the houses we have completed and that those houses will be a place where God is glorified.
Tuesday Night Encouragement at Hope CDA
Just a reminder that the men are participating in the Alpha Course at Mission of Hope and will be there through the end of October. There will be no Night of Encouragement at the Hope Center until the first Tuesday of November.
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