I love to read my Bible. I love to learn how God works in other people’s lives because I can learn so much about my own. In some mysterious way, it’s easy to relate to each character in each story. I can look back on pieces of my life and see myself as the villain, hero, deceiver, mother, lover, and friend. I can relate to the broken hearted, the victimized, and the betrayed. I can visualize myself in each scene, and I must confess; I possess each of the traits described. I have experienced fits of rage, jealousy, loneliness, and defeat. And I’m ashamed to say that some of the things in my life have been less than ladylike, not to mention not very Christ like.

I’ve also discovered, by reading the Bible, that each one of us has a dark side; a side that only a few know about. We have done things in our lives that make us want to whisper and we have also done things that make us want to shout – sometimes within the same sentence. The Bible tells us that God isn’t looking for perfection; He wants obedience and loyalty. He wants those who are willing to say, "Yes" even when it doesn't make sense. The hope that is found in the Bible is page after page of God's promises to those within its pages and radiates into those who read about them today. Their story is our story - yours and mine. The Bible isn't outdated it's simply stated that God loves us. He gives us a choice to repent, refresh, and renew. By touching each page of the Bible, we can find God's unconditional love and the promise of salvation.

This Christmas season, I pray that you join me on my quest to develop a closer relationship with Jesus. I invite you to open your Bible and thumb through the pages. Take some time to look at the characters in each chapter and ask yourself, "Why were they chosen to be in this story? What makes them so special that they were included? How would the story read without their part?"

The HOPE is finding yourself - where you belong. It’s trying to make sense of the unimaginable. It’s learning from the Master. It’s listening to Him tell us exactly what He wants us to hear and know about Him. It’s the beauty of each story as it unfolds - His story and His life. Each detail is for a purpose. Each person, whether they have a name or not, is essential to the entire book of the Bible. Each person, like each one of us, is important to God’s master plan.

Sincerely,
Brenda Bates - December 2006

1 Peter 1:3-4
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you.."

Prayer to the Father:
Abba - Father, I don't know why You love me. I'm constantly asking for do-overs because I can't seem to get it right. I try to live my life the way You would, but I constantly fall short. Lord, please protect me from the evil one. Too often, he disguises sinfulness in very attractive packages and I fall for the lure. Help me to see the difference between temptation and common sense. Help me to know the difference between the lies he would like me to believe versus the promises that You’ve made. Forgive me for not always listening for Your voice.

Father, other people see the things I do but only You completely understand why I did them. There isn't one thing that I can hide from You. I pray for Your protection, guidance, and forgiveness. Mostly, I pray for Your presence in my life. I pray for Your friendship and a personal relationship with You. I pray others will also find true hope in Your Word. In all I do may I glorify You. Amen.

My Personal Thoughts:
When life gives me doubt and fears, Jesus understands my falling tears. He dries my eyes and holds me tight, so once again He’s in full sight.