This devotional will be focusing on Jesus as He set His face to go to Jerusalem.  He was steadfast and intentional.  He knew what awaited Him there and He knew what the outcome would be.

He would suffer physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and yes, even spiritually (the Garden of Gethsemane is where His battle was won, on His face in prayer – See Matthew 26:39)

Jesus knew the outcome…that He would be resurrected from the dead and then He would ascend into heaven (See Acts1:9-11).  He has become our Living Hope.

As many people are stretched to the limit of their endurance due to disasters of earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, fires, wars, rumors of war…to what or to whom do they turn?  Where is their hope?  Is their hope in inanimate objects?  Is their hope founded in dead leaders?

For followers of Christ, we turn to the Living Hope, the Lord Jesus Christ…He alone has died for our sins so that we may be forgiven.  He alone gives eternal life with God in heaven to all who believe in His sacrificial death and resurrection in their behalf.

He alone has been resurrected from the dead.  He alone is the living God, the Living Hope.  No other religion or faith can state such a claim.

Whom do you worship and turn to in times of stress, fear and disaster?

As you read the following Scripture, I pray that you will be encouraged, strengthened and convinced of Who Jesus is for you!

(NASB) 1 Peter 1:3-9 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”