Hope in Jesus!



        I suppose I should have locked the door. My mom certainly thought so,after she heard what happened to me last Sunday afternoon. I was in my office, when I heard the front door open. I said hello, and some voice I had never heard replied “ Hello” I listened as steps brought the voice and the person closer to me.

Then there he was! Young, tall, with a large bed roll on his back. A tattoo of a machine gun on one forearm. Knee high laced up boots, and a distinct aroma completed the ensemble!

 I learned that he was a traveler….riding as he put it “The roads and the rails”.


He was from back east. He had to shave the dreads locks he had worn…in an attempt to get rid of lice that were now causing considerable itching! He asked about a place to wash clothes, he asked about a shower. I told him about Jesus, and asked if he was hungry. I took him to the kitchen, and gifted him some can goods, crackers….and one big cinnamon roll!

Going outside to my car to find some coins for the laundry, he would be doing, I met his traveling companion, who went by a road name I don’t remember. I do remember, his belt fashioned out of hand cuffs and a tiny guitar…that he started to play….as they together walked toward a laundry mat!

As I watched them walk away….I was amazed, they, seeing the cross atop our Church had walked the steep and long road from the train yard…because they thought , they just might find help…and hope!


The early Church feeling the stinging rejection of the world, knowing poverty, and mistreatment from many…also looked up to the cross…..and the “ Hope” of our Lords return.  James 5: 7-12 reminds us that no matter what life sends our way there is “Hope in Jesus”

      Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation  (James 5: 7-12).


We Hope In Jesus by:


1. Being Patient and Considerate


2. Thinking about the Prophets


3. Remembering Job


4. Guarding our Conduct

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