THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS: Unwrap Hope // Anticipation and Expectation of God's Promises

This Christmas, let's unwrap and examine some of the most profound gifts God has given us, starting with the gift of HOPE. In this podcast, I (Tosha Williams) share about the  surprising origins of hope in Genesis 1:9, which caught me off guard and has captivated my heart. Listen in to this episode, then seek the Lord in the following "Devotion Driven Discipleship" guide. Then be encouraged to begin a meaningful conversation about HOPE with someone God has entrusted to you!

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“The Lord is good to those whose HOPE is in him, to the one who seeks him” Lamentations 3:25 NIV

SEEK HIM: Devotion is Meeting with God in Our Own Lives! The Bible teaches us that God gives us a gift that He wants us to anticipate, look for and hold onto, not just at Christmastime, but throughout life. Let’s “Seek Him” in this conversation for what He wants to show us about His gift of HOPE! 

• WHAT:  What is God saying through this Scripture? Just like we anticipate the fun of Christmas, God wants us to anticipate what He is going to do. This kind of watchful expectation is called HOPE! God promises goodness and blessing to people who hope in Him and seek Him, and this is something we can all do! ~ What are you looking forward to this Christmas? How hard is it to wait? What are you looking forward to God doing in your life? How are waiting and hoping similar?
• WHY:  Why does this Scripture matter? Sometimes we may be disappointed by other hopes and expectations, but God promises:  “I am the Lord; those who HOPE in me will not be disappointed” (Isaiah 49:23b). When we anticipate how God is going to work in our lives, and when we wait expectantly for Him to fulfill His promises, we can know that He will always, always, always do what He has said He will do.” ~ How does this truth encourage you? What is a promise from God that gives you hope?
• HOW: How does God want us to respond to this truth? Each of us can choose to watch, wait and hope in the Lord, saying:  “As for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me” (Micah 7:7). We “unwrap” God’s gift of hope as we experience His answers to our prayers, His help in hard times, and the fulfillment of His promises. ~ Do you really believe that God hears you? How does knowing God sees and hears you give you hope?

SPEAK HIM: Discipleship is Making God Known to Others! Scripture says, “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the HOPE that you have…” (1 Peter 3:15). Thing is, as we unwrap hope, we shouldn’t just keep it to ourselves. We can share God’s hope with our families, and we can also be prepared to share God’s hope with others He places in our paths. Be encouraged to share the gift of God’s hope intentionally in Devotion Driven Discipleship with those He entrusts to you. 

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The Family Disciple Me ministry exists to catalyze devotion driven discipleship in our homes and around the world. We believe that discipleship starts with a conversation, and FDM provides free, easily-accessible, biblical resources to encourage these meaningful conversations along life's way. Sign up through our website to be "the first to know" about upcoming releases and resources (including the FDM App - coming soon!!!) You can also follow Family Disciple Me on social media.

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