April 2022
Steve Russo

Who ever thought words like war, refugees and Covid would be part of our daily dialogue. Fear and anxiety is everywhere. Life as we know it is dramatically different than it was just a few months ago. People wonder will things ever be back to normal again. Many are asking “is there any hope for the future?”  I was part of a Teen Summit recently, sponsored by the local city where I live and we have our offices. The question was asked of the students, “What causes the most anxiety in your life right now?” One of the responses I received was “the future.”

Peter, an early follower of Jesus, wrote his letter to those who were struggling with life challenges and difficult times.

“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.”
1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

We have living hope when we become part of God’s family as a result of surrendering our lives to Jesus, and deciding to live our lives for and like him. This hope is ours because Christ shed his blood on the cross when he died for our sins and conquered death through his resurrection. Because Jesus rose from the grave on that very first Easter, we can have assurance that one day we will also have life after death. Living hope gives us confidence for the present as well as for the future. Instead of fearing the future, we can have courage to face whatever challenges we experience in our daily lives or what’s happening on the world stage.

God is sovereign and knows the future, and his plans for you are good and filled with expectation. Remember the promise we have in Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT): “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Life with Christ is an endless hope. Life without him is a hopeless end.

March 2022
Steve Russo

For the first time since the end of World War II, war’s broken out in Europe. In an unprovoked attack, Russia invaded the Ukraine. It’s heartbreaking to witness this injustice and imbalance of power. In a short time, the war has reeked devastation and cost many lives. But the courage and resolve of the leaders and people of the Ukraine is amazing.

It’s a very interesting time to be alive – especially for those who’ve never experienced a war like this in their lifetime.

There’s a sense of anxiety and fear that’s coming at us from many directions – including the pandemic, out-of-control inflation and supply shortages. The news feeds are relentless and cause a sense of uncertainty. Events like this shouldn’t surprise us. But they can leave us with a loss of what we should do.

The Bible confirms that what’s happening is to be expected for those of us who follow Jesus. “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately” Matthew 4:6 (NLT). We have no idea how long this war will last, the loss of life that will occur or when ‘the end’ will happen, but we do know who holds the future.

Where should we turn in uncertain times like these? The best place is God and his Word.

“I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, ”Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety! The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those who hearts are right. The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?” But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence. He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds.”                                                                                                    Psalms 11:1-6 (NLT)

 

Put your trust in the God of the Bible; pray for the people of the Ukraine and ask God if there’s something specific you can do to help.

 

February 2022
Steve Russo

No matter what the pollsters claim, no one can accurately predict all that’s going to happen in the next 12 months. The best forecasts are really just educated guesses.

During the Korean War, American POWs in North Korean camps experienced a death rate of 38 percent, the highest in US history.

This death rate mystified the military because the POWs were given plenty of food, water, and shelter and weren’t physically tortured.

So, the military asked Major (Dr.) William E. Mayer to do a study of 1,000 POWs and what he discovered was surprising. He defined it as “a lack of resistance, and acute passivity.”

These POWs suffered from “mirasmus” or, as the soldiers actually called it, “give up-itis.” By encouraging suspicion and self-criticism, withholding positive letters from home, and only sharing bad news of deaths, adultery, and divorce, the North Korean captors had completely eradicated hope for the POWs, and it was literally killing them.

Hope matters. It encourages and motivates. And the Bible reminds us that hope is available to us no matter what circumstances we face.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”                                    Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

Do you suffer from “give up-itis?” Are you depressed, weary or heartbroken over a loss? Are you struggling with fear and anxiety? Do you ever feel like you just can’t go on? Let’s be real. Life isn’t always easy, but there is hope – a hope that heals, restores, gives you power and peace.

When you place your cares on Jesus and look to Him as the source and sustainer of your life, you’ll find confident, everlasting hope. Remember – Jesus will not abandon you! He is the cure for “give up-it is.” Check out this promise Paul wrote in Romans 15:13 (NLT).

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

A good way to beat “give up-itis” is to set aside time to consistently read God’s Word and lean on Jesus. You can give him everything you’re concerned and worried about; and He will give you help and strength to keep moving forward.

January 2022
Steve Russo

No matter what the pollsters claim, no one can accurately predict all that’s going to happen in the next 12 months. The best forecasts are really just educated guesses.

Changes in our society and world have not only increased in speed and intensity, but also in their unpredictability. Consider how the pandemic has totally changed the way we live. How can anyone succeed in life when the future seems to be so uncertain?

Begin by involving God in all your plans. It’s craziness to make plans without consulting Him first. He’s the only one who really does know the future. So, we should trust him. But sometimes it’s easier to say it than to do it. Letting go and relying on God can be tough.

Proverbs 16:1 reminds us, “We make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer” (NLT). This verse doesn’t mean that we should not make plans – just because God has the final outcome in his hands. Instead, we should look at it as a unique partnership between our efforts and God’s sovereign design. We need to use our minds, our creativity and seek out good advice from others as we plan. But ultimately, the results are going to be up to Him. In the planning process we should ask for God’s guidance and then take action on our plan as we listen to and depend on Him.

While you can plan for tomorrow, you can’t live it until it actually arrives. Lots of people spend so much time worrying about the future they’ve got no time to enjoy the moment! Planning for tomorrow is wise use of your time – but worrying about it is not. When planning is done well – including seeking God’s advice – it can help eliminate worry. But if you’re consumed with anxiety, it’s difficult to trust God.

Jesus said, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34 NLT). God will take care of your today and your tomorrow if you trust him. Look toward the future by living a day at a time.