Hope – PerfectFaith

How to Find Hope

Curt Klingerman — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 04:00:00 +0000

What is True Hope

How many are overwhelmed by hopelessness? Perhaps, you’ve been feeling less hopeful than you once did. There is only One True Source of hope and that is God. Without Him, it does not exist. We humans love certainty, and certainty is attached to hope. Hope is not wishful thinking in the way many use it in conversation. It is a positive expectation. God is the only true certainty we have. If you are distant from Him, you’re probably experiencing a lesser sense of hope than when you were well connected. Of course, some have never truly had hope, because they never had a relationship with Him through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 6:17-20 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

An Important Question About Hope

True hope is sure and steadfast, and provides an anchor for the soul. Another important thing to consider in relation to God is all goodness comes from Him. If you have difficulty believing that, you’ll have difficulty holding on to hope. You won’t firmly believe He has your best interest at heart. This leads to another question: how do you view God? Do you see Him as a good Father? No earthly father could ever compare to Him. So regardless of how your relationship was or wasn’t with your earthly father, God our Father is good and absolutely loves you. Think of it: It’s His goodness or kindness that led us to repentance (see Romans 2:4).

How to Maintain Hope

There are times in life when circumstances don’t really seem ripe for hope, but yet they can be very fertile ground for seeds of hope. It’s during turbulent times we have the opportunity to come face to face with God’s faithfulness. He’s always there to help us navigate through them. In many instances, He’s simply carried us through them, because there was no other explanation for how we made it. When you face hard times, remember the victories you have already experienced. God is not only the Light at the end of the tunnel, He’s the Light in the tunnel, who will guide you to the end.
During insurmountable times, He is there to lead you. If you stop and listen, He’ll tell you what you need to hear. Whether it’s words of comfort, or instruction as to what to do. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. For some, “hopeless moments in life” are places where people learn to hear His voice. The Lord’s sheep hear His voice, and that means there’s voice to be heard (see John 10:7-16). If you’re struggling: stop, quiet your soul and listen to Him.

Eternal Hope

No matter the situation, it has a shelf life. It’s not permanent, even if it seems as if it will never end. Likewise, this life as we know it has a shelf-life. We have an eternal hope for which we wait. The world as we know it will cease to exist. The best is yet to come.
Romans 5:1-5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

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How to find hope: start here.

All things are possible for God, which makes them possible for you!

What’s Possible for You?

Curt Klingerman — Sun, 18 Oct 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Have you been feeling stuck?

Have you been feeling stuck, overwhelmed and defeated? You know, life is flat daunting, and the dreams and visions are lost in the back of your mind, because they look unrealistic. It’s not the road you’ve been wanting to travel, but there you are. Would you like to do a U-turn, and maybe change vehicles while you’re at it?

With God, All Things Are Possible

Here’s a crazy thought: with God, all things are possible, and because they’re possible for Him, they’re possible for you. “Look, I know God can do anything, but how do I know He wants to do those things in my life?” Are you dealing with a trust issue, or do you feel unworthy of Him working in your life? It’s easy to feel that way. In the church world, we hear it all the time: “I’m so unworthy!” Hogwash! That’s bad theology sold as humility, working overtime to look pious before others. Is Jesus worthy? Of course, and that makes you worthy (see 2 Corinthians 5:17,21). He is our Worthiness!

Trust Issue

If it’s a trust issue, consider this: Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation . . . (Hebrews 6:17-18). 2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself.
Because of God’s very nature, it is impossible for Him to lie, much less, deny Himself! Many have been proven unfaithful, but not God. Another reason you can trust Him is He loves you. He has you’re best interest at heart. It’s in the Bible!

Opposition to the Promises of God

The circumstances of life will often seem as if they’re in opposition to the vision or promises of God. Even though the main thrust of this blog is not the testing of our faith, it does still play a part in the scheme of things. 1 Peter 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

The Reality of God is Often Mocked

God’s reality is often mocked, and passed off as fantasy. How often have we heard, “you need to face reality?” When all people know is the physical, carnal realm of the world, the spiritual seems far-fetched. Consider this: God spoke the physical realm into existence. So which is greater, the physical realm or His Word? This comes down to another question: to whom have you been listening? Whose report will you ultimately believe?

What Leads to the Promises of God?

Sometimes, the desires and visions appear to be self-generated because of their size. Hence, another reason these things get pushed to back of the mind: the fear of self-deception. It’s easy to latch onto that one, especially after seeing some people boast of what they’re going to do, only fall flat on their faces. We don’t want to be that person. This simplest way to avoid self-deception is humility. Submitting to the will of God leads us to the true promises of God, and keeps our focus on the right vision.
Psalm 34:4-5 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.
Two things to take home: one, when you delight yourself in Him, you will also align with His will. In the process, He will place His desires for you in your heart. And that simply means it was His desire first. He wants it for you more than you want it.
Secondly, by committing your way to Him, He is free to bring it to pass. People often get stuck in the how, and lose sight of God. They believe it’s their responsibility to bring it to pass. That can be very overwhelming. To be sure, they have a role in its fulfillment, but it’s connected to obedience. Our part is trusting Him, while listening and obeying His instructions. Sometimes that simply means waiting on Him. Other times, we will have some specific things to do. Be we do those things in concert with Him.
Finally, be patient. God’s timing is perfect, and if there’s waiting involved, it serves His purpose. And His purposes are always good!

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Legacy and the Last Days

Curt Klingerman — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Have you seriously considered the long term consequences or results of your lifestyle; more specifically, your walk with the Lord? In the Christian community we often talk about the ripple effect. Think about that concept in relation to legacy. Whether or not you’re aware of it, your way of life not only affects those currently around you, but also generations to come. What if our great grandchildren and those who follow would care less about Jesus Christ? That’s a terrible thought, but consider what the Bible has to say about the last days. It would behoove us to pay attention.
1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron (see also 2 Timothy 3:1-5).
We see these characteristics currently playing out in today’s society. How much of this is the result of the previous generations’ lifestyle? To be clear, everyone is ultimately responsible for his or her own actions; nevertheless, everyone’s life influences others in one shape or another. There was a period of time when much of the Church disengaged society, and lost influence as the result. What about us? Can we cause a young child to stumble? Of course. As a matter of fact, we can cause other adults to stumble as well (see Matthew 18:6; Romans 14:12-23). When parents compromise their walk, do you suppose it influences the children? Like it or not, children pay more attention to what you do than what you say. They learn more by the example than by what is said. One cannot get away with saying he is a Christian, but lives like the world. Children see right through that hypocrisy; in fact, everyone does. People become unfruitful when they get caught up in the world. What are your priorities?
If we want to see the following generations to make it into heaven, then we have to make it. If we want to see them walk with Jesus, then we have to walk with Him. When considering the consequences of our actions, why would we want to compromise? Young and old alike crave authenticity. It gives them hope.

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Truth and Freedom

Curt Klingerman — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 04:00:00 +0000

If you desire true freedom, then you must embrace truth. Not just any truth, God’s Truth! Those who believe only what they want to believe are on the path to self-deception. It does not lead to freedom. Many who are on it, feel as if they are free by choosing that route. They have a sense of being “in charge,” because it was their choice. Unbeknownst to them that pathway is filled with twists and turns, blind-spots and deep pits in which to fall. It leads to a vast desert in which hunger and thirst await its victim. The open expanse may look like a place of freedom, but it’s a mirage. Ultimately, it leads to destruction. Remember what Jesus said: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew7:13-14). It is important to examine what we believe and what seems right to us.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
There is no freedom without truth. As long as someone rejects it, he will always be in bondage. Some believers only experience partial freedom because they pick and choose what they want to believe. They are experiencing partial light, so their vision is dim, and thus, they cannot clearly see where they’re going. With partial belief comes partial peace. Because they are hanging on to false reasoning, they’re not enjoying the peace that surpasses understanding, which Jesus presents to them. Have you ever had that nagging deep-down feeling something was amiss, and since you glossed over it, peace eluded you? Wasn’t it until you stop ignoring it, and addressed the issue that peace came? The abundant life Jesus intended for individuals will not be fully realized until they fully open their heart to the Truth.
John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
There are many so-called truths, but none of them truly set people free. Truth is found in God’s Word, and His doctrine. There are myriads of teachings of men and demons, but there is only one Doctrine of Christ. Not to mention traditions of people that make the Word of God void in their lives (see Matthew 15:1-9; Mark 7:5-13). We are warned of such things in Colossians: Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ(Colossians 2:8). A lot of things sound good, especially if they incorporate elements of the Bible, but they never quite make the mark. As long one leans on man’s wisdom or even his own understanding, he will never really be settled in his heart. How many have found after hearing the wisdom of God, man’s seems rather foolish? And that’s because it is (see 1 Corinthians 1:18-25)!
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
Freedom begins with Truth, it begins with Jesus!

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What’s in His Name?

Curt Klingerman — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 07:11:52 +0000

The name of Jesus, or Yeshua, represents many things. One thing often referred to is the power and authority of His name. We are well aware that there is no other name by which one may be saved (see Acts 4:12). For those who receive Jesus, also receive His Name. Through His name we have power and authority, but we have more than these. We have abundant life. We have His love.

The name of Jesus represents the love of God, and in His name we love. Apart from His name, we could have never received His love, even though God freely gave it. If a person rejects Jesus, he also rejects the love of God. Jesus represents the Father. Jesus Himself said, “He that has seen Me, has seen the Father” (John 14:9) Furthermore He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by Me”(John 14:6). The Father revealed His love to us through His Son. He also gave us the Name above all names. Because of love, we have His name, and through His name we have the Father’s love.

God is love. Because that is His nature, it is also the nature of the Name of Jesus.

When we bless others in His name, we are extending His love to them.

A name represents its owner. That representation gives authority to others to do the things as if the person himself were doing them. However, that authority it limited to specific things. For example, when a person signs his name on a Proxy, he is giving someone permission to act on his behalf. The action is limited to the specifics of the Proxy. Acting beyond its intended purpose is illegal. That being said, our authority is limited to the will and character of the Father. Understand that when we claim or invoke the name of Jesus, we are representing Him.

[bctt tweet=”Anything we do outside of love is an illegal use of His Name!” #Jesus]

Every principle of the Kingdom operates by love. Jesus underscored that truth in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” If we are to represent His name well, we need to love others well. If the actions of God are the result of His love, then our actions should correspond to His as well.

For those of you who may question the Father’s love: do you have authority in the name of Jesus? Shouldn’t that tell you something? God freely gives good and perfect gifts . If anything obligates Him, it’s His love. You might say His word obligates Him to act; however, He gave His word out of love. Remember He is love, and so is His name. For His name represents Him. Think about it!

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Grasping The Things Of God (Part One)

Curt Klingerman — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:07:30 +0000

The reason that some have difficulty understanding the things of God is because they take the intellectual approach to grasping them. They apply human reasoning to the things that requires an understanding that is beyond their natural abilities. It is easy to understand why they would have a tendency to approach spiritual matters this way. For one, no one wants to walk by an unreasonable blind faith. They want something that makes sense to them, and something that is trustworthy. Another reason is that for the most part, we are taught to “use our head” -think things out, and do not be carried away by the emotions. Of course there is the other extreme where people are run by their emotions, and overlook the things that do make sense. In part, this is due to desiring something so much to be true, that they overlook reality. The things of God cannot be grasped by the intellect or emotionalism. Nonetheless, when grasped through the Spirit, the intellect will be satisfied and the emotions will fall into their proper place.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (emphases added, 1Corinthians 2:9-14, KJV).

One of the steps to grasping the things of God is knowing that they are beyond natural reasoning, therefore, they require the Holy Spirit to understand them. Thus it is written, “The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” This leads to a second step in grasping the things of God, having a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This is an act of faith, not an act of the intellect. Romans 10:9-13 says,

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Notice that the Scripture says that if we believe with our heart; it does not say with the “mind.” Entering into a right relationship with God requires faith that is rooted in the heart, as it is written in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (KJV). John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (KJV). As we enter into that relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ, He in turn gives us the Holy Spirit Who teaches us all things. When we have the Spirit, 1Corinthians 2:14 can apply: “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ” (KJV). In essence, we need the mind of Christ to grasp the things of God. This is accomplished by receiving the Holy Spirit, and by allowing Him to instruct us.

God is very faithful. To those who are not sure if there even is God, ask Him to reveal Himself to you. If you are sincere, He will reveal Himself. To those who already have that relationship, yet struggle with understanding the things of God, begin with deepening that relationship. This means spending time with the Father, and sitting at the feet of Jesus. Ask Him to open your understanding as you open up the Bible. He reveals spiritual matters to those who really want to know them.