The writer of Psalmist 71 was an incurable optimist; he was full of hope in God. He qualifies as one who had unshakable hope in God. For instance, in Psalm 71: 5, he wrote, “For you are my hope...

It is not surprising why Paul spoke more about hope than anyone else in the New Testament. Hope for him, was a strong conviction and an affirmation of faith (Heb.10: 23). He even stated, “Christ in us is our hope of glory.” He used the word hope, not less than 25 times in his writings. We need to understand Paul’s idea of hope.

As we said in earlier series, hope makes sense only when it is reposed in God, in His word and promises. Paul’s experiences in ministry illustrate how we can gain strength in hope.

In Romans 8:24-25, Paul stretched our imagination to wonder in anticipation. It reads, “Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

Who was Ananias? He was just one of the believers in the Church at Damascus. But the role he played in the life of Paul at a critical time of his conversion was very significant.

We had already said in our series that our Lord Jesus taught us how to forgive others by the examples that he set for us. According to Peter, “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Pet.2:23).

Another Old Testament character whose story illustrates forgiveness is David, the king of Israel.

The story of Joseph and his brothers illustrates another story of forgiveness.Joseph had several milestones in his life, these include when his brothers threw him into a ditch; when he was sold to the Midianites; when he was resold to Potiphar; when Potiphar’s wife accused him falsely; his imprisonment.....

Those who have gone through a period of bitterness would testify to the fact that, there is a relationship between forgiveness and physical wellbeing as well as emotional healing.

In Jeremiah 8:22, the prophet asked a penetrating question. “Is there no balm in Gilead, Is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery. For the health of the daughter of my people?”

Jesus dealing with Peter failings leaves us with another example of how we can forgive those who hurt us or those who let us down. Perhaps no New Testament disciple was more impulsive and unstable like Peter.

As kings and priests, our calling is to reign. In Deuteronomy 15:6, we read about this great promise made to Israel: “For the Lord your God will bless you, just as He promised you; you shall...