Hope in the land of Guilt   We have all walked into that land – taken a trip into the land of guilt - it is dark and gloomy and we might forget about where we are for awhile as we get busy and involved in life. But then reality hits us again as we travel in the land of guilt. What helps me is to realize that in this land I have options. Stay here, move forward, leave immediately or invite others into my land of self pity and rehearsals of the past. Instead I must realize that God has a different agenda for me. He has plans that are clearly set forth. He wrote them to Israel and they apply to us too.  Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. What a wonderful plan. Plans for prosperity and not harm or calamity – plans to make sure we do not stay in the land of guilt. With each new day God desires us to live in hope. It was after the fall of Jerusalem that the prophet Jeremiah reminded himself of God’s hope filled plans. Lamentations 3:21 – 26 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. You might be waiting for something great to happen today. You might be longing for God to answer something for you. You may be wandering in the land of guilt or simply wandering and hoping you can make it to the weekend. Many have shared with me of late that they are weary, some have shared that they are feeling as though the messages I have been bringing are right on target – Hope for the Journey of Life. We all need hope but it is encouraging and comforting to know when you are bring a theme or a word that specifically hits the heart and it what God wants to bring to people.  Hope helps us when we find ourselves in the land of guilt or the land of waiting. Psalm 33: 20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.  God is good to those who wait for Him and trust Him. And why not trust Him? He has provided redemption, given us an inheritance, and extended forgiveness to us. We need to rejoice today in all that God is doing and has done and remember clearly that He has accomplished our deliverance, even from the land of guilt.  Col 1: 13 & 14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. If you think God is coming down on you, remember He is actually coming to lift you up. His grace comes to rescue you. He has transferred you from the dark land of guilt into the light of the kingdom of His Son. He extends love and grace to you – NOW. I feel compelled to remind you of all the great promises we have in the Lord. God is not only for us – He is constantly giving us great gifts. James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (NIV) Our Father does not change – there is not alteration or modification in His care, love, shepherding and grace. Regardless of where you find yourself today – even in the land of guilt.  God is for us! God is for you! And so am I, I love being your pastor, Pastor Bernie