Hope, the Anchor For Your Soul

SLC 2008

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February 2008

Dear Partner,

Hope – The Anchor For Your Soul

Trina and I recently visited the USS Midway in San Diego. We were very impressed with this great aircraft carrier. This powerful ship is now retired and is visited by thousands of tourists each year. It was used as a defender of freedom during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. Having served for almost 50 years, it is still inspiring visitors. We were amazed at its capacity to carry over 4,000 men. We were amazed at the flight deck that could launch or land two fighter jets at the same time. Its catapult system could launch a jet off its deck so fast that in less than 3 seconds it would be flying at 165 MPH. It was a fascinating tour.

I was as equally impressed with the “Anchor Room” as any other place on the ship. It is one of the larger rooms on the ship. The anchor weighs 40,000 pounds. The chain that holds the anchor is wound around giant spools. Each chain link weighs over 130 pounds. The tour guide said that when the anchor went down to secure the ship, everyone on the ship could feel the vibration. The anchor room made me think about Hebrews 6:18-20:

…lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; where the forerunner for us is entered, even Jesus… (see Amplified Bible also)

The Anchor Room

The anchor for your soul is this hope that reaches into Heaven itself. This anchor is both sure and steadfast. It holds fast in the very presence of God. When the storm winds blow, the anchor holds your soul steady. God says we must lay hold on this hope set before us. The storms of life come to all of us but God has given us an anchor that reaches into Heaven itself.

God’s definition of hope is different than the natural definition. Some think of hope as simply wishing, like someone throwing a coin into a wishing well for good luck. However, this hope is much different. The Bible definition is “a cheerful, confident expectation of good.” We have an anchor for our soul that gives us a constant cheerful, confident expectation that God’s goodness is ours. We can expect a miracle in every situation. What Satan means for evil, God turns for our good. This anchor holds us steady while miracles are coming.


Cheerful and Confident Expectation

The Word says about Abraham, “against hope, he believed in hope.” When it looked impossible, he believed it was possible. Hope is as supernatural as faith and love. These three abide forever: faith, hope, and love. Hope is eternal. This hope reaches beyond the seen into the unseen realm of God. We lay hold upon this hope. Because of Jesus, we live with a cheerful confident expectation. This gives us tremendous inner strength that the world does not understand. We are happy and confident with a positive expectation in every situation in life. Christ in us is the “hope of Glory.” We expect the glory and goodness of God to win in life.

The psalmist David talked to himself. In Psalms 42 and 43 David said, “Why are you discouraged…Hope thou in God…I will yet praise Him who is the health of my countenance.” David repeatedly talked to himself and encouraged himself. The most important conversations you will ever have are with yourself. Turn your expectations to God. One translation says, “EXPECT GOD TO ACT.” I like that one. Hope holds you steady and changes your countenance. Look to the Lord Jesus and expect. Faith gives substance to our hope and begins now to praise God and cheer up!

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2

Rejoice in Hope

We are able to “rejoice in hope” expecting, experiencing, and enjoying the glory and goodness of God. This hope will not leave us disappointed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost (Romans 5:5). This is not a false hope or disillusion. This is certain through time and eternity. Notice FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE working together. The anchor of hope holds your soul (mind, will, and emotions).

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost,” Romans 15:13. The Amplified Bible says, “overflowing and bubbling over with hope.” This year -- right now -- you are overflowing with a cheerful and confident expectation. Something good is happening to you, in you and through you this year.
Right now as you are reading this letter, Trina and I are ministering the Word of God in the Philippines, Singapore and Australia. In just a few more weeks we will be in Italy and Peru. We are carrying this cheerful, confident expectation to the world. We thank you for being partners and friends with us in the ministry. Together we can bring the supply of the Holy Spirit and serve the faith of believers around the world. These mission trips will cost us well over $100,000. Thank you for joining with us in world missions and for giving as the Holy Spirit directs you. There is a harvest of souls and a harvest of blessing that is ours today. Thank you for your prayers and partnership.

This month our special offer is the new series, “Hope – The Anchor For Your Soul.” We also want to offer you the series, “The Power of Positive Expectation.” For your offering of $30 or more, we will send you these powerful messages. We believe these messages will strengthen your faith and fill you with a cheerful and confident expectation. Thank you again for your prayers and for your generous offering for world missions.

In Christ,

Mark and Trina