Hope & Glory

What is hope? As an abstract concept, “hope” will be defined differently by individuals, Many will give “hope” a definition based on a personal experience. Most of us are “hoping” for something as yet unfulfilled.

Hope for a future

For those of us who believe in Jesus Christ, He becomes our living Hope. A personal relationship with Jesus and God, our Father, in His Spirit brings complete security and fulfilment, despite any present difficulties. We are secure now, in the future and eternally. That’s hard for “finite” beings to grasp, at times, but it’s true! Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. And in Him we are being changed from glory to glory!

Contribution from a friend

We invited you to share your comments and testimonies as a response to our blog. We are delighted to include a contribution today from Allyson, a dear friend, about what God has shown her recently:

A Gardener’s Tale

I am a gardener.

I take after my Father, as I love to prune, I know the shrub or tree will respond by flowering or fruiting more profusely and it will grow with greater vigour. Cutting away the dead and diseased wood allows more light and air to flow between the branches contributing to the health of the plant.

This year has been a challenge for growers, particularly with the lack of rain. Most of the plants in our borders are perennial, they come back year after year. A favourite is Rudbeckia Goldsturm. It’s flowers are sunshine yellow with brown centres, very jolly and long lasting into autumn. They even look good throughout winter with a sparkly frosty coat. 

Although smaller in stature than last year, they have been offering their cheer to the passer-by. 

However I noticed some stems in the large clump were failing, becoming dry from the flower down to the leaves and stem. At first I thought it was lack of hydration and gave the clump a good watering. No change, those stems didn’t perk up at all. I considered the other stems, they were looking lovely as ever and not affected like the droopy ones were. 

A mystery to solve! I decided to get into the border to investigate. Getting down to soil level I immediately discovered the cause of the problem and the evidence to prove it. A mound of freshly dug soil sat in the middle of the Rudbeckia clump. Mr Mole in his quest for a Mrs Mole had disturbed or most likely snacked on the juicy roots. Without the means to absorb water and nourishment from the soil the stems had no chance of survival.

The importance of being rooted in God’s Word & His Truth

Roots are an essential part of a plant. 

They provide anchorage in rough weather, food and water, and a connection with a hidden world of fungi and microbes, and living organisms too small to see with the naked eye.

The Word speaks of roots and how important it is that we are rooted in Jesus. Consider how vulnerable we are if our roots are not established deeply in Him. The parable of the sower tells that some seed fell on rocky soil and because it had no developed roots when the sun came up it scorched the plant which withered away.  Matthew 13v6

Caring for new believers in Jesus

Perhaps we should be mindful of those who are new to the faith, whose roots are tender and have not yet gone down deep into Christ Jesus.

As the spiritual climate gets hotter and the world becomes more ungodly we who have weathered storms and strengthened our roots should offer Truth for encouragement and be a signpost to the One who will hold us fast if we put our trust in Him. 

Colossians 2v7.
Being rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
 
 
Jeremiah 17:7,8
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
 
He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
 
Psalm 1:1,2,3
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers…

Allyson Osborne August 2025