HOPE40 - Day 32 - Anchor in the Eternal

Week 6: HOPE IN THE JOURNEY

Today's Scripture: Today's Scripture: Today's Scripture: John 8:51-59

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"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death." ~John 8:51

This is a powerful promise from Jesus, one that caused confusion and even outrage among His listeners. How could someone offer freedom from death? How could this man claim to have seen Abraham, to be before Abraham?

But Jesus is gently, boldly revealing the truth: He is the eternal I AM, the One who was, who is, and who is to come. And to all who keep His word and follow Him, He offers not just hope for life after death, but hope in the journey of life right now.

As we draw closer to Holy Week, these words feel especially weighty. Jesus is not just preparing His followers for what is to come, He is anchoring them in something eternal. Something sure. A living hope that will not disappoint.

When your own path feels dark or uncertain, when you are tempted to lose heart, remember this: Jesus has gone before you. He is your hope. He meets you in the journey, walks with you through every cross and sorrow, and leads you toward the promise of resurrection.

LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus, You are the eternal I AM. When I am weary or afraid, help me to cling to Your Word and trust in Your promises.Thank You for being my hope, not just at the end of the road, but with me in every step of the journey. Increase my faith. Help me to keep Your word, even when it costs me. May I follow You with courage and confidence, knowing that You hold my life in Your hands. Amen

HOPE For Your Health - Progress over Perfection

You’ve made it to Thursday, and whether this week’s 16:8 fasting window has felt smooth or a bit bumpy, you are still here. You are still showing up. That is progress, not perfection...and that’s the point.

As we approach Friday, consider preparing your body and your heart for an extended fast, maybe stretching beyond your usual 16 hours, even up to 24 hours, if you feel ready. Why Friday? Because it’s the day we remember Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Uniting your hunger and your longing with His can transform your fast from a physical practice into a deeply spiritual offering.

This journey may feel long at times, just like Lent itself. But every hour of discipline is shaping you. Every quiet "yes" to the fast is a whispered yes to hope. And hope, as we know, is never wasted.

So tonight, hydrate well. Rest. Reflect. Ask the Lord to walk with you into Friday’s fast.

You can do hard things with hope.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

HOPE For Your Marriage: Joy in the Journey

Jesus reminds us that those who keep His word are promised something far deeper than comfort or ease, they are promised eternal life.

This promise invites you to zoom out and look at the bigger picture, not just of your own life, but of your marriage too. When you walk with Christ and stay rooted in His word, your love gains endurance. Your relationship is no longer just about the daily logistics or passing emotions, but about growing in faithfulness, in virtue, and in unity that reflects God's covenant love.

Along this journey, there will be days when hope feels distant...when illness, stress, misunderstanding, or simply the demands of life weigh heavily. But Jesus’ words in this passage are a powerful reminder that there is hope not only at the end of the road, but throughout it. He is the God who was, who is, and who will be. He is present in your story...past, present, and future...and that includes your marriage.

Your marriage journey, like your faith journey, is a long walk of keeping His word, loving one another through the valleys and on the mountaintops, and trusting that God is doing something eternal through your daily “yes.”

CHALLENGE

Sometime today, tell your spouse: “I still choose you. I still believe in us.” Let that simple act of encouragement be a spark of hope for the road ahead.

MUD PIE

Not your normal Thursday in Lent, Intermittent Fasting focused meal….It’s a special day in our house!

Today is our youngest daughter's 14th birthday and she is requesting her favorite Mud Pie as her "cake". The recipe that follows is the one she has put together for her special day. In fact, this girl loves to cook and made homemade brioche caramel rolls for breakfast and will make her signature "Protein Pasta" for dinner tonight. (I'll get her to write that one down and share it with you.) I usually do the birthday cooking, but I sure love being the "helper" when the kids take the lead. Happy, Blessed Birthday to our beautiful Camryn Rose!

INGREDIENTS

Oreo cookies, probably double-stuff, regular size package
3 Tbsp melted butter
3 cups cookies and cream ice cream
3 cups coffee ice cream
heavy whipping cream

INSTRUCTIONS

Remove ice cream from freezer. Let it sit on thecounter to soften while preparing the crust.
In a food processor, crush the Oreos and remove about 1/3 cup for the topping
Add the melted butter to the Oreos while using the pulsing action on the food processor.
Press the crumbs into a 9-10 inch springform pan (or a pie plate or a 9×13 pan)
Spoon softened ice cream into prepared crust. Be careful to not press too hard or crust will separate.
Cover and store in freezer allowing to solidify a bit before adding the toppings
Whip the cream in a stand mixer or large bowl with hand mixer until stiff.
Top pie with whipped cream and reserved Oreo crumbs.
Store in freezer for at least 4 hours or up to 2 days before serving.