Optimistic Journey » Hope

He’s the Lifter of Our Heads!

Jarrod Clark — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:16:10 +0000

“But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” – Psalm 3:3

There is no situation that our God can’t turn around for the greater good. There is no pit too deep that the LORD can’t raise you out of.

We all face our dark days. We all experience doom and gloom. But know today that we serve a God who is the lifter of our heads.

God has the ability to bring joy in the times of sorrow. When you have a hung down head, our God goes to work behind the scenes to comfort you and meet you at the point of your need.

Remember, when you’re at your weakest that’s when God is at His strongest in you. When you don’t see a way, God has a way.

I love how the Psalmist says it. He says, “The LORD is near to to the brokenhearted and He saves the crushed in spirit.” If you have a broken heart, our God is a faithful God. He’s the mender of broken hearts!

God’s Word has the awesome ability to speak life, victory and encouragement into your circumstance. Our almighty God is sufficient and He can provide the

January 23, 2012 -- Press Through in Faith (0)
January 19, 2012 -- The Great Exchange (2)
January 1, 2012 -- Your Best Days are Ahead of You! (2)
November 23, 2011 -- It’s Easier Said than Done (0)
October 19, 2011 -- Dogs Always Get the Bad Name (but Even They Have Hope!) (3)

Your Best Days are Ahead of You!

Jarrod Clark — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 04:29:27 +0000

The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, says the Lord of hosts. – Haggai 2:9

As you embark into a New Year, God wants you to look forward with hope and expectation. This is a chance for you to wipe the slate clean and leap forward with God’s great joy.

No matter what your past may have been, God already has your future planned. Your best days are ahead of you!

God’s Word says that your latter days will be greater than your former days. Not only that, but God promises in the scripture that there will be peace in the days ahead.

God doesn’t want you to go into a new year looking behind you. He doesn’t want you to compare the now with what has been in the past. He doesn’t want you to go forth with turmoil and strife. No, He wants you to look forward with hope and expectation. Something good is in store for your future.

Maybe you’ve been blessed to have a favorable past. Still know that God has greater plans in store even for you. He wants to take you into a higher dimension in this new year.

Don’t settle for less. Don’t set your standards low. Don’t think of yourself as mediocre. No, you are God’s most prized possession and He wants to prosper you and bring you into a season of increase.

As you go forward in this new season, know that all things work together for your greater good. God wants you to be blessed going in and coming out.

You’re blessed coming out of last year and you’re blessed going into this year. Rejoice in the fact that there are greater days ahead and watch as God brings you into a season of increase as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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October 4, 2011 -- God Wants You to Prosper! (2)
September 13, 2011 -- Leave the Past in Your Blind-Spot (1)
September 8, 2011 -- Look for Your “Suddenly Moment” (1)
July 27, 2011 -- Enlarge Your Hopes! (4)
February 2, 2012 -- 10 Ways to Have a Complete Joy-filled Day! (2)

Look for the Showers of Blessings!

Jarrod Clark — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 03:26:23 +0000

I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. – Ezekiel 34:26

Whether you know it or not, God is blessing you every minute of the day. Every breath that you take is a blessing from the almighty God.

From the moment you wake up to the time you lay down to rest, God’s mercies are endless. Everyday that you come and go, God is showering down blessings in your favor.

When you wake up in the morning, instead of looking at what seems to be a curse, look for the showers of blessings from the most High God. Live in expectation that something good is going to happen to you today. Take out some time and meditate on the mighty works that God has already performed on your behalf.

Look at the victories you’ve won. Look at the successes. Thank God for all your accomplishments. Focus your attention on the doors of opportunity that have been granted to you. Maybe there was a time when you didn’t see a way, but God made a way.

In hindsight, you can see that it was the almighty God who had His hand on you. He was showering down blessings in season. In the same way that He blessed you in the past, He can do it again and again. So live in expectation. Look for the showers of blessings that God has in store for you!

We serve a God who is no favor of persons. You don’t have to have a certain degree to receive the blessings of God. You don’t have to be accomplished or travel the world or be a “big name” person to receive His mercies. No, the blessings of God are for the small and great alike. Our great God will shower down blessings even for you, your children and your children’s children.

Maybe it’s something you need. Maybe you need God to work a miracle. Don’t doubt His mighty works, instead, look forward with hope and expectation. Before you know it, He will shower down blessings in due time and bring about increase as you charge forth on your journey!

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January 29, 2012 -- Too Blessed to be Stressed (0)
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He’s a God of Many Roles

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 04:04:41 +0000

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

This Christmas season, we can rejoice in knowing that we serve a great God who fills many positions. He plays many roles. Whatever you need Him to be, that’s who He’ll be.

If you’re looking for a friend, He’s a friend to the friendless. Our God is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He called you friend before you even knew Him.

In the scripture, Isaiah refers to Christ as Wonderful Counselor. That means if you’re seeking wisdom, guidance or advice, you can run to Christ for counsel.

He’s also referred to as the Mighty God. He’s the most High God, the God above all gods. And the good news is, you have access to Him. You don’t have to make an appointment. You don’t have to go through some type of cleansing ritual, no, you have direct access to the Mighty God.

Some know Him to be an Everlasting Father. If you’re fatherless or grew up in a broken home, He can be the Everlasting Father that you need Him to be. He’ll never come and go, He’ll always be right there by your side.

Another good thing about Christ, is He is known as the Prince of Peace. Jesus says in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” If you’re looking for peace, you can run to the Prince of Peace. And He can give you a peace that surpasses all understanding, which will guard your heart and mind.

In Exodus 3:14 God says, “I am who I am…” Whatever you need Him to be, He can be that and much more. He’s called Jehovah-Jireh, which means the Lord will provide.” He’s the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” He’s King of kings and Lord of lords. He’s the first and the last. He’s the healer. Someone once called Him a doctor in a sick room and a lawyer and a court room.

He’s a God who fights your battles. He’s called Emmanuel, God with us. Rejoice in knowing that He’s a God who fills many roles. And He will supplies all your needs as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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He’s a Twenty-Four Seven God (…and a Right Now God)

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:32:22 +0000

In the natural, the holidays are when most people take breaks. Businesses are closing and people are going on vacation.

But the good thing is we serve a God who never goes on break. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, He’s manning His post. He’s ever watchful over you and me. The scripture says that He never sleeps or slumbers. He’s always on the look out.

Not only that but He’s a right now God. He has the ability to tend to every person’s needs right away. You see, when you call 911, they have to send emergency personnel out where you are. Even though they have the ability to get there quick, it’s those times of extreme distress that are most critical.

‘I think about some movies and how the police always seem to be the last to arrive on the scene. In these movies, the law enforcements always seem to arrive when the solution has been found. They show up when the bad guys have already been killed, captured, or discovered.

But that’s not like our God, He’s a right now God. He’s not an hour later God, He’s not a God of tomorrow, no, He’s a right now God!

A great song writer once said, “He may not come when you want Him, but He’ll be there right on time.” My friend, He’s always on time. He’s waiting for His moment to move.

It’s like the water boy at the football game. He’s on the sidelines waiting for his chance to dart out on the field to give out water. As soon as the time out buzzard sounds, he’s on the job.

Well that’s how our God is, He doesn’t take a break. He’s ever ready and ever waiting for that right time to meet you at the point of your need. That’s good news my friend. Readily receive Him with open arms as you charge forth on your journey of life!

Photo credit: by .aditya.

August 30, 2010 -- There Is Rest In Jesus (0)
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It’s Easier Said than Done

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:00:48 +0000

In this season of Thanksgiving, you may be watching everyone around you show gratitude. You see all the smiles, the friendships and the laughter but on a personal level, you’re on your last string of hope.

Maybe you’ve had some hardships and it seems like nothing is letting up. You hear all these messages of hope, urging you to just think positive. They are messages full of inspiration, exclaiming you to just let it go and put it in God’s hands. But something deep down on the inside says, “that’s nice but it’s easier said than done.”

Maybe you’ve lost all hope. You’ve lost your fire, passion and zeal for the things you once had. You’re squinting your eyes, focusing, trying to see that silver lining in the clouds that you hear so much about.

.It’s true, everyday may not be filled with cheer. There will be some days when it seem a little cloudy. But here’s the thing, even when you hit rock bottom, the choice is yours of whether you go up or continue to go down. My friend, it may not seem like things can’t get worse but they can. In the same way, things can always get better too.

I dare you to stretch your faith and believe God can work miracles on your behalf. Dare to make a bold choice that no matter what happens, you won’t let the voice of defeat set in. Make the decision to fight back those thoughts of doubt, negativity, and fear.

I know it’s easier said than done. But if you’ll just take small steps everyday, you’ll strengthen the ability to see that light at the end of the tunnel. You’ll see more hope than you ever have. You’ll see yourself as an over-comer.

Know that all things, the good, the bad and the ugly, work together for your good. God can take everything that the enemy meant for your bad and cause it to work out for your good. You may not see it immediately but someday, you’ll look back and see that God was at work in you the whole time.

Keep fighting, keep smiling, and keep striving to fight back defeat. Make a declaration that you’re not a victim, you’re a victor. Then you’ll get your joy back. You’ll get your hope back.

Know today that peace is available to you. Ecclesiastes 9:4 says that as long as you are among the living you have hope. Today, take a step towards a better life of peace and victory and watch God turn the tide in your favor as you charge forth on your journey of life!

Photo credit: by Richard Lehoux

November 21, 2011 -- Attitude of Gratitude! (2)
August 28, 2011 -- Gratitude in Advance (1)
April 14, 2010 -- Two Powerful Words, Thank You (19)
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Only Regard the Things that Matter

Jarrod Clark — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:00:05 +0000

Too often, we go around regarding the things that don’t matter. We’re focused on the negatives instead of the positives. We’ve got our sights set on what’s going wrong, instead of what’s going right.

But that’s not what God wants us to do. He wants to prosper you. He has plans of a future full of hope in store for you. And when you regard the things and people who don’t matter, you’re giving your power to the wrong sources.

When you get a setback, instead of becoming sour, bitter, or defeated, take great pleasure in knowing that your outcome will be glorious. Delight in the fact that no matter what happens, the good or the bad, you’re going to come out triumphant and victorious.

If you get a bad break, don’t focus all your time, attention, and efforts on that one little disadvantage. No, take no regard for what’s worthless. If it’s not furthering you, don’t let it burden you. If you’ll take care of the business that matters, God will take care of the business that doesn’t matter. Set your expectations on the divine plan that God has for your life.

Photo by fictionalidentityIf a friend lets you down, if you’re rejected, wronged, insulted, persecuted, or forsaken, make a decision to put your expectations in the good that God has promised you. He’s promised you a bright future full of abundant life and hope. There’s a rainbow at the end of your storm.

I love how the Psalmist pleaded in Psalm 119:37. It says, “keep me from paying attention to what is worthless.” Remember Jesus says, “I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” If it’s not bringing you life, disregard it. If someone lets you down or they bring sorrow to your day, disregard them. Love them, but move on to bigger and better things that will bring you life, joy, and encouragement.

When obstacles come, don’t let them distract you. No, look ahead to the finish line. That’s where you’ll find your hopes and expectations. Maybe you’ve made mistakes in the past. Instead of letting them form strongholds in your mind, do just like the scripture says in Hebrew 12. Lay aside every weight that so easily besets you. Run this race with patience, by keeping your eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith.

I’m asking you today, what matters to you? Do the petty things of this life matter? Are you concerning yourself with the insignificant things that aren’t furthering you or causing you to grow? If someone cuts you off in traffic, do you let that get the best of you? Do you stress out over the things in which you have no control?

My friend, put your expectations in the things that matter, and expect nothing of the things that don’t matter. Rather than stressing over what’s worthless, your declaration should be, “I’m too blessed to be stressed.” When you take on this mentality, God will fade away all the stress, worries and cares. He will then bring you into an abundant life full of victory, hope, and wholeness as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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Dogs Always Get the Bad Name (but Even They Have Hope!)

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:24:43 +0000

It’s easy to forget how much God really wants us to prosper. And from time to time you may feel like you’re getting the short end of the bargain.

You may even feel inadequate or less than mediocre. Maybe your dreams haven’t come to pass. Maybe you’ve been diagnosed with an illness. Maybe all your friends have left and you feel like you’ve been slighted.

When you’re faced with these let downs and disappointments, it’s easy to fall prey to the voice of the enemy. He may try to convince you that you’re scum, or that no one cares. You might as well just give up. But don’t tune into the voice of the enemy, tune into what God says about you. He says that you have hope.

I’m reminded of how dogs always get a bad name. For instance, when a woman meets a bad guy, or a jerk, she’ll go back and tell her girlfriends, “he’s nothing but a dirty dog.”

Another instance would be the story of the Gentile woman in Matthew 15:21-28. This woman came to Jesus wanting Jesus to heal her demon possessed daughter. Jesus replies, “it isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” But the woman replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.”

And a third instance would be based out of Ecclesiastes 9:4 which says, “Anyone who is among the living has hope–even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!”

Now, in all three of these instances, there seems to be an underlying current that seems to hint that dogs are less than, or one of the least of creatures among us. But yet we see that in at-least two of these instances that even the dogs have hope.

So you may say, “what does this mean for me?” Well, here’s the key: if even the dogs are subject to the scraps that fall from the masters table, then how much more does God almighty care about the nature of your prosperity?

My friend, the scriptures tell us that God’s eyes are ever watchful on the lilies and even the sparrows. And if He cares for the lilies and the sparrows, then He certainly cares about you! James 1:18b says, “And we, out of all creation, became His (God’s) most prized possession.”

Now, make no mistake. This is not a message about dogs. Although dogs were used to paint a bigger picture. This is not even about lilies or sparrows for that matter. This is a message that simply says, if God cares even for the lowly creatures of habit, He cares about you! He’s concerned about you and your well-being.

Don’t let the enemy convince you that you’re scum. Don’t let the disappointments and failures of your past lower the hopes and expectations for your future. Remember, as long as you are among the living, you have hope! So lift your head up. Put your shoulders back and walk tall. God has brighter days in store for you as you charge forth on your journey of life!

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May 29, 2010 -- Hope Is Within Reach! (1)
February 1, 2012 -- Get the Inside Information! (0)
January 26, 2012 -- God Abides With Us (0)
January 23, 2012 -- Press Through in Faith (0)
January 16, 2012 -- He’s the Lifter of Our Heads! (0)

God Wants You to Prosper!

Jarrod Clark — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:35:40 +0000

I truly believe, it’s the Lord’s desire for you to prosper in every area of your life. For many people, it’s easy to get bogged down by the conditions of the world: the down economy, earthquakes, diseases, famine, and poverty across the land.

And as “cheesy” or cliche as it may sound, things can always be worse. But the truth is, it’s by the mercy and grace of God that you and I still exist today. The good news is, God doesn’t want you to just exist or barely get by. No, He wants you to thrive!

You see, when you have the Lord’s salvation in your heart, everything else will fall in place. That’s not to say that it will always be easy. Or that good things will come at the drop of a hat. But if you remain faithful and follow His decrees, you’ll become prosperous.

You’ll have a sense of wholeness, peace, joy, and satisfaction. You’ll even come to find that other areas will fall in line. Your finances with come together, your relationships will be better off, and your business will be solid.

When you harken to the voice of the Lord, and submit to His will, He will guide you and cause you to prosper. Don’t trust in your own understanding, no, do what Proverbs 3:5 instructs us to do. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not into your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

When the Lord directs your path, you can’t help but to prosper everywhere you go. You’ll be blessed coming in and you’ll be blessed going out. You’ll be blessed and highly favored of the Lord. You’ll even experience a 3 John 1:2 outcome in your health, that you prosper even as your soul prospers.

When you hear the voice of the Lord, harden not your heart. Let Him guide you into that prosperous outcome. Don’t focus on the circumstances around you. Instead, live in hope and expectation that you will thrive in every area as you charge forth on your journey of life.

Photo credit: by Shattered Infinity

January 1, 2012 -- Your Best Days are Ahead of You! (2)
September 13, 2011 -- Leave the Past in Your Blind-Spot (1)
February 2, 2012 -- 10 Ways to Have a Complete Joy-filled Day! (2)
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December 24, 2011 -- Merry Christmas from Jarrod… (0)

You Have Unlimited Lifelines!

Jarrod Clark — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 03:38:43 +0000

One of the greatest gifts we have in Christ is the gift of hope. It’s great to know that He’s not a God of a first, second, or third chance. He’s the God of unlimited chances!

You see, in the game of Baseball, you’re given three chances to make it across the home-plate. If you don’t make it to the home base without being kicked out, unfortunately, you’re without hope for that round.

But with God, you have unlimited lifelines. When it seems like you’re kicked out of the “game of life”, He gives you another chance to continue on with full hope. When it seems like you don’t know the answers, you can go to Him in prayer. There you will find the answer.

I think about the television game show, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.” In that game, the contestants are given three lifelines. They can either choose to do a fifty-fifty, where the computer randomly eliminates two of the incorrect answers. They can choose to ask the audience. Or they can phone a friend. The thing is, after all three lifelines are used, and they’re still unsure about the answer, they’re without hope. They can either walk away or guess at the answer.

Well, with God, there is no limit on the lifeline. When it seems you’re without hope, you can go to Him in prayer. He knows the answer to any question you may have. He has the solution to solve all your problems. He can supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.

You should know that as long as you have breath in your body, you have hope. You have unlimited lifelines. God doesn’t want you to just walk away from the “game of life” when you’re unsure about the answers. No, He gives you just what you need to succeed.

My friends, God’s prayer line is readily available to you. His prayer hotline is available 24/7. He’s even open on holidays. He is your primary lifeline. Sometimes you can’t just “phone a friend.” You can’t just find the answers by “asking the audience.” Sometimes in life, even electing the fifty-fifty option isn’t enough. God has the answer to all your questions. Place your hopes in Christ, and watch as He causes you to triumph as you charge forth on your journey of life!

Photo credit: by jacorbett70

June 16, 2010 -- He’s The God of Another Chance (1)
January 23, 2012 -- Press Through in Faith (0)
January 16, 2012 -- He’s the Lifter of Our Heads! (0)
January 1, 2012 -- Your Best Days are Ahead of You! (2)
November 23, 2011 -- It’s Easier Said than Done (0)

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