Be A Prisoner Of Hope

Peter denied him. Judas betrayed him of all things with a kiss. I mean, how lousy is that? The way that he let the people that wanted to hurt Jesus know that Jesus was Jesus was he kissed him. Some of you have had the Judas kiss. Joyce Meyer ministries have. Jesus, I’m sure was disappointed but there is no evidence that he even got angry at them. He called Judas friend, knowing what he was going to do.

Even after peter denied him and kind of had a momentary backslide and started using bad language and all kinds of stuff to prove that he wasn’t with Jesus — even after all that peter did, when Jesus arose from the dead as he promised and Mary saw him, he said, “go and tell my disciples and peter.” I think it’s interesting that he specifically mentioned peter by name; almost like, “and make sure you let peter know that I’m not mad at him.” “go and tell my disciples and peter that he is risen.” Joyce Meyer how could he do that? Sure, he was disappointed, but when you have your expectation in God and not people, you may get disappointed but you won’t get devastated. (applause)

There is a difference. I expect that I will get disappointed again in my life. We’ve had people that we’ve loved and trusted steal from us. There are all kinds of things… People just surprise you and they disappoint you and they can shock you. But you know what? I’ve already made up my mind that I will not get devastated because when you get devastated then you stop going forward. You have to make up your mind that no matter what anybody else does, you’re pressing on with God.  Amen? (amen.) (applause)

Be a prisoner of hope. Paul went through the same thing. Joyce Meyer online the bible says that at his first trial nobody stood with him. Nobody — not one person would stand with him. But Paul said, “I’ll just leave them up to God. The lord stood by my side.” I love that. What kind of life do you want? Have you ever asked yourself that?  “what kind of life do I want?”