Garden Moments

Romans 15:13 – HOPE

by northwestjim, posted in Garden Moments

Romans 15:13
” Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

What is it about HOPE?

Hope provides Joy and Peace during tough times.

BUT… It intrigues me that hope seems to flow out of joy and peace…

They feed each other. They become a sum that is more than their parts.

We worship the God of hope.
The goal of hope is more hope through peace and joy.

I’m praying for:

  • a world view defined by HOPE.
  • a world abounding in HOPE.

because that is where peace and joy works to provide more hope.

Connecting to God by Praying in the Spirit

by northwestjim, posted in Garden Moments

We want to connect with God, but what is Praying in the Spirit? It might not be what we tend to think it is.

The Bible, in Ephesians 6:17–18, invites us to “take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” But what exactly does it mean to pray “in the Spirit”?

While some might connect this to speaking in tongues, it’s more likely that Paul had a broader, more foundational meaning in mind. Rather than just one method among many, praying “in the Spirit” is presented as the very essence of how we truly connect with God.

Consider Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman by the well in John 4. When she brought up the historical disagreement about where to worship, Jesus shared a profound truth: “The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23). This isn’t about worshipping anywhere sincerely; it’s a beautiful revelation that only those who have received the Holy Spirit can genuinely worship God. It’s through the Spirit, and by His guidance, that our worship—and our prayers—become truly pleasing to Him.

Paul further clarifies this in Romans 8:15-16, reminding us, “You did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” God has generously given us His Spirit, and it’s this Spirit within us that empowers us to call out to Him, even and especially when we feel weak (v 26).

This is also why, as 1 Corinthians 12:3 says, “no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.” While anyone can speak those words, truly understanding and embracing their meaning comes from the Spirit’s work in our lives. In the same way, our ability to pray stems from our adoption into God’s family and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

So, as you come to God in prayer today—perhaps even right now—and lovingly call Him “Father,” you are truly “praying in the Spirit.” Trust in the Spirit who lives within you by faith. He will be there to help you, to prompt you, to guide you, and to fill you with the wonderful, undeserved joy of speaking to the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, knowing you can call Him your “Abba, Father.”