As of April 12, 2020, here are the top 20 google searches:
Facebook
YouTube
Amazon
Gmail
Google
Weather
Ebay
Yahoo
Walmart
Yahoo Mail
(You can find the rest of the list here: Top 20 Online Google Searches)
What are you searching for? Did you know that the average internet user spends more than a quarter of their life online? This translate to about 6 hours and 40 minutes… per day. (Source: Time Spent Online )
Seek the hope that is found only in Jesus! But the simple question that comes from some is — Why? Why should I seek hope in Jesus? Consider these 3 Reasons to seek hope in Jesus:
1. A Treasured Hope (v. 4)
The believer is considered the adopted child of God. Acts 20:32; Ephesians 1:11, Ephesians 1:14, Ephesians 1:18; Colossians 1:12. Heaven is spoken of as the believer’s inheritance – proof of God’s love is seen in such an inheritance as this!!
It is “incorruptible” – will never fade away; no decay (I Cor. 9:25)
It is “undefiled” – will be pure; obtained honestly; won’t corrupt the soul; the eternal enjoyment of this inheritance will in no way defile the heart
It “fadeth not away” – remains in its original state of splendor and brightness.
William Randolph Hearst was a very wealthy newspaper publisher who had an incredible collection of art. The Hearst mansion in northern California is a testament to his insatiable desire for artistic treasures. On one occasion he learned of some artwork he was determined to obtain. He sent his agent abroad to search for the treasure. After months of investigating, the agent reported that the treasure had been found. To further sweeten the find, Hearst learned that the relic wouldn’t cost him a dime. He already owned it. The rediscovered piece was in Hearst’s warehouse with many other treasures that had likewise never been uncrated. The desire for acquiring more can sometimes blind us from what we already possess. (Source: Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, Michael Green)
When we buy a car and drive off the lot, the value has gone down. When we buy a house, the water heater or furnace or roof will eventually decay and need repair. HOWEVER, this is a treasure like no other. It will never decay or rust or lose its shine – and it is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ!
o The crown of glory, though worn for millions of ages, will not be dimmed
o The golden streets will lose none of their luster
o The flowers that bloom on the banks of the river of life will always be as rich in color, and as fragrant, as when we first beheld them.
And don’t miss this last phrase of I Peter 1:4 “reserved for you.” The One who holds this inheritance for the believer will surely bestow it on the believer!
So, consider those things you do not have that you have longed for (a better car…a better house…a better family…a better wardrobe) and compare them to what you do have because of Jesus Christ! Rejoice!! You are rich in Jesus!
Live with a view of the many joys of your treasured hope in Jesus!
2. A Guarded Hope (v. 5)
“Kept by His power” – the word kept means to keep, as in a garrison or fortress. This is a military term.
The meaning is, that they were weak in themselves, and were surrounded by temptations; and that the only reason why they were preserved was, that God exerted his power to keep them. The only reason which any Christian can have to hope they will ever reach heaven, is the fact that God keeps them by his own power!
3. A Joyous Hope (v. 6a)
The Greeks had a race in their Olympic games that was unique. The winner was not the runner who finished first. It was the runner who finished with his torch still lit. I want to run all the way with the flame of my torch still lit for Him. (Source: J. Stowell, Fan The Flame, Moody, 1986, p. 32).
What keeps you going…what keeps you serving the Lord?
This future inheritance was a source of the highest joy; so, amidst all the persecution they suffered…they would keep going. They knew their current situation would be brief, but what was coming would last forever!
3 Ways to Stay Consistent in Fast Changing Times
1. Rehearse what you do have! Treasure in Jesus. Isaiah 26:3-4
2. Stand close to your Guard! Depend on God. Gen. 18:14a; Col. 1:16
3. Rejoice in what you know! This is temporary. What I have with Jesus on earth is better than any pleasure sin can afford me…What is coming in heaven with Jesus is FAR better. Jer. 29:11; Jer. 31:3; Prov. 3:5-8
My Hope is Jesus, the anchor of my soul!
My hope is built on nothing less; Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame; But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
On Christ the solid rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand…
All other ground is sinking sand!