Daily Dose of Hope

March 6, 2026

Scripture: Romans 2

Prayer: Holy God, We come before you today rejoicing in your powerful name. Thank you for who you are and all you do. Thank you for loving us. Help us gather our scattered thoughts, help us set aside distractions, and truly focus on you right now. In these next few moments of silence, Lord, we want to hear your voice...In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan. We are currently journeying through Paul's letters. We are now in our sixth pastoral letter, the book of Romans.

Today's reading is Romans 2. Through the end of chapter one and most of chapter two, Paul points out the sinfulness of humanity and the righteousness of God. Whether Jew or Gentile, each person will have a day of reckoning, in which they will stand before God.

But then, Paul's words take a turn as they are directed specifically at Jewish listeners. He doesn't mince words. The Jewish audience may think they are better than the Gentiles because of circumcision and the law, but truly actions speak louder than words. What good is the law if they don't obey it? Paul accuses the Jews of judging the Gentiles for not doing things "right" but really they should be judging themselves. Their faith was superficial and all about outward appearances, so they look good in front of other human beings, not God.

What God values is the work of the Spirit in our hearts. What's going on in your heart right now? Unfortunately, it is too easy for us to make faith about a list of things that make us look good to others: attending church regularly, serving and volunteering, being part of a small group or Bible study, making moral choices, being a good person, you get the idea. But if our heart isn't right with God, all those good things are worthless. What God values is the work of the Spirit in our hearts. And God knows what's there – he can see through us right to the core.

When God looks at your heart, what does he find?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

March 5, 2026

Scripture: Romans 1

Prayer: Almighty God, Thank you for a new day and a new chance to give you glory and praise. You are an amazing God. How incredible it is that you, who created everything, know my name. You know every hair on my head. While I am so grateful for your love and care, it is sometimes difficult for me to adequately wrap my brain around your expansive love and mercy. Help me be a better reflection of you, Lord. Help me see others through your eyes. Help me be merciful, kind, and good. Lord, I know I fall short. So often. But I want to do better. In these next few moments of silence, Jesus, hear my prayer... In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan. We are currently journeying through Paul's letters. We just finished our fourth letter (2 Corinthians) and today we are beginning Romans.

Today's reading is Romans 1. Romans is probably one of the most impactful books of the Bible. Much of our Christian doctrine is rooted in this book. My own experience in Romans is that sometimes I need to read a chapter more than once to understand its meaning. Don't be discouraged if that is the case for you too. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide your reading and reveal what God wants you to know in each chapter.

Romans is written in the form a letter. Paul starts by identifying himself: he is a servant of Christ, an apostle, and one who is set apart for the Gospel. He is writing to a church in Rome that he did not establish and has not yet visited. He wants to be clear from the beginning who he is and what he believes. He is clear that the purpose of his writing is Jesus. Really, it's all about Jesus Christ, and we will see that theme woven throughout the entirety of Romans. It's certainly a good reminder for us–it is simply all about Jesus. We get quite distracted but Jesus is what matters.

In the middle of the chapter, Paul is clear about his purpose - sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Take a look at some of the statements that Paul makes:

-I am obligated to both Greeks and non-Greeks, to those who are wise and foolish.

-I am eager to preach the Gospel to those in Rome.

-I am not ashamed of the Gospel.

Paul knows who and whose he is and that defines every other aspect of his life. He is a person sent to share the Good News to all people, he is looking forward to preaching Jesus to the people of Rome, and he is totally unashamed, unembarrassed, and ready to be a minister of the Gospel.

What are your thoughts about this? We live in a time and culture in which people are hesitant to share their faith, worried about people's reactions, and content to just leave things be. Paul was anything but content. He felt obligated, eager, and totally unashamed! Spend some time in prayer asking God to speak to you, specifically what God wants you to learn from Paul and our new study of Romans. Ask God to open your heart and mind to new concepts and challenges.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

March 4, 2026

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13

Prayer: Lord, How we need you. Thank you for your presence, thank you for the way you continue to pursue us. Lord, in these next few moments of silence, help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you...In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are currently working our way through the pastoral letters of Paul. Toay, we are finishing Paul's second letter to the Corinthians.

Our reading is 2 Corinthians 13. Paul has some strong closing comments for the Corinthian church. The Corinthians want evidence that God is speaking through Paul. Paul turns the argument around and tells them to assess their own faith. According to Paul, they should be examining themselves, not cross-examining him.

Paul wants the Corinthians to look closely at their own behavior and attitudes. Do they point to faith in Jesus? This is the test to which he is referring. It is so much easier to point a finger at others and criticize their behavior, speech, and lifestyle, than it is to examine our own. I can't help but be reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 7:3-5, Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

Just as the Corinthians wanted to focus on what they perceived as Paul's weaknesses, we also get fixated on what we see are the problems of others. All the while, we feel perfectly comfortable with a massive plank in our own eye. Ask God to reveal to you the times in which you were quick to judge others rather than examine your own life and faith.

One last thing. You probably noticed that Paul ends his letter by telling the Corinthians to greet one another with a holy kiss. At that time, a kiss on one or both cheeks was a common greeting. In fact, in many places around the globe, this is still a very normal greeting. In Cuba, we double-cheek kiss when we enter the church and again when we leave. In Mozambique, I believe we did single-cheek kisses. Early churches considered these kisses to be holy, an expression of the deep bond between believers and a sign of unity in the body of Christ. Paul is known to have encouraged the practice several different times.

So, what do you think? Should we bring this to New Hope?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

March 3, 2026

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Provider, Sustainer, Thank you for being the God who creates, cares, loves, and saves. All we have is from you. As we talk about today's text, give us a fresh revelation; help us see your Word in a new way. Lord, thank you most of all for Jesus. Thank you for his sacrifice. Thank you for showing us a different way of doing life. Help us actually live the way you taught us. In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are currently working our way through the pastoral letters of Paul. We are nearing the end of 2 Corinthians.

Our reading today is 2 Corinthians 12. In this chapter, Paul continues his discussion on boasting but it takes a definite turn. He tells the Corinthians to be careful not to lift up visions and revelations but instead to have the humility to share how God has showed up in difficult seasons, times of weakness. Paul had quite a divine encounter on the road to Damascus during which he met Christ and he could boast about it. It was an impressive story! Sometimes, he choose to share his experience because it was such a powerful testimony But he is telling the Corinthians to be careful here. There are times when that is appropriate and there are times when it isn't. Use discernment and be careful of motives in sharing divine experiences.

When he finishes with the "foolishness" boasting about his attributes (which you recall he did to make a point to his rivals), he quickly states that he will only boast in his weaknesses. Because in our weaknesses, God demonstrates his power. In our weaknesses and shortcomings, Jesus has room to do his work. We only think our earthly attributes make us strong. It is truly our weaknesses that make us strong because that's where God comes in and demonstrates his miraculous work.

Paul speaks of a thorn in his side. He calls it a "messenger of Satan" sent to both harass him and keep him humble. I've read all kinds of things that this thorn could have been. It might have possibly been a physical illness, such as a chronic illness. One scholar mentioned an eye issue, although I have no idea how he came up with that. Other academics have suggested that Paul could have been dealing with a mental health issue, such as depression. Considering all he had been through, this would certainly make sense. Still others say that Paul was battling a spiritual attack. Really, it could be any or all of these.

And we will never know. Maybe that is better. Because all of us deal with a thorn in our flesh too. We all have something we struggle with, something that reminds us of our weakness and humbles us.

Paul says in today's chapter that he pleaded to God for help. You may have also pleaded to God to help you with your thorn. Paul wants the Corinthians to know, and this is very helpful for us too, that God didn't ignore his pleas. Rather, God told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Basically, God had given Paul all he needed to come out victorious in this situation. When Paul was weak, God was strong. So, stop whining, stand up and use the weapons and power I have provided to you!

What are your weaknesses? Rather than lamenting about them, have you ever thought that Christ might use them for his glory? Take a moment and spend some time in prayer, submitting your weaknesses, really your whole life, to Jesus today.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

February 27 and March 2, 2026

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 10-11

Prayer: Holy God, How amazing it is that we can come before you today. You are God of all things, Lord of everything, and yet you care about each of us. We give you glory and praise. We thank you most of all for Jesus, who made it possible for us to walk hand in hand with a holy God. Help us see today's Scripture through fresh eyes. Keep teaching us, Lord. Continue to reveal yourself to us. We are open and grateful. In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are currently working our way through Paul's pastoral letters. I am so sorry, last Friday, my devotional did not post and I did not notice until Saturday. I decided to just combine Friday and Monday's posts. Thus, today, we will cover 2 Corinthians 10 and 11.

Let's start with chapter 10. After a lengthy discussion on the collection for Jerusalem believers, Paul returns to the issue of defending his love for the Corinthians and his authority as an apostle. Paul is concerned with his own reputation but he is more concerned with saving the Corinthian church from these rivals who are promoting a false Gospel.

It's interesting that many people read Paul's epistles and think of him as uncompromising and even harsh at times. But that apparently isn't the Paul that the Corinthian church witnessed. They thought of Paul as weak and timid. In this chapter, Paul is defending himself against such accusations. He is not timid but bold. However, he doesn't wage war in the typical sense. He wages war with God's power. Thus, we can suppose that Paul fights with spiritual weapons such as prayer and divine wisdom.

According to the Scripture, these weapons allow him to demolish strongholds. The Corinthians would have been familiar with strongholds, places with much fortification to help defend against attack. But it would have also been common knowledge that no amount of fortification could defend against a strong, forceful offensive attack. The power of God, Paul's spiritual weapons, were much stronger than anything that his rivals could present. Paul stands ready to attack the "stronghold" erected by those in Corinth who oppose him and slander his name. No amount of verbal attacks on his character, no intellectual arguments, no worldly debate could match the power in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul was on the side of Christ and that was his most effective weapon.

Do you make use of spiritual weapons? And if you don't, then why not?

Let's move on to chapter 11. Up until this point, Paul has avoiding boasting and self-aggrandizement. Because of this, he has gotten slammed by his rivals. Now, he asks the Corinthians to bear with a little foolishness as he boasts. He seems to think there is no other way to address these charges against his authority as an apostle and Christian leader than to clearly articulate why he is qualified. But unlike his rivals, Paul makes it clear that he knows boasting is nothing but foolishness because it leaves God out of the equation.

Paul begins his foolish boasting to counter the attack of his rivals. From reading this, we can guess that those opposing Paul took pride in their Jewish heritage, in their ministry work, and in their visions and revelations. Paul matches them point for point. But he does so knowing it's all a bit ridiculous. The only thing that really matters is boasting about God.

Paul's original discourse with the Corinthians about boasting is found back in 1 Corinthians1:26-31. Reflect on the difference between this and what Paul is expressing in today's passage, Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord."

More tomorrow.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

February 26, 2026

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9

Prayer: Holy God, We rejoice and give praise for the ways you care for us. We thank you for how you continue to forgive us and give us second and third chances. Help us seek lives characterized by your holiness. Help us seek pure hearts. Lord, in these next few moments of silence, hear our prayers and help us bring together all our scattered thoughts and focus on you...It's in your name we pray, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are currently walking through Paul's letters.

We are working our way through our fifth pastoral letter, 2 Corinthians.

Today's reading is 2 Corinthians 9. In this chapter, Paul is continuing his discussion on giving. Paul is trying to rouse some enthusiasm among the Corinthian believers on the topic of giving, specifically giving to the destitute believers in Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Christians were experiencing a famine and possibly loss of their livelihood due to converting the Christianity. They were initially very interested and enthusiastic but apparently, they haven't followed through on their commitments.

Today's chapter leads to some interesting thoughts. You reap what you sow, not just with material resources but also in other ways. This idea is found throughout Scripture but most notably in Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:38, Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

But it also suggests that giving is an individual decision of the heart. We don't give for public recognition but to please God and demonstrate his love to others. God doesn't want us to give out of a sense of obligation but truly out of a kind and generous heart. All we have comes from God, we are simply giving a portion back to God's work in this world. Finally, Paul is suggesting that when we give to God's work, we will be blessed. God will ensure that our needs are met. Notice Paul doesn't say that our wants will be fulfilled but rather our needs. We will have what we need to be content.

What does it take for you to be content? Do you give with a cheerful heart?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

February 25, 2026

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8

Prayer to the Divine Tutor from St Clement of Alexandria (150–215):

Be kind to Your little children, Lord; that is what we ask of You as their Tutor, You the Father, Israel's guide; Son, yes, but Father as well. Grant that by doing what You told us to do, we may achieve a faithful likeness to the Image and, as far as is possible for us, may find in You a good God and a lenient Judge.

May we all live in the peace that comes from You. May we journey towards Your city, sailing through the waters of sin untouched by the waves, borne tranquilly along by the Holy Spirit, Your Wisdom beyond all telling. Night and day until the last day of all, may our praises give You thanks, our thanksgiving and praise to You: You who alone are both Father and Son, Son and Father, the Son who is our Tutor and our Teacher, together with the Holy Spirit.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are currently walking through Paul's letters.

We are working our way through our fifth pastoral letter, 2 Corinthians.

Today's reading is 2 Corinthians 8. There is significant need among the believers in Jerusalem and Paul is imploring the churches in Macedonia and Greece to give, not out of obligation but truly out of love for their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Those in Jerusalem were Jewish believers who the Gentile Corinthians had never met. This offering would not have been part of a tithe, but rather over and beyond their normal giving, in order to help those who needed it. While the Macedonian churches were located in a fairly wealthy and prosperous area, that doesn't mean all the churches were affluent. There were some among them who were wealthy but many more were just working class or poor. And yet, Paul is calling them to give anyway.

He has called all the Macedonian churches to give; this includes Corinth but also Philippi and Thessalonica. He is asking the Corinthians church to finish up their previous collection, keeping in mind the extreme need in Jerusalem. This is not a command, by any means, but rather encouragement to do what is right.

Giving does not come naturally to human beings. We seem to have this need to keep things for ourselves. We tend toward selfishness over sacrifice. Generosity is something that God nurtures in our hearts. Jesus taught often about being generous. Think about Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The beauty in the Scripture is that it demonstrates that when we invest in the things of God, our heart will be pulled in that direction as well. We start by giving sacrificially and God changes our heart.

What's been your experience with giving? Do you tithe? If you don't, then what keeps you from giving on that level? Have you ever given above and beyond the tithe, as Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to do? What motivated that giving? How has God blessed your giving?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

February 24, 2026

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7

Prayer: Holy and Almighty Father, We come to you today with humble hearts. We know we are broken and need you. We are weak. We are vulnerable to temptation. Lord, fill us with your strength. Give us your stamina and wisdom. We can't do this life without you, Lord. It's in the powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are currently walking through Paul's letters.

We are working our way through our fifth pastoral letter, 2 Corinthians.

Today's reading is 2 Corinthians 7. Paul continues to express his love and dedication to the Corinthians. Despite their disobedience and their lack of confidence in him, Paul has confidence and love for them. In fact, Paul says that he would live or die with them. He is making the point that their relationship as brothers and sisters in Christ will not end with physical death. They are united for eternity. This means something!

Have you ever considered that you are united with your fellow believers for eternity? This usually brings me great joy. I've met Christians all over the world who I know I won't ever meet again in this earthly life. But yet, we will be together in heaven forever. At the same time, there are believers who I know with whom I've never quite gotten along. Guess what? I also will spend eternity with them. Our bonds as Christian brothers and sisters are strong, friends. Is there a Christian brother or sister with whom you have disagreed, and you need to make amends? Our allegiance to Jesus should always trump our individual disagreements. I'm not saying to be a doormat. However, think about the disagreement, pray about it, and see how God wants you to proceed.

There is one more concept in this chapter I wanted to mention. Paul rejoices that the Corinthians have experienced Godly sorrow and repentance. 2 Corinthians 7:10 distinguishes between godly sorrow, which produces "repentance leading to salvation," and worldly sorrow, which leads to death. Godly sorrow is about remorse for hurting God and others, while worldly sorrow is often just regret over being caught or facing consequences. Have you experienced Godly sorrow or worldly sorrow? Can you see the difference?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

February 23, 2026

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6

Prayer: Abba Father, We come to you today in awe of your love for us. Thank you, Lord, for your sacrifice. Thank you for sitting high and looking low. We give you all the glory and praise, Lord Jesus. Help us to be less selfish and more like you. On our own, we mess it up. We need you, Jesus. We need you minute by minute. Guide our thoughts today, Lord. Guide our words and guide our actions. May we look more like you today, Lord, than we did yesterday. In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan. We are currently journeying through Paul's pastoral letters chronologically. We are now in the middle of 2 Corinthians.

Today's reading is 2 Corinthians 6. Paul wants the Corinthians to know that there are boundaries surrounding the behaviors of the covenant community. As we have discussed in previous chapters, most of Corinth consisted of individuals who worshipped multiple gods; idolatry and sexual immorality were a part of the pagan existence. Now, people are coming to know Jesus and entering the Corinthian church. This requires a huge shift in thinking about what is acceptable. Paul continues to teach that while they have freedom in Christ, that is not an excuse for behavior that displeases God. They are called to holiness.

It is from that place that Paul tells the Corinthian believers not to be yoked with unbelievers. A yoke refers to the wooden crosspiece that was fastened over the necks of two oxen and attached to a plow or cart that they are to pull. When one animal is yoked to another, generally the stronger animal can help make up for the inadequacies of the weaker animal. Think about Jesus' words in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." When we are yoked together with Jesus, he helps lighten our load and provides rest for our souls.

But Paul is saying not to be yoked with those who are not Christ-followers. As in the reference from Matthew, being yoked with someone suggests a close, almost intimate relationship. Do not yoke yourself with someone whose values, attitudes, and behaviors are fundamentally different from your own. Paul is referencing marriage but also other relationships. Do not bind yourself to people who have a worldview that is opposed to your own.

I want to be clear; Paul is not saying that Christians aren't to associate with unbelievers. Frequently, Paul encourages believers to eat with those who don't yet believe and build relationships with those who need to know the hope of Christ. But having an unbelieving friend or acquaintance is totally different from an unbelieving spouse, business partner, or bestie. Set your boundaries.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

February 20, 2026

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5

Prayer: Almighty God, As we move into our Friday, we pray that today will be a day that we see glimpses of your glory. We need you, we yearn for you. Lord, help us set aside our distractions and settle our scattered thoughts so we can focus on you and you alone. In the next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers... In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida. We have been journeying through Paul's New Testament letters. I don't know about you, but its been great to learn more about Paul's relationship with his churches. There is so much substance here. Currently, we are in 2 Corinthians.

Today's reading is 2 Corinthians 5. In the first ten verses of the chapter, Paul is tackling the difficult topic of what happens to us when we die. In Paul's culture (as in ours), there was fascination but also fear regarding the end of physical life. This piece of Scripture discusses the future resurrection and transformation of believers and the certainty of being with Jesus after death. We can be assured of this based on God placing the Spirit within us (Paul calls it a deposit). The Holy Spirit offers us assurance of salvation and that this earthly life is not the end.

Now, let's take a moment and talk about verse 17, one of my favorite verses of Scripture. Paul starts with the statement, "Therefore..." because the previous statement pointed out that Christ is no longer viewed from a human perspective, as he is God. Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior and his life, death, and resurrection form this radical, fundamental breakthrough for all creation. Because of this, things are different. God's Kingdom has been inaugurated and a new way of doing life is here. So, if someone is in Christ, meaning they have accepted Jesus and are united with a life-giving Savior, then this new way of living and being has started. They are no longer the same person. They are being transformed from the inside out by the power of the Spirit of God. The old person, the "pre-Jesus" life, is in the past. They now do life differently - new attitudes, new behaviors, new ways of thinking-focused on the ways of Jesus rather than the ways of the world

I want to add that becoming a new person is a choice. Others call it a process. It's both really. Becoming the person that God created us to be in Jesus Christ is not going to simply happen by accident. We participate in the process. The Holy Spirit works in us and we cooperate with God in the transformation. What has your "becoming a new creation" process looked like? None of us have arrived either. What are the places in your life in which God may be still calling you to change to look more like Jesus?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki