Daily Dose of Hope

December 4, 2024

Day 4 of Week 36

Scripture:  2 Kings 20; Isaiah 38-40; Psalm 68; 1 Corinthians 11

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  First of all, I’m sorry this is late today!  Second, it’s Wednesday which means its Recharge day!  Yeah!  Hope to see you guys today for worship, fellowship, small community, and prayer, starting in the Garage at 6:30pm.

Today, we are heading back to 2 Kings.  I will cover 2 Kings 20 and Isaiah 38-40 together because they are covering the same stories.  Hezekiah gets very ill.  The Scripture doesn’t mention what kind of sickness, but it is assumed he will die.  In fact, God says he is going to die.  But Hezekiah prays fervently to the Lord and God hears his pleas.  He agrees to add fifteen years to King Hezekiah’s life. 

But then something kind of strange occurs.  Envoys from Babylon come to visit Hezekiah.  The Scripture says they heard that the king was ill and came bearing gifts.  Hezekiah decides to show the Babylonian guests everything in his palace and storehouses.  They basically got a thorough tour of all the treasures of Judah.  What in the world led Hezekiah to do this?  Was he bragging?  Was he trying to show them he has just as much wealth as Babylon? 

When Isaiah finds out what occurred, he prophecies that there will be a time in which the Babylonians will take everything from the palace and treasuries.  Even some of his descendants will be taken to Babylon to serve the king there.  Of course, we know this happens when the Babylonians conquer Judah and carry off their best and brightest into exile in Babylon.  And then we get this reaction from Hezekiah that is totally self-centered.  He hears about the coming destruction and all he can say is, “Well, at least it won’t happen in my lifetime.”  There is no sorrow or remorse, just relief that he won’t be part of it. Hezekiah started out so well – what has become of him?

Let’s move on to our New Testament passage, I Corinthians 11.  This chapter begins to speak about the community at worship. The first part of the chapter had to do with head coverings. I didn't choose that for our main focus today but I do think it is worth a brief mention. Paul implores the women to cover their heads and the men not to cover their heads. This is confusing to us in a time and place in which head coverings serve an entirely different purpose (typically shade from the sun, warmth, or an accessory). But in ancient Greek and Roman culture, the main difference between a man and woman's attire was that women covered their head with a scarf-like material. The only women who did not do this were high class mistresses, slaves, prostitutes, and pagan prophetesses. Thus, when the women didn't wear their head covering or it fell off in the movement of worship, it was a significant distraction. In a highly patriarchal culture, it definitely sent the wrong signal, one that Paul really didn't want these women to send.

Then there was the whole issue of Holy Communion. Paul has some strong words for the Corinthians. He says their meetings are doing more harm than good. Basically, some of the wealthier members were eating first in private meals, consuming all the bread and wine, and leaving none for the poorer members. It was gluttony and arrogance at its worst. Those who had least were totally left out of that aspect of worship. I think about the Scripture in Acts 2 when the early church, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, sold property and possessions to ensure that there was no need among them. They ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God. Somehow, the Corinthian church failed to understand what it meant to be the church. It truly is amazing how Paul perseveres, continues to love and teach them, continues to pray that they seek the Holy Spirit in their fellowship.

As I write those words, I think about how it's amazing how God perseveres with all of us, continues to love and teach us, continues to pursue us even when we are arrogant, selfish, and uncaring. I can read about the Corinthian church and be totally disgusted by their actions but I'm totally disillusioned if I think that we, that I, am all that different.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

December 3, 2024

Day 3 of Week 36

Scripture:  Isaiah 36-37; Psalm 123; 1 Corinthians 10

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. 

Today, we are heading back to Isaiah.  This is the same story we read yesterday in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.  The king of Assyria is threatening Judah and Hezekiah stands strong.  Isaiah the prophet encourages the commander and king to not be afraid of Assyria.  God will take care of them.  And remarkably, Hezekiah listens.  He prays and asks God for protection and God grants it.  As we read yesterday, an angel of the Lord takes care of the Assyrian camp.  Judah is spared of bloodshed because Hezekiah stayed faithful.  Of course, the question is the same today – would you have stayed faithful?

Psalm 123 is another psalm of ascent.  Remember, the psalms of ascent were sung by pilgrims heading into Jerusalem for the various festivals.  It is a short song about asking for God’s mercy in the midst of hardship and affliction.  Keeping our eyes on God – that’s the theme – no matter what life throws at us.  How are you doing in that area right now.  Are you keeping your eyes on God?

Our New Testament passage is I Corinthians 10.  Paul continues to write about freedoms. Yes, we have the right to do everything but that doesn’t mean we should do everything. While we may have the right to do something, the biggest question to ask is, "Is this building up the body of Christ?" Paul emphasizes that while legalism isn't good, neither is it good to be overly permissive. There are times when we should curb our freedoms if it might harm a new Christian or hurt the witness of the Gospel.

The bottom line is we need to think about our words and actions in every situation. I’ve been in small Christian gatherings in which certain members feel the need to loudly communicate their dislikes about a specific Christian ministry, another Christian church, or even a fellow believer. Now, thinking about Paul's reasoning, they have the freedom to do this but is it beneficial? Is it building up the body of Christ? What if there was someone in the group who was a new believer or on the fence about faith? How would such a discussion affect their faith journey?

Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

December 2, 2024

Day 2 of Week 36

Scripture:  2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chronicles 32; Psalm 67; 1 Corinthians 9

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional/podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  Let’s get into our Scripture for today. 

We are starting in 2 Kings 18-19 and 2 Chronicles 32.  I’ll be covering them together since there is so much overlap between the books.  Hezekiah, as you probably recall, is the faithful king of Judah (the Southern Kingdom) who is doing all he can to be a godly king.  As a result, Judah is prospering.  At the same time, Israel has to face the music.  After hundreds of years of disobedience and failure to follow God’s law, God allows them (the Northern Kingdom) to be overtaken by the Assyrians. 

Once that happens, the Assyrian king turns his eyes toward Judah.  Keep in mind, the Assyrians have quite a reputation for brutality.  If they came into an area and took over by conquest, they were known for decimating that land and treating their prisoners cruelly.  Thus, other nations were known to give in to them and do all they could to make alliances and stay on their good side. 

But Hezekiah is not deterred.  He continues to put his faith in the one true God.  This leads to mocking by the Assyrian king but Hezekiah holds his ground.  Yet, his people and officials aren’t so thrilled by this.  They are fearful of the Assyrians and want to give in to their demands.  But Isaiah prophecies that Judah will be safe and God will deliver the Assyrian army into their hands.  And that is exactly what happens – an angel of the Lord goes to the Assyrian camp and kills all the Assyrian soldiers.  Judah is safe because of Hezekiah’s faithfulness and trust in God. 

I want us to think about this.  What would we have done in a similar circumstance?  Would we have caved and given in to what seemed like a safer, easier solution OR would we have trusted in God’s protection and provision.  Obviously, we aren’t battling the Assyrians but we are battling all kinds of things.  Who or what are we trusting?

Our New Testament passage is 1 Corinthians 9.  In this chapter, Paul continues his discussion on freedom in Christ. There were obviously those in the Corinthian church who were challenging Paul. We’ve talked about this in previous chapters-their view of Christian leadership was skewed. The Corinthians viewed strong church leaders as those who made known their authority by lording it over others. It was about power, reputation, and popularity. Paul is the exact opposite. He is saying that yes, he has freedoms and rights, but he doesn't abuse or misuse them.

Paul lists three rights/freedoms he clearly had but decided not to claim. The first was the right to food and drink, the second was the right to be accompanied by a wife, and the third was to be paid for his work as an apostle. He was a totally free man with rights but he intentionally chose not to use those rights. Paul did not want to be swayed by personal whims or desires. Rather, he wanted to be fully and totally focused on the Gospel. Indulgencing in these freedoms, while they were not bad things, might divert him from the purpose. Everything is about the mission for Paul and he didn't want to risk doing anything that could challenge his integrity and compromise the mission.

An important point that Paul makes is that by making these sacrifices, he is actually a stronger leader, not a lesser one. What is your view of Christian leadership? Are sacrifices essential to achieving the mission? What sacrifices have you made to share the Gospel of Jesus with others?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

December 1, 2024

Day 1 of Week 36

Scripture:  2 Chronicles 29-31; 1 Corinthians 8

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional/podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving week.  We spent the week with my brother and his family in Williamsburg, Virginia.  Daniel, Rosie, and my mom, flew up there while Richard, Sam, and I drove.  Being together is such a blessing. There was lots of great food but there were also some wonderful memories made.  I am grateful. 

Let’s get into our Scripture for today.  We are starting in 2 Chronicles.  Chapter 29 introduces Hezekiah, who did what was right in the Lord’s eyes.  Hezekiah has the priests purify the temple after Ahaz defiled it.  He brings hundreds of burnt offerings and they worship God.  He celebrates the Passover and makes a genuine effort to encourage all of God’s people to come back into the fold.  By chapter 31, Hezekiah ensures that the pagan shrines and temples are smashed throughout the land.  He even reinstitutes the tithe and has the people make the proper contributions to the priests.  Hezekiah did what was right and he prospered. 

Let’s move on to our New Testament passage, 1 Corinthians 8.  The Christians in the church at Corinth would have experienced a significant life change when they came to know Jesus. The Corinthian lifestyle was wild. It involved idolatry, sexual debauchery, and lots of indulgence. Those who were new to the Christian walk might be very concerned about eating food sacrificed to idols or other things associated with their past lives. They might be "legalistic" simply because they weren't mature or confident in their new Christian walk. They might be very concerned about doing the wrong thing.

Paul is saying, "Of course it doesn't matter what meat you eat but if it negatively affects the new faith of a Christian brother or sister, then be sensitive to that." Ditch the meat if need be. What’s most important is demonstrating love to that brother and sister and supporting them in the faith. Don’t be judgmental of them; simply love them.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

November 28, 2024

Day 5 of Week 35

28Scripture:  2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 17; Psalm 66; 1 Corinthians 7

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Bible reading plan.  Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!  Let me share some of my favorite Scripture in Philippians 4:4-7, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In 2 Chronicles 28 and 2 Kings 17, the kings of Judah and Israel have run amok.  The kings are once again leading the people astray.  In the north and the south, they are worshiping other gods, committing child sacrifice, and they have set up altars in the high places.  Both nations are depending on the protection of the pagan nations around them.  They are paying tribute to some and not others, and the political consequences are bad.  God allows Aram and Israel to conquer Judah, and the casualties are significant, although God doesn’t allow them to be totally decimated.

But decimation does occur in Israel.  We read about this in 2 Kings 17.  All the disobedience, the years of pushing God away, the horrific kings over generations, and the constant warnings that were not heeded, it has all come to a head.  The Assyrians have taken over.  While there is priest allowed to stay to teach the people about their God, it’s a warped Judaism mixed with pagan influences.  This is the end of the Northern Kingdom. 

Our New Testament passage is 1 Corinthians 7.  This whole discussion on marriage is interesting. Paul is not opposed to marriage but there is a certain tension in this chapter. He is genuinely concerned about those who marry and have families. There is the whole issue of not being totally and completely dedicated to God (because they are also dedicated to their spouse and children) but there is also a present distress that exists and may get worse.

At that time in Corinth, there was definite pressure being put on the Jews and increasing pressure on the new Christians. We know from reading history that intense persecution is on the horizon. Living in stable societies, rarely do we think much about the effect of persecution, warfare, and oppression on families. Paul was very right; those who were married with children would in fact suffer more. They would worry more about the safety and welfare of their children and it would be more difficult for them to pick up their lives and flee.

It was only fifteen years after Paul wrote this letter that Jerusalem was destroyed. What did the families do in such circumstances? I can't help but think about the fate of families in more recent conflicts-Rwanda, Bosnia, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Israel.

I do wish you many blessings today.  No matter our circumstances, we have much to be thankful for as followers of Jesus.  And please know, I am thankful for all of you.  

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

November 27, 2024

Day 4 of Week 35

Scripture:  Isaiah 33-35; 1 Corinthians 6

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Bible reading plan. Just a reminder, there is no Recharge tonight. 

Our Old Testament passage for today is Isaiah 33-35. Not unlike yesterday’s chapters, today’s readings continue on the themes of judgement and redemption.  While there will be destruction, God will also offer future righteousness for those who believe.  That we know will come through Jesus Christ.  There is also emphasis on God’s sovereignty.  He is bigger and more powerful than any earthly nation.  Woe to other natures for God will prevail.  His people will experience the consequences of their sin, but redemption is always possible. 

The New Testament Scripture is 1 Corinthians 6.  Paul continues to press this issue: Jesus-followers should look different than the culture around them. Why were they allowing secular courts to decide issues that should have been worked out in the church? Why were they getting pulled into disputes that distracted them from the mission in the first place? And then Paul presents a list of wrongdoings which have no place in the church. He is imploring them, "You know better!" You've been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ. You are different now, new creations, so behave like it.

I read this and it feels like Paul is in parent-mode. He is telling the Corinthians to remember who and whose they are! Two thousand years is a long time and yet people are still people. We aren't any better today; I do hope everyone realizes that. Yes, we think we are quite sophisticated. We think we are quite knowledgeable. But, just like the Corinthians, we still forget what it means to belong to Jesus. We still allow the values and temptations of the world to seep into our lives. How often we blend so neatly into the world around us! Do our neighbors and coworkers even know that there is something different about us? Let's just leave it there and let it soak in a bit.

I'll close with some more words from the apostle Paul in Romans 12:1-2 (the Message), So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

November 26, 2024

Day 3 of Week 35

Scripture:  Isaiah 30-32; 1 Corinthians 5

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Bible reading plan.

Our Old Testament passage for today is from Isaiah. Chapters 30 and 31 discuss how Israel is disobedient for not trusting in the Lord.  Rather, they trust in the nations around them, including Egypt.  God, through Isaiah, calls the Jews to repentance.  God is willing to show mercy and compassion if they are willing to come back to him.

By chapter 32, Isaiah is back to prophesying both long-term application and short-term application. The first few verses speak to a Messiah who will rule with righteousness and justice.  He will provide protection and refreshment.  But then as the chapter progresses, there is prophecy about upcoming judgment because they have walked far away from God.

Our New Testament passage is 1 Corinthians 5.  A significant problem in the church of Corinth was both sexual immorality and sexual deviancy, which simply underscored their shallow discipleship. Corinth was a port town that was home to the Temple of Aphrodite, a pagan temple with many, many prostitutes. Sexual immorality was rampant and almost a way of life in the city. It is in this context that the apostle Paul was trying to develop a holy church, based on commitment to Jesus rather than the pagan gods and ways of being. We see the struggles over these first few chapters.

In chapter five, Paul addresses a case of incest in the church, specifically a man sleeping with his father’s wife (presumably his stepmother).While this might have been acceptable in Corinthian society, it is absolutely deplorable among God's people. This kind of behavior was forbidden in the Torah and that translated into the church. The people of Jesus were also supposed to seek holiness and sexual morality was part of that. They are the body of Christ. Paul seems to be less concerned about the specific act and more concerned about the attitude of the Corinthian church. Why does this not bother them? It is their arrogance and general complacency that really put Paul over the edge.

Let’s be real. This is just as much as issue in today's church as it was 2000 years ago in Corinth. Why don't we behave like the body of Christ, holy and blameless? We tolerate all kinds of stuff! Do we demonstrate the same kind of arrogance and complacency? Certainly something to think about.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

November 25, 2024

Day 2 of Week 35

Scripture:  Isaiah 26-29; Psalm 65; 1 Corinthians 4

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Bible reading plan.  Happy Monday!

Our Old Testament Scripture is Isaiah 26-29.  You may have noticed that Isaiah’s prophecy moves from the future to present day (Isaiah’s present day) and back again.  In Isaiah 26-27, Isaiah is continuing the prophecy about the future after God’s final judgment has been carried out.  The great feast celebrating God as king is described. There is a song for Judah to sing.  It’s a time of beauty.

But in Isaiah 28, Isaiah goes back to the current day.  Now, there is prophecy against Ephraim and Jerusalem, especially to the leaders.  They are described as drunk with complacency.  Chapter 29 continues to speak of judgment but also tells of God’s mercy and compassion.  In not too long, the fields will be fertile, the deaf will hear, and the blind will see.

Our New Testament text for today is 1 Corinthians 4.  You have to love the apostle Paul's sarcasm! He has really had it with the Corinthian church’s arrogance. You see, they think they are mature, healthy, and effective. They think they have arrived. But Paul is making it quite clear: No, you have not! Why? Because they are worldly in their thinking, they are full of themselves, they have no desire to make sacrifices or suffer. They are comfortable, concerned more about status, popularity, and reputation than about serving Jesus.

Paul makes this interesting argument that a servant is not greater than his master. The Corinthians clearly think they are better. Jesus said in Matthew 16:25,"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." Part of the Christian experience is giving up one's life, one's wants, one’s desires, and even one's comfort, basically the things of this world, in exchange for the things of Jesus.

What things of this world might you still be holding onto? If you were to be brutally honest with yourself, can you relate to the Corinthians? Spend some time in prayer about this today. How might God be speaking to you through this chapter?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

November 24, 2024

Day 1 of Week 35

Scripture:  Isaiah 23-25; 1 Corinthians 3

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Bible reading plan.  Today, we are starting week 35 – woohoo!  You guys have been incredible sticking with your reading. 

Our Old Testament reading is Isaiah 23-25.  After the prophecies about judgement on the various nations, today’s reading details the Lord’s judgement at the end of times.  This is God’s final judgement on the entire earth as a result of humanity’s sinfulness in the last days.  As you read through chapter 24, you’ll notice that some kind of catastrophic event occurs that creates a deformed earth.  No one is able to avoid this – all classes of people from all around the globe.  When Isaiah speaks of “the city,” keep in mind this isn’t a particular city but a metaphor for the inhabited parts of the earth. 

In chapter 25, the tone changes drastically.  Now that judgement is over, God’s people are celebrating and praising the name of the Lord.  God has carried out his plans for the earth.  Those who stood against God have been destroyed.  Isaiah is visioning a banquet celebrating that the Lord is exalted king over all the world.  The banquet is on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem.  Most importantly, God will take on the curse that has infected all people since Adam and original sin.  Jesus will swallow up all death and pain.  And the people rejoice.  I just love the image of death being swallowed up forever.  No more tears.  Just sit and let that sink in for a bit.

Let’s move on to our New Testament reading in I Corinthians 3. Paul continues to have harsh words for the Christ-followers at Corinth. They think they live by the Spirit, but Paul tells them they actually are still living by worldly standards. He had to teach them like babies in the faith; they lack maturity. One example of this is their view of Christian leadership. They see leadership as focusing on an individual, that person having a following, pitting one person again another. In a sense, they view Christian leadership as a popularity contest. Paul makes the case that there are no individual superstars in Christian leadership. Different people have different tasks at different times. Some people plant, some people water, and others harvest. One task is not better or more important than another. They are all necessary for expanding God's Kingdom.

My own experience is that Christian leadership has to be rooted in humility. I struggle with this but I know it’s the goal. Jesus is of course our ultimate example. As a servant leader, he washed dirty feet, touched lepers, and ultimately gave up his life for those he led. No superstardom there, just a lot of rolling up sleeves, getting dirty, and experiencing sacrifice. We find a beautiful example of Christian leadership in Philippians 2:5-8:

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

November 21, 2024

Day 5 of Week 34

Scripture:  Isaiah 20-22; I Corinthians 2

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  Today is Thursday so you will have the next two days off.  This can be Sabbath or you can take this time to catch up or get ahead. 

Our Old Testament reading today is Isaiah 20-22.  Again, we find prophecies against Egypt, Cush, Babylon, Edom, and Arabia.  As we mentioned yesterday, the Israelites had been putting their hope and trust in other nations’ protection, rather than God.  God is basically saying he will bring these other nations down.  Interestingly, God had Isaiah strip off his clothing and walk around naked as a way to demonstrate the shame and disgrace of God’s people for trusting in others rather than God.  That definitely makes a point and even borders on crazy.

That leads to this question – is God calling you to do something crazy?  I don’t think God is calling you to strip down to bring shame to Israel BUT if he can ask Isaiah to do that, what might he be asking you to do?  Nothing is too out of the box. 

Isaiah 22 moves to Jerusalem.  It is speaking of a time in which the people have moved up to their rooftops.  They are celebrating when they should really be repenting.  The exact event being described is unclear.  It could have been a siege by the Assyrians (around the year 700BC) or it could be the future destruction by Babylon in 586BC.  It may even be speaking of both.  While the rulers have taken some strategic defensive actions, the Lord is upset that the people have not sought out his help.

Our New Testament reading is I Corinthians 2.  To put it mildly, Paul is frustrated with the church at Corinth. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they have access to the mind of Christ. Paul is saying that even though they are believers who have received the Spirit, they are beginning to behave like unbelievers.

Just for some background, Corinth was very much a troubled church. They were dealing with sexuality immorality, tremendous conflict (they were suing each other in civil courts), and abuse of spiritual gifts.  As we get further into the book, we will talk more about their abuse of the Eucharist, or communion.  Those who were wealthy would eat and drink first, having communion together, getting full and getting drunk.  When the poor came to the table, there would be nothing left.  Not surprisingly, Paul found this reprehensible.

How easy it is for Christians to say yes to Jesus but then sit back and not grow. There is also the temptation to slip into comfortable, easy Christianity (an oxymoron if ever there was one). The reality is in our culture and society, a person can profess faith in Jesus, go to church, go through the motions, but never know the mind of Christ. How critical it is to unite with other believers who will encourage us to grow and challenge us to live in the Spirit. Do you have the mind of Christ? Do we have the mind of Christ as a body of believers? What will it take for us to get there?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki