Daily Dose of Hope

October 9, 2024

Day 4 of Week 28

Scripture:  2 Chronicles 15-16; 1 Kings 16; Philemon

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  It’s Wednesday so I would normally invite you to join us for Recharge.  But Hurricane Milton has thrown a wrench in that!  So, I ask all of you, how is it with your souls?  How is your anxiety?  How is your fear?  What’s your peace level?  There are really no right words to say.  This is something we haven’t experienced before and there is much uncertainty.  But the good news is that we know the God who is Lord of all things, including the wind and the rain.  And he tells us not to worry and not to have a Spirit of fear.  I’m leaning into Jesus, friends.  Please know I’m praying for all of you.  If you have needs after the storm, please text the church at 813-689-4161.  We will have someone monitoring that line.

With that, let’s get into our Scripture for today.  We begin with 2 Chronicles 15-16.  In these chapters, we learn more about the reign of Asa in the Southern Kingdom.  He sought to what was right in God’s eyes.  He got rid of pagan worship, destroyed idols, and made a covenant with the Lord.  He led his people well so that they would also be dedicated to the Lord.

But at the end of his life, Asa makes a terrible mistake.  When threatened by the Northern Kingdom, he makes a treaty with the king of Aram, a pagan king, rather than trusting God to take care of Judah.  It seems that once again, a king starts well and ends poorly. 

Let’s move on to 1 Kings 16.  The Northern Kingdom is one, hot sinful mess!  King after king, there is disobedience, idolatry, and violence.  By the time we get to King Ahab at the end of chapter 16, we think it can’t get any worse.  And yet, it really does.  Ahab was the worst of the worst.  He went above and beyond when it came to deliberately thumbing his nose at God and he took pagan worship to a new level. 

Then, there was child sacrifice. To be honest, I wasn’t really clear about what verse 34 meant–what does it mean to build the foundations of a city or the gates at the cost of a child?  Apparently, infants (alive or dead) would be placed in a container and then literally placed in the masonry of the foundation.  The idea was to ward off evil and please the gods.  I have a hard time even typing the words.  How absolutely horrific and blatantly against the law of the one true God.

One more aspect of Ahab’s total disregard for the Lord–the rebuilding of Jericho.  Most of you probably remember the great story of Joshua and the people of God conquering Jericho after circling for seven days.  At the time, God warned of death to the person (and their family) who attempted to rebuild the city.  And Ahab rebuilt it.  The author is reminding us that while it might not appear to be so, God’s Word still stands.  God is still in control.  Ahab will not have the final word.  Evil does not win.

Our New Testament passage is the small book of Philemon.  Paul wrote a congregational letter to the church at Colossae (Colossians) and then added this more personal letter to Philemon, kind of as an addendum.  It is difficult to ascertain the specific circumstances behind this letter.  Paul is obviously being very discreet and diplomatic in the letter, not wanting to alienate Philemon regarding his slave, Onesimus.

What do we know?  Paul is appealing to Philemon regarding Onesimus, who has accepted Christ through Paul’s ministry.  Paul expresses that Onesimus is useful to him, loved by him, and Paul would keep Onesimus with him if he could.  We also know that somehow Onesimus has been separated from Philemon, that Onesimus may have wronged him in some way, and Paul asks that Philemon welcome him back as “better than a slave,” as they are brothers in Christ.  Paul is willing to pay any debt that Onesimus may have toward Philemon.

One of the main learnings from this text is the extent to which Christ-followers are bound to one another through the faith.  While this letter is about a personal situation, Paul includes other individuals and the church community in this letter as well.  The point was not simply to put pressure on Philemon, but because there are theological and social implications when one joins the covenant community of the church.  

We belong to one another.  While we don’t have to be in everyone’s business, we are accountable to one another.  We need one another for support, encouragement, mentoring, but also to ensure we are not drifting or making decisions contrary to the faith. We are brothers and sisters in Christ and we will spend eternity together.  Reflect on Romans 12:4-5, Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

October 8, 2024

Day 3 of Week 28

Scripture:  1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13-14; Titus 3

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope.  I know that many of us are waking up this morning with a sense of anxiety or even dread.  We have a hurricane headed our way and we have absolutely no control over it.  If you need help preparing your home, please let us know.  We have people more than willing to help you get things as safe as possible.  Text 813-689-4161 if you need help. 

Let’s get into our Scripture for today.  With 1 Kings 15, we begin the saga of various kings reigning over both Israel (the Northern Kingdom) and Judah (the Southern Kingdom).  In the Northern Kingdom, there is a quick turnover of leadership, which naturally leads to instability.  There is also a blatant disregard for God’s laws, including what has become a culture of pagan worship.  We see God occasionally send a prophet to hold the king accountable, and regardless of whether the king changes his behavior, we can see the Lord attempting to be in relationship with his people and call his people back to him.

In the Southern Kingdom, there were also a number of leaders, some who disobeyed God and others who made an earnest attempt to follow God’s law.  In today’s chapter, we meet King Asa, who does what was right in the Lord’s eyes.  He cleans up the pagan symbols and altars, the shrine prostitutes, and brings the precious articles back to the temple.

What’s interesting is that in the Southern Kingdom, even when the kings are disobedient, God extends grace because of David’s obedience and devotion.  In some ways, God gives them a pass because he remembered the faithfulness of their forefather David.  Even when the kings were sinful, God kept his promise.  He promised that a descendent of David would sit on the throne forever and he made it so.  

Our God is a God who keeps his promises.  How many of you need to hear today that God keeps his promises?  Even when we fall away, God keeps his promises.  Even when life feels hard, God keeps his promises.

Below is a list of just a few of God’s promises.  On this day filled with so much uncertainty because of the storm, let’s focus on God’s promises:

1.         God promises to always be with you.  Matthew 28:20 (and surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age), Hebrews 13:5 (Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  Romans 8:38-39 (For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.)

2.        God promises strength. 1 Cor. 10:13 (No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.), 2 Cor. 12:9 (But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me), Phil. 4:13 (I can do all this through him who gives me strength.), Eph. 6:10 (Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.)

3.        God promises peace.  John 14:27 (Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.), John 16:33 (“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world.”)

4.        God promises to answer prayers.  Luke 11:9 (“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.), John 16:24 (Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.). Matthew 7:8 (For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

5.        God promises to take care of your needs. Matthew 6:32-33 (For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.), 2 Cor.9:8 (And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.)

6.        God promises freedom from sin.  John 8:36 (So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.), Romans 6:22 (But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.), Romans 8:1 (Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...)

7.        God promises everlasting life.  John 3:16 (For God so loved the world...), I John 5:13-14 (I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life...)

2 Chronicles 13-14 writes about the succession of the kings of Judah in more detail, specifically Abijah and Asa.  It appears that Judah is more obedient to God’s laws than Israel.  What other differences do you notice between the Northern and Southern kings?

For our New Testament passage, we are finishing up the book of Titus.  In this chapter, we see that Paul didn't want the Cretans to cause a scene and stir up political discontent.  What was most important was the spread of the Gospel.  Creating political conflict would not help the cause of the young church and Paul wanted to be sure they understood that.  Again, they were not to get involved in quarrels and arguments that simply weren't that important.  They needed to show the world that there was something different about them: humility, gentleness, and kindness.  Rather than get involved in political messes, they should get involved in doing good in their community.  It simply wasn't about them and their personal preferences, it was about reaching people for Jesus.

How much more could we all do for the Kingdom if we worried less about personal preferences and politics and focused more on spreading the Good News of Jesus?  Again, don't major in the minors.  Keep laser focus on what truly matters.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

October 7, 2024

Day 2 of Week 28

Scripture:  1 Kings 13-14; 2 Chronicles 12; Psalm 47; Titus 2

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  As we prepare for Hurricane Milton, please be on the lookout for messages from the church.  We want to ensure that everyone is prepared and everyone is cared for after the storm as well.  And definitely, pray that God will calm this storm!

Let’s get into our Scripture for this morning, beginning with 1 Kings 13.  King Jeroboam has instituted his own cult in the Northern kingdom.  A prophet visits him to warn him of the consequences of his disobedience.  What are the consequences?  Well, a new king, Josiah, will rise up who will clean up the pagan altars, kill the pagan priests, and punish Jeroboam.  As a sign of the authenticity of the prophet’s message, he says that the altar by which Jeroboam was standing would split in two.  Jeroboam isn’t thrilled with this message, of course, and attempts to get the man seized but God intervenes.  Jeroboam’s hand is paralyzed and then, just as the man prophesied, the altar splits and the ashes pour out.  Yes, the message is all true; there is no doubt it will come to pass.

This is a bit of an odd chapter. Be sure to read through it all. The man of God who visited Jeroboam ends up with an untimely death because of disobedience himself.  You see, no matter who you are, there are always consequences to sin.  Always.  We live on the other side of the cross and while we can repent and receive forgiveness, we still often must face the consequences of our own bad choices: debt, divorce, job loss, relationship issues, and damage to the Kingdom.  Think of an example of when your sin caused consequences you deeply regretted.  How did the situation play out?  Was there healing and restoration OR are you continuing to deal with the pain of sin?  Whatever the situation, submit it to God today.

In chapter 14, it becomes clear that Jeroboam will face the consequences of his sin.  His son will die, and the entire house of Jeroboam will be obliterated.  While Jeroboam ruled in the Northern Kingdom, Rehoboam reigned in the Southern Kingdom, Judah.  Things aren’t going well there either.  They also worshiped other gods, set up altars in the high places, had shrines with male prostitutes, and did things absolutely detestable in the eyes of the one true God.  We see God lifting his hand of protection and allowing the king of Egypt to successfully attack Jerusalem and carry off treasures from the temple.  Things are going really bad in the north and the south. 

What has happened to God’s people?  How did they get to this place?  I think sometimes we can ask ourselves the same questions. 

The 2 Chronicles chapter goes into further detail about the attack from the Egyptian king.  It could have been worse, but in the end Rehoboam did show some humility before the Lord and God spared his life.  But the covenant was broken and we are beginning to see serious cracks in the foundation of both Israel and Judah.

Our New Testament passage is Titus 2.  In this chapter, Paul gives very specific instructions to young and old as to how to behave and conduct themselves as followers of Christ.  As opposed to the false teachers in chapter one, Paul wants Titus to teach sound doctrine, which includes that behavior should be consistent with belief; there are certain virtues that Christians should live up to.  Doing otherwise damages their witness in the community.  Titus himself, as the leader, must also be an example of living a blameless, virtuous life.

Today's chapter speaks to why the Christian lives ethically and blamelessly.  There should be a direct link between theology and ethics.  If we truly believe that God has been revealed and salvation has come, that those who believe are freed and cleansed from sin because of the blood of Christ, and that receiving Christ makes us new creations, THEN we should act accordingly.  We are no longer slaves to the mess of the world.  We have the ability to change, to act differently, to behave in a way that demonstrates the Spirit within us.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

October 6, 2024

Day 1 of Week 28

Scripture:  1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles10-11; Titus 1

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional/podcast that complements our New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  As I write this, I am contemplating how we all might be facing another hurricane.  Can we pray as a group that God calms this storm?  I’m just having a hard time conceiving how we deal with more water.  We have to give it to God.  Let’s do that right now. 

Our first Old Testament passage is 1 Kings 12.   Rehoboam, the king who succeeded Solomon, has the ability to unite his people but his own arrogance gets in the way.  Listening to poor counsel and his own ego, he instead decides to rule with a heavy hand and oppress the people.  When those in the Northern regions hear about this, they decide it’s time to separate from Judah.  They want nothing to do with Rehoboam and reject his rule over them.  They boldly state that they will not have a descendant of David in authority over them.

What an avoidable mess.  With one bad decision, Rehoboam tears down what David and Solomon worked so hard to build.  The truth is that it’s a lot easier to break apart what belongs together than restore what’s already broken.  Can you think of examples of this in your own life?  Relationships, families, organizations, churches–it is so much harder to restore than it is to dismantle.  Friends, what broken things in your life need restoration?  Take a moment and pray for that right now.  Jesus Christ is the only true way to restore and rebuild.  Lean into Jesus.

2 Chronicles 10-11 offers us the same story from a slightly different perspective.  As I read it, I kept thinking how important it is to keep good counsel.  If the Rehoboam had listened to the elders rather than his prideful friends, things might have been much different.  But the Kingdom divides and things would never, ever be the same.

In our New Testament passage, we begin the small book of Titus. This is a letter from Paul to his dear friend, Titus.  Paul had left Titus on the island of Crete to organize the church there and carry on the work that was started.  One of his main tasks was to appoint elders or overseers for the local churches; this means basically choose some pastors.  There were specific characteristics for the pastors that Paul outlines in this chapter, including being blameless, being faithful to a single wife, and not being prone to anger or drunkenness.  These are consistent with the lists for elders in Paul's other letters as well.

This chapter highlights that the false teachers have made it to Crete as well.  The circumcision group refers to Jewish Christians who are vehemently promoting the idea that to be a Christian, one must be a Jew first, which includes becoming circumcised.  Paul wants this group silenced.  They are teaching against the Gospel, which clearly states that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.  All that is required for salvation is faith; anyone who adds to this is a false teacher. 

Think about the world we live in.  False teachers are everywhere.  They may not be promoting circumcision as a prerequisite for salvation but other ideas that are equally damaging.  How important it is for us to grow our roots down deep into God's Word so that we won't be swayed by the many ideas out there, the many voices that are vying for our attention.  One voice matters-Jesus.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

October 3, 2024

Day 5 of Week 27

Scripture:  Ecclesiastes 10-12; 2 Timothy 4

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  Before we get to our Scripture reading for today, I want to remind you that we have a disaster relief work day this Saturday, Oct 5.  We are meeting at Ruskin Methodist Church to help remove damaged dry wall and carpet, do various repairs, and clean-up their thrift store and youth building.  The church was flooded last week with Hurricane Helene and we want to come alongside them to help with the recovery.  We can’t do everything but we can do something.  Please come help.

Our Old Testament passage for today is Ecclesiastes 10-12.  Chapter 10 speaks once again to the importance of wisdom; it is our guide throughout the ups and downs of life.  There are also some comments on the misuse of power and the importance of diligence vs. folly.  Both chapters 11 and 12 emphasize the transient nature of life and the importance of wisdom once again.  What’s most important, no matter where we are in life, is to focus on God.  Old age will come quickly; be sure to focus on what is most important.

Our New Testament passage is 2 Timothy 4.  Paul is getting ready to die.  He expresses to Timothy that his life has been poured out as a sacrificial drink offering.  He has given his whole life to the work of God in this world.  It’s been hard but God has given him the ability to persevere, to keep going, to not give up.  He says that he has finished the race of life, fought the fight, all the while keeping strong in the faith.  None of this was done in his own power but through the power of Jesus working in him. 

As I read through Paul’s letters, we see how often he encountered obstacles.  This has been especially evident in 2 Timothy.  Paul has been abandoned by friends, imprisoned, tortured, shipwrecked, rejected, been in fear of his life, and yet he kept on going.  I often wonder if he ever contemplated quitting.  Regardless, he never did.  He continued to get up in the morning and do what God had called him to do, even when it was really hard.  At the end of your life (as Paul was at the end of his), what will be your thoughts about what you’ve done for Jesus?  I often say that when we are on our deathbed, all that matters will be who we’ve loved, who’s loved us, and what we’ve done for the Lord.  Where do you stand in those categories?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

October 2, 2024

Day 4 of Week 27

Scripture:  Ecclesiastes 7-9; Psalm 46; 2 Timothy 3

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope!  Before we get started with our Scripture for this morning, I did want to mention that this Sunday, October 6, at New Hope Church, we will take a special offering to be sent to Faith Responders.  This is a wonderful disaster recovery organization with whom we work closely.  They are already on the ground but they need lots of support.  Pray about how much you can give and bring it with you on Sunday. To learn more about Faith Responders, check out their website at thefaithresponders.org.

With that, let’s get to our Scripture.  Our first Old Testament Scripture is Ecclesiastes 7-9.  Chapter 7 is definitely intended to remind us of our human frailty.  Life is short.  Thus, seek wisdom over the things of this world.  Chapter 8 starts with the need to follow the King.  For us, we might simply want to say respect authority within reason.  There is also this emphasis on the limitations of human understanding; only God has all the answers.  Chapter 9 also focuses on the temporal nature of life so be sure it’s enjoyed.  At the same time, don’t folly overtake you, as wisdom is always preferred.  And yet, there are no guarantees for anyone. 

Psalm 46 is a famous psalm, probably many of you have read it before.  It demonstrates two truths about God: His strength and his Presence.  God is our strength and our refuge.  The closing of the psalm is particularly powerful – be still and know that I am God.  How do you be still and know God?  In the hurried, short-attention span kind of lifestyles that we lead, what kinds of things do you need to put in place in your life to make space to do this? 

Our New Testament passage is 2 Timothy 3.  In this third chapter, we find Paul giving Timothy advice about staying strong in the faith.  The world will always be a source of temptation and evil, there will be false teachers, and there will be many challenges.  He tells Timothy to stay grounded in what Paul taught him and in Scripture.

In order to not be swayed by the winds of the world (no matter what century one lives in), we have to be grounded in God's Word.  God's Word is authoritative and offers us a basic instruction manual of sorts.  While we don't understand every story and verse, there is a purpose for every single word.

Our vision at New Hope is to rooted in God's Word, renewed by the Holy Spirit, and reaching the world for Jesus.  Some of my favorite Scripture from Paul is Colossians 2:6-7, So then, just as you received Jesus Christ as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.  Just as in Paul's time, the world will bear down on us, providing all kinds of temptations and distractions.  We have to commit to grow our roots down deep into Scripture so that we won't be uprooted and swayed when hardship, challenges, and temptation enter our world.  Obviously, we need to do this as individuals but we also have to commit to do this as a body of believers.  We meet Jesus on the pages of Scripture AND God’s Word provides a metric by which we can measure everything in our lives.  It’s essential.  Together, rooted in Scripture, we will be immovable.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

October 1, 2024

Day 3 of Week 27

Scripture:  Ecclesiastes 4-6; Psalm 125; 2 Timothy 2

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  One thing that I want to mention before we get started with the Scripture is the need for disaster recovery in our area.  What terrible devastation Helene caused up the Gulf coast and throughout Georgia and the Carolinas.  We definitely need to be in prayer for these areas but I also feel like we are in a unique position to help.  Last Saturday, we took a team down to Port Charlotte.  This Saturday, we will head to Ruskin.  If you are able to help, we will meet at Ruskin Methodist Church at 8am this Saturday.  More details to come.

With that, let’s get right into our Scripture.  Ecclesiastes 4-6 is our first Old Testament passage.  In chapter 4, we again read about how meaningless our toil and achievements tend to be. In chapter 5, we read about the importance of keeping the vows we make with God, and in chapter 6, we learn about the danger of squandering the gifts God gives us.  All of this points to the temporary nature of our lives – our stuff is fleeting, our achievements are momentary, and our lives all have expiration dates.  The only thing that keeps us centered is God. 

Psalm 125 is a short but powerful psalm.  It focuses on God’s unwavering protection for his people.  Our God is a faithful God.  Even in the middle of hardship, God is there with us.  We can rejoice in that!  Think of your last significant trial.  How did you experience the protection of God?

Let’s move on to our New Testament passage, 2 Timothy 2.  Besides the outside persecution that the church in Ephesus was experiencing, Paul also addresses another serious issue: in-fighting.  There were quarrels and fights within the Ephesian church, literally translated "word battles", that threatened to unravel the young church.  The church members were battling over doctrinal viewpoints and had formed factions.

Paul encourages Timothy to plead with the Ephesian believers to basically remember who and whose they are, to remember what was most important, and to explain how arguments within the church have the potential to damage the Kingdom.

How often have modern day churches been unraveled over word battles?  It's amazing to me how easily distracted we get.  We forget who we represent and get pulled into doctrinal arguments that really don't matter that much.  We major in the minors as some people say.  Are you currently engaged in any word battles with other believers?  It's time to put them to rest. 

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

September 30, 2024

Day 2 of Week 27

Scripture:  Ecclesiastes 1-3; Psalm 45; 2 Timothy 1

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  I apologize for the lapse in the Daily Dose.  With the storm and church closure, things got off kilter a bit.  But the good news is we are back in business!  Speaking of the storm, if you have damage or need assistance, please reach out to me personally and we will see how we can help.

We are starting a new Old Testament book today and that is the book of Ecclesiastes.  Ecclesiastes is a book of wisdom literature, which has historically been attributed to King Solomon.  However, it is drastically different from Proverbs and Song of Songs.  When you read the first two chapters, did you notice the pessimistic stance that Solomon takes?  Everything is meaningless, he states, including wisdom, pleasures, folly, and toil.  Some people claim that this book was Solomon’s response to Proverbs, as he began to realize that life isn’t as easy as believing in God and choosing wisdom.  There is an unpredictability to life that we must account for as believers.  One scholar I read said that, in Ecclesiastes, Solomon was defending the life of faith in a generous God by pointing to the uglyness of the alternative. 

I’d be curious what your thoughts are as you read through this book.  As we progress through the chapters, I think we will begin to see that Solomon is making a good point.  While life may be a struggle and totally unpredictable at times, God is the only thing that remains solid. 

I did want to touch briefly on Ecclesiastes 3.  In this chapter is the famous Scripture “to everything there is a season” that we often read at funerals.  It demonstrates the cyclical nature to life.  There are things that all of us as human beings will have to face – birth and death, planting and uprooting, killing and healing, weeping and laughing, and so forth.  Life is fragile.  It is fleeting.  The time we spend on this earth is limited and we must use it well. 

Of course, we live on the other side of the cross.  We know that if we believe in Jesus Christ, then this world isn’t all there is.  But yet, we don’t want to waste our lives.  We are called to be about Jesus’ business – caring for people, serving the least and the lost, and sharing the Gospel.  How we do life matters because of who we represent. 

Our psalm for today is Psalm 45.  This is an interesting psalm.  It’s a wedding song, so on the surface, it seems to celebrate human love.  But if we go deeper, read it a few more times, and you will see the messianic undertones.  This is about Jesus.  It’s a love song to Jesus Christ. The book of Hebrews applies this psalm to Jesus – can you find the elements that connect Psalm 45 with Hebrews? 

Our New Testament text is 2 Timothy 1.  In this second letter to Timothy (and his final New Testament letter), Paul again wants to encourage Timothy, who has now been ministering to the churches at Ephesus for four years.  Paul is writing this letter from a dank Roman prison cell and he knows that his death is imminent.  Paul also seems to know that Timothy's ministry will only get harder once Paul dies, as the persecution is now severe and the challenges for the young churches are many. 

Knowing the context in which this book was written helps us better understand it.  Paul wants Timothy to continue his ministry without fear and there was much to fear.  Paul mentions just a few of his challenges: abandonment by friends, persecution and imprisonment, physical pain and suffering.  Paul knew that Timothy may eventually face similar trials.  But living fearlessly in the midst of hardship requires more than some encouraging words of advice.  The only way Timothy (and us for that matter) can survive in such difficult times is through the power of God which lives within us.

Remember, if you have said yes to Jesus, the Spirit of the Living God dwells within you.  On our own, even on our best day, we aren't that powerful but God always is.  Paul reminds Timothy that it is the Holy Spirit within him that provides the power, love, and self-discipline needed to persevere in the faith and to live abundant and joy-filled lives in the middle of puzzling and difficult times.  I don't know about you but this was a message I needed to hear today.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

September 25, 2024

Day 4 of Week 26

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 5-7; Psalm 121; 1 Timothy 4

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope.  Well, it appears we are once again preparing for a hurricane, although most of the really strong winds should be to the west of us.  We will, however, get a lot of rain and a lot of tropical storm force winds.  Thus, Recharge will be cancelled tonight and our campus will be closed on Thursday.  Please be safe and let us know if you have any needs.  Remember, my cell number is 813-310-3884.  If you have a true medical emergency, please call 911. If you have a lower-level need OR any kind of emotional/spiritual need, feel free to call me.

Let’s get to our Scripture for today.  We are starting in 2 Chronicles, chapters 5-7.  This is the dedication of the temple from the chronicler’s perspective.  Two things kind of strike me here.  First, in chapter 5, the chronicler is speaking of the beautiful and elaborate furnishings of the temple.  They eloquently describe the carrying poles of the ark and they make an interesting statement, “…and they are still there today.”  This book, 2 Chronicles, was most likely written in the 5th century B.C. after the Jewish exile.  Yet, we know from history that the first temple was destroyed when the Babylonians conquered Judah.  The author of 2 Chronicles, traditionally seen as Ezra, would have known this.  Thus, his comments about the poles of the ark are curious.  They absolutely would not have been there.  After the Jews returned to Jerusalem, the construction of the second temple was started.  But the ark was never in the second temple.  I’m not saying I have any real answers to this puzzle.  Why do you think the author made that comment?

The second part of this Scripture that captured my attention is the very famous Scripture in 2 Chronicles 7:14,  If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  Pay attention to the context here.  The Lord is speaking to Solomon.  God is telling Solomon that when he sends droughts or plagues, the people need to go to God, repent, and he will hear them.  This is a comment on staying in covenant with God.  Basically, if the Hebrew people keep the covenant and are obedient to the law, God will bless them.  If they mess up but are then repentant, God will still take care of them if they repent and acknowledge the error of their ways.  But if they mess up and there is no repentance, well, woe to them, because things will get bad. 

I just wanted to mention this Scripture because so often this is taken out of context.  This is not a blanket promise to the U.S. but refers to the covenant God had with Israel.  Thus, we can’t take this Scripture at complete face value:  If we do this, then God will do this.  No, that isn’t the way things work.  But we can glean from this Scripture.  God is seeking for his people to be humble and repentant.  He wants his people to turn from wickedness.  He wants us to turn toward him so that he can offer healing.  Healing is not merely economic and agricultural prosperity, as the first listeners may have thought, but spiritual healing as well.  What kinds of healing are you seeking from God right now?

I’m not going to discuss the psalm today but please be sure to read through it.  What aspects of this psalm catch your attention?

Let’s move to our New Testament Scripture, I Timothy 4.  Please take some time to read through the whole of chapter 4.  Paul makes some interesting and powerful statements in the beginning of the chapter about those who would leave the faith.  He very astutely points out that just because someone initially commits to the faith doesn't mean they will stick with it.  When things get tough, when false teachers rear their ugly head, when it is no longer convenient, then they may turn away.  Paul seems to make the point that this is not an if but a when.  This simply means their initial confession was not sincere. While I don't want to spend a lot of time on this topic, I think we find this in modern Christianity as well.  Just because someone has said the words of a sinner's prayer does not mean they actually know Jesus or understand what they have said.  Something to think about for sure and speaks to the absolute necessity of discipling and nurturing new believers.

Reread verses 11-12.  Paul is speaking directly to Timothy.  He must have been a timid young man.  Paul wants him to take authority and not allow people to dismiss him because he was younger.  He needed to guide and lead the church both in his words and preaching but also in his lifestyle.  Even as a younger man, Paul encourages him to lead by example. 

While we give lip service to including young people in the leadership of the church, the reality is that we don't always do it.  We have lots of reasons for this (I've found myself giving excuses too).  But God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called.  If God calls one of our teenagers or young adults to be a leader, then we need to embrace them, nurture them, and give them the space to lead.  We need to be spiritual fathers and mothers, guiding them along the way.  For our younger adults who might be listening: You are called and God will empower you to lead!  Want to serve in leadership at New Hope? Come and talk to me directly.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

September 24, 2024

Day 3 of Week 26

Scripture:  1 Kings 8; Psalm 30; 1 Timothy 3

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that goes along with the New Hope Bible reading plan.  Please know I spent time in prayer for all of you this morning.  If you have any specific needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. 

We will start with our first Old Testament reading, 1 Kings 8.  This is a very theologically significant chapter so if you didn’t get a chance to read the whole narrative, I would encourage you to do so now.  We see God’s promise to Abraham, Moses, and David fulfilled with the dedication of the temple.  We see the normal pomp and circumstance of a religious building dedication but there is also the amazing presence of God, Solomon’s genuine prayers, and words of both encouragement and warning.

The chapter today discusses the presence of God filling the Holy Place in the newly built temple.  The priests couldn’t finish their service because the glory of God was so powerful.  Obviously, we don’t experience God’s glory in the form of a cloud (I guess we could but I personally haven’t.)  We do experience the powerful glory of God in other ways.  Because of the Holy Spirit, we can be assured that God’s presence is always with us, closer than our very breath.  In fact, there is no place we can go where God’s presence is not.  That being said, there are specific times in our lives in which we experience God’s glory and presence in very real ways.  These are times in which God’s beauty, grace, and manifold goodness show up in undeniable ways and we know, “Wow, I’ve just experienced God.” 

I have experienced God’s glory in various ways.  There are some times in which I’m sure God is showing up but I’m simply not paying attention.  Other times, it is unmistakable–an answered prayer, a healing, a spiritual conversation or prayer with a stranger, special time with loved ones, a powerful worship service in which God’s Spirit is almost palpable, hearing God’s still-small voice, or even in the beauty of nature.  When did you last experience God’s glory?  Share this with someone today.

Psalm 30 is a psalm of thanksgiving.  As you read through it, we can see this theme of God’s deliverance.  The author suggests that real security comes from the presence of God.  Do you believe that?  Think about your own life.  From where or what do you derive security?

Now, let’s move to 1 Timothy 3.  In chapter 3, Paul has turned his attention to qualifications for overseers and deacons in the church.  An overseer would have been similar to a pastor, someone who presides over a single congregation, probably in a house church.  The deacons would have been specific people who served in the church, possibly assisting in church admin functions or in missions.  This text indicates that Paul had struggled with some strong-willed and difficult leaders in the church.  It’s highly possible that some of the church leaders were bad influences, living too similarly to the pagan culture around them.  We aren’t privy to the details but we do know that Paul felt the need to give some basic parameters to who could lead within the young church.  They needed to people with integrity, people who were mature in their walk with Jesus, and people who were respected by their family and community.

Each church today has some kind of vetting process for their clergy.  If they don’t, then they certainly should.  Our process in the GMC is fairly rigorous and you can be assured that our clergy have gone through a process to ensure their theological qualifications but also their spiritual maturity and integrity.  There is also a renewed focus on accountability.  The reality is that all of our church leaders, lay and clergy alike, are highly visible.  Their ability to withstand the distractions and temptations of the world and stay grounded in the ways of Jesus is huge.  There is so much at stake.  Please take some time today and pray for your church leaders.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki