Daily Dose of Hope

September 9, 2024

Day 2 of Week 24

Scripture:  Proverbs 19-21; Psalm 40; Romans 16

Happy Monday, everyone, and welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  Today, we continue in Proverbs, read a psalm, and finish with the book of Romans. 

Let’s start with our first Old Testament passage, Proverbs, chapters 19-21.  In chapter 19, Solomon seems to focus on the importance of personal integrity.  It’s better to be moral and upright and poor than to be wealthy and disrespected.  And yet, the proverbs continue, those who are wealthy are the ones who seem to have more friends.  But what kind of friends stick with us simply for what we can give them?  There is also a variety of wise tidbits about the importance of how we raise our children and the value of following the Lord’s guidance. 

Chapters 20 and 21, likewise, have a wide variety of wise words.  There are warnings against overindulging in alcohol, against engaging in conflict with authorities, and against dishonest business practices.  Solomon implores his readers to use common sense in all they do.  Chapter 21 gets at a slightly different theme, specifically how God knows our innermost thoughts.  Just doing right is not enough to please God, but we must also exhibit humility and integrity.

Psalm 40 was written by David, possibly during one of his exiles in the wilderness.  David speaks of God saving him from the slimy pit and delivering him from danger.  How many times has God delivered you from the slimy pit?  I can think of several times.  Sometimes, I found my way into the pit myself and others times, I was pushed in by others.  Regardless, it was always God who pulled me out.  God is always our deliverer.  He is there on our good days and our bad.  I don’t know about you, but that brings me a lot of peace.

The final chapter of Romans has this beautiful section of greetings to the people that Paul has worked with and encountered in his ministry.  I love how this was obviously a letter for regular people.  This was not a letter intended for religious scholars.  Rather, Paul sent it to people he cared about in an effort to help them in their own lives and ministries.

Another interesting note is that out of twenty-six people who are listed as special workers in ministry, nine are women.  This is especially impressive because Rome was a male-dominated society and women had little, if any, social and legal standing.  But in the church, things were different.  There is also a variety when it comes to the names: some of Jewish, some are Latin, and many are Greek.  While I'm sure the early church had its issues, it appears to be a diverse mix of men and women, from different cultural and religious backgrounds.  Essentially, it was a great picture of the Kingdom of God.

God's Kingdom is universal, with people from all races, cultures, and stations in life.  In God's Kingdom, men and women serve alongside each other.  It's a place in which every single human life has value and no one is better than another.  God's values are actively at work: love, justice, mercy, righteousness, hope, and freedom for the oppressed. 

Somewhere in the history of the church, it got off track.  The church became less Kingdom-focused and more about growing the institution.  It began to resemble the culture around it.  Certain people were excluded, corruption crept in, sin invaded.  It's hard to read a church history text because it seems so far from the church Paul was trying to establish.

But all is not lost. God's mercies are new every single day!  As a church, we can pray and strive to be a better picture of God's Kingdom.  In fact, my on-going prayer for New Hope is that we will become a multiplying congregation-multicultural, multiracial, and multigenerational.  I pray that we will be the kind of place where people from all walks of life find a place of belonging, a place to be nurtured and loved.  I hope you will join me in this prayer.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

September 8, 2024

Day 1 of Week 24

Scripture:  Proverbs 16-18; Romans 15

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that goes along with the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  Today is Sunday and I do hope we see you in worship this morning at 9:30am.  We are starting a new churchwide study called Creed, using a devotional guide by J.D. Walt.  Over seven weeks, we will be walking through the Apostles’ Creed.  The Apostles’ Creed is a wonderful, concise summary of the Christian faith, based on Scripture.  Today, we will unpack the first line, I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.  If you can’t make it in person, I hope you will worship with us online at findnewhope.com.

With that, let’s get right into our Scripture for today.  We are starting with Proverbs, chapters 16-18.  The little tidbits of wisdom over these three chapters cover a wide range of topics, including seeking the Lord’s will, as he knows our hearts; staying on the right side of kings and those in authority; the importance of family harmony; having discernment and good judgment in our speech; and reflections about true friends.  Did any proverbs stand out to you in the reading today?

Let’s chat a bit about our New Testament passage, Romans 15.  We can tell that Paul is beginning to close his letter in this chapter.  He shares his plans to head to Jerusalem and then to Rome on his way to Spain (we don't think Paul actually made it there) and he implores the Christ-followers in Rome to pray for him.  

Paul knew a trip to Jerusalem would be dangerous.  There were plenty of people there who wanted to see him executed for his work as a Christian missionary.  Paul asks his Roman brothers and sisters to join him in the struggle by praying to God on his behalf.  The ESV uses the phrase "strive together" with him in prayer, and the term comes from the Greek word for agonize.  

I think this is one of the gifts of the Christian walk, when the body of Christ gathers and agonizes together, to pray for a specific person or situation.  While our solitary prayers are important, there is something that happens when we raise up our voices together.  We know that we know that we know that we aren't alone.  We are lifted up, encouraged, and empowered to keep going.  Who is it who needs to know you are praying for them today?

Kind of a brief reflection today but we will talk more tomorrow.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

September 5, 2024

Day 5 of Week 23

Scripture: Proverbs 14-15; Romans 14

Welcome back, everyone, the Daily Dose of Hope.  Since the next two days are free, please use them to catch up if needed or maybe even get ahead.  Let’s get started.

Our Old Testament reading is Proverbs, chapter 14 and 15.  I’m curious what you think of Proverbs.  You might be able to tell this isn’t my favorite book, yet I know it’s God’s Word and there are plenty of nuggets of learning and wisdom for us.  Chapter 14 covers a lot of ground but it definitely emphasizes that foolishness is a result of rejecting God’s guidance and wisdom.  The middle section of the chapter compares the fate of the wicked or foolish and the righteous.  Not surprisingly, the righteous fare much better.

Chapter 15 emphasizes the need for self-control.  I love the first verse, A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  Let’s chat a little about self-control.  It isn’t an easy thing but it’s a wise thing.  Self-control, as many of you will recall, is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  We might think of self-control as the ability to control our will and behavior.  It’s the ability to stop speaking before we say something ugly about someone.  It’s the ability to not have a second cupcake.  It’s the ability to resist temptation.  Because we are human beings, we are weak.  I’m thinking not too many of you will disagree with me here.  We need the Spirit of God within us to help us stop before we go too far in our thoughts and actions. 

Paul says this in 2 Corinthians 10:5, We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  How important it is to take captive our thoughts!  It’s thoughts that lead to actions.  Self-control means taking captive of those thoughts and behaviors that can lead to negative consequences.  How well do you do taking captive those thoughts that can lead to giving into temptation? 

Now on to Romans 14.  It is unclear exactly who Paul is speaking of in this chapter.  Who were the "weak" and "strong" Christians in Rome?  It's possible that the weak Christians were Jewish believers who still felt strongly about dietary restrictions connected to faith but that has not been verified.  What is clear is that Paul doesn't judge either group but merely comes down on the side of unity. 

The Christian church is one that includes all kinds of people, from all walks of life, from countless cultural traditions, with all kinds of personalities and dispositions.  We are brothers and sisters and we are all part of God's family.  But just like other normal human families, these differences can lead to conflict and disagreement.  Paul's writing in this chapter demonstrates that these disagreements, over what we might describe as seemingly minor stuff, have been around since the beginning of the church.  Paul is saying to accept one another and try to no judge one another for those differences of opinion.

An example:  Many of you remember our mission trips to the Dominican Republic.  The church in the DR has very different ideas about what's acceptable and not acceptable for Christians than we do in the United States.  In many of their churches, women sit on one side and men on the other.  Alcohol is forbidden, as is dancing outside of church.  I have some pretty strong opinions about all of these things.  But Paul is saying not to get too caught up in these disagreements.  Accept your brother or sister with the different view and don't fall into judgment.  What's most important is what unites us.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

September 4, 2024

Day 4 of Week 23

Scripture:  Proverbs 11-13; Psalm 8; Romans 13

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, FL.  I’m curious what you are thinking about both Proverbs and Romans.  Are you learning new things?  Is God revealing himself to you in new ways?

Our first Old Testament passage is Proverbs 11-13.  These little tidbits of wisdom are incredibly important.  What I want to focus on today is gossip.  Proverbs 11:13 says this, A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.  What is gossip?  It’s light conversation about other people’s business.  It typically isn’t conversation that lifts people up; rather, it generally has a negative tone.  In my years in ministry, gossip has been such an issue in almost every area of the church.  It’s dangerous and it’s damaging to the kingdom.  The tongue is powerful.  And yet, we all get pulled into it from time to time.  I think my challenge for all of us is to do all we can to not be engaged in gossip.  How can we totally eliminate this from our interactions?  How can we build people up rather than pull them down? 

Let’s chat briefly about Romans 13.  When we say yes to Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes and makes a home within us, changing us from the inside out.  We become new people and that change should be obvious in how we treat people, the words we speak, and how we behave.  Paul is getting at this truth.  He makes the point that because the day of salvation has come, we should behave accordingly.  We should experience salvation to its fullest now as we will experience salvation in its fullness in the future when Jesus returns.

There is an urgency to this.  We aren't supposed to sit around, eat bonbons, and think, "One day I'll get my act together."  Rather, the time is now.  Not only do we never know what the future holds, but we also know to whom we belong and who we represent.  Of course, we will mess up here and there, but overall, our speech and actions should reflect mature Christ-followers, people who are striving for a life characterized by holiness.  This isn't legalistic but comes from a true desire to look more like Jesus. 

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

September 3, 2024

Day 3 of Week 23

Scripture:  Proverbs 8-10; Psalm 144; Romans 12

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  Let’s get started…

Our first Old Testament reading is Proverbs, chapters 8-10.  In chapter 8, we again see wisdom personified by a female.  It’s kind of interesting that she, the wise woman, stands in the public places and city gates where the prostitutes call out for customers.  You might argue that desire is not all that bad.  But what Proverbs is saying is that desire has to be focused on the right thing.  It can’t be focused on fleeting pleasure or wealth but on wisdom.  Think of chapter 8, verses 8-10, Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Later in chapter 8, Solomon declares that wisdom was one of God’s first creations, born before even the world was created.  It’s through wisdom that God orders and creates the world.  It’s because of God’s great wisdom that he knows this creation is good and he delights in it.  We also should delight in the world, seeking wisdom, so that we can live well.

In chapter 9, we see the wise woman prepare a banquet, to which she invites all kinds of people – the foolish and the wise.  This is so they can learn wisdom.  This is an invitation to the good life.  Today, we think of the good life as having a nice home, lots of great food, and being able to relax, vacation, and do lots of fun things.  But in Proverbs, the good life is seen as a life that embodies integrity, wisdom, hard work, and faithfulness to God.  Later on in the chapter, folly throws her own feast.  It may seem tempting but her feast will lead to death.  Embracing her “sweets” will lead to destruction. 

Let’s talk briefly about Psalm 144.  We have this theme of warfare.  While King David engaged in physical warfare, fighting enemies and desperately needing God’s guidance and wisdom, we engage in a spiritual war.  I think it’s powerful to read this Psalm using spiritual warfare as your context.  God is preparing us. 

However, I’m particularly struck when I read verses 3 and 4, Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.  Our God put the stars in the sky.  He created all things with just his spoken words.  He is almighty.  And yet, he involves himself in our lives.  He cares about us and all our silly drama and mess.  He wants to hear from us.  Our lives are short.  We are but one little blip on the timeline of history.  Who are we?  And yet, God loves us and wants a relationship with us.  It’s amazing really. 

Just so you know, Romans 12 is some of my very favorite New Testament Scripture!  It is incredibly powerful.  Paul is saying that because of this amazing gift of salvation, those who receive it should be truly committed to God.  Christ-followers should dedicate their whole life in service to Jesus Christ, become living sacrifices.  

This would have had significant meaning to Paul's audience, as the sacrificial system was still alive and well.  But unlike the Old Testament sacrifices, Christ-followers voluntarily offer their living bodies, every part of their existence, to the work of Jesus in the world.  They make Jesus not simply their savior but also their Lord.  Doing this is the kind of worship that God finds right and pleasing.  We might call this surrendering everything to King Jesus.

This clearly separates us from the surrounding culture.  Living for Jesus rather than ourselves or things of this world is unusual.  People notice.  Paul urges the Romans to not fit so well into their culture but experience life change as Jesus transforms their thinking.  Faith isn't just about the heart and emotions but also about the mind.  God wants to change our way of thinking so that we better reflect Jesus.  Do we fit into our culture?  Be honest with yourself.  Do your neighbors, coworkers, and other acquaintances know that you belong to Jesus?  Is your thinking more influenced by Scripture and the things of God or the national news, politics, and social media?  How easy it is to simply blend right into the culture around us. Paul's words to the Romans certainly ring true for us today.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

September 2, 2024

Day 2 of Week 23

Scripture:  Proverbs 6-7; Psalm 7; Romans 11

Happy Monday and Happy Labor Day!  Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional/podcast that complements the Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  I do hope you get a break from labor today.  Regardless, spend some time reflecting on how God is at work in your life and our church. 

We are starting today with Proverbs 6 and 7.  Solomon is again sharing wisdom to his “son” which may also refer to his students.  In chapter 6, the first part of the chapter deals with laziness, specifically being lazy in financial dealings and also being lazy in general.  Don’t be careless with money.  Also, don’t expect things to come to you without hard work.  A lot of this seems like common sense but it’s really, really important stuff.  Both being foolish with money or being lazy and not taking advantage of the opportunities God presents can lead to poverty.  We will definitely see this theme of self-responsibility in these chapters. 

Later in chapter 6 and in chapter 7, there are warnings against adultery or more specifically, the adulterous women.  I used to scoff at these verses, because women are singled out.  This didn’t make a lot of sense to me, as women had so little control over their lives at the time.  The chance of them seeking out an adulterous relationship was pretty slim.  But I think we need to look at these examples in a broader context.  Yes, adultery is bad for both women and men.  But adultery is often used in Scripture to describe sin in general.  When they speak of adultery, think of all sinful temptations, anything that could lead to ruin.  This could include adultery, but also addiction, abuse, pornography, financial deception, gambling, violence, gossip, the list goes on and on.  All sin has consequences but there are certain sinful behaviors that can lead to total destruction of our lives.

Next, we move on to Psalm 7.   This is another psalm of lament written by King David.  In it, David is asking God to save him from the vicious attacks of his enemies.  He claims that he is innocent and doesn’t deserve this treatment.  Because of his innocence, he asks God to provide justice.  This isn’t just David being really mad and wanting God to punish those he doesn’t like; David is rather affirming something about God’s character – that he a just and good judge.  It ends with David praising and thanking God for his righteousness.  It’s basically saying that anyone who sees these attributes of God (his justice, his kindness, his goodness, his perfection, and his righteousness), will inevitably worship him.  How can one not worship a God who is such a just judge and righteous lawmaker?

Our New Testament passage is Romans 11.  Paul is stating that because Israel rejected the Gospel, the Gentiles had the opportunity to receive it.  Interestingly, Paul says that the salvation of the Gentiles was meant to instill a desire in the Jews for the same amazing gift.  But that didn't necessarily happen.  At the same time, the Gentiles really didn't do anything to make the Jews jealous of this gift.  Think about it, Gentile Christians throughout the centuries have had the opportunity to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ with Jews, to demonstrate the abundant life that comes by walking closely with Jesus.  While that may have happened occasionally, more often we see Jews treated with persecution, oppression, and violence. 

Do you have any Jews in your sphere of influence or circle of friends?  What are their thoughts of Jesus?  Spend some time right now praying for their salvation and how God might be calling you to share the story of Jesus with them.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

September 1, 2024

Day 1 of Week 23

Scripture:  Proverbs 3-5; Romans 10

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

We are going to start with Proverbs, chapters 3-5.  Notice how wisdom is referred to as a woman several times in this chapter.  Since wisdom is an intangible quality, Solomon personifies it.  Wisdom is a woman who has much to offer – she is precious, prosperous, and has long life (chapter 3); she protects, loves, and is to be embraced (chapter 4).  This is in stark contrast to the adulterous woman in chapter 5 who is manipulative and dangerous. 

One other element in the chapters that I find interesting is this command to “pay attention.”  To have wisdom, you have to listen, pay attention and obey those who know more.  Think of the wisest person you know.  What is it that makes them wise, in your opinion?  How did they gain their wisdom?  Do you pay attention to what they say? 

Romans 10 is packed with substance.  There are two things that strike me in this chapter.  First is Paul’s discussion about the heart.  He is making an argument that the law is not what makes someone righteous, but their belief in Jesus.  He is speaking of a new circumcision, essentially, a circumcision of the heart.  It isn’t about what we do or what is done to us (in the case of a baby boy being circumcised), it is about our heart.  Do we believe in Jesus?  Do we love Jesus?  Have we made a commitment in our heart to Jesus Christ? 

Keep in mind this was a total 180 degrees from what the Jews knew and believed.  I think sometimes we are pretty hard on the Jews.  Why don’t they just believe?  Well, this was really different from everything they had been taught about being right with God.  Paul seems to get this struggle and it frames his arguments with Hebrew people.  He is anguished that they don’t believe.  While it is a huge shift, he knows how much better life is when Christ is at the center.  As we can all imagine, the law (works) is a terrible thing to build your life around because you are never good enough.  On the other hand, with Jesus, he has declared us good enough because of his saving work on the cross, not because of anything we have done or haven’t done.  This totally levels the playing field, as Paul expresses in verse 12.  It doesn’t matter if one is Jew or Greek for all who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.  This is great news, everyone!

The other piece that made an impression on me this morning was Paul’s emphasis on sharing the good news.  Starting with verse 14, he writes, How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”  And that is still the case today, isn’t it?  How can anyone know if they have never heard?  I think we make the assumption that most people around us, like neighbors, coworkers, golf buddies, and gym friends, know about Jesus.  Often, people have a vague idea about Jesus or even an incorrect view of Jesus.  Yet, they must know and profess Jesus to be saved.  I’ve also learned that some people, especially younger ones, truly have no idea what it means to believe in Jesus Christ. 

Friends, the harvest is tremendous but the workers are few.  How can they believe if they have not heard?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

August 29, 2024

Day 5 of Week 22

Scripture: 1 Kings 4; Proverbs 1-2; Psalm 43; Romans 9

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Bible reading plan.  We have a lot of Scripture for today so let’s go ahead and dig in.

Our Old Testament reading begins in 1 Kings 4.  The events of this chapter take place in the early to middle years of Solomon’s reign (he reigned a total of forty years).  Solomon was king over a huge amount of territory, from the Euphrates River to the north to the border of Egypt on the south, and there was a large population for him to oversee.  The first section of the chapter lists Solomon’s religious and civic leaders.  The second focused more on Solomon’s wealth and wisdom, particularly in regard to the prosperity of the nation.

The prosperity of the nation was completely connected to God’s blessing.  As long as Solomon and Israel were in obedience to the law, the blessing would continue.  This was a time of unparalleled peace for the Hebrews as well.  They were well-fed and they weren’t fighting anyone.  Many scholars say this time in Israel’s history is actually a foretaste of the happiness and peace we will experience in heaven.  Kind of an interesting thing to think about.

This chapter also mentions the Proverbs that Solomon wrote.  We also begin reading those today, focusing on chapters 1 and 2.  These chapters of wisdom literature make it clear their purpose – to help people walk in wisdom or one might say to live well.  And the main ingredient in doing so is right relationship with God: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 15:33).  But as we read the proverbs, we will begin to see how these “wise words” are really intended to build good character, to foster traits like honesty, integrity, hard work, and self-control.  They address basic areas of human life.  They might not be super interesting reading but they do make sense to people. 

The Proverbs aren’t necessarily high theological doctrine, but more like common sense advice that points people to do right by God.  Unlike other books of the Bible, which are narrative and need to be read as a whole, the Proverbs can actually be read in small, short increments.  Most of the time, we might say it’s risky to pull a Scripture verse out of context but in the Proverbs, you are free to do so.  What little tidbits of wisdom made an impression on you today?

Let’s chat a bit about Psalm 43.  Most Biblical scholars treat Psalm 42 and 43 as a single unit, so if you have time, I would suggest going back and reading them together.  I know we read 42 yesterday but how quickly we forget!  This is a psalm of lament, a prayer in three parts moving from complaint to petition and ending in hope.  Most likely written by the sons of Korah, musicians who would have sung the prayer, it continues speaking of a crisis for which they feel quite desperate.  Yesterday, we mentioned it may have involved being separated from the Temple and experiencing utter despair at not being in the presence of God.  Yet, as we can see from the ending, in the presence of despair, there can also be hope.  We can still praise God.  When have you praised God in the midst of despair? 

Our New Testament passage is Romans 9.  One thing that is evident to me in the beginning is Paul’s anguish for his people.  He is heart-broken for his Jewish brothers and sisters who have rejected Jesus.  I kind of picture him on his hands and knees praying for softened hearts.  And then I thought about how we should probably all be doing that.  How many people do I know, do you know, who don’t have a saving relationship with Jesus?  Why aren’t we on our hands and knees praying for their hearts to be softened and more open to the Gospel?  Just a thought.

One other aspect of this chapter that kind of hit me is Paul’s warning.  It appears that he is warning Christians to be careful.  Afterall, the Jews began to think that their connection was God was simply a right.  That they would be accepted because of their Jewish blood.  I can’t help but think this is a warning to all of us – don’t get too comfortable.  None of us have a right to be here.  We have a relationship with God and we have salvation because of what Jesus Christ has done for us.  We did nothing to earn it and we don’t deserve it.  I worry that at times, in the church, we might fall into the same trap that the Jews fell into, thinking we are superior or have some kind of right to be here because we have “been in church” so long.  In doing so, there is the possibility, just maybe, that we might look down our nose at others and not extend grace and mercy like we are called to do.  Paul’s warning is real, my friends.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

August 28, 2024

Day 4 of Week 22

Scripture:  I Kings 3; 2 Chronicles 1; Psalm 42; Romans 8

Welcome, everyone, once again to the Daily Dose of Hope, the podcast and devotional that complements the daily Bible reading for New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  Today is Wednesday so it’s Recharge night!  If you are local, I hope you will come out for worship and small community tonight at 6:30pm.  We start in the Garage, on the Moon Ave. side of campus.

Our Scripture for today begins in I Kings 3.  It seems that Solomon starts his reign out fairly well.  Solomon was following God’s laws, making the appropriate sacrifices, and walking with the Lord.  Then, Solomon, recognizing his own immaturity and lack of experience, asks God for a discerning, obedient heart so that he can administer wisdom in his kingdom.  This pleases God because Solomon doesn’t ask for selfish favors, but rather the ability to help other people.  In response, God grants wisdom, wealth, and fame to Solomon.  The only caveat to all this is that Solomon continues to obey God’s commands.  

In the last part of this chapter, we get a glimpse into Solomon’s new wisdom being tested.  It’s a very famous story so be sure to read through it if you didn’t already.  As Solomon begins to rule, he is also very prolific in his wisdom writings, penning Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. 

2 Chronicles 1 is basically the same story from a different perspective.  Solomon asks for wisdom and God grants it.  What’s interesting to me in this chapter is the many words used to describe Solomon’s wealth.  There is less personal narrative.  The chronicler wants us to know that Solomon’s wealth was unparalleled at the time.  As we have grown accustomed to in the Chronicles, there are many lists that describe Solomon’s strength and treasures. 

I want us to take note in both of these chapters how well Solomon is starting his reign.  He truly wants to walk closely with the Lord.  Things will change later so I want us to take all of this in.

Psalm 42 was written by the sons of Korah.  They were Levites, probably musicians, so I want you to imagine this psalm being sung.  The psalm depicts a desperation for God.  As the deer pants for water, so my soul pants for God.  We don’t know exactly what the desperation stems from; it’s possible that they are seeking to worship God in the temple in Jerusalem.  The bottom line is that they seek God’s presence with a sense of urgency and desperation. 

Have you ever been there?  Have you had times in your life in which you seek God with this kind of despair?  Think about those times.  How did God respond to your need?

Our New Testament passage for today is Romans 8.  There is so much substance in this one chapter.  Overall, Paul is telling us to live by the Spirit and he is encouraging us because no matter what, God’s love prevails.  I’m going to touch on a few of the main points. 

The first part of the chapter details how we need to live according to the Spirit.  Yes, we are human beings, so we have a sinful nature, but that doesn’t mean we have to live according to that sinful nature.  Paul says that once we accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit indwells us, meaning the Spirit can guide us, convict us, and direct us.  In fact, we are only living in true freedom if we are allowing the Spirit to guide us.  Being led by the sinful nature is just another form of bondage and that leads to death.  When we live by the Spirit, we know that we are children of God, we have the assurance of salvation and new life in Christ. 

In the next part of the chapter, Paul focuses on our present sufferings.  Keep in mind, the church at the time was enduring tremendous persecution.  It wasn’t easy following Jesus in the Roman world.  But Paul says these sufferings are nothing compared to the future glory that they will experience.  These present hardships will not last.  Eternity with Jesus, on the other hand, will last forever.  He is encouraging them to stay the course, hold on, because it will get so much better.  In fact, he says something quite extraordinary:  All of these difficulties and challenges will actually be used by God in some way to bring him glory, to extend the purposes of his Kingdom.   That doesn’t mean they won’t be painful or really, really hard, but God won’t let anything go to waste.

One part that I just love is when Paul speaks about all creation groaning for all things to be made right again.  Ever since the fall, God has been putting things in place to make things right, to basically reverse the effects of the fall.  Not only do we as human beings look forward to when death, suffering, and pain, are no longer part of our world, but so does all of creation.  I can’t help thinking about that line in the praise song, So Will I, when Hillsong sings, “If the rocks cry out in reverence, so will I.”  Y’all, even the rocks are yearning for God to make things right again, once and for all. 

Paul also speaks about how the Spirit intercedes for us.  I love this.  When things are really, really bad, when we don’t have words or don’t have the strength to say the words, we can trust that the Spirit of the living God is interceding for us at the throne of grace with words we can’t understand. 

Have there been times in your life in which you just didn’t have the ability to pray?  Maybe you were incapacitated or so distressed that the words couldn’t come out.  I know I’ve had times in which all I can do is cry out, “Jesus!”  And I know, I trust, that the Holy Spirit understands and is working on my behalf.  How cool is that?  What a mighty God we serve.

But I can’t finish this devotional without talking about the last part of the chapter.  Paul gives us this beautiful picture of God’s love and how nothing at all can ever separate us from it.  I use this Scripture quite often in funerals, especially when the person has died under difficult circumstances.  I find it so hopeful that if that individual believed in Jesus, that nothing can separate them from God’s love.  It very clearly says that death cannot separate from God’s love, even difficult, painful deaths like drug overdoses and suicide. 

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

August 27, 2024

Day 3 of Week 22

Scripture:  I Kings 2; I Chronicles 29; Romans 7

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that goes with the New Hope Church 5 day a week Bible reading plan.  Keep me posted on your learnings and how you sense God is teaching you as we walk through this Scripture.  With that, let’s get started.

Today, we start with I Kings 2.  David is about to die and provides some advice to his son, Solomon, the new king of Israel.  It’s troubling advice, as he provides spiritual wisdom quickly followed by political strategizing that will lead to bloodshed.  The first part of his advice is Godly and sounds like the wisdom of a man after God’s own heart: Follow God’s laws and walk in obedience to him and then you will prosper.  

But the second half of David’s advice is about securing the kingdom.  All sense of faithfulness is now gone out the window: Avenge your father, kill those people who have done us wrong, and ensure your place on the throne.  Hmmm...  On the one hand, David tells Solomon to follow God and keep Torah.  On the other, he tells Solomon to avenge, kill, and break Torah. 

Over the past few months, we have walked through all the Scriptures that detail David’s life.  Overall, he was a faithful man who rarely wavered from following the Lord.  He definitely had some rough patches though, in which he fell away and sinned horrifically against God and other people.  But he was always repentant and turned back toward God.  Over this last little portion of his life, however, it seems that David consults God less and in many ways has grown angry and bitter.

What can we learn from King David’s life? He is referred to as a man after God’s own heart.  He wrote many of the Psalms which we read over and over again and use in worship and song.  He loved God and his allegiance was undeniable.  On the other hand, he was a human king and there were many times in which lust, fear, and arrogance ruled the day. What do you take away from these months of studying King David?

Our I Chronicles chapter also details the last moments of David’s life but from a different perspective.  David offers his own treasures for the temple and requests others to give as well.  People respond well.  David has ensured that Solomon has a great start to getting the temple built and well-appointed.  He praises the Lord with a prayer.  From the perspective of the chronicler, David praised and thanked God a lot more than we read about in 2 Samuel and I Kings.  As always, perspective is everything.  The chapter closes with a second anointing of Solomon as king and the death of David.

Our New Testament passage for today is Romans 7.  This chapter describes our relationship to the law.  The law demonstrates how sinful we truly are.  We continually fail to follow the law, God’s people throughout history have continually failed to follow the law, despite their best attempts.  The law exposes how vulnerable we all are to sin; it is like holding up a mirror.  It shows us our frailties and brokenness.

Keep in mind, this does not mean the law is bad.  It just shows how weak we happen to be.  On our own (that is, without Jesus), we will continue to mess up and do those things that we really don’t want to do.  But in Jesus, we are new people.  We have the Holy Spirit living within us. That doesn’t mean we won’t mess up – we are still human.  But (and Paul will address this more in the next chapter) we have the ability to resist temptation and live for Jesus.  Again, none of this is because of us but because of who lives in us. 

How often have we done something that we know is wrong even though we didn’t want to?  That’s our sinful nature.  As we grow in our walk with Jesus, I’m hoping we begin to resist that nature and lean into what we know is right.  What has been your experience with this?  How have you seen your thoughts and behavior change as you have grown in your Christian walk?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki