Hope's Harbor Podcast - Gritty Bible Devotions

How trustworthy are GOD's attributes? Of course, we may say we know we can trust GOD, but how far does that belief go? Will we step out without knowing every aspect of something GOD calls us to do?

It comes down to the question of who is in charge. Us or GOD. 

If you want to go further in your experience with knowing GOD, then learning how to trust GOD's nature is how to begin.

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

What is it that makes GOD great? Is it His power? His majesty? His nature?

While all of these characteristics contribute to GOD's greatness, what makes you revere Him, if at all?

This series will examine GOD's attributes, which are something true about GOD. And behind all studies of GOD, one truth stands out above all others.

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

The missing effect I neglected to mention is the most important part of re-establishing a relationship with GOD. Even if you've never had a relationship, you may even be an atheist, the Bible describes how the human race turned its back on GOD and walked away from a relationship with Him.

The things we see changing in our world today are a negative effect of that lost relationship. Want to see what it is that's missing? This episode reveals the missing element between us and GOD and how to reestablish what is missing...
if you want it, that is.

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

When looking at the causes and effects of salvation, of course, the best is being born again with a new spirit. This spirit comes from GOD. Even then a new birth, becoming a child of GOD, is but an entrance into a life lived with GOD. 

This new life is lived by faith, or belief, in the fact the Bible is true. Sometimes we don't feel any different than before we were reborn and this is where faith comes in. To live despite how life still mistreats us. To believe regardless of pain or discouragement.

Then we get to the part justification plays. This is a legal term by which we are allowed to stand before GOD, forgiven.

Now, the Holy Spirit begins His ministry to us by changing our mindset about everything. How does He do this? Primarily through the Word of GOD, the Bible. When we read and study the Bible, it opens our minds to GOD and allows Him to teach and guide us. 

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

What did GOD do to cause, or make possible, salvation for the human soul?

Is redemption all that important, and if so, how much so? This episode examines redemption, and the call of GOD, and then looks at the part regeneration plays.

John 3:16 reads: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. "

This one verse contains all three causes of salvation and leaves us with a choice. Do you see it?

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Knowing the causes of our salvation will help us appreciate more fully the deep love of GOD for all people. And then knowing the effects helps us live out all GOD intends for us as His people. And also receive something He has for us.

The Son of GOD has a particular purpose for us to enjoy. It's found in the Bible, the book of John 15:11 - "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."

He wants you to have joy, whether you are a Christian, or are interested in having the salvation Christians enjoy.

Join my wife, Kris, and me as we go through this series to learn  more about the blessings Jesus made available through His death on the cross.

 

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Since depression stalks us, some more than others, this episode looks at depression's effects on those who struggle with it. And we'll look at ways to help alleviate some of the more dangerous aspects of it.

I'm not a professional counselor. I speak here from my experiences with depression and from having nearly lost my life to suicide years ago. There is hope for you if you're in the depths and surrounded by darkness, but listen, you must get help if you're considering taking your life.

It may feel like the only answer, I know, but put off harming yourself. Give yourself more time to find an answer to relieve the pain. 

If all else is failing you, call 911, please, and ask to have an officer meet with you. I was in law enforcement nearly 21 years and went to numerous calls for help when suicide was being considered. Give someone the chance to help you.

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

In John 15:4 Jesus said to abide in Him. What does it mean, to abide? In this episode, we'll look at why Jesus said to abide in Him and how it benefits us. To abide takes some effort on our part but the blessing and benefit are worth the effort.

Besides the benefit of following Jesus's instruction to us concerning abiding, John chapter 15 is rich with Jesus's declarations of love for us.

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Acts of mercy are something  to be practiced by every Christian. Unless it is your gift you may struggle being merciful, especially with the acts of evil surrounding us today.

This episode looks at ways to implement mercy, whether it is your gift, or not. Learn ways to avoid being misunderstood when wanting to be merciful, while learning how to use your gift of mercy for the good of others.

Further information on mercy is found in the Appendix to the show notes. 

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

The spiritual gift of leadership involves many aspects within Christian service and church organizations. We are all leaders in some way, but this gift is unique in that leaders will influence others, for either good or ill.

Find out if this is your gift, and if so, begin to exercise it in keeping with the teachings of Scripture.

We need strong leaders, unafraid to do what is right, always.

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net