Hope's Harbor Podcast - Gritty Bible Devotions

The Promises of GOD - Why would GOD make promises? A promise indicates something yet to come, or something ready to go or to be obtained.

In this episode, the basis for GOD's promises is examined and the conditions sometimes required of us for a promise's fulfillment to be recognized.

This is so that we may know how to obtain fulfillment when we are in need of help.  Or even when we have a desire to be blessed by GOD.

Learn how to understand the context and the principles involved with GOD's promises, then lay claim to them by faith and prayer.

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Also please direct any questions or comments to [email protected]

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

A prayer of realization.

In this episode, praying Scripture back to GOD is examined. In my experience, when I pray GOD's Word back to Him, I have the assurance He not only hears but also answers according to His will in the matter.

What we learn is that sometimes there are conditions set forth within GOD's Word. Also, I give an example by praying a portion of Psalm 91.

The key verse we'll study is Colossians 1:9-10.

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Samson was known as a strong person. But how strong was he in GOD's estimation? This episode will explore the Biblical record in the book of Judges. The evidence is surprising.

GOD views strength differently. His economy of grace turns the rankings upside down, calling the meek strong.

First, Samson was chosen to begin to lead his nation to freedom from the yoke of Philistine bondage and domination. Listen in to discover what a  wasted life and squandered opportunity look like.

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

A count of chapters in the Bible revealed Psalm 118 is likely not the center chapter as believed. No matter. Scripture stands true and sure upon the character of GOD.

If GOD ever once misled us or said anything false, even just one time, He would not be the GOD the Bible declares Him to be,

In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul wrote 'All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD...'

Have you ever been inspired by GOD? If so you know He is never wrong. Even though there are portions of Scripture I don't understand or can not explain the 'why' of it, I have found the Bible is reliable and utterly so. This is after nearly 40 of studying it, sometimes as a skeptic searching for truth.

Show notes at hopesharbor.net 

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

What is the center chapter? Is there one?

One thing for sure, whether Psalm 118 is the center chapter or not, the center verse of that chapter is worth looking at.

When the Bible books were written and assembled, including the New Testament, there were no chapters or verses given. Those came later as we'll see in this episode.

GOD's Word is no accident. In 2 Timothy 3:16 Paul informs us, ' All Scripture is given by inspiration of God...'

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

In the book of Ruth, the story ends with the legacy Ruth and Boaz leave upon human history in the part they played in the coming of the Messiah centuries later.

Our lives are leaving a legacy, too. What will it be? Even an obscure life and legacy, if it points to the love and forgiveness of GOD will be an eternal legacy.

Think about this: GOD records the deeds of every person who lives, and He always has.

When we stand before GOD to give an account of our lives (the life He imparted to us), what will we answer? There are two options here - either we tell how we lived for GOD by obedience to His Word in the Bible, or we stammer with excuses.

Take this as an encouragement to change your eternal rewards by reading the Bible to learn more about GOD through the lives of His people down through the ages.

Show notes at hopesharbor.net

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

In the last episode, E54, we examined how Boaz took notice of Ruth.

And now, Boaz is moved to action. What happened to motivate Boaz to seek marriage to Ruth? In this episode we'll see how Ruth played a part.

If you want to make a change in your life, are you waiting for that change to just come along?

Or, are you willing to do your part?

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Have you ever had someone catch your eye, and then you meet them?

This happened to Boaz, a wealthy landowner when he saw Ruth working in the fields, gleaning grain for her and her mother-in-law.

Keep in mind, Boaz was wealthy. So what was it about Ruth, a poor foreigner who is having to gather food left out for the destitute, that gets Boaz's attention? Surely Boaz could have found a woman to marry, if indeed he wanted to before meeting Ruth, and found that woman among his circle of influence.

And what did Ruth think about gaining the attention of Boaz?

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Ruth was a faithful woman evidenced in several ways. First she left her home country to travel with her mother-in-law after her, Ruth's, husband died along with his brother. These men were Naomi's sons and led to her bitter spirit.

And then, as happens often with difficult circumstances, faithfulness in Ruth surfaced once more after the two women arrived in Bethlehem, Judah, at the beginning of barley harvest.

In the next episode following this one we'll see how Ruth's faithfulness gained her more than grain.

Show notes at hopesharbor.net

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Naomi has lost a husband, two sons, and returned to her hometown of Bethlehem, Judah.

Her daughter-in-law, Ruth, also recently widowed, came with Naomi, to call Bethlehem and Israel her new nation and people. And Naomi's GOD her GOD.

There is a difference between the two women in that Naomi is bitter at the turn of events in her life. And Ruth, well, she is faithful and caring to the point she begins to provide for Naomi.

The bitterness of Naomi consumes many Christians today, myself included in years past.

This episode examines the way to resolve bitterness and become free of its snare to the soul.

Show notes at hopesharbor.net

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net