Hope's Harbor Podcast - Gritty Bible Devotions

GOD's Glory is in His nature. We cannot add to it for GOD is complete in Himself. Even then we can point to His Glory by the way we live and believe His Word. We show loyalty to GOD when we obey His commands.

In John 15 there are numerous commands Jesus tells us to obey. It is a good place to start and by our obedience show the world what GOD's Glory looks like in the life of a Christian.

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Baptism - an outward sign of an inward work of GOD's Spirit. This is something a Christian does after salvation, after becoming a Christian by believing in the finished work of Christ, the Son of GOD when He died on the cross to pay for our sins.

Romans 6:4 - 'Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:5 - 'For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,
Romans 6:6 - 'knowing this, that our old man (old nature) was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.'

But is it necessary? Only as an act of obedience as a testimony to your faith.

For show notes go to hopesharbor.net

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Walking in the Spirit - it is a spiritual exercise, but what does it look like in everyday life?

Well, it is different for everyone and at the same time, it has similar elements. The differences are varied like the varieties of personalities, which GOD created. The similarities are those found in Scripture sometimes described as good works, or fruit.

It takes a commitment to follow the teachings of Jesus before we can walk in His ways, those of the Spirit. The primary question as I see it is: What do we choose in the way we will live?

And to make it easier to understand there are only two ways at the heart of the matter by which to live: Jesus's way - Satan's way. That may sound simplistic and I wish I had the time and space to look deeper into the ways of Satan for it would shock most of those who become aware of his schemes.

Regardless, if we concentrate on  walking (living) according to the map Jesus left us in His Word, it will help us avoid the traps of the enemy of our souls.

For show notes go to www.hopesharbor.net

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Self-control - we have to exercise it because GOD gave us free will to choose how we live. Sometimes I want GOD to do everything for me, and other times I wish He would leave me alone. But that is emotion talking. Deep in my spirit, I know the freedom we have as Christians contains the need for self-control.

For full show notes go to hopesharbor.net

Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions

Episode #38 

Title: Self-control – because GOD won’t (control us)

Date: January 24, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Key verse(s): Gal 5:23 – 25

Galatians 5:23– ‘…gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 

Galatians 5:24 – ‘And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

Galatians 5:25 – ‘If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.’

From G1722 and G2904; strong in a thing (masterful), that is, (figuratively and reflexively) self controlled (in appetite, etc.): - temperate.

Self-control in the NKJV is called temperance in the KJV. It means strong in s thing, masterful as in to master a gluttonous appetite.

Intro: Civilized society depends on individuals exercising self-control. It is a choice we make whether to control our behavior without external forces making us comply. 

We see this in the need for law enforcement because of people who choose to ignore the laws of their nation.

Children often don’t understand the need for rules and must be taught. When I encounter a teenager, for example, who doesn’t want to follow the rules, either at home or school, I invite them once they come of age to drive to try driving on the opposite side of the road from what all other drivers are on and to let me know how it worked out for them.

And it doesn’t end with teenagers. What about children in adult bodies who are on the road to destruction because they refuse to exercise self-control.

What brings someone to such stubborn, destructive behavior? I had only to remember my own teenage and early adult years to find an answer.

Devotion focus: Self-control is ours because GOD isn’t in the robot business -

Sometimes I want GOD to do all for me and other times I wish He would leave me alone. This is paraphrased from Oswald Chambers’ devotion in Utmost for His Highest.

GOD in His love for us will go to great lengths and supreme efforts to protect us from ourselves when it comes to a lack of self-control The Bible has stories of people who did things their way knowing the danger. And they paid a price.

Moreover, GOD makes it abundantly clear what behavior is acceptable and behavior that is destructive.

He then gives everyone the freedom to choose. And this is because we are free moral beings. Evidence of this is when it comes to love. Do you want someone to love you because they must?

It may be hard to understand but there are people in this world who will manipulate others for their love. They use money, power, and influence. But what they gain, is it really love? I’ve wandered a little off-track here by trying to make a point of how and why GOD allows us the freedom to choose to live for Him and this requires self-control.

But what are we controlling when it comes to ourselves? Ah, here we go…

Before going through some examples of lack of self-control, I’ve struggled with each one of these.

Money – twice as many people getting married during 2021 are in debt compared to 25 years ago.

According to Business Insider (https://www.businessinsider.com/divorce-money-issues-financial-relationship

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Is gentleness a weakness? In today's world strength is vaunted - the power of might. But for the Christian where does being gentle fit in? This episode explores how Jesus was gentle and strong enough to lead angelic armies to conquer the earth during the Apocalypse.
Gentleness is an act of love.

Full show notes at hopesharbor.net

Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions

Episode #37

Title: Gentleness – Is it weakness?

Date: January 17, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Key verse(s): Paul in Ephesians 4:1 – ‘I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 

Ephesians 4:2 – ‘with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love…’

As a fruit of the Spirit gentleness, meekness in the KJV is in Galatians 5:23– ‘…gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law.’

Intro: Jesus was always gentle and meek with hurting people. Did this mean Jesus was weak? Listen to Revelation 19:11 – 16:

Revelation 19:11 – ‘Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness, He judges and makes war. 

Revelation 19:12 – ‘His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 

Revelation 19:13 – ‘He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 

Revelation 19:14 – ‘And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 

Revelation 19:15 – ‘Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 

Revelation 19:16 – ‘And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.’

Does this sound weak? There is only one KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS and He is the Son of GOD. His Hebrew name is Jeshua – meaning savior, deliverer.

yehôshûa‛    yehôshûa‛

yeh-ho-shoo'-ah, yeh-ho-shoo'-ah

From H3068 and H3467; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua (that is, Joshua), the Jewish leader: - Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954, H3442.

His Name is from Jehovah, meaning the GOD who saves.

Devotion focus: Gentleness reveals strength -

What is a common human trait portrayed or revealed in the national news on a regular basis? Is it gentleness? Of course not.

Isn’t it rather brute strength in the way of violent crime? Domineering behavior whether by individuals or governments.

I’m the first to admit gentleness and meekness won’t usually get you very far in the average workplace. I also know there is a time for brute strength. As a police officer I was assaulted numerous times during my career and it took all the strength I could muster just to survive the attack.

So what I’m trying to point out is there are times when we can be gentle and others when we have to be strong.

I live in the South and for the most part people here are still kind and courteous. For the most part. For the other part, I see a lot of frustration and irritation in people and when I look in the mirror, that guy has them too.

I have on my dash a 3x5 card with the question: “Am I being kind?” This is because when driving in traffic, people who are probably very nice and considerate at work or church turn into a whole other creature when driving.

To counter the anger and frustration of living in crowded cities

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Faith - what is our faith in? If it is in our belief about GOD and His ability to save us then our faith is misplaced. Yes, this was a trick answer.

For full show notes go to hopesharbor.net

Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions

Episode #36 

Title: Faith-fulness 

Date: January 10, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Key verse(s): 

Galatians 5:22 – ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…’ In the KJV the word is faith and is defined in part as fidelity. As fidelity faith is certainly faithfulness, but the word faith carries more of the quality that I believe GOD appreciates, and more so – that which He requires of us.

Luke 7:50 – ‘Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."’ 

Rom 5:1 – ‘Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…’

Faith - from G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.

A primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty): - agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) content, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.

Intro: If my count was correct the word faith is mentioned 34 times in the book of Romans, alone. It is mentioned 229 according to a word count in the e-sword Bible program.

Going back to the definition once more faith on our part is more than faithfulness. While we are to have faithfulness to GOD and to our beliefs, faith accomplishes far more.

Devotion focus: GOD requires faith in Himself and His Word.

If you keep in mind the Fruit of the Spirit is GOD’s nature and that faith is listed as 1 of the 9 aspects of GOD’s nature, this will help bring faith into clear understanding of what it is in practice.

·         Faith in GOD is more than an intellectual agreement that GOD exists. If I had a terminal illness I can believe/have faith that medicine exists to save me. That belief doesn’t do me any good if I stop there. I must place my faith in the power of that medicine to save me by taking it and applying it.

In a spiritual way, I have a terminal illness that is killing my body. It is called sin and we’re all dying from the effects of sin. Like a virus and no one escapes.

GOD provided a cure for this virus. It is the blood of Jesus shed on the cross for sin. If I believe this and apply this cure to my life by faith, then and only then do I live, not only eternally – we all have eternal life lived in either Heaven or Hell, but I live spiritually connected to the very life of GOD.

Placing faith in Jesus’s death on the cross as the complete and only payment for sin accepted by GOD saves my life from eternal death. At the moment I pray confessing I am a sinner under the curse of death and ask Jesus to save me, my spirit is born, my name is written in the Book of Life in Heaven, and my destiny is changed from eternal hell to eternal Heaven.

Beyond saving faith, we need faith to accomplish our work for GOD with lasting effects. The following account helps with understanding this principle, although I am not advocating trying to cast out demons. Not without knowing what you are doing. And since I

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Goodness - what does it mean to you? Most everyone thinks of themselves as a good person, and they are... for the most part. But what does the Bible say about goodness?

Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions

Episode #35 

Title: Goodness – the opposite of evil? Or something else?

Date: January 3, 2022

Contact: [email protected]

Key verse(s): Gal 5:22 – ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…’

Intro: Normally when goodness is taught from Scripture we may think of the phrase ‘Good and Evil.’ This is understandable for those who know the account in Genesis 2 in which the phrase is used.

It is also used in Hebrews 5:14 – ‘But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.’ Just to make sure of the distinction I want to make between the common thought or understanding of good and evil, good in  Hebrews 5:14 means: beautiful, valuable or virtuous, honest, meet, or worthy.

And evil in this verse means worthless, depraved, injurious: - bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.

However, I want to focus on goodness, not just as an opposite to evil, but rather on how goodness within us may be shared with others.

This is the goodness from the key verse: Galatians 5:22 – ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is… goodness…’

goodness, that is, virtue or beneficence: - goodness. From the root meaning of A primary word; “good” (in any sense, often as noun): - benefit, good, well.

Before going further I want you to think of what goodness you want in your life.

What benefit do you need?

Devotion focus: Goodness versus the evil of not caring about the needs of others -

The definition of goodness in Galatians 5:22 contains the meaning of benefit and this is what I hope to get across, the opportunity to benefit others. And not from a sense of duty or obligation only, but from genuine concern about the welfare of our sisters and brothers throughout this world, this tiny sphere hanging in space.

Goodness and kindness are closely linked in their meanings. And I see the importance of them GOD is trying to get across to us by the use of both these terms when describing His nature to us in Galatians 5:22.

Keep in mind GOD’s nature in His essence is not like our even though we have personality traits like GOD. His nature is singular but is described in different ways throughout the Bible to help us understand Him better.

Think of it this way even though the analogy falls short: a single diamond cut into whatever shape has different facets, will reflect light in different ways and colors all the while remaining a single jewel.

GOD’s nature is described as if it’s several different traits opposing each other,  such as His love vs His hate; His anger vs His gentleness. This is incorrect thinking about GOD’s nature. GOD’s goodness is His nature throughout His being. 

Without going too deep into this, the fact goodness is listed as a fruit (nature or characteristic) of GOD’s Spirit tells us the importance of us developing or allowing GOD to develop goodness in and through our actions.

Other people need goodness shown to them, given to them, benefiting them. This applies to the saved of GOD, His children, and to those who have not discovered His love for them. 

GOD’s children are our brothers and sisters and therefore family to us. We owe them goodness. Those who are outside GOD’s family, they are often referred to as ‘lost,’ are not excluded from GOD’s goodness.

This truth is declared inLuk

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

Do you think of yourself as a kind person? How would you describe yourself as a kindhearted soul? Have you seen those signs popping up all over that read 'Be Kind?"  Do you know what these signs are trying to tell people?  For me "Be Kind" is because God loves us so much He was kind to us first.  And now we have the chance to be kind, but gentleness isn't always easy for some (like myself), but when we witness acts or behavior from another person which does something other than harsh words and anger-filled responses...it can really change how things go down in our lives too; this opens up all sorts of possibilities as far as relationships between individuals goes. When we are kind, GOD smiles. Why? Because kindness is His likeness.

Full show notes at hopesharbor.net

Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions

Episode #34 

Title: Kindness – the likeness of GOD

Date: December 27, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

Key verse(s): Galatians 5:22– ‘The fruit of the Spirit is …kindness, or in the KJV it reads gentleness. It means moral excellence and also usefulness, being employed. That’s interesting. I take it to mean we employ kindness as a way of living. What do you think?

Luke 10:33– “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.”

Intro: Have you seen those signs popping up lately “Be Kind”? Why is that? Have you ever seen someone you expected to react with anger instead respond kindly, calmly? It’s very odd to witness.

I say odd because the way I’m wired if it calls for hard words and actions then that’s how I roll. Hmmm… but now I want to know more about kindness.

Devotion focus: Kindness is love in action – it speaks louder than what we say.

When I was a child and was told “I love you,” I normally didn’t believe it. What leads a child to feel that way? It took until I was an adult and attended counseling, having to read all sorts of books on family relationships and dysfunction before I figured it out. 

My disbelief at being told I was loved wasn’t action on my part but rather a reaction. I was conditioned to this because of the lack of meaningful kindness from the adults in my life. Well, except my grandmother on my mother’s side.

Looking back I think of it like the religious leaders in Jesus’s parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37. Adults who ‘go to the other side of the road’ to avoid being kind.

For words of love to have an impact they must come from acts of meaningful kindness, actual gentleness. When violence is the rule words hold little real meaning other than to instill fear and dread.

This devotion is primarily for anyone who didn’t have meaningful acts of kindness and gentleness in childhood, or even since then. If you feel unloved it’s understandable. But even then there’s no reason to remain stuck in that lie.

Because, listen to me, you are loved. Did that evoke anything within you?

You can experience feelings of love if you will make an effort to displace the thoughts of worthlessness you may carry.

What does this have to do with kindness? Because it is easy to become trapped in a mindset of anger and hatred that will limit your ability to be kind to others.

Let me ask you this: is there anyone in your life you want to be kind to… that you could be kind to? How about a child? Would you believe you could very well be the only source of kindness a child experiences at this time?

Listen to how Jesus reacted to children being rebuked in Mar 10:13-16:

Mar 10:13 - ‘Then they brought little children to Him (probably the parents), that He might bless them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

To suffer long. What does this mean in the Biblical sense? Is it having the patience of the naturalist who may sit for hours to watch a flower bloom? Or is it something more? Will developing patience change your life?

Would you believe a commitment to patience, or longsuffering, will bring you calmness?

Full show notes at hopesharbor.net

Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions

Episode #33

Title: Longsuffering – with Patience – what benefit?

Date: December 20, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

Key verse(s): Ephesians 4:2– ‘…with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 

Ephesians 4:3 - endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.’

Being honest: Before I give this devotion on longsuffering, being patient, I confess I am not a patient, longsuffering man. Though I am working on it.

Intro: From the definitions of longsuffering in both the Old and New Testaments I found it fascinating the meaning has to do with restraining anger. 

In the 4 verses in the OT, longsuffering is defined with two words. The first is From H748; long: - long [-suffering, -winged], patient, slow [to anger].

And the root word for long is to be drawn out, to defer. Used in conjunction with the second word which means ‘rapid breathing as when enraged’ we can see how the idea is to remain in control when angering circumstances confront us.

In the NT forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude: - longsuffering, patience. It means with long (enduring) temper, that is, leniently:

The root for this word forbearance is from a compound word, the second of which means passion (as if breathing hard): - fierceness, indignation, wrath.

Again, the meaning of longsuffering is more than patience even though it includes being patient when angered. And it’s more than being patient in heavy traffic. Although a healthy dose of longsuffering would reduce if not eliminate road-rage. 

Devotion focus: Using longsuffering daily is a choice made beforehand. 

What is the benefit of having a longsuffering habit? Because without a habit developed beforehand, I can tell you by experience you will not be kind or gentle when these are called for.

One benefit, and maybe it’s a small one, is the lack of regret after encountering maddening people, traffic, or supervision. Whenever we lose our temper whether for these reasons or others, and there are many, isn’t there regret later? 

You know, after you have your say and tell what’s on your mind. It is said that Christians are to be like Christ. That’s what Christian means: Christ-like.

If this is true…then what about when we lose it with others, especially loved ones, those closest to us? What is it doing to their chances of following our beliefs if we are angels on Sunday and devils during the week?

When I mentioned earlier how I’m not patient, it is most evident with my self-talk. My language when driving in heavy traffic betrays me. When I put in a dash camera I didn’t realize it would help me with not using certain words when I encounter selfish, mindless behavior in other drivers. Often though I have to erase the memory card in the camera when I get home because I am ashamed of something I said

The frustrating part is I can control my language and loss of temper. I know this because I have never dropped the F-bomb on my pastor whenever we ride somewhere together. So…I have no excuse.

But how do we become and maintain a patient, lenient, kind frame of mind?

First and foremost we must pray for help with it. Longsuffering as a fruit of the Spirit is a s

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net

With the angels' final proclamation of peace on earth and goodwill toward men, this passage takes us back to when they announced that Jesus was born. The message these angels declared brings hope for all people in distress or need; it proclaims victory over violence through faith as well as divine protection delivered by way of His Son who saves those who trust Him with their souls.

Full show notes at hopesharbor.net

Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions

Episode #32 

Title: Peace – How does the atonement give peace?

Date: December 13, 2021

Contact: [email protected]

Key verse(s): John 14:27– “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Peace: (literally or figuratively); by implication prosperity: - one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.

Intro: In the 4 Gospels nearly every use of the word peace is used by Jesus.

Devotion focus: Jesus has another gift to give after that of eternal life - Peace

When angels announced the birth of Jesus they proclaimed to those shepherds in Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

This final proclamation by the angels of peace on earth, and goodwill toward men was preceded by their announcement of the birth of the Messiah, the Savior, and (deliverer).

This proclamation contains the core reason for any real peace on earth. (That is the Son of GOD coming to earth as one of us, which the angels also said was “… good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”) 

Notice the angel said ‘all people.’ This negates false teaching which claims only certain people will be saved. And while it is true not all will accept the Bible’s truth about salvation - here and elsewhere it is declared in Scripture Jesus, that baby born in an animal pen in Bethlehem, came to save sinners.

Listen to Paul in Timothy 1:15 – ‘This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.’

1 Corinthians 15:3 – ‘For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures…’

But for whose sins did Christ die?

2 Corinthians 5:15 – ‘…and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.’  

If Jesus died for all, then just who is the ‘all’ Paul refers to? The answer is right here in 1John 2:2 – ‘And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.’

And then the condition to receive forgiveness is here in Act 26:18 – ‘…to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.' 

This brings us back to John 3:16 & 17:

John 3:16 – “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. 

John 3:17 - “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

If you have listened to very many of my podcasts you may recognize I refer to John 3:16&17 often. Why do this?

Because, listen carefully, the supernatural peace Jesus promi

Show notes at HopesHarbor.net