Druvi Perera is the Partnership Coordinator here at Hope 103.2, leaving a career in engineering to follow God's calling. Growing up in Sri Lanka he currently lives in Sydney with his wife and 3 young boys. 

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OUR LIVES – GOD’S STORY

We are the bibles the world is reading; we are the creeds the world is needing; we are the sermons the world is heeding. - Billy Graham

Our lives are a story. A story that will be looked at by those in our world and the generations to come. A story being written by our Heavenly Father. A story that reflects His immense love for the world. His desire and heart for good. A story that shows His compassion and mercy. It’s a story of unwavering grace. A story that shows the world the Saviour King.

Our lives are the books the world will read. Some will read them to trip us up, others will read them to understand, but all in all our prayer is that our lives are inevitably seen as a living letter from the King of Kings to His beloved people. A letter wrapped in the story of our lives that is evidence of a God who is working in every situation and circumstance. This life we live isn’t ours – it’s His.

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Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
EPHESIANS 3:20-21 (NIV)

A mother, a women's minister and a monarchist, Katie Smith joins us today to talk about a concept we've heard countless times, but perhaps may never have connected with.

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AMAZING GRACE

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see. - JOHN NEWTON

One of the most famous songs in the world – a song of the generations – is Amazing Grace by John Newton. A song that professes and marvels at the grace we have been bestowed by our Saviour King. A grace that saves, a grace that lifts our eyes, a grace so precious it casts away fears and points us to God.

This week, we are remembering and reflecting on this amazing grace. A grace we all share. A grace that unites us and brings us together as the family of Christ. A grace that has the power to transform hearts, communities and nations.

A truly amazing grace.

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I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. PSALM 121:1–2 (NIV)

Not just a contributor, but also a member of the team behind the Real Hope podcast, Lucy Weil joins us today to talk about weariness.

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WEARINESS

Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. PROVERBS 3:23–24 (ESV)

Life can at times be hard and is full of twists and turns. Unexpected events, difficult situations, pandemics, relationships, and the daily grind can at times lead to a weariness that is beyond tired or exhaustion. A weariness that caffeine and endorphins can’t fix.

It’s a soul weariness.

You may have experienced this or you may be going through a season of weariness right now. Through this week’s devotions, no matter where you are in life, our prayer is that you’ll find God in these words. That your soul will be nourished, your spirit renewed and your heart filled. That you find hope in the midst of your weariness and can see God at the centre of all that is around you. 

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But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. GENESIS 45:5–8 (NKJV)

Today we're joined by the lovely Heidi Wysman, to talk about her devotional series looking at the story of Joseph

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DISCOVERING HOPE THROUGH JOSEPH - A Series by Heidi Wysman

The story of Joseph in Genesis 37–50 teaches us how to live a pure life, resist temptation, stay true through trials, have mercy, look beyond our circumstances, and to learn to see God’s presence with us, even in the midst of great suffering in our lives. The story of Joseph reveals that the worst conditions possible may not be final; that we should never lose hope and judge our own life, or others, by one season; that God can use seemingly hopeless situations to change the story; that His plan may not be obvious to our limited perspective but, indeed, ‘… all things work together for good… for those who are called according to his purpose’ (Romans 8:28 NKJV).

Joseph’s father, Jacob, displayed extra affection to Joseph and presented him with a specially crafted garment – a ‘coat of many colours’. This prompted jealousy within his brothers, which grew when Joseph repeated two of his dreams to them that showed him ruling over them. One day the brothers threw Joseph into a pit, then sold him as a slave to Arab traders. He was eventually taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, one of King Pharaoh’s ministers.

God helped Joseph find favour in his master’s eyes, and he was appointed head of Potiphar’s estate. However, this position did not last for long. Potiphar’s wife lied about Joseph who was thrown into prison. The Lord’s kindness followed Joseph and the prison warden soon appointed him as his right-hand man. With God’s help, Joseph interpreted the dreams of two prisoners, predicting that one would be reinstated and the other put to death. Eventually, Joseph rose to be ruler of Egypt, second only to King Pharaoh, and he saved Egypt during a famine. Jacob’s family travelled to Egypt to escape the famine and Joseph’s dreams became a reality and, where he could have sown revenge, Joseph chose forgiveness. He welcomed his entire family with open arms, and it was through him that they were allowed to settle in the Land of Goshen.

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There I will meet you. EXODUS 30:6b (NCV)

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THE GOD CONNECTION

A Study of EXODUS 28–32

 Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.’ EXODUS 31:13 (NIV)

 Connection. We are created for connection. From the first breath in the darkness at the beginning of time through to today, God has always desired to be connected to His people. To live with us. However, sin destroyed this plan.

Through these readings in Exodus, we see the lengths God is willing to go to remain connected to His people despite our sin and constant rejection. At a time where His people did not have direct access to God, He still made a way.

Centuries have passed and through Jesus defeating death on the cross we now have a direct connection to God. These passages serve to remind us that our God will always make a way to be with us – His people – now and forevermore.

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The God who created the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, because it is He who gives to all [people] life and breath and all things. And he made from one man every nation of mankind… ACTS 17:24–26a (AMP)

Who better to discuss the topic of opinion and disagreement than a couple of siblings? This week we're joined by Sam Fagan, with well over a decade of pastoring churches and currently studying his Masters of Theology, he is also the younger brother of Abby our host!

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THE INTERSECTION OF FAITH & CULTURE: Opinion & Disagreement

Often it is hard. So hard, in fact, that Jesus’ decree to love and pray for our opponents is regarded as one of the most breathtaking and gut-wrenching challenges of his entire Sermon on the Mount, a speech renowned for its outrageous claims. There was no record of any other spiritual leader ever having articulated such a clear-cut, unambiguous command for people to express compassion to those who are actively working against their best interests.
LEE STROBEL

 The world is FULL of opinions! It seems that these days everyone can have a platform to voice those opinions if they have a social media account. But along with opinions comes disagreements. Disagreements that divide, incite anger, hatred and judgement.

When it comes to our faith, how can we live a life set up by Christ in a world so divided by opinion and disagreement. How can we navigate these conversations and possible opposition in a way that glorifies God? On the flip side, how do we also navigate disagreement and opposition with each other – our brothers and sisters in Christ.

This week, we hope you gain greater insight into how to navigate the sometimes-difficult world of opinion and disagreement.

And we hope that God challenges you in new ways and gives you the tools you need to approach the opinion-fuelled world with confidence knowing our loving God is with you.  

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“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

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THE INTERSECTION OF FAITH AND CULTURE: Uncertainty & Doubt

Some of us who have preached the Word for years, and have been the means of working faith in others and of establishing them in the knowledge of the fundamental doctrines of the Bible, have nevertheless been the subjects of the most fearful and violent doubts as to the truth of the very gospel we have preached. CHARLES SPURGEON

In the Christian life, doubt and uncertainty are inevitable. Often we can feel like we may have lost our faith or are sinning if we question or wrestle with God about something in our lives.

However, as we will see this week, the wrestle often refines us and leads us into greater relationship with our heavenly Father.

As we journey through the devotionals this week, may you gain a greater understanding of God and grow closer to Him and more certain of who He is in the midst of uncertainty and doubt.

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Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ MATTHEW 20:26–28 (NIV)

Today we're joined by Druvi Pererra, talking to us about where Faith and Culture meet, specifically about Service and Hospitality

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THE INTERSECTION OF FAITH & CULTURE: Service & Hospitality

Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither. CS LEWIS

It’s hard to live out our faith in a world where the Christian life seems to be counter to the culture we live in. But together we can help one another navigate those challenging situations where the people we’re seeking to minister to may not understand or may think we are just plain weird.

Over the next three weeks, we’ll be looking at three topics that many may find challenging, difficult, and awkward when trying to live out our faith, and what we believe, in a broken world.

This week we’re looking at service and hospitality. For some, this comes easily but others find this difficult. Also, the practice of service outside the church, to many unbelievers, is odd and confronting. Although we may be seen as different (we are supposed to be), these acts of service and hospitality give us an opportunity to share experiences of God’s love.

May you grow and learn from our contributors’ experience and, more importantly, be encouraged by the words of our servant King.

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Today we have the pleasure of chatting with Leila Armstrong about radical transformations. Specifically, we hear about Leila's transformation, one that took well over 18 years.

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RADICAL TRANSFORMATION

The same Jesus Who turned water into wine can transform your home, your life, your family, and your future. He is still in the miracle-working business, and His business is the business of transformation. ADRIAN ROGERS

How has God transformed your life? How does He transform people who were once lost? How does He transform homes, families and the trajectory of a person’s life?

This week, join us as we take the time to reflect on the transforming love and grace we have in Christ.

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Grandson of the legendary evangelist Billy Graham, and current head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Will Graham joins us from the USA to chat with us about how we can evangelise in our own lives.

Watch the interview: Click Here

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REVIVAL

A Series By Will Graham

It was March 2020. I was supposed to be in Tifton, Georgia, in the southern United States, holding a three-day evangelistic outreach. Instead, I sat next to my wife in our North Carolina home, contemplating the suddenly-tumultuous state of our world.

The COVID-19 pandemic had quickly raced around the globe. Schools were cancelling classes. Businesses were shutting down. Churches were closing their doors.

The news was filled with breathless updates of an apocalyptic nature. In the United States we were seeing semi-trucks being used as morgues, and interviews with people who were dying in hospital beds.

It became clear that our event in Tifton needed to be postponed. In its place, we hastily scheduled an online program; an opportunity to share the Gospel via livestream to Georgia and beyond.

It seemed like a good idea at the time, but – as I sat there with my wife, contemplating what I would speak about during the livestream – I was overwhelmed. What could I possibly say in my message? What did I have to offer as the world was being consumed with disease and death?

If I’m being fully honest with you, I wasn’t just overwhelmed. I was afraid as well. Despite my focus on eternal matters, I am human. And that part of me was just as scared of the potential for mass casualties – perhaps even my own family – as everybody else.

My godly wife, sensing my struggle, offered her guidance: “Just talk about Jesus. The Name of Jesus is the only thing that has the power to drive out fear.”

She was absolutely right, and that’s what I did. To a world gripped by panic and anxiety, I proclaimed the Name of Jesus: the hope, peace, power and purpose found in Him alone.

The world has changed a lot in the last 24 months. The spirit of fear is still very strong. People are afraid of COVID, of lockdowns, of losing their jobs, or of getting sick. Relationships are strained. Some have lost faith in their governments, their schools, and even their doctors. The world, in many ways, is a mess.

But that doesn’t change this fact: The Name of Jesus is still the answer to every problem we face. The temporary struggles of this world fade away in the presence of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

The problem, however, is that so many of our friends, neighbors and loved ones do not understand the hope that Christ offers, and the peace that can be found in a true relationship with Him. They’re desperate for something, but have not yet found the fulfillment they seek.

My friends, in the following devotionals, I hope to not just challenge you to share your faith with others, but also equip you with a few basic strategies for sharing “the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). We have a limited amount of time on this earth to make an impact for the Kingdom, and we must use that time wisely. Eternity is at stake.

Will Graham

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