Real Hope Conversations

We're back with a brand new conversation, this time with our dear friend Druvi Pererra to talk about our journey through the book of Exodus.

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SECOND CHANCES
A study of Exodus 33–37

The day we find the perfect church, it becomes imperfect the moment we join it. - CHARLES SPURGEON

It’s a cycle we’ve seen over and over again in history. God’s people complain and doubt God, they turn away from Him and try to do it their own way, so He warns them of the consequences but they are stubborn and continue down their own path. God continues to provide and inevitably proves Himself to them. They run back to Him and He forgives them time and time again.

The thing is, this cycle, is still happening today. It still happens with you and me, and still God continues to give us second chances.

As we dive into Exodus chapters 33–37 we hope you can see how rich and full of important life lessons this book of the Bible is. That you will be able to see the everlasting love our heavenly Father has for you and your community of believers so much so that He continues to forgive us because He is a God of second chances over and over and over again.

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Dwayne is Hope Media’s chief content officer working with Christian media professionals and volunteers in sharing the good news of Jesus through their media ministries. 

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PEACE IN THE CHAOS

If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble. - Thomas Watson

Sometimes the noise of the world is overwhelming. There is so much pain. So much distrust. So much confusion. So much chaos.

It’s easy to turn to fear, anxiety and worry rather than to turn to our righteous Saviour.

This week we’ll look at finding peace in the chaos. In the world, in our community, in our own lives, chaos will come. But in those moments it’s good to know where to find peace that brings greater perspective, understanding and direction, and knowing that God is working all things together for His good and in His time.

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Kath Henry is one of the founding Pastors of the Northridge Vineyard Church and Chaplains here at Hope 103.2.

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HANNAH AND SAMUEL - A Study of 1 Samuel 1–3

My heart rejoices in the Lord… There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. - 1 SAMUEL 2:1–2 (AMP)

The story of Hannah and Samuel is one of love, persistence, faithfulness and joy. A story that has reverberated through history. A story of impact that shows God’s perfect plan at work.

This week as we look Hannah and Samuel and how God used both of them to change a nation, our prayer is that you’ll be encouraged. Encouraged that God is in control, encouraged that God’s plan is perfect and oftentimes beyond our wildest dreams, and encouraged to find the joy in the midst of the grief and sacrifice.

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Heidi Wysman is the founder of Hope with Heidi which aims to disciple people to have a revelation of Jesus. She's also been going through Isaiah with us this week on the Real Hope Podcast.

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FINDING HOPE IN ISAIAH

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. - ISAIAH 6:1 (ESV)

Recently I read the book of Isaiah and it stands as a testament of hope in the Lord, the One who saves His people from themselves. It’s filled with many promises and prophecies that pointed to Jesus: from the announcement of the Lord’s coming (Isaiah 40:3–5), His virgin birth (7:14), the good news He would proclaim (61:1), His sacrificial death (52:13 – 53:12), and His return to claim His own (60:2–3). In this plan, Finding Hope in Isaiah, you’ll discover our wonderful God and experience His faithfulness to keep His promises.

Let’s look at the prophet Isaiah. He lived during a time when King Uzziah, a popular king, died. Uzziah had ruled some 52 years on the throne and his death was a national tragedy. It reflected a changing time, and the people began to fear for the future. Everything was getting turned upside down. All that the people could see with Uzziah gone was an empty throne.

But Isaiah wrote: In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. In the midst of it all. Isaiah’s eyes shifted from an earthly king, and an empty throne, to the King of Kings, seated on the throne of all thrones. God was on the throne and God was still in control. The one Isaiah would describe only a few chapters later

 

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Neri Morris is an accidental entrepreneur and owner of 'Thread Harvest'. She is also the author of 'Single Me' talking about her experiences and her work with God through singleness and relationships.   

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DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

Never underestimate the power of a conversation. - Anonymous

We have all been in one of ‘those’ conversations that challenges us and makes us uncomfortable. Maybe it was aggressive, or filled with anger or condescension. Maybe it was a conversation you knew you would never win or resolve.  

However, as Christians we are called to be the light of Christ in the world and that includes in our conversations. So how do we approach these conversations with non-Christians and Christians. How do we display Christ and His love in these moments?

This week we’ll explore these questions. As you read through this week’s devotions, may you be encouraged, challenged and equipped to step into these conversations with confidence and the ability to navigate your conversations in a way that glorifies God and points others to Him.

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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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