In this episode, Jim shares a reminder to look up when life feels down.

Hope Chats

8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.”

In this episode, Jim shares about finding strength in weakness.

8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

In this episode, Jim shares about choosing joy in spite of our circumstances.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” – Psalm 16:11

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.”  – Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)

Additional Verses:

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” – Romans 14:17

 “…And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2

In this episode, Jim and Crystal talk about a Blue Christmas.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Blue Christmas idea inspired by the writings of Pete Scazzero at Emotionally Healthy Discipleship.

In this episode, Jim and Crystal discuss Jesus’ invitation to rest.

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Resource: Streams In The Desert Reading Plan (Bible.com)

In this episode, Jim and Crystal talk about the art of celebration.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply– and how good is a timely word!

Declarations Statements
Because of Jesus …

1. I am a child of God. (Galatians 3:26)
2. I am a masterpiece. (Ephesians 2:10)
3. I am chosen. (Ephesians 1:4)
4. I am known—even before I was born. (Jeremiah 1:5)
5. I am loved. (John 3:16)
6. I am free. (John 8:32)
7. I am healed. (1 Peter 2:24)
8. I am unashamed. (Romans 8:1)
9. I am fearless. (Isaiah 43:5)
10. I am secure. (John 10:28-29)
11. I am a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
12. I am not shaken. (Psalm 62:6)
13. I am born again. (1 Peter 1:23)
14. I am more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37)
15. I am mighty in His power. (Ephesians 6:10)

View additional declaration statements at life.church.

In this episode, Jim and Crystal share stories of God’s Provisions in God’s Timing. There is also a surprise song at the end.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

In this episode, Jim and Crystal talk about being overwhelmed by debt.

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Stats:

• According to 2016 NerdWallet statistics, the average American household carries $16,061 in credit card debt.
• Americans have several different types of debt. Besides credit card debt, this includes mortgages, auto loans and student loans, all totaling up to an average debt per household of $132,529. https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/resources/average-credit-card-debt/
• The average student loan debt for 2016 college graduates who borrowed to get through school was $37,172. If a 2016 graduate took the standard repayment plan for the $37,172 borrowed – 10 years, at 4.29% interest rate – they would be paying $382 a month for the next decade. https://www.debt.org/students/

In this episode, Jim and Crystal have a conversation about God vs Money.

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor,and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

In this episode, Jim and Crystal discuss shining like Jesus in the workplace.

“so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky”

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”