Hope We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. — Hebrews 6:19–20 The first-century symbol of Christianity was an anchor, not a cross. Pictured on the epitaphs of first-, second-, and third-century believers,…
All Things New: The Hope of Renewal
Picture a treasure chest. Not a small box that might hold jewelry on a girl’s nightstand — a large treasure chest, larger than any suitcase you own, larger than any suitcase you’ve ever seen. Picture a massive oak treasure chest, like pirates might have used, with large iron hinges and a huge clasp. The size…
Season of Grief, Journey of Faith
Understanding Your Grief But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. — Isaiah 40:31 Grief is not an enemy or a sign of weakness. It is a sign of being human. Grief is…
Praying When the Unexpected Disillusions and Hope Wanes
Hope Is an Act of Defiance I don’t know where your hope is struggling. Maybe your beleaguered hope is for… A loved one to be saved A child to come home A marriage to be restored Your body to be healed Your finances to be restored Your career to be revived A home of your…
An Inexhaustible Well of Hope
I met Cindy when she was the producer’s assistant on one of my early records (yes, records… it was a while ago!). The minute I met her, I knew we’d be friends for life. She made me laugh like few others ever have. I loved her goofy sense of humor. As our friendship deepened over…
Hope Is Built on God’s Promises
The writer of the book of Hebrews concluded that faith is the substance of our hope. He said, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. — Hebrews 11:1 Our faith will never exceed our level of hope, the very substance of that faith. Faith is our ability…
You Are Stamped with God’s Image
Key Story: God creates humankind (GENESIS 1:26–30) God’s Promise: Let Us make human beings in Our image, make them reflecting Our nature. — Genesis 1:26 MSG My Promise: I will embrace my role as God’s image bearer. Personal Study Did you know God made you to be more like Him than anything else in all…
Dance Stand Run: Let’s Go Back
It’s okay if we’ve had some misconceptions about grace, holiness, and mission. But it’s time for us to go back to the beginning of our faith and sort them out. ✦ Suggested Reading in Dance, Stand, Run: Intro, Chapter 1 (To be read by facilitator) Intro Ladies, friends, sisters: are you ready? This week,…
The Father’s Love
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in Heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on…
You’re Invited to the In the Middle of the Mess OBS
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! — Psalm 27:13-14 ESV I discovered in my darkest moments that sometimes the most powerful prayer of all is just a…