The Triumph of Joy
Easter announces, in the voice of the risen Christ, “Your sorrow will turn into joy” (John 16:20) and “no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22)...
Keep ReadingThe Pacific Southwest Conference is offering a discount for couples who register for "Weekend to Remember." Please use the discount code PSWC when registering and receive $100 off. The marriage retreat will be in Phoenix June 16-18....
Of all the emotions that a human can feel, fear is possibly the most impactful. Fear can seamlessly compel a person to act in ways that are not beneficial to their well-being. Fear is of the enemy......
It‘s true we often suffer some great disappointments, some expectations or plans we might have not always materialized. We may even feel like God’s left us hanging and that an illness or injury has taken him away from us. But remember, He is faithful. And the real upside of this is if we remain faithful we will live eternally with Him someday. ...
Love isn’t just for Valentines Day -- it’s what gets me up everyday. Love isn’t just for that one special someone -- it’s for everyone. The chance to care for and encourage those around me is an honor. Measure all things in your life by the “Rule of Love”. What would God have you do? What does love require? What breaks your heart, and what one thing can you do to help?...
Truth be told, I am not an elite athlete. When I was in kindergarten, I flunked “skip” (not sure how my self-esteem survived that report card, but that is another story). While early on, I was too uncoordinated to skip, I did play baseball, soccer, real football, and basketball when I was growing up. However, I was never endowed with the physical gifts to become what I call an elite athlete. What I do know though, is that God equipped me with the gifts to enjoy those sports and become the best athlete I could ever be....
There are many differences between God, as the Bible describes Him, and the Force of Star Wars but there’s a line from Han Solo in the new movie that sums it up. One of the new characters talks about how he’s going to do something that seems impossible and Han asks him how. The young man says, “I’ll use the Force,” and runs off. Han yells after him, “That’s not how the Force works, kid!” That’s not how a personal, caring God works either....
The plans of man will always fail, but the plan of God has already won its battle. If Christians are to actually make an impact in the world then they must collectively turn to the truths found in scripture alone. They must become engulfed in the transformative power of God through His word provided in the bible......
I hunger for simplicity. I want to approach God in childlike faith, wonder, and awe. I long for more than just spiritual life but spiritual health ...
Easter announces, in the voice of the risen Christ, “Your sorrow will turn into joy” (John 16:20) and “no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22)...
Keep ReadingAs we prepare our hearts to celebrate Easter, take a look at how Jesus prepared the disciples the night before his death. Max Lucado uses his gifts to tells us this story of Christ's great love and mercy not just for them then, but for us today, too. I pray you are refreshed and moved....
Keep ReadingFrom the beginning of my pastoral ministry at Hope, it has been our stated goal to reach people who have either stopped going to church or never attended regularly. We don’t want to steal from other churches, but reach both unbelievers and believers who are churchless. We have had a lot of success in reaching our neighbors, but there is so much more work to be done. Near...
Keep ReadingToday's post is a fresh reminder of our loving, courageous, and vigilant Shepherd who invites us to listen and trust him this week. Guest writers, Deb and Ken Yaremko, remind us that we are sheep and during the Lenten season Jesus calls us to come to terms with our weakness and fully depend on him. ...
Keep ReadingAs my role has temporarily expanded from worship to also encompass youth ministry, I have spent a bit of time thinking about one of the most awkward stages of life middle school! When I look around at the middle school students at our church, I wonder what I could do differently to connect with them and help them feel grounded at Hope, even as they navigate this life stag...
Keep ReadingHi Hope Family, I spent this last week in California at the Children's Pastor Conference. It was a wonderful time of learning and worshipping. I was again reminded of how important it is to reach children for Christ. Children learn so quickly. Research has told us that the greatest window of opportunity for children to learn is before they reach the age of 13. Not that ...
Keep ReadingEver since I purchased (Sheri made me!) a smartphone, I feel smarter… and dumber. I’m smarter because I have the Internet and information access 24/7. I’m dumber because I rely less on conversation and personal interactions that I used to. In an interesting commentary in Leadership Journal (Winter, 2015), David Kinnaman gives a unique perspective. Enjoy! ...
Keep ReadingWhen company is coming over, when a big test is on the horizon, or a difficult conversation is coming later in the day, there is something important to be done. It's called "preparation". We prepare for all kinds of things, and during this Easter season we want to extend an invitation to you to prepare for Easter. ...
Keep ReadingEvangelical Covenant Church president, Gary Walter, shares updates on Covenant mission and ministry at the 2015 Midwinter Conference in Denver, Colorado....
Keep ReadingYou love others best when you love God most. Love prompted the King of Kings to humble Himself and wash the disciples’ dirty feet. Love led our Lord to the cross. Love is what we need to serve others. ...
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