Hope Church Hope Church is an exciting church in Grand Haven, MI that is joining God to bring Heaven...here! https://www.hopegh.com Mon, 22 May 2023 14:52:20 +0000 Mon, 22 May 2023 14:52:20 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com Prayer for Heaven Here--February 1, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/31/prayer-for-heaven-here-february-1-2026 Sat, 31 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/31/prayer-for-heaven-here-february-1-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 21—February 1:  A Prayer of Commitment
Scripture: Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”  And I said, “Here am I.  Send me!”  

Prayer Prompts:
•Offer yourself again to God’s mission.
•Pray, “Here am I. Send me.”
•Ask God to make Hope Church a lasting witness in Grand Haven.
•Commit yourself afresh to reaching someone, discipling someone, and serving our community
•Pray that we would see fruit from these 21 days of prayer—lives transformed, families restored, and the lost found.
]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/31/prayer-for-heaven-here-february-1-2026#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 31, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/30/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-31-2026 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/30/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-31-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 20—January 31:  Kingdom Impact Beyond Our Walls
Scripture: Acts 2:46–47
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.  They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.  And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.  

Prayer Prompts:
•Pray for the Church to have favor with the community.
•Ask God to add to His Church daily.
•Pray for sustained growth rooted in genuine discipleship.
•Thank God for His faithfulness and His unstoppable Kingdom purposes
•Pray with confidence that God's Kingdom will advance in Grand Haven
•Ask God for a vision of what He wants to do through Hope Church in the coming year
]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/30/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-31-2026#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 30, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/29/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-30-2026 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/29/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-30-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 19—January 30:  Generations Transformed
Scripture: Psalm 145:4
One generation commends your work to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
 
Prayer Prompts:
•Pray for children, youth, parents, and grandparents in our community.
•Ask God to protect them from destructive influences and draw them to himself.
•Pray for our children and youth ministry and for authentic relationships between generations.
•Ask God to raise up future leaders and disciples.
•Pray that faith would be passed on powerfully.
]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/29/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-30-2026#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 29, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/28/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-29-2026 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/28/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-29-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 18—January 29: Justice and Mercy
Scripture: Micah 6:8
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Prayer Prompts:
•Pray that Hope Church would be known for both truth and compassion
•Ask God to reveal any injustice or inequality in our community that we can address
•Pray for those who feel marginalized or overlooked in Grand Haven
•Ask that our pursuit of justice would always be rooted in the gospel
]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/28/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-29-2026#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 28, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/27/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-28-2026 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/27/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-28-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 17:  January 28: The Gospel Changes Everything
Scripture: Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believe: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.  

Prayer Prompts:
•Pray for renewed confidence in the power of the gospel.
•Ask God to remove shame, fear, or doubt.
•Pray that salvation stories would rise from our community.

]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/27/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-28-2026#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 27, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/26/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-27-2026 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/26/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-27-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 16—January 27:  Repentance and Renewal
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heave, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Prayer Prompts:
•Ask God to search your heart.
•Confess personal and corporate sins.
•Pray for humility that invites God’s healing.
]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/26/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-27-2026#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 26, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/25/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-26-2026 Sun, 25 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/25/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-26-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 15—January 26: Crying out for Revival
Scripture: Habakkuk 3:2
"Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known."

Prayer Prompts:
•Cry out for genuine revival in Grand Haven
•Ask God to awaken hearts that have grown cold or indifferent to Him
•Pray for conviction of sin and hunger for righteousness in our community
•Ask that God would do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine"
•Ask God to do again what He has done before.
•Pray for spiritual awakening in homes, schools, and workplaces.
•Ask God to start revival in the Church that spills into the community.
]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/25/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-26-2026#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 25, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/24/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-25-2026 Sat, 24 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/24/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-25-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 14—January 25:  Resting in God’s Work
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:6–7
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

Prayer Prompts:
•Release the pressure to “save” anyone—God gives the growth.
•Pray for faithfulness in planting and watering.
•Thank God for what He is already doing, even unseen.
]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/24/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-25-2026#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 24, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/23/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-24-2026 Fri, 23 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/23/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-24-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 13—January 24:  The Power of Invitation
Scripture: John 1:43–46
The next day Jesus decided to leave Galilee.  Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”  Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida.  Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”  “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.  “Come and see,” said Philip.

Prayer Prompts:
•Pray for simple, genuine invitations—to church, to prayer, to conversation.
•Ask God to use your obedience more than your perfection.
•Pray that people would “come and see” Jesus through you.
]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/23/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-24-2026#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 23, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/22/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-23-2026 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/22/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-23-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 12—January 23: Boldness through the Holy Spirit
Scripture: Acts 1:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses."

Prayer Prompts:
•Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh with His power for witnessing
•Ask God to replace fear with boldness.
•Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit on Hope Church
•Ask God to work miracles, signs, and wonders that point people to Jesus
•Pray that we would be sensitive to the Spirit's leading in everyday conversations



]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/22/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-23-2026#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 22, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/21/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-22-2026 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/21/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-22-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 11—January 22:  Disciples Who Make Disciples
Scripture: Matthew 28:18–20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  

Prayer Prompts:
•Pray for a culture of evangelistic discipleship at Hope Church.
•Ask God to help you both reach and walk with others.
•Pray that faith would be multiplied, not just added.
•Pray that Hope Church would not just see conversions but authentic discipleship
•Ask God to show you who you should intentionally disciple and invest in
•Pray for a culture of multiplication—where every disciple makes disciples
•Ask for patience and faithfulness in the long work of discipleship


]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/21/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-22-2026#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 21, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/20/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-21-2026 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/20/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-21-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 10—January 21:  Who Is My “One”?
Scripture: Luke 15:4–7
Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.  Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?  And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.  Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’  I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.  

Prayer Prompts:
•Ask God to place one person on your heart.
•Pray by name for their salvation and spiritual awakening.
•Commit to loving them patiently and intentionally.

]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/20/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-21-2026#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 20, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/19/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-20-2026 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/19/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-20-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 9—January 20:  Praying for Open Doors
Scripture: Colossians 4:2–6
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.  Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.  Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Prayer Prompts:
•Pray for natural opportunities to talk about Jesus.
•Ask for wisdom, grace, and clarity in conversations.
•Pray that your words would be seasoned with love, not pressure.

Join us tonight at 6:00pm at Hope Church for a time to hear more about how everyone can join God in reaching someone

]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/19/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-20-2026#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 19, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/18/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-19-2026 Sun, 18 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/18/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-19-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 8—January 19:  Sent Into Everyday Life
Scripture: Luke 10:1–3
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.  He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.  Go!  I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

Prayer Prompts:
•Ask God to remind you that you are sent—to work, school, neighborhoods.
•Pray for courage and attentiveness to the Holy Spirit.
•Ask God to prepare hearts before you ever speak.

]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/18/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-19-2026#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 18, 2026 Copy https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/17/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-18-2026-copy Sat, 17 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/17/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-18-2026-copy

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 7—January 18:  Unity in the Body
Scripture: John 17:20-21
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one."

Prayer Prompts:
•Pray for unity within Hope Church as we pursue God's mission together
•Ask God to remove any division, gossip, or discord from our fellowship
•Pray that our love for one another would be a powerful witness to Grand Haven
•Ask that our unity would draw people to Christ

]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/17/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-18-2026-copy#comments 0 Prayer for Heaven Here--January 17, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/16/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-17-2026 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/16/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-17-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 6—January 17:  A Church That Loves Like Jesus
Scripture: John 13:34–35
“A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another".
 
Prayer Prompts:
•Pray for deep unity and love within Hope Church.
•Ask that our love would be a visible witness to the community.
•Pray that relationships would open doors for the gospel.

]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/16/prayer-for-heaven-here-january-17-2026#comments 2 Prayers for Heaven Here--January 16, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/15/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-16-2026 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/15/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-16-2026

21-Day Prayer Guide

Day 5—January 16:  Revival Begins in Us
Scripture: Psalm 85:6
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?

Prayer Prompts:
•Ask God to revive your own heart first.
•Pray for renewed hunger for God’s presence, Word, and mission.
•Confess any complacency or spiritual routine.

]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/15/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-16-2026#comments 0 Prayers for Heaven Here--January 15, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/14/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-15-2026 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/14/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-15-2026

21 Day Prayer Guide

Day 4 –January 15:  From Compassion to Action
Scripture: James 2:14–17
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such faith save them?  Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead.  

Prayer Prompts:
•Ask God to show you where faith must become action.
•Pray for a Church that doesn’t just care, but steps toward people.
•Ask the Holy Spirit to remove apathy and replace it with loving obedience.

]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/14/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-15-2026#comments 1 Prayers for Heaven Here--January 14, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/13/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-14-2026 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/13/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-14-2026

21 Day Prayer Guide

Day 3—January 14:  God’s Heart for the Vulnerable
Scripture: Psalm 68:5-6
"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families."

Prayer Prompts:
•Pray for those in our community who feel unseen or unheard
•Pray for the struggling families in our community
•Ask God to show Hope Church practical ways to support families in need
•Pray that families would encounter Jesus through our love and generosity
•Ask for wisdom in connecting struggling families with resources and hope
•Pray that justice and mercy would flow through the Church, not just the programs

]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/13/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-14-2026#comments 1 Prayers for Heaven Here--January 13, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/12/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-13-2026 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/12/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-13-2026

21 Day Prayer Guide

Day 2—January 13:  Harvest Workers in Grand Haven
Scripture: Matthew 9:37-38
"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Prayer Prompts:
•Pray that God would raise up bold witnesses from within Hope Church
•Ask God to break any fear or apathy that keeps us from sharing our faith
•Pray for divine appointments this week where you can share the gospel
•Ask that every member of Hope Church would see themselves as a missionary to Grand Haven

]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/12/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-13-2026#comments 1 Prayers for Heaven Here—January 12, 2026 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/11/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-12-2026 Sun, 11 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/11/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-12-2026

21 Day Prayer Guide

Day 1—January 12:  Eyes to See Our Neighbors
Scripture: Matthew 9:36
"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

Prayer Prompts:
•Ask God to help you see Grand Haven the way Jesus sees it—not just homes and businesses, but people.
•Pray for compassion for those far from God: working families, the overlooked, the struggling, the comfortable but spiritually distant. Ask the Lord to reveal specific neighbors, coworkers, or acquaintances He's calling you to reach
•Pray that Hope Church would become known as a place of genuine love and care
•Ask the Lord to send workers—and to make you one of them.

]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/11/prayers-for-heaven-here-january-12-2026#comments 2 Prayers for Heaven Here--21 Day Prayer Guide Overview https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/07/prayers-for-heaven-here-21-day-prayer-guide-overview Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:50:57 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/07/prayers-for-heaven-here-21-day-prayer-guide-overview

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Hope Church 21-Day Prayer Guide

Prayers for Heaven Here—Everyone Reaching Someone
You’re embarking on a 21-Day Prayer Guide (It will begin January 12, 2025). Each day, approach it with the expectation of meeting with God and for God to meet with you.  You will begin each day with at least one verse. Read these words and let them resonate with you. (Romans 10:17) Allow them to “activate” your faith and then follow the “Prayer Prompts.” (Mark 11:24) When you pray, believe that God will hear and respond to your prayers. Also, be open to listening for God’s messages to you. Finally, share what God is communicating with you with others. You can do this by reading each day’s devotional posted online.  
]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2026/01/07/prayers-for-heaven-here-21-day-prayer-guide-overview#comments 0 Preparing with Hope June 25, 2023 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2023/06/19/preparing-with-hope-june-25-2023 Mon, 19 Jun 2023 15:44:29 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2023/06/19/preparing-with-hope-june-25-2023

disciple: someone who follows Jesus and leads others to do the same.

Being a disciple means something is changing within us.  That we aren't staying the same.  That we're becoming more like the one that we're following.  And that we're sharing that with others.  I wonder, how are you becoming more like Jesus?  And who are you sharing that with?  

Looking back.

Last weekend we examined Jeremiah 29:11.  God does have plans for us, but they often look different than the plans that we have for ourselves.  We often want things painless.  And filled with prosperity.  But this doesn't usually last.  And what God wants for us is something that will last forever.  I hope you enjoyed last week's message.  If you missed it, I'd encourage you to go back and listen to it online today.  

Now, look ahead.

Now, let's look ahead to this coming Sunday.  Before you do anything else, stop and pray.  Allow God to quiet the noise of your busy life.  Allow God to speak to you.  Speak to your heart.  Speak into areas of your life you may not even be aware of.  Allow the Holy Spirit to speak into the depths of your life.  Take time to listen.  Be slow to speak.
Now, let's get ready to study this week's verse.  Read Psalm 14:1.  
  • Do you know who is speaking here?
  • Do you know who they are speaking to?
  • Do you know what is happening?  
  • How does this apply to you?  

Before you move on, take a second and read Psalm 14:1 again, but in a different translation.  
  • Does it change any of your answers from above?  
  • Is there anything that you have questions about?  
  • Invite a friend to read it with you and ask them what they think God is trying to say in this verse.

Let's get ready for Sunday!

Getting ready for Sunday doesn't begin when you wake up before getting in the car.  Getting ready for Sunday begins right now!  Take time and pray for God to prepare your heart.  Take time to be looking for God.  And celebrating God.  Take time praying for others.  For those that are serving this Sunday.  Praying for whom you should invite to join you.  Praying for those that will be coming.  Begin praying now so that together, we can join God in bringing Heaven...here!    

Did you know?  You can use the same phone number to send a prayer and praise request or join our weekly devotional?  If you text a prayer request to 844-316-9010 at any time we'll pray for you.  Or you can text "devotion" to the same number to join us in doing this week's devotional!

Is this blog helpful for you?  Be sure to comment below if it is.  And be willing to share it with others!  
]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2023/06/19/preparing-with-hope-june-25-2023#comments 1 Preparing with Hope June 18, 2023 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2023/06/12/preparing-with-hope-june-18-2023 Mon, 12 Jun 2023 13:17:52 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2023/06/12/preparing-with-hope-june-18-2023

disciple: someone who follows Jesus and leads others to do the same.

I've been reading about "hope" recently and how "hopelessness" increases when people feel that there is possibility for change.  No chance for something better.  Which brings to my mind why we need so much to be disciples of Jesus who are pointing people towards Jesus!  With Jesus, no matter what the circumstances we are living under, we have HOPE!  And we need to be able to share this HOPE with others.  So, I want to encourage you to not only engage with the Bible verses that we will be studying this coming weekend, but I want you to share that with others too!

Looking Back.

This past weekend we examined Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through him who gives me strength."  This is often reads out of context leading people to believe that they can do whatever they want and God will take care of it.   And when God doesn't do what they want Him to do...they are disappointed.  Paul was instead challenging us to learn how to find contentment in Jesus.  To not need "stuff" to make us happy.  But also to see the needs that are around us and see how we can be used by God to meet those needs.  And if someone else meets a need that we have...say thank you!  Studying this verse has caused me to wonder a lot of all the things we could do as THE CHURCH if we saw needs and joined God to meet them.  

Prayer.

When I say "pray" I mean sit in silence.  Prayer.  Listening to God.  When I pray, I often start in silence and then begin to repeat over and over again, "God, I'm here.  God, I'm here."  Not to make God appear, but to make me aware that God is there too.  To silence the noise of the world all around me and hear what God has to say.  There are many times that God says nothing.  But like a good friend He sits with me in silence.  Take some time and sit with God as He sits with you.  

Now Look Ahead.

Now, look ahead.  The verse that we'll be studying this week is Jeremiah 29:11.  But one of the best ways to study a verse and understand what is being said is to read the verses before and after.  Here's a link to the whole chapter.  Jeremiah 29
After reading the whole chapter can you answer these questions?
  • Who is speaking in this chapter?
  • Who are they speaking to?
  • Do you see references to Jesus in this chapter?
  • After you have read the whole chapter, does it change how you read verse 11?
  • How does this apply to you?
  • How can you share what you've learned with someone else?  

Before you move on, read the chapter using a different translation.  Does it change anything?  Or clarify anything?  If you have questions, write them down.  I'd love to hear what they are.

Let's Get Ready for Sunday Together

Sunday is just a few days away.  Let's get ready together.  Spend time praying for everyone involved.  Spend time praying for who you should invite to join you.  Spend time praying for God's Word to be alive in everything that we do.  Spend time listening to what God wants you to do to join Him in bringing Heaven...here!

Did you know?  You can use the same phone number to send a prayer and praise request or join our weekly devotional?  If you text a prayer request to 844-316-9010 at any time we'll pray for you.  Or you can text "devotion" to the same number to join us in doing this week's devotional! 

Is this blog helpful?  Let us know.  We'd love to hear how it's helping you or what we can do to make it more helpful in preparing you with HOPE!
]]> https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2023/06/12/preparing-with-hope-june-18-2023#comments 1 Preparing with Hope May 28, 2023 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2023/05/22/preparing-with-hope-may-28-2023 Mon, 22 May 2023 14:52:20 +0000 https://www.hopegh.com/blog/2023/05/22/preparing-with-hope-may-28-2023

disciple: someone who follows Jesus and leads others to do the same.

Looking back.

This past weekend we examined 2 Chronicles 7:14.  Zooming out we discovered God calling us all to have humble hearts willing to do something.  And that we are called to turn from our old way of living and turn to God.  God, who is eager to forgive and bless.  
I wonder, what are you doing?  What are you willing to do?  What's stoping you?  Have you ever asked that question before?  For some it's our own fear.  What if we fail?  For some it's lies we've told ourselves.  I wonder, what are you doing?  I hope we all are doing something because together, God invites us to join Him in bringing Heaven...here!   

Prayer.

I think I say this every week.  Don't rush this.  Stop what you're doing and sit.  And listen.  Listen to God.  Let God sing and delight over you.  If you haven't spent anytime recently sitting in silence it might seem strange.  But do it anyways.  The parable of the Prodigal Son shows us how God is eagerly waiting for us to spend time with him.  Don't rush this part of preparing.  
As you sit and listen to God, I want to encourage you to listen and hear who God is wanting you to share His Good News with.  (Don't freeze up when I say that.  I have had people tell me that they aren't trained to do that.  Or that they don't have the "gift" to do that.  But this is something that we are all called, actually commanded to do.  And sharing the Good News with others is simply that.  Sharing the Good things that God has done in your life with others.  It's you recognizing that what happened in your life today that you're celebrating is because of what God has done.  And that is Good News!  Share that with someone today.  

Looking ahead.

Now, let's prepare to study the Bible together.  Make sure you have set aside time to study God's Word.  Just like taking time for prayer, don't rush reading and studying God's Word.  Let it soak into your life.  
Now  read Matthew 7:1-5 but focus in on verse 1.  
  • Do you know who's talking in these verses?
  • Do you know who they are talking to?  
  • Do you know what is happening prior to these verses?  Or what is happening after these verses?  Does it matter? (I'm not saying it does or doesn't but it's always good to examine.)
  • We know that the book of Matthew was written by Matthew.  But do you know who he was writing to?  Who is audience is? (This matters.  I speak differently when I'm talking with the students in Hope's Children Ministry compared to when I'm invited to speak to college students.  The TRUTH doesn't change but the emphasis may change.  Or the illustrations.)

Now read it again.

Whichever translation you used before, pick a different one.  Maybe pick a couple different translations.  As you read them, does something different stand out to you?  Maybe just reading the same verses over and over again makes something stand out.  Maybe God is drawing your heart and life to something different.  We have been gifted the Holy Spirit to help us understand the Bible.  Maybe the Holy Spirit is wanting you to see something you have missed before.  Don't rush this process.  (Are you getting the theme of this week.  We are so busy but we can't rush this.  Don't rush any of this.)

Now what?

Great question.  God's Word is meant to change us.  To change the way we think and act.  So, what is God saying to you?  How do these Words change you?  Are they calling you to think differently?  Act differently?  If you aren't sure how God wants you to change (yeah, you guessed it) don't rush this process.  Be patient.  Wait.  Listen.  Maybe ask someone to pray for you as you study God's Word.  Maybe invite someone to join you in studying God's Word.  You know, this is part of the disciple making process too.

Let's get ready for Sunday together.

We all play a part as we prepare for Sunday.  I have been including you in part of what I do.  I spend usually over 20 hours a week in studying and writing a message for Sunday.  But I'm also praying for me and you.   I want to make sure that we all are listening to the voice of God and not the noise of the world.  I'm praying that we make it to church on Sunday so that we can encourage each other.  I don't think it's a coincidence, but when we first came to Hope 16 years ago it never failed that one of our kids or pet would get sick on Saturday night.  It took us a while but eventually we weren't surprised and we also learned to pray in advance rather than always reacting to the works of our enemy.  So, begin praying now.  Pray for yourself and for those that are a part of what God is doing at Hope.  And pray for who God is wanting you to invite to join you this Sunday. And then ask them.  The world is looking for hope and you have the answer.  Don't be afraid to show them.  Don't be afraid to tell them!
Let's get ready!  Sunday's coming!

Did you know?  You can use the same phone number to send a prayer and praise request or join our weekly devotional?  If you text a prayer request to 844-316-9010 at any time we'll pray for you.  Or you can text "devotion" to the same number to join us in doing this week's devotional! 

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