Next Steps Saturday - Try a Series

If you’ve been around Hope, maybe even been our guest on some Sunday, we really are honored. On Saturdays, we take a minute to lay out some next steps. Remember, Jesus gives His love first. We never earn it (as if we could!) or deserve it. So when we say Next Step, we are just hoping to help you enjoy His love more. When the Bible says, “O, taste and see that the Lord is good… (Psalm 34:8a),” it is inviting you to a feast. Will you try some stuff out?

If you’ve been to one of our Sunday services, 9:30am and 11:00am at Salt Mine Productive Workspace in Sandy, and you’ve looked at God time once or twice, what’s a good next step? Try coming to services for a couple of weeks in a row. You don’t realize how much one week builds on another until you attend a few together.

At Hope Church the weekly emphasis of each service is part of a series. We make those series 5 or 6 weeks long. If you join us toward the beginning of a series, try to finish it out. See if there is something more helpful in watching the ideas build on one another.

If that seems like a big next step, you can also go to our Resources page to watch a service live, or listen to a recorded message, to get a feel for what you’ll experience. I hope we can see you soon! And I hope you’ll forgive my goofy poses in those thumbnails…

February 7, 2020

James 4:14

14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

Mist does just about one thing: it disappears. It gets burned away with the sun or blown away with the breeze. Why would James say that about us? Aren’t we God’s people? Don’t most of these God Time posts make us feel special and loved? 

That’s just it, you are a mist that is incredibly loved, emphatically loved. But you are still a mist. We have both accept the love and lay down any pretension to being God, being like God, or even just lower case g gods who go about doing our own thing. Look up from your own life, short and fading, and worship the one who will never diminish.

Prayer prompt: Lord, help me to enjoy knowing that you are God and I am your creation.

Daily Reading: Matthew 18:1-20  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the second half of Matthew’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

February 6, 2020

Luke 4:42-43

42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, 43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”

Purpose is a tricky word. We all need to have meaning in our lives, it’s why the incredibly wealthy keep working, why Tom Brady hasn’t retired. There has to be a ‘why’ down at the bottom of all our effort because we are meaning-making beings. What was Jesus’ purpose? 

As followers of Jesus, we have to do what He did and adopt His purposes as our own where we can. It is not for us to die for the sins of the world, but we are to take up our cross and sacrifice that others may know God’s love. We can’t preach or heal like He could, but we are to take the good news of the Kingdom to other towns also. Have you committed yourself to the work you’ve been given? What small first or next step can you take today?

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me to see and get excited about the purpose you’ve made me for.

Daily Reading: Matthew 17  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the second half of Matthew’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

February 5, 2020

Romans 8:33

33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

If you stop to think about it, how much of your daily activity is devoted to making sure you’re really somebody? We have these ideas of success that are somewhere out there in the world. If we can just take some real steps towards more money, more respect, more power, more attractiveness, more expertise then today can be a success and one day we will really have it. We can finally be there. We can finally be done, just, good, full. 

That will never work. It is only God who justifies; only He can say you are good, only He can make you full. If, through Jesus, God says you are good, what idea in yourself, your parents, or the world can tell you otherwise? Who? Who can bring any charge against you if God says you’re free? Go to Him and start putting your effort into enjoying His grace and glorifying His name.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please help me to believe that you have really made me free.

Daily Reading: Matthew 16  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the second half of Matthew’s Gospel)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

February 4, 2020

1 Peter 2:9

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Some bible verses are so full, each phrase is worth taking your time over. Peter is calling us a chosen, holy, royal priesthood. He is calling us God’s possession. He says we get to feel the excellency of moving out of darkness into God’s marvelous, glowing presence. Then He tells us what we are supposed to do with all of this overflowing joy and honor: proclaim.

The verse turns on that idea of being a link. A priest is a link between God and the rest of humanity. We are a link because we are both God’s people and just plain regular people. We can take what we’ve been given and show it, proclaim it, to those around us and bring them into that same joy. Today, commit to being someone’s link to Jesus.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please make me a link between you and the world. Show me someone today I can tell about you.

Daily Reading: Matthew 15:21-39  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the New Testament)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

February 3, 2020

Genesis 50:20

20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

How can evil be good? Is it possible for God to take what is one thing and make it into its opposite? Is it like a Judo master who take attacks and turn them back against their attackers? Is it like a miracle where water turns to wine? We step into some heavy mystery here. 

This verse was the response of a man who had spent decades as a prisoner and slave after his brothers sold him. God then used this man to provide food for all of Egypt and Canaan during a 7 year famine, raising the man to be #2 in all of Egypt. It is a dangerous game to try and figure out how God will turn evil to good, but today, look at Joseph and remember that He can.

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me about your size and your wisdom so I can trust even when I can’t understand.

Daily Reading: Matthew 13:1-33  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the New Testament)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

Next Steps Saturday - Be Our Guest

We’re a couple weeks into our God Time resource and I hope it has been beneficial! If you are someone testing the waters at Hope Church with God Time, a guest to Hope Church or a regular attender who has started off some Bible time with these short reflections, we want to help you take your next step.

The Bible is clear that Jesus gives His love first. We never earn it (as if we could!) or deserve it. He just loves because He is unspeakably wonderful. When we say Next Step, we are hoping to help you take your next step into a means of experiencing His love more. His love never goes up or down, but you can choose how much you’re going to enjoy it. When the Bible says, “O, taste and see that the Lord is good… (Psalm 34:8a),” it is inviting you to a feast. Will you try some stuff out?

An easy next step, and the one we’re highlighting this week, is trying one of our Sunday Services. We meet at 9:30am and 11:00am at Salt Mine Productive Workspace in Sandy. Those services are designed to serve first time guests and long time members. We have unbelievable music, top-rate childcare, Krispy Kreme donuts, and a meaningful message each week.

If that seems like a big first step, you can also go to our Resources page to watch a service live, or listen to a recorded message, to get a feel for what you’ll experience. I hope we can see you soon! And I hope you’ll forgive my goofy poses in those thumbnails…

January 31, 2020

Zephaniah 3:17

17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

I understand that God loves me, but does He like me? Every Christian starts with grace then quickly moves back to works. In grace we trust that God gives us His love, but with works, we have to earn it. Since I still sin, can I go back to God? Is turning from my sin a good idea if God is going to greet me with frowns and whips?

Look at Zephaniah 3:17. How is it possible that any God would treat His creation like that? God is with you, in your midst. He is mighty to save you. He will rejoice over you with gladness and quiet your excuses and your self-justification with His love. He will show the universe His feelings about you with loud singing. Let each of those phrases land in your heart today. God loves you because He is so so good.

Prayer prompt: Lord, I want to turn from my sin and embrace the love you have for me.

Daily Reading: Matthew 13:34-58  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the New Testament)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

January 30, 2020

Genesis 25:29-34

29 Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom.) 31 Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” 32 Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” 33 Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.

It is possible to make any deal. If someone is desperate enough or foolish enough, you can even sell your birthright for a bowl of lentil soup. It’s worth taking a minute to think about that. Before we are too hard on Esau, what will you give up for small, perishable pleasures? 

In Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family and have the pleasure of His presence, the joy of working hard for a cause that won’t perish, and the community of His people. What does it take for you to turn your back on all that and go your own way? A little money? A little lust? A little pride? Try to find the soup you keep selling it all for and ask someone to pray with you about it.

Prayer Prompt: Lord, please show me some of the places I sell you out for small pleasures. 

Daily Reading: Matthew 13:1-33  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the New Testament)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

January 29, 2020

John 1:4

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

In any buddy movie, if they are ever laid out at a pool or beach, inevitably one will look at the other, drop his sunglasses down his nose, and say, “This is the life.” When you go to those places, you can feel the same thing for about 45 minutes. Then you need to find a bathroom, or the sun is too hot, or the sand starts to itch, or more likely, the children need 5,000 things. 

In Jesus, we are promised both life and light. When Jesus gives life, He gives it to the full. Not just continuing existence, the bible teaches that everyone will exist forever. He wants to give you life, help you really start living, sort of like that tired phrase. He wants to show you what life really is, what you were made for. And He isn’t a guide like the hotel employee who shows you to your room then, hopefully, leaves. That life is in Him. Are you looking to Jesus and your relationship to Him to find your life?

Prayer prompt: Lord, please show me the real life that can only be found in you..

Daily Reading: Matthew 12:22-50  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the New Testament)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

January 28, 2020

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I can’t imagine how someone could achieve the goal of praying without ceasing. It seems like prayer would get in the way of the million other things you need to think about in a day. And yet, here is the command: pray without ceasing. What do we do with a burden like that?

Reading the whole sentence is helpful here. Right before we are commanded to pray all the time, we are told to rejoice always and to give thanks in all circumstances. It is somehow possible to experience God’s presence in such a way that you rejoice and give thanks always. We know God is in control of everything from the horrible to the sublime. As we speak to Him, we can look up and see Him in all His grandeur and know, by Jesus, that we can rejoice. Why not speak to Him without ceasing? Wouldn’t you want that all the time?

Prayer prompt: Lord, help me to think, all day today, about what I am thankful for so I will rejoice always!

Daily Reading: Matthew 11  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the New Testament)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

January 27, 2020

1 John 4:18

18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Is fear a good thing or a bad thing? Like pain or anxiety, God has given us fear as a natural reaction to something we should watch out for. While we don’t want to feel fear, it would be far worse if we didn’t have the capacity. Driving, skiing, and buffets are all much safer with a healthy sense of fear.

In this verse, we see how fear and love interact. Think of God’s love, the love that came down to earth, then went down to death, to bring us from death up to His presence. While it is wisdom to feel God’s holiness and grandeur as beyond our understanding, His love should stop us from feeling a fear to approach Him every minute of everyday. Enjoy His perfect love today!

Prayer prompt: Lord, bring me into the bliss of trembling at your majesty and still walking with confidence into your presence.

Daily Reading: Matthew 11 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the New Testament)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

January 24, 2020

2 Timothy 1:12b

… I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

There are two things to see and feel in this verse. Start with the fear of losing what has been entrusted to you. The first things that come to mind are our kids, spouse, job, house, stuff, and cars. Of course we feel the fear of losing those things. But this verse is focused on Paul’s ministry. He fears that the people he is leading to Jesus will fall away or that the Kingdom work he’s done won’t last.

Then comes the relief: God is big enough to guard what He gives us until He brings us home. What are the things you’ve done for the Kingdom? It can feel like a house of cards that keeps falling. Why not just quit? Spend time this morning resolving to go all out for the Kingdom because you can trust God to protect what He entrusts.

Prayer prompt: Lord, let me focus on your strength and trust you to guard what you have entrusted to me.

Daily Reading: Matthew 5:1-26  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the New Testament)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

January 23, 2020

Genesis 1:1

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

What is standing against you today? Is there some big dream you had for your life, some amazing vision of a better world that you were going to make a reality? That kind of thing gets squeezed out of us pretty early. We fail at small things and never seem to attempt the big ones. As soon as school is out and you step into the real world horrible things like debt, ineffectiveness, and apathy drain motivation. It seems like the world is only fine with us moving in one direction: a slow slide toward feebleness. 

But that’s a lie. This world is broken, no doubt, and there are people who want you to quit working for the Kingdom. That’s when you have to remember, this world isn’t their’s. This world is God’s. He made it, He owns it, He rules it. Start today by knowing, deep down, that this is God’s world. Working with Him and for His glory is always worth it. Commit to hope today.

Prayer prompt: Lord, give me the faith to see you behind, above, and beyond my enemies.

Daily Reading: Matthew 9:1-17  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the New Testament)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

January 22, 2020

Philippians 1:6

6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

As soon as something godly starts to happen in your life, watch out. If you’re like me, a little increase in discipline or patience, even love, is often followed by a big flop. Maybe you finally see some growth in love and share about Jesus with a coworker. It feels like you’re walking on air as you sing praise to God! Then you get home and start yelling at your kids. How are we supposed to grow when it seems like failure and sin are constantly with us?

Remember who is right beside us helping us. The God who spoke and saw worlds jump into existence has promised that He will finish what He started. Life is littered with projects begun and abandoned, but not for God. Dunked in grace, covered in love, forgiven because of Jesus, we will keep walking and He will bring His good work in us to completion.

Prayer prompt: Lord, I will keep walking because I know you will finish what you start.

Daily Reading: Matthew 8  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the New Testament)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

January 21, 2020

Psalm 16:11

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

What do you expect to happen when you talk to God or open your Bible? What do you hope will happen when you attend a church service and spend time with Christians? If it is anything less than real joy, joy that fills you up and satisfies you all the way down, you are missing out.

We have to walk a path of life, a path that includes understanding our sin before God and coming to Him to save us by faith in Jesus. But once we have received God’s forgiveness, at the moment we ask Him with faith in Jesus, He walks with us. He leads us into His presence, full of joy, with pleasures forevermore. Pursue God today with joy as an expectation, maybe only a little now though increasing, and full-volume joy forevermore.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please show me the joy I can have by showing me more about who you are.

Daily Reading: Matthew 7  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the New Testament)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

January 20, 2020

Psalm 119:105

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

It is horrible to be lost. The feeling of not knowing what will happen next, of not knowing what to do, weighs us down and fills us with fear and anxiety. You can remember it as a child with a laugh. The fear is real, but the stakes are often pretty low. When mom or dad take your hand again the relief flows through you and brings such joy!

The Bible isn’t merely a list of do’s and don’ts. It doesn’t exist to trap you in monotony or boredom or to condemn you without hope of change or redemption. The Bible is God’s word spoken to you. As a good Father, with a heart filled with love, He gives us His word to light our way back to Him. Open it today and look for what our loving God is saying to you.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please help me love your word and go to it for guidance daily.

Daily Reading: Matthew 6 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the New Testament)

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

January 17, 2020

John 15:9

9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

We like that word Abide. It means to live in or to continue without fading or being lost. Jesus is commanding us, with all the authority of God’s voice from the thunder storm, or the 10 Commandments written by the finger of God in stone, to live in His love.

And His love doesn’t leave. It is like a house. The only way to get out of a house is to leave it. The house doesn’t wander off while you’re sleeping, leaving you to wake up under the sky. We wander off into other loves, to seek out other houses. But as God has loved Jesus from all eternity, so Jesus has opened up His love to us. Stay in that love. Live in that House.

Prayer prompt: Lord, help me to learn what it is to abide in your love by seeking you out hour by hour.

Daily Reading: Matthew 4 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the New Testament)

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year