March 20, 2020

John 3:16

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

It is important to go back to basics. The beginning point of Christianity is simply an admission: Jesus, I need you to save me. John 3:16 serves as the most basic introduction to Christianity that many have. And for good reason, it says the Gospel in a very brief and attractive way. Because of God’s great love, He acted toward us in the most sever and generous way by giving His Son who can become salvation for those who believe.

While that verse can be the entrance to Christianity, don’t leave it behind as you move through the life of a Christian. It’s been said, “The gospel is not the ABCs of Christianity but the A through Z of Christianity.” In that one word, gospel, we have what we need to continue living for Him through disease, disaster, and just the deadening totally stop our society seems to have made. Cling to Him today remembering that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

Prayer prompt: Lord, let me meditate on your love, your salvation, and the hand that has reached out to bring me to You.

Daily Reading: Mark 12:1-27  (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 Mark’s gospel.)  

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

March 19, 2020

Psalm 46:1-2

1 God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

“Dad, does the earthquake mean God is mad at us?” It certainly feels that way. COVID-19 meant that our homes became the safe place to let the virus blow over. Then, yesterday, an earthquake threatened to turn our homes against us as the ceilings and floors started shaking and creaking. What safe places remain? What is God saying to us with these emergencies?

One thing He has proved conclusively is that He is the only refuge we really have. When you read the Psalm and think about the mountains shaking, look up and see our Wasatch peaks. I can’t think of a better sign of stability. The mountains are ancient and seem like they’ll last forever, but yesterday they shook. If there really isn’t anywhere to hide, we have to go to God. We have to stop running. Go to Jesus today and find the confidence to stand in God’s presence, the only true refuge.

Prayer prompt: Lord, I repent of my sin, the times I run from You. Today, I choose to run to you in Jesus.

Daily Reading: Mark 11:20-33  (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 Mark’s gospel.)  

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

March 18, 2020

Hebrews 10:24-25

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

One of the most difficult parts of all this COVID tragedy is the social distancing. It doesn’t really matter if you are an introvert or not, God has made us to work in community. While the Zoom calls and YouTube live options are really miraculous, it just isn’t the same. We need one another.

There is an upside to being forced a part for a little while, it makes the heart grow fonder. Phone calls never seem like an appealing option, but as I’ve called around to check in on people, I’ve been surprised by how nice it’s been to connect. God has given us the ability to stir one another up, to fill each other up with love so that we have love and good works to give out to others.

Make time this week to call 5 people who you won’t get to see on Sunday. You’ll be encouraged more and more as the Day draws near.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please prompt me today to remember specific people I can reach out to and encourage.

Daily Reading: Mark 11:1-19  (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 Mark’s gospel.)  

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

March 17, 2020

Lamentations 3:31-32

31 For the Lord will not cast off forever, 32 but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love;

How long will this last? That’s the question many of us find ourselves asking. Things are bad now, and scary, but a lot of the fear comes with questions of timing. I have enough food, for now. I can work with my kids home from school too, for a little bit. Or for some of us, I can go without pay for just a little bit, but how long?

These verses remind of us of a couple of hard truths that we can rely on in this time. God has allowed the hard things in this world, but they won’t last forever. His justice is not His only trait. He also loves with a love that doesn’t move, doesn’t leave, and never gives up. This situation may last for a long time, but it won’t last forever. Do you know His love?

Please let the leadership of Hope Church know if you are in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please don’t let this disease and its effects continue, but heal our land.

Daily Reading: Mark 10:32-52  (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 Mark’s gospel.)  

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

March 16, 2020 - COVID Edition - Fearless Faith

Matthew 10:29-31

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Are we going to be okay? Are my parents? What is God up to while this pandemic sweeps the world? At Hope, we do what we always do, open our bibles and not panic. We have to look to our leader and hear His words. Jesus was clear, God knows exactly what you’re going through. He values you more than many sparrows, and He values them greatly!

How much does He love you? He is so invested, He’s got lists of trivia about you. He knows when you wake up and when you lie down. He knows how many hairs are on your head and He keeps the tally as they grow and fall out. He saw you nervously peering down empty grocery aisles and He sees you now as you look at retirement accounts.

How much does He love you? Remember it was Jesus who spoke all this. He sent His Apostles out to speak the good news about Jesus knowing they would suffer terribly. Yet He did it, taking the real weight on Himself. Jesus sent us into hard situations knowing God sent Him to the hardest: to die twice. Jesus died on a cross, but He also endured God’s full wrath for sin. That’s how much He loves you. That’s the one who is with you right now as you experience this trial. Know Him, Trust Him, Love Him. Depend on Him to get you through. He sees you and He loves you.

Prayer prompt: Lord, You love me and You’ve got this. Teach me to remember.

Daily Reading: Mark 10:1-31  (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 Mark’s gospel.)

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

Next Steps Saturdays - Gospel v Religion 5

We’re all moving towards something. At Hope, we are trying to see what the Bible is leading us toward. A next step based on the Bible, is another step toward understanding God and what He’s like. As John the Apostle said, God is love.

How do you get to know God’s love more? One way is by setting religion down and picking up the Gospel. We hand out cards every week that have the Gospel set up against Religion. Look at the fourth one:

In religion, my identity and worth are based on how hard I work and moral I am. I feel superior to others.

But in the Gospel, my identity and self-worth are determined by the One who died for His enemies. I am saved by grace alone. I no longer look down on those who believe something different from me.

Ephesians 2:8

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

He became sin and gave us His righteousness, His acceptance before God. Free yourself from having to constantly prove yourself! Learn more about the freedom in Christ every week at Hope Church! We hope you’ll be our guest for a Sunday service at 9:30 or 11:00 at Salt Mine Productive Workspace in Sandy.

March 13, 2020

John 13:35

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Think about those classic spy movie scenes where the spy and his contact go back and forth through elaborate and silly phrases. At the end of the sequence, the spy’s identity is confirmed and he’s let into the back room. Passwords and secret handshakes, prearranged symbols to authenticate, to prove the genuine article. 

What’s our password in Jesus? What’s the thing we all really know, that gives the unmistakable scent, look, bearing, of someone who has known Jesus? The Lord told us: Love. To know God’s love is to be changed so thoroughly that love pours out of you. Is what characterizes you? Is that what you show to everyone you meet because you’ve been changed by Jesus?

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me to run to those in need rather than away, knowing your love and showing it.

Daily Reading: Mark 8:1-21  (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 Mark’s gospel.)  

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

March 12, 2020

Matthew 26:50

50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.

It is important to know that Jesus was in complete control as He went to die. Each of the gospels make clear that Jesus knew what was happening, and allowed it. In this part of Matthew, as Jesus is arrested, He speaks calmly to Judas even calling him ‘friend’. 

It’s crucial for a leader to seem cool under fire, whether he is or not. It gives his orders credibility and his followers confidence. Jesus didn’t just seem cool, with a sweat-of-blood understanding of what was ahead, He still calmly went through with the cross. And He did it out of love for you. That’s a leader we can follow.

Prayer prompt: Lord, I will follow your banner into any battle.

Daily Reading: Mark 8:1-21  (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 Mark’s gospel.)  

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

March 11, 2020

2 Peter 1:3

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

All things is a lot of things. All things that we need for life and godliness? All? I don’t know that I feel that way often, but here’s the promise. You are well supplied with everything you need for life and godliness.

And it comes from one place: knowing the one who called us into His own presence. The God who found us as enemies and made us friends has called us to His feast, His house, and His family. We have everything we need because we have Him. Have you let that sink in? Imagine what it would feel like to have the confidence of knowing you have everything you need.

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me to trust your abundance!

Daily Reading: Mark 7:14-37  (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 Mark’s gospel.)  

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

March 10, 2020

Romans 8:30

30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Do you ever feel like the Christian life is a tight rope? You managed to find the start of this walk, but you could fall at any minute. Progress seems to be achingly slow. Making it to the end seems so unlikely that it’s probably impossible. How do you find the hope to keep walking?

This verse in Romans 8 flips us around. We’re not walking a tightrope, He is. He has predestined, called, justified and will glorify you. He will. If you look back at the verse, all the verbs apply to Him, not you. Breathe in, breathe out, work passionately, and always trust that He is going to finish the work He started. 

Prayer prompt: Lord, thank you for caring so deeply and keeping me so tightly held.

Daily Reading: Mark 7:1-13  (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 Mark’s gospel.)  

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

March 9, 2020

Romans 8:26

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 

There are some people who are too smart, too important to really feel like you could talk to them in a normal way. There are some emotions that are too big or nuanced to fit into the words you know, and some that don’t fit into the words available to anyone else either. There are so many experiences and situations that are beyond our understanding, so how do we put our finger on the right question, the right request? 

You have a translator. The Bible teaches that because the Holy Spirit is God He has God’s wisdom, perspectives, and protocol. He knows how to say what you should have said, how to articulate what you are feeling, and how to ask what you would have asked if you grasped the situation perfectly. So pray, and trust the power of the perfect prayer, which the Holy Spirit is helping you pray right now.

Prayer prompt: Lord, thank you for being available at all times with the perfect mediator for my prayers.

Daily Reading: Mark 6:30-56  (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 Mark’s gospel.)  

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

Next Steps Saturdays - Gospel v Religion 4

We’re all moving towards something. At Hope, we are trying to see what the Bible is leading us toward. A next step based on the Bible, is another step toward understanding God and what He’s like. As John the Apostle said, God is love.

How do you get to know God’s love more? One way is by setting religion down and picking up the Gospel. We hand out cards every week that have the Gospel set up against Religion. Look at the fourth one:

In Religion, if I live up to my standards, I feel satisfied, but then I become proud and judgmental to failing people. If I am not living up to my standards, I feel like a failure.

In the Gospel, it’s not about being a moral achiever. In Christ, I am a sinner and accepted. I am so sinful He had to die for me and yet so loved He willingly died for me. This leads to deeper humility and assurance.

2 Corinthians 5:21 says

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

He became sin and give us His righteousness, His acceptance before God. Free yourself from having to constantly prove yourself! Learn more about the freedom in Christ every week at Hope Church! We hope you’ll be our guest for a Sunday service at 9:30 or 11:00 at Salt Mine Productive Workspace in Sandy.

March 6, 2020

Jonah 2:1-2

1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, 2 saying,

“I called out to the Lord, out of my distress,

   and he answered me;

out of the belly of Sheol I cried,

    and you heard my voice.

What kind of God takes calls from the belly of a fish? I would be so embarrassed to have to call someone from prison, with that message on the front end asking if they will accept a call from such and such penitentiary. What if they say no? What if they say yes, and I have to speak to them, not as an equal, but as a guilty criminal?

In these verses, Jonah is confident that God heard his prayers, even from the bottom of the sea, in a fish Jonah was swallowed by because of his disobedience to God. We really aren’t God’s equals, and we do speak to Him as those who are guilty. And He still hears us. His love is so magnificent, that God hears you, even calling from whatever pit you’re in. Do you call?

Prayer prompt: Lord, may I call out to you at all times, running to you rather than away.

Daily Reading: Mark 5:1-20 (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 Mark’s gospel.)  

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

March 5, 2020

1 Corinthians 15:19

19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

I don’t know that I can honestly say I envy the saints in Scripture. Hebrews reminds us that while there were big victories, some of those men and women were tortured, mocked and flogged, imprisoned, stoned, sawn in two, killed with the sword, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. Yet, is my life supposed to be different from theirs? 

What is it about my Christianity that makes me think I can afford to get comfortable in this world? What did they see in the life to come that made them so willing to suffer? We can never forget that Christ does not give us hope for this life only. He came to bring us to a better life, a life so good, we have a hope that will sustain us through literally anything. Don’t live for this life only.

Prayer prompt: Lord, this world is not my home. Please don’t let me get too comfortable here.

Daily Reading: Mark 4:21-41  (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 Mark’s gospel.)  

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

March 4, 2020

2 Corinthians 9:6

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

In this verse, God is dealing with giving, and look at how He sees it: as sowing. The money you give to God’s Kingdom work is like a seed. Too often, we think of giving as something lost, but that’s not how we see an investment. I think you’d stop investing pretty quickly if you never expected a return. But that’s not what giving to God’s work is like. There is a return. 

When we give to God’s work, we are asking God to take this meager sum and do something with it, just like when we hand money to an investment banker. What can He do with it? He’s asking you if you want to give a little, and see a little return, or if you want to sow a lot and watch something big happen? Well, what do you think? 

Prayer prompt: Lord, give me excitement and imagination when I think about how You will use my Kingdom investment.

Daily Reading: Mark 4:1-20  (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 Mark’s gospel.)  

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

March 3, 2020

2 Corinthians 9:7

7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

How can it be possible to give cheerfully? Can you imagine people excitedly waiting in a long line to put their check in the little box on a Sunday? Or a husband getting grief from his wife because he just couldn’t wait and gave online before they could do it together? Ludicrous. Except for that verse in the Bible. 

It is possible. Start by remembering the amazing wealth of blessings God has given you, thinking about the scary hold money can have on your heart, and to looking out on all the good giving through your church is going to do. When you start to see and remember, without the compulsion that Religion heaps on, it is indeed possible to be, even hard not to be, a cheerful giver!

Prayer prompt: Lord, give me the joy of giving as I remember the kindness You’ve given to me!

Daily Reading: Mark 3  (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 Mark’s gospel.)  

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

March 2, 2020

Ecclesiastes 4:12

12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Every Sunday, every Community Group night, is there a little speed bump to get over? Is it possible that you have to motivate yourself to go spend time with Christians? The Bible tells us why: we are more easily defeated if we’re alone. 

Others will keep your momentum going, your momentum will keep others going. God designed us to work together and to work better when we’re together. The people at Hope Church need you and you need them. If you can see that, and really believe it, you won’t be easily broken. Become another brick in God’s unbreakable structure.

Prayer prompt: Lord, help me to invest in Your community, so I will not be easily broken.

Daily Reading: Mark 2  (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 look at the Gospel of the Kingdom preached by Jesus.)  

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

Next Steps Saturday - Gospel v Religion 3

We’re all moving towards something. At Hope, we are trying to see what the Bible is leading us toward. A next step based on the Bible, is another step toward understanding God and what He’s like. As John the Apostle said, God is love.

How do you get to know God’s love more? One way is by setting religion down and picking up the Gospel. We hand out cards every week that have the Gospel set up against Religion. Look at the third one:

In Religion, when I am criticized, I get angry because it is important I think of myself as a good person.

In the Gospel, when I am criticized I struggle, but it is not critical for me to think of myself as a good person. My identity is not performance but God’s love for me in Christ.

Colossians 3:1-3 says:

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

If my life, who I am, is determined by God’s love for me in Christ, I am free. Free to take whatever criticism or praise come my way and not have my head turned. Learn more about the freedom in Christ every week at Hope Church! We hope you’ll be our guest for a Sunday service at 9:30 or 11:00 at Salt Mine Productive Workspace in Sandy.

February 28, 2020

Isaiah 55:1

“Come, everyone who thirsts,

    come to the waters;

and he who has no money,

    come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

    without money and without price.

Grace is a word that loses its meaning through over use. You may hear it 50 times on a Sunday and only vaguely understand what’s being communicated. These verses in Isaiah perfectly paint the picture. 

Imagine walking into the nice restaurant, the anniversary restaurant, and looking down the menu. If there was no price listed, you would assume it’s Market Price which is code for way too much, but no, it’s just free. It’s like opening your dad’s pantry, it’s his, but you’re welcome to it, free! That’s grace. That’s what God has for you, for anyone who calls on the name of Jesus. Come and be satisfied!

Prayer prompt: Lord, fill us up to bursting with Your grace, so much so that we never look anywhere else for satisfaction.

Daily Reading: Matthew 28  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap to watch a NEW Bible Project Video!)  

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

February 27, 2020

Matthew 26:40-41

40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Peter had a hard night on Jesus’ crucifixion. He bounced from full-throated proclamations of undying devotion, to sleeping on the job. Then from sword swinging defense of Jesus to fearfully denying that he had ever known Jesus. That guy was a coward and a bum at best and a traitor at worst. But I do the same thing, and I bet you do too.

How are we going to grow out of our weak-kneed denying of Jesus, and wake up from our sleepy lack of devotion? We have to watch and pray. Jesus has given us His Spirit to fill us up and give us strength. Have you cried out to Him today to use His grace to bring boldness to your voice and strength to your hands? 

Prayer prompt: Lord, make us bold as we pray for your grace.

Daily Reading: Matthew 27:32-66  (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