June 29, 2020

John 15:6

6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

Making a campfire is so rewarding. Maybe you like the labor of chopping, splitting, and building the logs up for fire. Maybe buying a bundle at the 7-11 is the better way to go.  The key to a good fire though, is dry dead wood.  Live wood makes for a bad fire.  Is your branch bearing fruit or dry and ready for burning?

This is strong language. Jesus is warning that those who do not follow Him will not be with him in eternity. The lesson here is of utmost importance. Literally, our lives depend on knowing, following, and growing in Jesus. His followers are not thrown in the fire, but will be with Him in eternal glory.

Written by Dan Jenkins

Prayer prompt: God, protect me from unfruitfulness.  Unfruitfulness in my spiritual life means death.  I want life and life to the fullest, but that can only be found in Jesus.  Help me to be growing and bearing fruit in Jesus.

Daily Reading: Acts 4:1-22 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the first half of the book of Acts. 

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

June 26, 2020

Hebrews 12:2

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

You have to get a good, wide base if you want to help me up. At 6’6” and a considerable weight, if you want to lift me, commitment is required. Think then, about what muscle, what determination is necessary to get a sinner like me into God’s presence? If sin is a weight that entangles, I’ve got all the weight of hell itself on me. I have the wrath of God on me. What hope can I have?

Jesus wasn't just a religious leader. He is God’s Son and is seated at God’s right hand. That throne doesn't have the slightest tinge of weakness. From God’s mouth poured worlds and at His glance mountains skitter away like goats. I keep my eyes on the only one who can lift me up. I keep running because of His great might.

Prayer prompt: Lord, I keep my eyes on You.

Daily Reading: Acts 2:1-13 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video on the Holy Spirit. 

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June 25, 2020

Hebrews 12:1-2

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus is the founder and perfecter of our faith. If asked to climb Everest and shown the path, I will politely decline. I’m just not able to do that. If asked to swim the English Channel, again, nothing doing as I would fail and then drown. Why then does it seem possible that I can run the race of the Christian life?

I run because Jesus has made it possible. He is the founder, originator, author of this path that I tread and He has perfected, meaning completed to the last degree and most minute detail, my race. I can run in complete confidence even as I know I am much much too weak. It is the Christian who continues against the odds and at the end, because of Jesus, wins. Keep running with your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me to remember the way you saved me so I will trust that you still love me.

Daily Reading: Acts 1 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the first half of the book of Acts. 

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June 24, 2020

Hebrews 12:1-2

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, …

I don’t know if you’ve stopped to think about it, but Christianity is an old institution. Take a moment to think of anything in your world more ancient than this faith that goes back beyond Abraham to the founding of the world itself. In all those plodding centuries and millennia, men and women have encountered and wrestled with God. Untold millions have been devastated, daunted, and eventually delighted by God.

In view of that cloud of witnesses, that matchless gallery of people so unlike and exactly alike you in heart and soul, run the race set before you. They had the same valleys and deeper ones to cross. They’ve had the same joys and fuller ones to enjoy. And each, without a single exception, wishes you to run on and run faster. Hear their cheers and see their smiles beckoning you on.

Prayer prompt: Lord, lift my eyes to see the endless examples of the joy You give your people.

Daily Reading: John 21 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the second half of John’s gospel. 

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June 23, 2020

Hebrews 12:1-2

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Running is awful. Anyone who tells you differently has deluded themselves by enduring so much of the awfulness of running that they enjoy it becoming slightly less awful as they get stronger. Why run any race? Why run this race? If running this race means you have to give up sin that you love and enduring extreme difficulty and pain, why go through with it?

We look to Jesus. God has set this race before us with Jesus as the example, the reward, and the constant encouragement. He is the reason we run and the strength to run. There will be pain on this road, but if Jesus prescribes it, we can endure it with the joy set before us.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please hold the joy and example of Jesus before my eyes all day today.

Daily Reading: John 20 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the second half of John’s gospel. 

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June 22, 2020

Hebrews 12:1-2

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

How do we stop sinning? This verse, like many places in the New Testament, uses the metaphor of a race. Because I want to cross the finish line, I lay down all the things that slow me down or tangle me up. That’s what sin is: anything that we choose instead of God.

God has given us the great desire of life with Him and the great mission of reaching the world with the gospel. With a race to run like that, our desires begin to work for us rather than against us. Instead of wanting our sin, we will want to lay that sin down in order to run with greater speed and constancy. What is slowing you down?

Prayer prompt: Lord, please show me my sin so that I can lay it down to run to You.

Daily Reading: John 19:23-42 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the second half of John’s gospel. 

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June 19, 2020

Psalm 119:11

11 I have stored up your word in my heart,

    that I might not sin against you.

When I was growing up, this verse was a constant motivation to memorize scripture. Teachers used the implied punishment, the fear of sin and God’s judgment, to push your nose into the text. I think they were half right; punishment is a fair and helpful motivator, but it’s not the only one. 

God’s word is full of a beauty that captures the heart. When I memorize those words they open up in my mind like a remembered view of Zion Canyon or the sunset over the Pacific. They calm, inspire, invigorate, and woo. They put the true God back into my world and leave the sin I was tempted by to shrivel away. Find and memorize that beauty today.

Prayer prompt: Lord, open up Your word so that I can’t sleep until I store it up in my heart.

Daily Reading: John 18:1-24 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the second half of John’s gospel. 

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June 18, 2020

Ezekiel 20:7

7 And I said to them, ‘Cast away the detestable things your eyes feast on, every one of you, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.’

God wanted to give the Israelites the greatest of all lands, a place with pleasure overflowing. But the people wanted to return to the idols of Egypt. If you remember, Egypt was the nation that had enslaved the Israelites. In a very real sense, the people of God wanted to leave God and go back to idols even if that meant slavery. How stupid is that?

I’m sure you see this reversal coming, but you are the exact same kind of stupid. When we reject God’s ways, we reject God’s rewards. When we return to sin, we return to slavery. Following God does mean pursuing purity, self-control, love sacrifices, service to others, and rampant giving. It can seem like a grueling walk, but remember two things: the reward and the alternative. Be free!

Prayer prompt: Lord, corral me back to Your ways and away from the slavery my heart sometimes desires.

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

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the second half of John’s gospel. 

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June 17, 2020

Ezekiel 20:6

6 On that day I swore to them that I would bring them out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most glorious of all lands.

God promised to take His people to the most glorious of all lands. Summer time is upon us and it’s one without the vacation options we’re used to. It’s hard to look longingly at photos of amazing landscapes or read reviews of paradise-on-earth beach resorts and know they’re out of reach this year. It would be bliss to get away from where we are, to walk in a stress-free, beauty-filled somewhere instead of being stuck inside for even longer.

Take that little version of longing and let it inform the longing we should feel for the “most glorious of all lands” God is preparing for us. It will be a place flowing not only with provision but with pleasure. You don’t need milk or honey to survive, but are you really living without them? God has promised to take you to pleasure, to Himself, will you walk away from your sin and into His paradise?

Prayer prompt: Lord, fill me so full of longing for You and Your blessings that sin loses all allure.

Daily Reading: John 16:16-33 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the second half of John’s gospel. 

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June 16, 2020

John 20:30-31

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Sunday, we got to hear from Dan Jenkins about taking the gospel to those who need it and about the 4 responses we can expect when we are faithful to share. If you’re like most people, it can be tremendously difficult to know what your next step should be. How do you actually share the gospel with someone?

While there are as many ways to do it as there are facets on a diamond, David Edmunds shared an excellent way. The gospel of John was written with the verses above as the thesis statement: it was written that you may believe and have life in Jesus’ name. A great way to share the gospel, is to simply read through the Gospel of John with a friend who is interested in what you believe. Take the John Challenge! Grab a copy of the gospel of John on Sunday at Hope Church and invite a friend to read with you!

Prayer prompt: Lord, let me see fruit as I attempt to bring Your gospel to those who don’t know You.

Daily Reading: John 16:1-15 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the second half of John’s gospel. 

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

June 15, 2020

Acts 18:9

9 And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”

Many of us are afraid and are silent. It would be an incredible boost to have God give us a personal promise that we won’t be attacked in our city! But be honest for a second, is that why you’re silent? Are you really afraid of physical attacks?

Blinded by our pride, arrested by our fear, insensible through our total self-absorption, there are very few of us who are faithful to our calling to make God’s name known. Yet look at the end of those verses, “I have many in this city who are my people.” God has people in SLC who need to be rescued. It is time for us to speak.

Prayer prompt: Lord, open my eyes to the people You have planned for me to speak to today.

Daily Reading: John 15 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the second half of John’s gospel. 

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June 12, 2020

Exodus 15:1

Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying, “I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.

God saved the people of Israel by the waters of the Red Sea twice. The water moved so Israel could cross on dry land, then the waters crashed over the Egyptians, killing them to the last man. As the waters stilled over the defeated enemy, a nation of former slaves broke out in song. Imagine the million mouths hanging open in shock, then the eruption of cheers and praise!

We are in a dark time. If you find it difficult to praise God today, take a moment to remember the enemy He has defeated, that He swallowed up in victory. You haven’t been saved from an Egyptian army, Jesus saved you from the penalty and sting of death itself. There is no problem facing you that He can’t overcome. Look back, praise, and trust for tomorrow.

Prayer prompt: Lord, I praise You as my Protector and Savior! May praise fill up my thoughts and bring me joy even through the tears.

Daily Reading: John 13:1-20 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the first half of John’s gospel. 

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

June 11, 2020

Psalm 31:23

23 Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.

Here’s the real question: are you more in love with God or yourself? Which love wins in a fight? The results of each option are described above. You can either love God most which makes you a saint and faithful, or you can love yourself most, with is called pride.

If in your heart, pride wins, you are working against the flow of the universe. You have attempted to make a fantasy into a reality. Believing you can fly is harmless if it’s only a fantasy, but if you try to make it a reality, you’ll break your neck. At some point, God will either preserve you because you are His or He will let you attempt to fly on your own. Humble yourself before God.

Prayer prompt: Lord, increase in my love of You and humble my heart.

Daily Reading: John 12:20-50 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the first half of John’s gospel. 

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

June 10, 2020

Revelation 7:9-10

9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

In Heaven, before God’s throne, we are united. All the differences that seem so obtrusive fade in that glorious picture. The surface distinctions become harmonies rather than discord as each heart unites in adoration of God. They all love the same thing.

The differences in our world breed suspicions; we wonder at another person’s deeper motives and allegiances. But in the Kingdom, whatever I don’t know about you pales in comparison with what I do know. We can spread that love of God and watch it unite across any boundary, no matter how formidable. That’s our calling as believers. Pursue it today.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please use the pain I see around me to push me to spread Your gospel.

Daily Reading: John 12:1-19 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the first half of John’s gospel. 

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

June 9, 2020

2 Corinthians 5:18

18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 

With the world on fire, what do we Christians do? Didn’t God see all this coming? If you check the manual, what are His people supposed to be doing to fix all this? It’s not too complicated: continue in your ministry of reconciliation.

God has reconciled us to Himself. He put away our sins by nailing them to the cross. He now hands us the family business of reconciliation. We can only really put out the fire in this world by bringing people to Jesus. Any other solution leaves the real problem to smolder and flame up again. Join us in praying and then pursuing the ministry of reconciliation.

Prayer prompt: Lord, heal our land by bringing the multitudes to Yourself.

Daily Reading: John 11:45-57 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the first half of John’s gospel. 

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

June 5, 2020

Joshua 1:6-7

6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

Our strength and courage comes from something. Reading these verses can push you to go into some kind of pre-game pep talk. “You can do this! How strong are you?? TOO STRONG!!” Then you Woooooo like Ric Flair** and run into the world based on what? Your confidence in yourself?

No, our courage comes from our trust in God. As we do things His way, we trust Him to give success to the building of His Kingdom for the glory of His name. Courage comes into play when we think our way past our fears. “I know God is strong, I know by Christ that He is with me, so, Heaven help me, I will be strong and courageous.” That confidence, courage, and strength doesn’t come from a pep-talk, but from knowing God in Jesus.

**If you, like my wife, do not remember Ric Flair, he was a WWF wrestler with a distinctive yell.

Prayer prompt: Lord, bring me to the source of the courage You have given me in Jesus.

Daily Reading: John 10:1-21 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the first half of John’s gospel. 

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

June 4, 2020

Joshua 1:6-7

6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

Is Christianity a manly religion? I think it may have entered into some people’s heads to regard the faith as something women teach to children. Some see it as a nursery rhyme to instruct good boys and girls on the benefits of cleanliness or obedience. Such rhymes are helpful, but set down when we get old enough to become our own people.

But of course not. Our faith has conquered nations and the hearts of people small and great. Our faith is one that slays dragons and upends unjust social systems. Your faith will compel you to walk endless distances and climb mountains to the clouds in order to remake the world in the way God wants it. Are you ready to be strong and courageous?

Prayer prompt: Lord, suit me up with courage and strength to work for Your Kingdom today.

Daily Reading: John 9:24-41 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the first half of John’s gospel. 

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

June 3, 2020

Isaiah 53:6

6 All we like sheep have gone astray;

    we have turned—every one—to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

    the iniquity of us all.

Compare this passage with Psalm 23. Sheep kept by the Lord don’t have a hard time. They don’t want for anything because they have still waters and green pastures. Why do we leave then? What could we find in our wandering except hunger, thirst, fear and enemies?

Instead of letting us get what we deserve, the Lord has laid on Jesus the penalty of our sin. Jesus had to go without the perfect provision of the Father, had to wander into a wasteland of hunger and thirst, then be dismembered by the enemies hungry for our blood. What kind of love will do that?

Prayer prompt: Lord, keep me close to You and forgive me for the times I wander away.

Daily Reading: John 9:1-23 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the first half of John’s gospel. 

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June 2, 2020

Psalm 69:5

5 O God, you know my folly;

    the wrongs I have done are not hidden from you.

No temptation has ever hooked the brain of a human without whispering “And, no one will ever know.” The thought is so seductive. But it’s also a lie. It doesn’t matter if the action only happens in your mind or heart, God knows what you’ve done. 

That truth is terrifying, and it should be. We should see sin and hate it the same way God does. As we start to really cringe, even to weep for the wrong things we have done, then we go to the cross. Yes He knows, and still He loves. Knowing you, He still died for you. Feel that forgiveness and go and sin no more!

Prayer prompt: Lord, please forgive me. I commit to a new level of holiness walking in the confidence of Your love.

Daily Reading: John 8:37-59 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the first half of John’s gospel. 

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

June 1, 2020

Isaiah 53:3

3 He was despised and rejected by men,

    a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;

Hope Church has seen some tragedy over the past couple of weeks. On top of earthquakes and viruses, two families have lost their fathers. As a pastor, thinking of what would comfort the bereaved, Jesus was able to be there for them in a way I could not. I haven’t been through their experience, but Jesus was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. 

As one song says, “Man of sorrows, what a name for the Son of God who came.” How could the Lord of Glory become a man and then a man acquainted with grief? Yet He did, and He did for you. Now He can hold your hand in your grief. This morning, let your heart grow warm to that kind of leader.

Prayer prompt: Lord, thank you for being so close, for loving me enough to suffer.

Daily Reading: John 8:21-36 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Click or tap here to watch a brief video overview of the first half of John’s gospel. 

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