And let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB) As the year draws to a close, I am reflecting on our community at New Hope. What a … Read more
We love because he first loved us. – 1 John 4:19 Christmas doesn’t end at the manger. Scripture reminds us simply and clearly: “We love because he first loved us.” The love born at Christmas is not meant to stay in a single holy moment or season. It moves outward, shaping how we live, how … Read more
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. – Luke 2:10-11 The angel’s words break into the darkness with joy: “Fear not… unto you is born … Read more
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. – Luke 1:38 In these final days of Advent, we narrow the focus of our waiting. The weeks of longing, preparation, and hope bring us to love – the kind of … Read more
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. – James 1:2-3 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of … Read more
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. – John 15:11 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. – Romans 15:13 Jesus tells his … Read more
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV) You make known to me the path of life; … Read more
The Lord will give strength to His people! The Lord will bless His people with peace! – Psalm 29:11 (NASB) Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! – 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NASB) The psalmist declares confidently, “the Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people … Read more
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. – Isaiah 26:3 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. – Romans 5:1 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one … Read more
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27 (ESV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace … Read more