As we begin a new year, many of us are looking for a fresh start – something grounding, meaningful, and life-giving. New calendars and clean slates invite us to pause and ask deeper questions: What will shape me this year? Where will I find direction, hope, and truth? One of the most powerful ways we … Read more
I thought I had my 2025 mapped out. I had goals written down, a detailed plan for my ministry, and even vacation dates circled on the calendar. Very early in 2025, though, almost nothing had gone according to plan. A family crisis derailed my summer schedule and required me to completely shift my focus, and … Read more
Several months ago, I met a woman at a coffee shop. She was feeling completely lost about her direction in life. She had just graduated college with a degree in accounting, but every fiber of her being told her this wasn’t her path. She felt like she was disappointing everyone – her parents who had … Read more
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