Living the New Life in Hope - 5/22/21

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16

Questions for Reflection:

When you are going through a tough time what difference does it make if the one that is there to walk with you through the difficulty can truly "empathize with your weaknesses."? How can you tell when it is true empathy?

How is your prayer posture different of you are approaching the throne of grace with confidence or not?

How is your prayer different?

How does God want us to approach Him?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus, I sincerely receive You as my authority, rule and dominion, my everlasting victory against Satan and his kingdom, and my ability to bring Your Kingdom at all times and in every way.

I receive all the work and triumph in Your Ascension through which Satan has been judged and cast down, and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to You. All authority in the heavens and on this earth has been given to You, Jesus. You are worthy to receive all glory and honor, power and dominion, now and forever.

I take my place now in Your authority and in Your throne through which I have been raised with You to the right hand of the Father and established in Your authority. I give myself to You, to reign with You always. Apply to me all the work and triumph in Your authority and in Your throne; I receive it with thanks, and I give it total claim to my spirit, soul, body, and my heart, mind, and will.

I now bring the authority, rule, and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ over my life today: over my home, my household, my work, over all my kingdom and domain. I bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ against every evil power coming against me—against every foul spirit, every foul power and device. [You might need to name them—what has been attacking you?] I cut them off in the name of the Lord Jesus. I bind and banish them from me and from my kingdom now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I also bring the full work of Christ between me and every person, and I allow only the love of God and only the Spirit of God between us.

Jesus, I love You! I am so excited to live this day in the authority of the name of Jesus!

Amen and Amen

Living the New Life in Hope - 5/21/21

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature [a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature [b] of a servant, being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5-11

Questions for Reflection:

Where do I find myself resisting having a servant mind like Jesus?

Kneeling before Jesus means surrendering to his authority. What area of your life do you sense God calling you to surrender and bring under the authority of Jesus?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus, I sincerely receive You as my authority, rule and dominion, my everlasting victory against Satan and his kingdom, and my ability to bring Your Kingdom at all times and in every way.

I receive all the work and triumph in Your Ascension through which Satan has been judged and cast down, and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to You. All authority in the heavens and on this earth has been given to You, Jesus. You are worthy to receive all glory and honor, power and dominion, now and forever.

I take my place now in Your authority and in Your throne through which I have been raised with You to the right hand of the Father and established in Your authority. I give myself to You, to reign with You always. Apply to me all the work and triumph in Your authority and in Your throne; I receive it with thanks, and I give it total claim to my spirit, soul, body, and my heart, mind, and will.

I now bring the authority, rule, and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ over my life today: over my home, my household, my work, over all my kingdom and domain. I bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ against every evil power coming against me—against every foul spirit, every foul power and device. [You might need to name them—what has been attacking you?] I cut them off in the name of the Lord Jesus. I bind and banish them from me and from my kingdom now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I also bring the full work of Christ between me and every person, and I allow only the love of God and only the Spirit of God between us.

Jesus, I love You! I am so excited to live this day in the authority of the name of Jesus!

Amen and Amen

Living the New Life in Hope - 5/20/21

4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:4-10

Questions for Reflection:

Reflect on your true status as a Jesus follower that you have been, "raised with Christ and seated with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus", "saved", "alive with Christ", God's handiwork" etc. Now think about your personal status or identity if you did not know Jesus. How would it be different? What would be the most glaring contrast?

Notice the character words in these verses which describe God's heart - great love, rich mercy, incomparable grace, expressed kindness. Which one of the aspects of God's heart toward you are you particularly thankful for today?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus, I sincerely receive You as my authority, rule and dominion, my everlasting victory against Satan and his kingdom, and my ability to bring Your Kingdom at all times and in every way.

I receive all the work and triumph in Your Ascension through which Satan has been judged and cast down, and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to You. All authority in the heavens and on this earth has been given to You, Jesus. You are worthy to receive all glory and honor, power and dominion, now and forever.

I take my place now in Your authority and in Your throne through which I have been raised with You to the right hand of the Father and established in Your authority. I give myself to You, to reign with You always. Apply to me all the work and triumph in Your authority and in Your throne; I receive it with thanks, and I give it total claim to my spirit, soul, body, and my heart, mind, and will.

I now bring the authority, rule, and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ over my life today: over my home, my household, my work, over all my kingdom and domain. I bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ against every evil power coming against me—against every foul spirit, every foul power and device. [You might need to name them—what has been attacking you?] I cut them off in the name of the Lord Jesus. I bind and banish them from me and from my kingdom now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I also bring the full work of Christ between me and every person, and I allow only the love of God and only the Spirit of God between us.

Jesus, I love You! I am so excited to live this day in the authority of the name of Jesus!

Amen and Amen

Living the New Life in Hope - 5/19/21

18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Ephesians 1:18-23

Questions for Reflection:

How do you react to this definition of “PERIPHERAL” and the analogy of the church and the world - that the church is not peripheral to the world, but the world is peripheral to the church?

Can you allow yourself to imagine Him using you – and your uniqueness - not just within the walls of a physical church – but in the world – in His rescue mission? How does this give you confidence in your everyday life… that Jesus, reigning on His throne, is giving you full authorization to love, forgive, share hope, patience, and joy to the people in the world In His Name?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus, I sincerely receive You as my authority, rule and dominion, my everlasting victory against Satan and his kingdom, and my ability to bring Your Kingdom at all times and in every way.

I receive all the work and triumph in Your Ascension through which Satan has been judged and cast down, and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to You. All authority in the heavens and on this earth has been given to You, Jesus. You are worthy to receive all glory and honor, power and dominion, now and forever.

I take my place now in Your authority and in Your throne through which I have been raised with You to the right hand of the Father and established in Your authority. I give myself to You, to reign with You always. Apply to me all the work and triumph in Your authority and in Your throne; I receive it with thanks, and I give it total claim to my spirit, soul, body, and my heart, mind, and will.

I now bring the authority, rule, and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ over my life today: over my home, my household, my work, over all my kingdom and domain. I bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ against every evil power coming against me—against every foul spirit, every foul power and device. [You might need to name them—what has been attacking you?] I cut them off in the name of the Lord Jesus. I bind and banish them from me and from my kingdom now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I also bring the full work of Christ between me and every person, and I allow only the love of God and only the Spirit of God between us.

Jesus, I love You! I am so excited to live this day in the authority of the name of Jesus!

Amen and Amen

Living the New Life in Hope - 5/18/21

32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:32-38

Questions for Reflection:

Would you treat Jesus any differently if you really considered that He is "exalted to the right hand of God who is both Lord and Christ"?

What does it feel like to be "cut to the heart" and how is that necessary to move forward as a disciple of Jesus?

Although this text is convicting it is loaded with "grace gifts from God". Which ones are really important to you today?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus, I sincerely receive You as my authority, rule and dominion, my everlasting victory against Satan and his kingdom, and my ability to bring Your Kingdom at all times and in every way.

I receive all the work and triumph in Your Ascension through which Satan has been judged and cast down, and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to You. All authority in the heavens and on this earth has been given to You, Jesus. You are worthy to receive all glory and honor, power and dominion, now and forever.

I take my place now in Your authority and in Your throne through which I have been raised with You to the right hand of the Father and established in Your authority. I give myself to You, to reign with You always. Apply to me all the work and triumph in Your authority and in Your throne; I receive it with thanks, and I give it total claim to my spirit, soul, body, and my heart, mind, and will.

I now bring the authority, rule, and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ over my life today: over my home, my household, my work, over all my kingdom and domain. I bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ against every evil power coming against me—against every foul spirit, every foul power and device. [You might need to name them—what has been attacking you?] I cut them off in the name of the Lord Jesus. I bind and banish them from me and from my kingdom now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I also bring the full work of Christ between me and every person, and I allow only the love of God and only the Spirit of God between us.

Jesus, I love You! I am so excited to live this day in the authority of the name of Jesus!

Amen and Amen

Living the New Life in Hope - 5/17/21

3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:3-11

Questions for Reflection:

Think through your own struggle with "waiting" on God or others. Why is waiting hard? What is it about waiting that is good for followers of Jesus?

In what way are you tempted to "take over" situations (like the disciples apparently were suggesting) rather than be a Jesus witness along the journey?

How does it feel to let yourself rest in the fact that "Jesus is in charge" as His ascension clearly attests?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus, I sincerely receive You as my authority, rule, and dominion, my everlasting victory against Satan and his kingdom, and my ability to bring Your Kingdom at all times and in every way.

I receive all the work and triumph in Your Ascension, through which Satan has been judged and cast down, and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to You. All authority in the heavens and on this earth has been given to You, Jesus, and You are worthy to receive all glory and honor, power and dominion, now and forever.

I take my place now in Your authority and in Your throne, through which I have been raised with You to the right hand of the Father and established in Your authority. I give myself to You, to reign with You always. Apply to me all the work and triumph in Your authority and Your throne; I receive it with thanks and I give it total claim to my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will.

I now bring the authority, rule, and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ over my life today: over my home, my household, my work, over all my kingdom and domain. I bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ against every evil power coming against me—against every foul spirit, every foul power and device. [You might need to name them—what has been attacking you?] I cut them off in the name of the Lord Jesus; I bind and banish them from me and from my kingdom now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I also bring the full work of Christ between me and every person, and I allow only the love of God and only the Spirit of God between us.

Jesus, I love You! I am so excited to live this day in the authority of the name of Jesus!

Amen and Amen

Living the New Life in Hope - 5/15/21

4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” 10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Jeremiah 29:4-5,10-14

Questions for Reflection:

What kind of mixed feelings do you wrestle with when considering that God allowed his people to live in "exile" from their homeland for a long time and that He wanted them to be strong, productive witnesses for Him while they were there?

Process the fact that although God says He has a plan for us He doesn't promise to give us the plan but rather calls us to pray and seek Him - the one who has the plan. He is a far more relational than informational God. What is the difference between seeking God's plan or seeking God?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus, I sincerely receive You as my Life, and I receive all the work and triumph in Your resurrection, through which You have conquered sin, death, judgment, and the evil one. Death has no power over You, nor does any foul thing. And, I have been raised with You to a new life, to live Your life—dead to sin and alive to God.

Jesus, You are my Living Hope, and I now receive the gift and presence of Your Holy Spirit. “Come Holy Spirit” – I receive You now and surrender to You so that I might be empowered by You, and I might always be ready to give an answer to anyone asking about the reason for the Hope I have. You are my Hope, Jesus, and I sincerely ask You to lead me in my life decisions, conversations, and actions this day so that hope seeking questions about You are cultivated in the minds of those around me. Oh, Jesus, I want to be a life giving, sincere, and hopeful witness for You among the people around me.

Holy Spirit, I ask You to help me see how “hope in Jesus” makes a difference in my life today. Help me be thoughtful about You and the life and hope I have because of You so that I might be ready to give a gentle, respectful, and life giving answer to all who are open and asking.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Alpha course. Thank You for this worldwide, Holy Spirit inspired tool, which helps Your children share “Hope in Jesus” with friends and family. Holy Spirit, I ask You to bring to mind those people in my life which I might invite to Alpha. Please inspire conversations around me so that I might join You Jesus in touching the lives of people who are close to me but far from You that they might come to know the Hope You have for them. (Notice who comes to mind that you might pray for and be open to inviting to Alpha.)

I love You Jesus, and I am thrilled that today, I get to be Your agent of Hope in the world of people around me today!

Amen

Living the New Life in Hope - 5/14/21

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. Colossians 3:2-6

Questions for Reflection:

What things are easy for you to pour your affection into and fix your mind on instead of Christ?

What phrase or words could help you keep your mind on things above to prevent you from placing too much importance on earthly things?

How does knowing you are resurrected with Christ help you move beyond the deathly things in your life?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus, I sincerely receive You as my Life, and I receive all the work and triumph in Your resurrection, through which You have conquered sin, death, judgment, and the evil one. Death has no power over You, nor does any foul thing. And, I have been raised with You to a new life, to live Your life—dead to sin and alive to God.

Jesus, You are my Living Hope, and I now receive the gift and presence of Your Holy Spirit. “Come Holy Spirit” – I receive You now and surrender to You so that I might be empowered by You, and I might always be ready to give an answer to anyone asking about the reason for the Hope I have. You are my Hope, Jesus, and I sincerely ask You to lead me in my life, decisions, conversations, and actions this day so that hope seeking questions about You are cultivated in the minds of those around me. Oh, Jesus, I want to be a life giving, sincere, and hopeful witness for You among the people around me.

Holy Spirit, I ask You to help me see how “hope in Jesus” makes a difference in my life today. Help me be thoughtful about You and the life and hope I have because of You so that I might be ready to give a gentle, respectful, and life giving answer to all who are open and asking.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the Alpha course. Thank You for this worldwide, Holy Spirit inspired tool, which helps Your children share “Hope in Jesus” with friends and family. Holy Spirit, I ask You to bring to mind those people in my life which I might invite to Alpha. Please inspire conversations around me so that I might join You Jesus in touching the lives of people who are close to me but far from You that they might come to know the Hope You have for them. (Notice who comes to mind that you might pray for and be open to inviting to Alpha.)

I love You Jesus, and I am thrilled that today, I get to be Your agent of Hope in the world of people around me today!

Amen