Hope City Church

Living Free from Debt It's important for us to understand that the battle for our finances is really a spiritual battle. The enemy tempts us to spend more than we are able to pay off so he can keep us under pressure and distracted from our walk with God. But we need to have a goal to enjoy the life that Jesus died to give us, a life of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. We can't do that if we are under pressure and frustrated by financial debt.... It's possible to live debt free by using biblical principles for managing money. My husband, Dave, says that if we learn to live within our income, or our borders, then God will bless us, our borders will be stretched, and we'll have more. Luke 19:17 tells us that God is pleased when we are faithful and trustworthy in little things. When we are, it says He will give us authority over bigger things. So don't fall into the trap of trying to live "bigger" than what God's entrusted you with. Stay out of debt by living within your boundaries...then watch God expand them. Prayer Starter: God, I want to win the spiritual battle over my finances, and I'm starting by refusing to live in debt. I will not give in to temptation to spend what I don't have. Instead, I will be faithful with the boundaries that You have given me. Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8 ASV

Welcome to Sunday Service with Hope City Church!

The Reason Jesus Came I want you to notice something about the verse above. Notice that we are told to draw near to God before we're told to stop sinning. There are so many people who have it backwards. They think they can never come to God, can never have a relationship with Him, and can never be a Christian because they have issues in their life that they are trying to overcome first. They are trying to get themselves all straightened out so they can be good enough to hav...e a relationship with Him. But that's wrong. The reason Jesus came is because we can never be good enough without Him. We have to have Jesus in our life. His death, His shed blood, paid for our sins, paid the debt that we owed. There's no way we can be cleansed of sin until we draw near to God through the name of Jesus. God longs for you to come close to Him today. Don't stay away, believing the lie that you must clean yourself of sin first. Instead, go to God, already cleansed by the sacrifice Jesus made for you. Prayer Starter: God, I refuse to believe the lie that says that I have to be sinless before I can come to You. Coming to You through the blood of Your Son cleanses me of my sin. I refuse to live in shame and know that I can draw near to You now, receiving Your love and forgiveness. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. James 4:8 ASV

Draw Close to Him Do you want to be closer to God? He wants to be closer to us. The proof is that He lives inside of us. How much closer can you be? We can always draw closer in our relationship with God. In fact, we are the ones who determine just how close our relationship with Him will be. Even though He lives in us, the Holy Spirit won't force a relationship with us. He wants us to make Him welcome in our lives.... God created us for fellowship and He greatly desires relationship with us. He longs to talk to us, to listen to us, to teach us and guide us, simply to be a part of our lives. And we are the better for it! We are renewed when we fellowship with God. The benefits of spending time with the Father are endless. My friend, I encourage you to be relentless in making time for fellowship with the Father. He is waiting. He is saying, "Come to Me..." So go ahead...and see what's in store! Prayer Starter: God, it amazes me how You desire fellowship with me. I want to be closer to You, too. Thank You for loving me and drawing near to me as I draw near to You. Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying? James 4:5 ASV

Simplify Your Prayers I've learned that simple, heartfelt, full-of-faith prayers always get God's attention. Unfortunately, we often overlook this and turn our prayers into a big show. We have to beware of talking to impress ourselves when we're praying. Sometimes I think we just want to sound eloquent. We want to impress God with our phrases and sound holy. But God just wants to have a little chat with us.... He wants us to talk to Him like we would a friend, not with a different tone of voice. If we don't speak Elizabethan English during the day, we don't need to use it when we pray. We also don't have to pray for hours on end. It's good to schedule prayer time, but we should just pray until we're finished and then go about our business until the next time we feel the need to pray some more. The only way prayer will ever be satisfying is if you simply use it as an opportunity to get God's help and involve Him in everything you do. He's not here to be impressed...He's here to live life with you. Don't perform. Just invite Him in. Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, don't let me turn prayer into a performance! I don't want to overdo it and try and pray too long just to impress You. I want to invite You, as my closest friend, into every aspect of my life. Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working. James 5:16 ASV

The Way to See Your God-given Dreams Come True God gives His children big dreams to pursue in life. In order for those dreams to be fulfilled, we must spend time in training, cooperating with God in a process of personal development. This process includes time, determination and hard work. These days, we're so used to convenience. We use automatic dishwashers to clean our dishes and laundry machines to dry and press our clothes. We just press a button and a machine goes to w...ork. But nothing is automatic in God's kingdom. You can't fulfill His plans and purposes without developing the necessary skills. In Proverbs, we read about the ant. Ants more than make up for their small size with simple determination, and we can learn a giant-size lesson from them. We must be just as self-motivated and self-disciplined. As you develop that kind of self-motivation and discipline to live for Christ, you will become all God created you to be and also lead others to Him in the process. So keep pressing on, growing in determination, and watch your dreams come true! Prayer Starter: Lord, I want to be all You created me to be and fulfill the dreams You've put in my heart. Help me to stay focused on You and put in the time, determination and hard work necessary to grow in Christ and live out the plans You have for me Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. Proverbs 6:6-8 NKJV

Welcome to Sunday Worship with Hope City Church!!

Put on the New Nature After all the painful things that have happened in your past have come and gone, God still wants you to enjoy every single day of your life. This won't happen, however, until you make up your mind to take hold of the abundant life that Jesus' death and resurrection purchased for you. Until then, the devil will always try to take it away. Jesus said, "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, ...and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)" (John 10:10 AMP). Jesus came to this earth and died for us to have abundant life! With the life He gives, you are a new creation. You don't have to allow the old things that happened to you to continue to affect your new life in Christ. As a new creature in Christ Jesus, you can have your mind renewed according to the Word of God. Things will change for the better when you live in the new nature that Jesus purchased for you. Prayer Starter: God, I choose to daily, actively put on the new nature that Jesus purchased for me. I am regenerated in Christ - a new, happy and whole creation in You! and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24 NKJV

The Freedom of a Calm, Cool and Steady Life People are born to be free; it's a gift from God. The question is, are you willing to go through whatever it takes to be free, or do you want to stay in the mess you're in for the rest of your life? If you want to be free, the key is to start doing what God wants you to do, one step at a time, and you'll eventually walk out of your messes. In 2 Timothy 4:5, Paul told Timothy to be calm, cool and steady and to keep performing the d...uties of his ministry. That's good advice for all of us. Instead of being ruled by our emotions when we're confronted with problems, we should calm down and focus on doing what God has called us to do. If you're upset about something, instead of letting it ruin your life, turn it into something good. Overcome evil and anger by praying for those who hurt and abuse you. Counter feelings of selfishness by doing something good for someone else. Whenever the enemy tries to stir up your emotions, calm down and do what God has called you to do! Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, help me to be calm, cool and steady, so that I can be free to do the work that You are calling me to do. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. II Timothy 4:5 NKJV

The Holy Spirit Is Our Drill Instructor Mature faith doesn't happen overnight. If we want to have a deep, healthy, solid faith in God, we must exercise our faith to make it stronger. Think of soldiers in the military. They're not ready for the most intense battles right away when they enlist in a branch of the service. They have to go through basic training. They are drilled and exercised and trained relentlessly. Drill instructors are assigned to do this 'equipping' because... soldiers need to possess strength, stamina, resilience and endurance. Let's think about this in terms of our faith. First, we enlist, or give our lives to Christ. Then we begin a regimen of basic training, or faith building. The Holy Spirit acts as our Drill Instructor in this case. The Holy Spirit knows exactly what we each need as a faith-building requirement so we can be prepared in season and out of season. We just need to obey Him, even when it's challenging, trusting that He knows how to build our faith. When you let the Holy Spirit train you, the results - a strong, solid faith in God - are well worth the time and effort. Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, I submit myself to Your instruction. I want to have a mature, solid faith in You. Train me so I can walk by faith, not sight, trusting God in every situation and for every provision I need. knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:3 NKJV

Receiving God's Healing in Your Entire Being Your entire being - spirit, soul and body - is very valuable to God and plays an important part in His plan. He has entrusted you with the responsibility of maintaining each part. But there are times in our life when what we can do isn't enough, and we have to trust God to do what only He can do. Maybe you need a physical healing, like I did when I battled breast cancer in the late 1980s. Or maybe you need to be healed mentally or... emotionally, as I did from experiencing years of abuse as a child. Whatever it is, God's Word assures us that He wants you and me to experience health in every part of our being. When you and I are sick or unhealthy in any way, it keeps us from doing the things God has called us to do and from enjoying the life He has given us. God has a great future planned for you, and being healthy - body, soul and spirit - is an important part of being ready to do whatever He asks of you! Pray for His healing power today. Prayer Starter: God, I'm so glad that You care about every part of me. For any area of my life that is damaged, I receive Your wonderful healing power. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. III John 1:2 NKJV

His Mercies Are Always New Each day is a new opportunity to close the door on the past and experience a brand-new start. Even the fact that God divided the days into twenty-four-hour segments is evidence that we need to start over on a regular basis. There is always a new day, a new month and a new year. But in order for us to make use of these new beginnings, we must make a decision to do so. Are you battling guilt and condemnation? Do you feel bad about something you did ...years ago or something that happened yesterday? No matter how much time has gone by, the past is still the past. What is done is done, and only God can take care of it now. Your part is to admit your mistake, repent, receive God's forgiveness, and go on. In Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah encourages us with the news that God's mercy is new every morning. Every day He gives you a fresh start. I'm so glad that God sends a new batch of mercy daily - we can decide to have a new beginning every day! Prayer Starter: God, I'm so glad that You're mercies are new every morning! I can start fresh every day because of Your love, mercy, compassion and faithfulness to me! Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV

Confidence Through Christ True confidence never comes from how we feel or what we can or can't do - it comes from having a revelation of who we are in Christ. When we really know how much God loves us and receive His healing from past hurts, then we will no longer feel the need to base our confidence on things of the flesh. I can remember a time years ago when I struggled with a lack of confidence because I did not have a college degree like a lot of other preachers I knew.... Thankfully, as I began to focus on God's unconditional love for me, I learned to base my confidence on who His Word says I am - the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus wants to restore true confidence in your life by healing you from things in your past that have damaged the way you feel about yourself. As you look at what is right with God instead of what is wrong with you, you will begin to walk in the confidence that comes from being in Him. Prayer Starter: God, I don't have to walk around feeling bad about what's wrong with me because I know who I am in Christ. My confidence is in You! For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, Philippians 3:3 NKJV

Welcome to Sunday Worship with House of Hope Church!

We're All Fighting the Good Fight I believe that one of the lies we often face is that we are the only one fighting against the devil. The devil likes to isolate us and make us think that we are the only one going through what we are going through. The truth is, we are all fighting. You're not the only one who gets weary. You're not the only one who gets tired of standing and resisting Satan's lies and even resisting your own feelings.... I have to fight the good fight of faith just like you do. And there are countless other believers standing with you against the enemy. Best of all, God is with you every step of the way. Isaiah 43:2 promises that we'll make it through trying times because God Himself goes with us. When we go through the waters, we won't drown, and when we go through the fire, we won't be burned, all because He is with us. So be encouraged. Press on. God will give you strength and wisdom for every battle you face. Prayer Starter: God, thank You for being with me and for all Your followers who are also fighting against the enemy. I won't believe the lie that says I am alone. You are faithful and always with those in the body of Christ. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Isaiah 43:2 NKJV

As Vital as Your Heartbeat As believers, right thinking is something that is so important we simply can't live without it. Just like our heartbeat, it's vital because many of the problems we deal with in our lives are rooted in wrong thinking patterns, which are not based on the truth. Right thinking is a result of regular, personal fellowship with God through prayer and the Word. It is important for us to come to grips with the fact that our lives will not get straightened ...out until our thinking gets straightened out. Thoughts bear fruit. When you and I think good thoughts, our lives produce good fruit. When we think bad thoughts, our lives produce bad fruit. The longer I serve God and study His Word, the more I realize how important it is for me to be aware of what's going on in my mind. Where the mind goes, the man follows. Continually watching over our thoughts is the only way we will ever be able to keep them in line with God's Word and win our battle against the enemy. Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, You have shown me that right thinking is absolutely vital. I will seek You regularly so that I can think the right thoughts. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5 NKJV

A Cord of Three Strands Is Not Easily Broken There's nothing better than a really great marriage and nothing worse than a bad one. Christian marriages are meant to be living proof that two people can become a strong force in achieving God's will - both for our pleasure and to impact the world. However, the blending of two individuals into one harmonious marriage is a process that won't happen on its own. A good marriage does not just happen, no matter how wildly in love you... are when you get married. You need to invite God into the process. When we know Jesus and invite Him into our marriage, our relationship is made up of three strands. And there is great strength in the union of a man and woman when Christ is included. Happiness in marriage is not about finding a spouse who always acts the way we want them to. It is about two imperfect people trusting in a perfect God and conforming to His will and purpose for them. That's a marriage God can bless! Prayer Starter: God, I love my spouse, but a two-strand cord is not enough. I want to do my part to invite You into our marriage so You can strengthen our love for each other and lead us into Your plan for us. Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 NKJV

Self-Control Applies to Every Area There are certain messages in the Bible that apply to everything - self-control is one of them. It doesn't matter what kind of problem we have in our lives, self-control comes into play in every area. If we don't discipline ourselves, our emotions will rule us and our lives will be miserable. Exercising self-control means living in moderation. Everything in life requires quality decisions and discipline to make it happen. So many of our pro...blems are a direct result of a lack of discipline. Financial debt happens when we can't control our spending habits, bad health follows when we can't control our eating habits, etc. If you are in a situation that seems overwhelming to get out of, a lot of discipline and self-control may be required. Thankfully, God has given us the Holy Spirit to live in us and help us. If you are born again, you have the Spirit of Christ inside you - complete with the fruit of self-control. You may not have developed it, but know that it's there. You have what it takes. Make a decision to develop self-control through your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Prayer Starter: God, I choose a spirit of discipline and self-control. By the power of Your Spirit in me, I will do what You tell me to do and not be controlled by my feelings. the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:17 NKJV

Processing Your Anger All anger, regardless of its cause, has the same effect on our lives. It upsets us, causing us to feel pressure. Keeping anger locked inside and pretending it doesn't exist can even be dangerous to our health. Most of the time we're only hurting ourselves, and the person who angered us isn't even aware of it. I struggled with terrible anger until God grabbed my attention. I eventually had to find a positive way to process my anger. That was a place of ...new beginnings for me. When you face your anger and decide to deal with it God's way, you can overcome it. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to be stable and walk in the fruit of the Spirit. We have the power to forgive those who do injustices in our lives and to love the unlovely. So we must take responsibility for our anger and learn to deal with it. Instead of keeping it all bottled up inside, seek the Lord and ask Him to help you release it. Process it and bring closure to it, and that will relieve the pressure. Prayer Starter: Lord, I don't want to keep my anger inside of me because that will only damage me and it's not pleasing to You. I ask for Your help. Help me to relieve the pressure of anger in my life. Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9 NKJV