New Hope Fellowship Chico

Saying Goodbye One of my favorite times is when our whole family gets together for dinner at our house. Usually our grandson Silas does not want to go when his parents are ready to leave. Often, he will end up spending the night with us. When this doesn’t work out, he can become upset. What best tempers his discontent is the promise that he will get to come and stay on another day. Saying goodbye can be extremely hard at times. When people we love and care about leav...e us for a time we have a sense of loss. We will miss them but find solace in the promise that we will be together again. This week I and many others had to say goodbye to a good friend Efrain Lopez. Efrain died last Tuesday. But like Silas, I take comfort in a promise that we will be together again. It is what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:13: "And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope." He did not say we would not grieve, that we would not miss them. But our sorrow is tempered by the knowledge that those who have received Christ have an eternity together to look forward too. "It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:52-57 Goodbye Efrain. I will see you later!

One of the most disconcerting things about our present circumstances is how quickly they change. What was not allowed yesterday is allowed today. But hold on, tomorrow they may be prohibited again. While it seems to be magnified with the pandemic this instability is symptomatic of life in general. Once we gain our footing and have stability something comes along and knocks us off balance. It is as if we are standing on shifting sand. This reminds me of... the hymn that declares; On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand. The book of Hebrews tells us; Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Here are three areas I thought of in which Jesus continues to be who and what he was 2,000 years ago. 1) Purpose Jesus said he had come to seek and save those who were lost (Luke 19:10) in other words, to bring them into relationship with God. He told Nicodemus, that God so loved humanity that He gave His son Jesus so those that believed on him would spend eternity with him. That desire remains, no matter the ethnicity, the gender, nor social standing of a person, Jesus invitation is still come unto me. 2) Provision The Apostle Paul wrote, My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Imagine that, the infinite creator of all things draws from his reservoir of supplies to provide for us. He is not limited by world economics, inflation does not affect him, there is no concern of a delivery snafu. For that matter, if he did not happen to have what you needed in stock, he could just speak it into existence. 3) Power Jesus said, all power is given me in heaven and in earth. John wrote that, all things were made by him. Paul prayed, Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. That power has never diminished. There are no blackouts. It cannot be short circuited. And the most amazing thing is Paul said that power works in us! We do have something we can count on, a firm foundation to stand upon. There is an absolute, a constant unchanging sure thing. Jesus promised he would never leave nor forsake us. He knows us, he sees us, he loves us. Count on it. Pastor Steve

The Privilege, Problem, and Power of Choice I. The Privilege: 1) Nothing else in creation has the opportunity to choose to the extent that we humans have. Did your cat wake up worried about what it was going to wear today? Can the almond trees choose to produce apples instead? Or can the sun just determine it isn’t going to shine? Choice came in the package when God said let us make man in our image....Continue reading

What Not to do When Your Ship is Sinking Mark 4:35-39 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side." Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that ...Continue reading

4 Things to Remember in the Midst of a Problem. #1 You’re Not Alone Often, when we are faced with a problem these words from the old song communicate how we feel nobody know's the trouble I’ve seen, nobody knows my sorrows. We can isolate ourselves and in doing so negate one of God’s greatest provisions for our help. Scripture instructs us to bear one another’s burdens and in 2 Corinthians tells us:... God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. # 2 It’s a Matter of Perspective The apostle Paul dealt with challenges far greater then most of us will ever face. Many sought to kill him, he was beaten with rods, pummeled with rocks, shipwrecked, imprisoned multiple times, ultimately he was beheaded. How does a guy deal with all that? He knew this is not all there is! He had an eternal perspective. Note his words in 2 Corinthians: though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. # 3 It’s About Attitude I like this quote: I may not be able to change the world I see around me, but I can change the way I see the world within me. Proverbs 23:7 says as a man thinks in his heart so is he. You see our attitude cannot stop our feelings but it can keep our feelings from stopping us. Problems, hardships, pain, they are a fact of life on earth. But, we do not have to allow them to dictate who we are, how we treat those around us, nor rob us of the myriad of joys Christ offers us. # 4 Our Hope is in Jesus And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 It doesn’t say all things are good! There are just some rotten, cruddy, stinky, things that happen in life! What it does promise is God can take the worst of the worst and use it to produce something of eternal value for us. So, no matter how dire your circumstances seem, place your hope in Him. Trust Jesus. Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Pastor Steve

Mom, give yourself a break I loved my mom, she truly was a wonderful person. Many of the core values I hold today had their foundation in what she taught and lived. To love God and know He loved me. The wealth of knowledge gained in reading the bible, and the immeasurable value in a consistent prayer life. The commitment to family and legitimately, often sacrificially, caring for others outside of the family. But, mom wasn’t perfect. She had her idiosyncrasies, she made m...istakes, she was human! Often motherhood is exalted to such a high level, described with embellishment and hyperbole, that it establishes an impossible standard for moms to live up to. Take a look at some of the quotes I found and my observations: The future of society is in the hands of the mothers...she alone can save it. (save society? They're too busy keeping the 2-year old from sticking something in the receptacle and electrocuting themselves) "Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children." (but mom when was the last time your teenager worshiped you) "Men are what their mothers made them." (I know some good moms whose kid made bad choices, sometimes free will stinks) "Motherhood: All love begins and ends there." (really, really? Mom your not in this alone) God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers. (actually, the opposite is true, mom trust God to go where you can’t) Here are a few quotes I find to be more realistic: "Motherhood is the greatest thing and the hardest thing." Ricki Lake "You don't take a class; you're thrown into motherhood and learn from experience." Jennie Finch "If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?" Milton Berle Moms thank you and give yourself a break. You have or will make mistakes, you will get tired and probably frustrated, you are not perfect. But there is a God who is. Lean on Him, , draw strength from his promises, and follow the advice of the apostle Peter cast your cares upon him, for he cares for you. And he cares for your kids too. Happy Mothers Day, Pastor Steve Proverbs 23:25 So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.

One of the most disconcerting things about our present circumstance is the disruption of our daily routine. We cannot do everything that we use to do or at least the way we use to do them. Things have changed and change is hard on most of us. This got me to thinking about the challenge of personal change. Change that would help us be better spouses, parents, friends, or disciples of Jesus. So, I have listed five roadblocks to such change. 1) Change is not self-initiated. I...Continue reading

I'm Thankful For... I just picked up lunch at one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. I picked it up because I wasn’t allowed to sit there. Right now, it isn’t hard to notice all the things I can’t do they stare at me right in the face. I am reminded of them constantly by media, posted signs, and cautionary words from my daughter the nurse. It would be easy to allow all the can’t do that’s to dominate my thoughts and shape my attitude. But instead, I have determined to put ...into practice the instructions the apostle Paul gave in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Note he did not say be thankful for all circumstances but in all circumstances. In other words, don’t let your circumstances dictate your attitude, instead consider the things God has given that you are thankful for. This is what David, someone who had experienced a lot of can’t do that’s in his life, declared in Psalm 107:21: Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! So, I made a list of some of the things I’m thankful for;, Color: that everything is not in black and white, the multiple shades of blue in the ocean, the yellows, pinks, and purples of a sunset, the thousands of varieties of flowers Taste: that eating isn’t just for sustaining life but there can be such delightful pleasure in different flavors (I think of the reaction Ellie Skillin had eating her first ice cream cone) Sound: birds chirping and singing, the roar of ocean waves, jazz, the joyful call of Pops Friends: people who have chosen to be a part of my life and allowed me to be a part of theirs Family: parents who forged their way through incredible hardship to make available a better life for my siblings and me. A wife that is a true-life partner. Two daughters and 3 sons who challenge me, encourage me, and make me laugh. Two perfectly imperfect grandsons and a third on his way. Jesus: as the old hymn says: Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand But I know who holds tomorrow And I know who holds my hand Why don’t you make your own list and when you start to get bogged down by all the can’t do that’s pull it out, read it, and pray a prayer of thankfulness. It will do wonders for you. Pastor Steve

Hey Soul Bless the Lord! "For my days disappear like smoke, and my bones burn like red-hot coals. My heart is sick, withered like grass, and I have lost my appetite. Because of my groaning, I am reduced to skin and bones. I eat ashes for food. My tears run down into my drink. My life passes as swiftly as the evening shadows. I am withering away like grass." Wow! Sounds like someone was having a bad day. Those words come from Psalms 102 which is known as the "Prayer of the ...Overwhelmed". The writer eventually moves on to speak to and about God. But he does so from a third-person point of view, of how God will help others. Then we come to Psalms 103: Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! I don't necessarily believe the author wrote 103 in a time of great success and was filled with joy. I think perhaps he was feeling much like the writer of 102. It seems as though he has been in despair but now he is taking control of his thoughts and his spirit. That he's saying ok soul you've looked at the bad, the ugly, the painful, NOW - LOOKat GOD. He purposely, assertively, commands " Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:" Then he begins to rehearse all that God has done for him: "Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." The psalmist turns his focus from his problems to look at God and what He has done for him in the past. This builds faith and confidence that God will continue to care for him. This is a principle the apostle Paul communicated to the Philippians: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." When we are faced with a challenge it can often dominate our thoughts. As we dwell on it the emotions follow, fear, worry, desperation, the list goes on and on. Soon we are being controlled by those feelings, sapping us of the fullness of life that Christ promises. But it doesn't have to be that way! Take charge, apply the principle of worship and thanksgiving and look at Jesus. Fix your thoughts on Him and His promises then His peace, which is beyond human understanding, will sustain you. Blessings, Pastor Steve

Sunday Has Come! In 66 years I imagine I've heard 4 to 5 thousand sermons. The good, the bad, and yes, the ugly! One of my favorite sermons is one I actually never heard. It had been quoted by another speaker. The whole message was built around this one phrase: "It's Friday but Sunday is coming". It was referencing the Friday that Christ was crucified and how it affected his followers. The sorrow at the loss of the one they loved, trusted, and pend their future hope...s on. The discouragement that they, as in the words of Peter, had sacrificed all to follow Jesus, but now he was dead. The fear that they might be next to suffer punishment. That Friday was a dark day, a day of immense cruelty, pain, and suffering. Filled with sorrow, anguish, and despair. A day in which the forces of evil seemed to prevail. But that was Friday and Sunday was coming. On Sunday Jesus stepped out of that tomb and converted the disciple's greatest sorrow into their greatest joy. It transformed this group of cowering, disillusioned, and heartbroken people into the most potent force for good the world has ever known. Here's the thing, we all have "Fridays" in our lives. Days with sorrow, discouragement, pain, and heartache. But there was one singular Sunday. The Sunday the Son of God, who had died on a cross to pay for our sins, defeated death and the perpetrator of evil. In doing so he provided us a source of hope and courage to sustain us in the darkest of "Fridays". One of the last promises Jesus made to us before he ascended to Heaven was "I am with you always, even to the end of the world." Jesus is the light in the midst of darkness, hope in the throes of discouragement, and courage that overcomes fear. Put your life and your "Fridays" into his hands. Because He lives, I can face tomorrow Because He lives, all fear is gone Because I know He holds the future And life is worth the living, just because He lives Pastor Steve

One of my favorite Psalms is one written by David. Psalm 34. What makes it so impactful to me is the history of what he was dealing with when he wrote it. Saul, the king of Israel, had gathered an army of 3,000 men solely to hunt down David and his family to execute them. David had done no wrong. In fact, he had faithfully served Saul for many years. It was jealousy that drove him to kill David. So, David hid his family and fled to the country of the Philistines who were enem...ies of Israel. Because they knew David had been a great leader of Israel’s army, the Philistines did not trust him. Fearing that they would kill him, David faked losing his mind. He wandered around erratically in filthy tattered clothes, drooling, and mumbling irrationally. So, there he was, falsely accused, running for his life, isolated from his family, humiliated in front of his enemies, and he writes: I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. I believe there are some lessons we can learn from David and Psalm 34 in dealing with the challenges we presently face. 1. His attitude toward God was not dictated by his circumstances. 2. He found that from seeking God came freedom from fear. 3. Even in the midst of his great trouble, he encouraged others to worship God. 4. He chose not to speak harshly, nor treat badly, those who had done so to him. 5. He was fully aware that life was filled with difficult challenges, but he was also convinced God was his deliverer! I encourage you to find some time today and read Psalm 34 in its entirety. Then follow David’s examplebless the Lord at all times and let praise be continually in your mouth. It will dispel fear and help you to be a blessing to those around you. We can accomplish whatever needs to be done through him who strengthens us. Pastor Steve