Pastor’s Corner – New Hope For Life Ministries

Suddenly

newhope — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 17:42:16 +0000

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

we are living in a very uncertain time and I have no doubt that God is preparing us for some possible scary times. The title of this short message is Suddenly (unexpectedly), there was an article in the newspaper concerning an airplane on a routine flight, when suddenly:

‘It felt like we dropped 50 stories in an out of control elevator’: 24 people injured on a JetBlue plane after air-turbulence bounces them around so hard their heads ‘left dents in the roof’

The airplane dropped 50 stories, having been on flights that didn’t go exactly as planned I understand the emotions that must have flooded the passengers on the airplane. Immediately there was fear, fear of the unknown. When you get on the flight you have a certain expectation of arriving at your destination without incident. When suddenly something like this happen, fear grips your heart, your mind begins to race, how can I get out of this situation, and then hopelessness when you realize there is nothing you can do.

I am not saying that there is going to be a Suddenly in your life, but the possibility of it happening is always right in front of us. I believe that God has been preparing us for such a time, we have been doing studies of faith on Wednesdays, and now God has brought us to a place of learning to trust Him. Whatever happens know that God’s will for you is to have such a knowledge and love for Him, that you will truly lean on Him for all your needs, whether it be a normal flight or one that has a suddenly in it. Either way you are not moved from your faith and trust in Him.

Your brother in Christ

God’s Hands

newhope — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 02:33:24 +0000

This post was originally featured in our Signs of the Times newspaper from Winter, 2013

Being a pastor of a local church I find that many people are going through very difficult times. People are struggling with life
itself. The cost of everything is beginning to climb, danger seems to be everywhere even in our schools. Jobs are more and more difficult to find. Maybe a serious illness has invaded their life or the future of their children is a concern.

Jesus speaks of a time when “men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth” (Luke 21:26). Jesus told us that in this life we would have tribulation (pressure) (John 16:33).

The pressures of life are causing people to make decisions that at other times they would not make. Are you one of those people described, are you looking for help for yourself, or your loved one? Are you looking for a helping hand in a time of trouble? I want you to know, I have been there, and I did what countless others have done before me, I cried out to God. I didn’t know Jesus at the time, I didn’t know what I know now, “that God is our refuge and strength, and a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). All I knew was that my family and I needed help, I didn’t know where else to turn, so I cried out to God.

There was a man named Ezra in the Bible, and he had a very difficult task to perform, he was under heavy pressure and he did exactly what we are talking about for him and his family he called on the Lord his God.

Ezra 8:21-23 –Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.

Moses was under great pressure from the people he was leading, so he inquired of the Lord to meet his need and God revealed Himself to be faithful. Numbers 11:23– And the LORD said to Moses, “Has the LORD’s hand been shortened? Now you shall see whether what I say will happen to you or not.” When the pressure of life becomes too much to handle, call out to the Lord and I believe that you will see that His hand is extended towards you, to help you in your time of need.

Don’t Be Separated

newhope — Sat, 04 Jun 2016 01:48:23 +0000

Grace and peace to the body of Christ,

In this the hour of our testing and trial, know that God is with you and for you. The world is changing, the time is short, now is not the time to be separated from the body of Christ. There is power in unity, where one can put a thousand to flight, two can put ten thousand to flight. We need each other now more than ever. The Master warned us that in the last days we should not forsake the gathering of the saints, as is the manner of some. (Hebrews 10:25) Why? We need to encourage one another, we need to support one another, and we need to pray for one another.

Time is short and the enemy is rising up angrier than ever because he knows his time is short. He told us in the last days, men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. (2 Timothy 3:2-5) People are calling those things that are good evil, and those things that are evil good.

Don’t be caught unawares having begun this journey in the spirit, do we think we can perfect ourselves in the flesh?(Galatians 3:3) The answer is no, we need Jesus Christ more than ever in our lives, our homes, our school, in our government, and yes even in our Churches. Remember what He instructed us, “if My people who are called by My name will humble, themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) Never forget that God loves you, and gave His most precious gift to us, His Son If He loves you so much, than what good thing would He withhold from you? The battle is great, but greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Your Servant in Christ,
Pastor Dave