Daily Dose of Hope New Hope

Daily Dose of Hope June 19, 2024, Day 4 of week 12
Scripture: Deuteronomy chapter 19 through 22, Psalm 6, and the gospel Luke chapter 10 
Welcome back to the daily dose of hope, the devotional and podcast that complements New Hope Church’s Bible reading plan. 
Let get into our scripture today: 
Chapter 19-22 of Deuteronomy continues to lay out the rules and laws that God expected the Israelites to govern themselves by. In essence God wants them to behave and learn to live together with mutual respect. All of these laws are geared in conjunction with the 6th commandments. "You shall not murder". The representative laws in these chapters all protected people who were vulnerable for one reason or another. Criminal law, specifically crimes against persons, is in view. God instructed Moses to cover the regulation that dealt with various circumstances the Israelites would have to encounter before they reach Canaan. God's concern for His people's possessions and reputations, as well as their lives, stands out clearly in these  chapters. What can we learn from this passage of scripture? Whatever we come up against God has our back. “Do not be afraid, for the LORD your God is with you.” A quote from God that often spoke to the Israelites. Understanding God’s love for his chosen people was key to him protecting them even in their rebellion.  To arrive at Canaan there had to be some sort of respect for human lives, but also the  Israelites needed to know how to protect themselves. Israel’s warfare as they journey to Canaan was not to eliminate their enemies. God just wanted peace among the people as the Israelites inhabit the land. God wanted them to possess. This section ends with various laws being enacted, one in particular is laws concerning sexual relations. These statues defended the sanctity of marriage, the purity and innocence of virginity, and the honor of a women’s reputation. One way they were to express faithfulness to God was by honoring the covenant of marriage. The same is true for us. 
Moving to Psalm 6. In this psalm, David is seeking to discover the reasons behind his suffering. He believes his suffering is the result of God disciplining him due to his sin. Like a son appealing to his father , he asks for relief from his earned rebuke. David had sin, and his spiritual condition has physical and emotional repercussions. How long would he have to suffer, he asked of the Lord? But notice David does not run from God; He runs to God. His pleads to  God was on the basis of his covenant and faithful love to God. He asks God to rescue him before he descended to the grave. He is confident the Lord heard his weeping plea for help and his prayer for mercy and deliverance has been accepted. He looks forward to how God would act on his behalf, turn back his enemies, and disgrace them for their deeds against God’s anointed one. As Christian we too can go to God for mercy and understanding according to (1 John 1:5-9) even in the context of our sin and failure because our covenant relationship with him through Jesus Christ. My friend that Good News for all of us. 
Lastly moving to the New Testament; Luke chapter 10. We continue looking at heading toward Jerusalem. This chapter of scripture brings us back to some familiar texts. The sending out of the seventy, the good Samaritan and a visit to Martha and Mary. Here we see Jesus draws away from public ministry and theological debates to focus on his continue preparation of his disciples for what will happen in Jerusalem. This was a kind of “internship,” a training time while Jesus was still with them. Although Jesus wanted those then and wants Christian now to spread the message concerning the teaching of the Kingdom of God. He knew it would not be a simple task. It was difficult to give a message many in the world did not want to hear then and now. Still, efforts to tell others about our savior is our Christian’s responsibility. If we do not tell t

Daily Dose of Hope June 18, 2024, Day 3 of week 12
Scripture: Deuteronomy chapter 15 through 18, Psalm 115, and Luke chapter 9 
Welcome back to the daily dose of hope, the devotional and podcast that complements New Hope Church’s Bible reading plan. 

Let get into our scriptures today: 
We begin with Moses telling the Israelites how God wants them to behave. Here we see God instructing his people to show concern for the welfare of every individual regardless of their economic or social status. In the Sabbatical year, which was seven years after a person accrued a debt. Everyone who has lent money to anyone must cancel the debt. It is interesting that God guarded against extreme wealth and extreme poverty. In God’s economy concessions were had for His people not to endure hardship. As we move further into the text, we see Moses repeating  the instructions regarding the  three most important feasts, which included sacrificial meals, that the people would eat at the tabernacle. These festival serves as a reminder of what God had done to deliver them out of  Egypt and a requirement of all Israelites male to assembled at the sanctuary three times a year to celebrate the Passover, the Pentecost, and Festival of Booth. It was a time to reflect on Israel allegiance to Yahweh, their Lord, and their God, on their redemption from sin, their spiritually enslaved condition, while rejoicing in God's provisions, corporately and regularly.
This passage of scripture stressed legislation that advocated for respecting authority figures in the nation and to their extended family. God wanted Israel to show itself to be a holy nation. This means in religious worship as well as in political relationships. Moses stresses here the key principle of justice on how to behave in public. The chapter ends with Moses letting the people know God will raise another Prophet like him as a way to prepare them for Mose’ departure since he would not enter the promise land. Moses exhortation was a measuring stick to hold up against any prophet who claimed to speak in God’s name. Ultimately, Jesus would be the only prophet who will speak for God perfectly without any sin or impurity.
Moving to Psalm 115:
This psalm tells  us to trust in the LORD. This means, believe what the LORD says, and wait until on him  to send you help when you need it. The important thing that the psalm teaches us is there is only one God. All other gods are man-made and cannot do anything to help us. The God that we serve is the God in heaven and he does whatever he please. God is sovereign! Our job on earth is to believe and praise the Lord. Only if we acknowledge him now will we be with him forever. In death it is too late to make this decision.
Moving to the New Testament the gospel of Luke Chapter 9
This is a familiar text to most of us where Jesus began to prepare the twelve for what had to take place in Jerusalem. Once Peter reveal Jesus to be the Messiah. Jesus validated his mission to the disciples as being the Messiah and he would be rejected by Israel religious leaders to be killed, buried  and then raised on the third day. This conversation allowed Jesus’ to communicate to the disciples some expectation of what life would be like to serve as a disciple. In preparation eight days later, Jesus took his inner circle of disciples, Peter, John, and James to the mountain where Jesus was transformed as Moses and Elijah appeared in glory speaking of his departure once he accomplished his mission  in Jerusalem. All of the other passage deals with Jesus divine powers and authority in the earth. This chapter ends with Jesus explaining who is fit for the kingdom of God. No one who looks back is fit for the kingdom. To all who want to have it both ways, Jesus insist that loyalty to him mean following him. As Christians, we  have a responsibility to share the gospel. We must still share it even when it is rejected by unbelievers. Remember, as believers, we’re

Daily Dose of Hope
June 17, 2024
Day 2 of Week 12
 
Scripture: Deuteronomy 10-14; Psalm 5; Luke 8
 
Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the daily devotional and podcast that complements New Hope Church’s Bible reading plan.  We have a lot of Scripture to cover today so let’s get started.  We are going to start by walking through the passages in Deuteronomy chapter by chapter. 
 
Let’s start with Deuteronomy 10.  What does God ask of his people?  He asks them to be obedient.  The Lord of all, the one who put the stars in the sky and put the planets into motion, is the same God who chose Israel to be his people.  He has chosen to reveal himself to a particular group of people, the Israelites.  There wasn't anything particularly special about the people.  Afterall, they were people like you and me.  They messed up and sinned over and over again.  Their brokenness was evident.  But God chose this group of people to call his own. The one who created the entire cosmos was the one who showed up among this stiff-necked people. 
 
This chapter gives us a glimpse into the heart of God. Though he is Lord of Lords, all powerful and all knowing, he is also the God who cares about the orphans, the widows, and the oppressed.  He has chosen a particular group of people to form into a holy nation.  Though they are a mess and he often gets frustrated with them, he continues to be faithful.  How have you seen the faithfulness of God in your own life?
 
Now, let’s move on to chapter 11.  Heartfelt obedience would be required for the people of God to drive out the people groups currently residing in the promised land.  Simply going through the motions, engaging in religious ceremony, and professing faith would not be enough.  They needed to seek relationship with God through love, obedience, and steadfastness.  When they did this, all the land would be theirs.  Obviously, our circumstances are different. 
 
Obviously, we live on the other side of the cross under a new covenant. But as people, are we all that different? Don't we also simply go through the motions sometimes, professing religious faith but not really loving God?  How often do we engage in religious ritual without connection and obedience to a holy God?  After thousands of years, God is still seeking an intimate relationship with us, one that is marked with love, obedience, and steadfastness.  He wants to be the center of our lives.  Take some time today and think about the Israelites, just as they are on the cusp of entering the promised land. How are you different from them?  How are you similar?
 
Chapter 12 offers some more review of how the Israelites are to worship.  After commanding the removal and destruction of idols, we now move on to where and how God must be worshiped.  The worship of the one true God was to look very different from the worship of pagan idols.  It was to be in a place chosen by God himself.  It was to be in one place alone and there God would take up residence.  This would be God's tabernacle, his temple, among his people. 
 
Throughout the Old Testament, God dwells in a specific place. His presence is found in the tabernacle and then eventually the temple in Jerusalem.  Obviously, God is omnipotent and can be everywhere all at once.  But for his people, that specific place was holy.  It was a beautiful picture of God's presence among them. 
 
When Jesus came, he became the temple.  He was the very presence of God.  Once Jesus ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit was given to the church.  Now, the presence of God resided within the people.  If you have said yes to Jesus, then the Spirit of the Living God lives within you!  I find it amazing and spectacular how God continues to do a new thing among his people.  Now, we can definitely say that the presence of God is here with us. We don't have to go to a specific building.  God's presence is closer than our very breath. 

Daily Dose of Hope
June 16, 2024
Day 1 of Week 12
Deuteronomy 6-9; Luke 7
Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  Happy Father's Day to all the dads, granddads, and spiritual fathers out there.  You are loved and appreciated!!!  With that, let's get right into our Scripture.  
In Deuteronomy 6, we read the Shema, which is essentially the heart of the law.  Verses 4-9, Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. 
 
The Shema recognizes the uniqueness and oneness of God. There aren't other gods but only one true God.  God calls his people to love him and obey him with every part of their being.  He called the ancient Israelites to this this and he calls us to do this as well.  Jesus took the Shema and added an important element.  In Matthew 12:30-31, Jesus says this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no commandment greater than these.”  Yes, we love God with our whole being but we also love others.  In fact, love of God is demonstrated by love of others.  As Christians, we cannot separate the two. 
 
The Shema is a prayer that Jewish families for thousands of years have said daily and it is often the earliest prayer that Jewish children are taught.  It is repeated over and over again to ensure that the next generation will know it and live it.  While I don't think we need to write the commands of Jesus on our foreheads, how do we ensure the next generation will know who they are in Jesus?  Even if you don't have children or your children or older, all of God's people, the whole church, bears responsibility for teaching and guiding the next generation.  Pray about how God may be calling you to mentor, teach, or bless the younger generation. Are you called to volunteer in children's ministry?  Maybe there is a child in your own life to which God is leading you to disciple and teach. Maybe you currently have younger children or teenagers. How is learning about Christ woven throughout your family's daily routine?
 
In Deuteronomy 7-9, we find Moses reiterating God’s laws as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan.  There is another emphasis on eliminating God’s enemies as they enter the land (again, a bit hard to swallow), but there is more focus on trusting God and following him only.  The people are reminded of the golden calf and how it angered the Lord.  They are reminded that they belong to God.  They are entering into the next part of their journey and they have to remember who and whose they are.  Otherwise, it could go totally awry.
We’ve been talking about our journey as a church lately at New Hope.  As we move into a new season, we also need to remember that we belong to God and we are his church.  May we know who and whose we are, listen to God’s voice, and boldly step into the next part of our church journey.
 
Let’s move on the Luke 7.  This is a great chapter filled with much substance.  However, I really want to focus on the last portion of the passage when Jesus is anointed by a woman.  Basically, this woman crashes a fancy dinner party with a group of Pharisees who wanted to have some deep religious discussion with Jesus.  What do we know about this woman?  We don’t know her name but we do know that she is described as sinful.  Many scholars have assumed s

Daily Dose of Hope - Thursday, June 13
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 4-5 and Luke 6
Today's readings from Deuteronomy 4-5 and Luke 6 present us with powerful teachings about the importance of God’s commandments and the radical call of Jesus’ ministry. Let's explore these passages and see how they can shape our daily walk with the Lord.
In Deuteronomy 4-5, Moses continues to remind the Israelites of the importance of obeying God's laws and commandments as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Moses emphasizes that God's laws are not just senseless rules, but life-giving guidelines meant to set the Israelites apart as His chosen people. These laws are a reflection of God’s wisdom and righteousness. For us today, God's commandments still guide our lives, helping us to live in a way that honors Him. I think we need to reflect on how we see God's commandments. Are they burdensome, or do we see them as a path to life and blessing?
Moses instructs the Israelites to teach their children about God's laws and deeds. This highlights the importance of passing on our faith to the next generation. How can we share our faith journey and the truths of the Bible with your family, friends, or community? We should consider ways to incorporate God's Word into our daily conversations and routines.
In Deuteronomy 5, Moses reiterates the Ten Commandments, which serve as a foundation for a life pleasing to God. These commandments cover our relationship with God and with others. Yes, let’s take some time to meditate on each commandment. How can we better align our lives with these principles?
In Luke 6, Jesus delivers profound teachings, including the Beatitudes and instructions on loving our enemies, which of course challenge conventional thinking and call for a radical and countercultural way of living.
Jesus begins with the Beatitudes, pronouncing blessings on those who are poor, hungry, weeping, and persecuted. He also warns the rich, well-fed, and those who are praised by others. This teaches us that God’s kingdom values are often the opposite of worldly values. Where our priorities lie? Are we seeking earthly comfort and approval, or are we pursuing the deeper blessings of God’s kingdom?
Jesus’ command to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us is perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of His teachings. It calls us to extend grace and forgiveness beyond our natural inclinations. I think we all know someone who might be difficult to love. How can we show them kindness and reflect Jesus’ love?
Jesus concludes with a parable about the wise and foolish builders, emphasizing the importance of not only hearing His Words but putting them into practice. To build our lives on a solid foundation, we must apply Jesus’ teachings daily. What practical steps can we take today to live out Jesus’ Words more fully?
Let us…
• Embrace God’s Commandments. View His laws as a guide to a fulfilling life. Look for ways to integrate His commandments into our daily decisions and actions.
• Teach and Share our Faith. Find opportunities to share God’s Word and our faith experiences with others, especially the younger generation. Consider starting a Bible study or devotional time with our family.
• Align with Kingdom Values. Reflect on our priorities and make adjustments to align more closely with the values of God's kingdom. Seek ways to serve and bless others, especially those in need.
• Practice Radical Love. Identify someone we find difficult to love and intentionally show them kindness. Pray for the strength to love as Jesus loves.
• Apply Jesus’ Teachings. Make a commitment to not only hear Jesus’ Words but to live them out.
I am pastor Roberto, and this is your Daily Dose of Hope.
Dios te bendiga.
The Daily Dose of Hope is a devotional intended to provide context and reflection to the New Hope Church Bible Reading Plan.  It’s our goal to read the Bible in a year together as a family of

Daily Dose of Hope - Wednesday June 12.
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 1-3; Psalm 36 and Luke 5
Today's readings from Deuteronomy 1-3, Psalm 36, and Luke 5 offer us rich insights into God's faithfulness, the depth of His love, and the transformative power of Jesus' call. Let's explore these passages together and see how they can inspire and guide us in our daily walk with God. 
In Deuteronomy 1-3, Moses recounts the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the brink of the Promised Land. He reminds them of their past failures, God’s judgments, and His unwavering faithfulness.
Moses emphasizes the importance of remembering God's faithfulness and learning from past mistakes. As we reflect on our own lives, it's crucial to remember how God has guided and sustained us. How about if we take some time to recall moments where we experienced God's faithfulness. How can these memories strengthen our faith today?
The Israelites had some big enemies, yet God assured them the victory. Similarly, we encounter "giants" in our lives—challenges that seem impossible. We most trust that God is with us, fighting on our behalf. What "giants" are we facing today? Let us pray for courage to trust in God's power and promises. 
Psalm 36 contrasts the wickedness of humanity with the steadfast love and righteousness of God.
David describes God's love as precious and all-encompassing. In times of uncertainty, we can find comfort in the boundless love of God. What if we stop and reflect on the ways we experience God's love daily. How can we share this love with others around us today?
The psalmist declares, "For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." God's Presence brings life and clarity. We should seek His light in our decisions and actions today. How can we bring the light of God into our workplace, family, or community?
In Luke 5, we see Jesus calling His first disciples, performing miracles, and teaching about the Kingdom of God. 
When Jesus tells Simon Peter to cast his nets after a fruitless night of fishing, Peter obeys despite his doubts, resulting in an overwhelming catch. Obedience to God's Word brings about blessings, even when it doesn't make sense. Is there an area in our lives where God is calling us to trust and obey? We should take a step of faith and watch Him work.
Jesus' calling transforms ordinary people into brave and bold followers who will change the world for His glory. His calling is powerful and life-changing. How is Jesus inviting us to follow Him more closely and impact those around us?
Jesus heals a man with leprosy and a paralyzed man, demonstrating His authority to heal and forgive sins. These miracles remind us of Jesus' power to restore and renew. Do you or someone you know need healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual? Bring these needs to Jesus in prayer today, believing in His power to heal.
Let us…
·      Remember God's Faithfulness. What if we keep a journal of His faithfulness in our lives and revisit it when we need encouragement?
·      Trust in God's Love. Embrace His love and let Him guide our actions. Share His love through acts of kindness and compassion.
·      Obey God's Calling. Listen for His direction in our lives and respond with faith. Trust that His plans are bigger and better than ours.
·      Seek Healing and Forgiveness. Bring our needs to Jesus, trusting in His power to heal and forgive. Pray for those in our lives who need His touch.
I am pastor Roberto, and this is your Daily Dose of Hope.
Dios te bendiga.
The Daily Dose of Hope is a devotional intended to provide context and reflection to the New Hope Church Bible Reading Plan.  It’s our goal  to read the Bible in a year together as a family of faith.  Five days a week we read.  Two days a week we either rest or catch up.  Reading the Bible is the number one way to grow in our walk with Jesus.  We have to know God’s Word to live God