Dear Living Hope Church Family, and Friends of Living Hope!
Even in the midst of trouble, God shows HIMSELF faithful! Let's be reminded to honor HIM, love one another, meet together, and as King David writes, "Bless the Lord O my soul, and forget not all His benefits..." Ps. 103
In this land many are hurting and struggling. Let's remember the blessings, good things, and what's priority, as we stir up our faith...because God is pleased when we believe!
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
Let's continue to press ahead, together! Allowing Jesus to teach the younger generations by our example of trusting God, and loving one another in times of trouble! Pr. 3:5-7
Remember the moment documented in the Bible, when Moses' mom "let the basket go". In the face of dire circumstances, trust, not bitterness, not fear, not giving up - was the choice.
"FAITH -- the substance of things HOPED for, the EVIDENCE of things not yet seen." Hebrews 11:1
Hope to see you tomorrow! Or TONIGHT at GenHope LIVE. In Christ, Pastors John and Lori
PS: Please ck out the www.livinghope4square.net. Living Hope's web site for "up ahead" details - Church Picnic! August 23rd (rematch on the softball game!) =) Also, there's a YOUTH GROUP POOL PARTY on August 7th! Details tomorrow! Also, MOVIE NIGHT in the church PARKING LOT!~ August 28th!
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Good Morning Living Hope!
Yesterday, we received a note in the mail from an 80 year old founding member of the original Rockland Foursquare Church (Hanson actually). She wrote a powerful note of encouragement sighting moments in the past, how she had been touched by Jesus through the ministry of the Hatcher's. She wrote words themed with "keep believing, keep contending!" It contained, in her words, "a widow's mite" for the church - I felt a powerful wave of God's Spirit -- in affirming, it was indeed. I opened the note by mail directly after Pastor John and I had a time of prayer together for Living Hope. This dear sister felt the Lord place on her heart Psalm 46:1, 10 for us, and also for the Living Hope Church family.
Verse 1 "God is a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." and verse 10, "Be still and know that I am God..." She also reminded us - to remind ourselves of God's provision - Gen. 22 (Jehovah Jirah, our Provider!)
The note was filled with "God HOPE" and love! Many of you have the gift of encouragement functioning in your life! Many of us need to stir it up more and more. Your words are powerful! They can bring the gift of strength and life, healing and comfort, or as Proverbs says -- death, is also given by the tongue.
I'm sure like me, you've seen the fruit of both uses of the tongue - life, and or death! Let's encourage one another to speak life! and hope!
Have you written a note lately? Maybe to a friend, family member - a cousin you haven't connected to for a while... or perhaps a colleague who is struggling with depression, or fear. Allow God to use you in a simple, yet, life impacting way! There is healing in your touch! through words or even the written word.
Thank you for your partnership and "good fight" of FAITH! Pastor John and I are grateful for each of you! =)
"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thess. 3:3 Hope to see you soon! The agenda is attached. Blessings to YOU AND YOURS in the powerful name of Jesus! Pstrs. John and Lori

Good Morning Living Hope!

1 Chronicles 11:12-14
"After him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty men. He was with David at Pasdammim. Now there the Philistines were gathered for battle, and there was a piece of ground full of barley. So the people fled from the Philistines. But they stationed themselves in the middle of that field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the LORD brought about a great victory."

During this 4th of July weekend, we all have had opportunities to reflect on the keen vision and generous sacrifices others have made so that we may enjoy freedom. (perhaps you are a former Armed Service member, thank you!)

I want to highlight an individual found in Scripture, who was also tenacious for the cause of his country, but also, one who, committed himself to extend the Lord's Kingdom.

Eleazer was one of David's mighty men. I am pretty certain the "mighty men" title was not merely deemed upon this group of fellows because of their strength. But rather, because of their FIGHT. Let's look at this account in Scripture. It appears that when David said "Let's take this field." many people, due to fear - took off running. They saw the odds, and the force that they were up against and fled. Rather than fleeing Eleazer resolved to hold fast. He took his place in the field, stationing himself with David and fought. The end of the story is a great one - but those types of choices come to us prior to the end of the story. True warriors of the faith make tough, sacrificial decisions despite the consequence. "By faith."

We are grateful for the warriors of our country who have given so much! Those in previous battles, and those "in the now", who resolve to take their stand, their place in a field and defend it against those who would harm us.

In your "good fight of faith", thank you for your resolve to "advance" the Kingdom of God, choosing to be a light even amidst the dark trends and cultural pulls of this world. Staying the course, professing a faith in Christ, even as others scoff. Thank you for maintaining your place in the body of Christ, despite all odds, and defending your assigned territory. "By His Spirit." Being a Christian is certainly not a passive thing, it's something that takes warrior tenacity!

May the Lord continue to bless, protect and shield this great nation. And may the Church of Jesus, throughout the nation, rise up strong in heralding, and walking out, the Good News found in the Son of God.

As Paul says to the church in Rome, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5

God bless you! Thank you for your partnership in this field! In Christ, Pstrs. John and Lori

We are reminded often by the Apostle Paul, and others in the Bible, that our fight is one of FAITH. Having faith for things HOPED for without any valid evidence in sight. (Hebrews 11:1). Dreaming, hoping, believing "by faith", in something not yet seen or realized. Sounds a bit crazy! Crazy faith, actually! What is it God is stirring in your heart? Ephesians tells us - God is able to do far above anything we can dream, hope for, or imagine!

Be reminded - YOU are a CHILD of God, known by Him before time began. You've been purposed with the stamp of God upon your heart and an AMAZING destiny planned by HIM - a destiny that continues throughout eternity! Remember the Lord Jesus intends a "good future" for you, as you seek HIM. Jeremiah 29:11-14

Remember, our gloomy mood, or discouragement does not change GOD! He is the CREATOR, HE is the constant. Be encouraged to partake in God's WORD! The Word of God is living and nurturing - it is fuel. Let's remember neglect your spirit food! =) Stir up the dreams -- whether it's for a job, a better marriage, a child turning from rebellion to faith in Christ. Perhaps it's a financial breakthrough, or a healing, or a friend or loved one finding Jesus. BELIEVE for BIG things! Stir up the FAITH and keep hoping, "seeing the unseen " and "pressing in" to the hem of His garment. Do you remember that Bible story? (Lk. 8:44) We need to press through the things that try to "crowd" us away from Jesus - PRESS -THROUGH - IT.

Paul's words to Timothy...(the Holy Spirit's word to you and me today!)
"But you, man of God (woman of God), flee from all this, and pursue:
righteousness,
godliness,
faith,
love,
endurance,
and gentleness.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who=2 0lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen."

THANK YOU for your faithfulness and love for Christ, and HIS people! Hope to see in the morning! =) Blessings in Jesus!

Good Morning, Living Hope!

While driving here and there through the day, I'll sometimes listen to the Bible on a CD. Within the past few days, I was out doing errands. I stopped the car and was processing challenging news by phone. I had turned the radio off, to process the call. After the call, I was dealing with a heavy heart. I whispered something like, "Dear Jesus, speak to my heart.", I then proceeded to turned the radio "power" knob on, and pressed the CD button - not knowing, at that moment, what was in the CD player. A Bible CD, or perhaps one of Emily's songs, or maybe something else, I didn't know. What I did know, was I needed to hear from the Lord. The words of Jesus, from Matthew 11:12, at that exact passage began to come through the system, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forecefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." I felt a strong presence of the Lord inside the car, inside my heart. God's WORD gives life! The "portion" of grace and strength to "get through" was provided for this heart. It was a gentle, but firm reminder...this Kingdom advancing activity is not for the passive. We need to actively "press in" to the things of the Lord in order to see HIS victory and purposes realized.

A young leader from GenHope sent me a message this week via a facebook message =) I marvel at the workings of the Lord in these young people "set" to serve the Lord, when so many things are pulling at them. Not merely to serve Him, but to posture themselves in a way to "hear from the Lord", developing, and "ear to hear" His voice. I'm grateful for people of the cross who "press in" to Him in times of trouble, or challenge, and strive to keep a heart of joy in the midst of it!

This is what was sent, Haggai 2:1-9, again, a powerful "Word" -- a portion of grace and strength to help provide the "pressing in" stamina for my heart.

¹ On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: ² "Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people. Ask them, ³ 'Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? ⁴ But now be strong, O Zerubbabel,' declares the LORD. 'Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the LORD, 'and work. For I am with you,' declares the LORD Almighty. ⁵ 'This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.'

⁶ "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. ⁷ I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the LORD Almighty. ⁸ 'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD Almighty. ⁹ 'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty." Hag. 2:1-9


I encourage you to stay close to His Word, in times of struggle, and in times of joy! We EACH go through various things in our walk with Christ, it's all part of the process of His molding and making, His fashioning and tending. He promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13).
Thank you for "pressing in" with Pastor John and me, as we continue to spread the Good News, the LIVING HOPE found in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Phil reminded pastors and leaders at a recent meeting, our name is LIVING HOPE. We are people of HOPE. 1 Pet. 1:3,4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you."

HOPE to see you soon! =) You are a delight to the FATHER, and a blessing to our hearts! Thank you for your love for Jesus, AND your commitment to LOVE one another in HIS name!

In Christ, Pastors John and Lori

Good morning Living Hope!My heart reflects on two accounts in the Word today. I had them "dropped" into my heart shortly upon awakening. The first is John the Baptist. What an incredible person. Against all odds, this man saw the reality of God's Kingdom, he shared the vision with others, and changed or sharply affected an entire culture. Powerful events and happenings resulted in his ministry. Likewise, Elijah preached righteousness and a "return to the Lord" message -- a powerful message that resulted in changing a nation... it also resulted in a king and a queen hunting him down to kill him in order to silence his message. (Preaching repentance is often not a popular thing. But that's a whole other message!) =) Both of these men are mentioned often in the Word. Jesus highlights them both during His ministry. Interestingly, both men had dark moments of struggle, doubt and questioning. John the Baptist, shortly before his death in prison, sent his disciples/friends to inquire of Jesus, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Mt. 11) And this from the man who "introduced" the Lamb of God to the world! (If you get a chance, please read up on Jesus' response.) Elijah also had a dark moment: "He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors..." 1 Kings 19. As you may or may not of heard, God had other plans for Elijah! God had Elijah in His hand, and in his view. My point? God's ways and thoughts are HIGHER than man's! Neither Elijah's or John the Baptist's dark moments altered the purposes of God - OR removed from their lives their assignment in God's Kingdom, or their place! God is bigger than our "valley moments". He is faithful! Thank you for remaining in the fox hole with your church family! In good times, or times of challenge. God is moving! He is forming His Church throughout the world to focus on HIS purposes! It's a challenging time - But GOD holds us close! Hope to see you soon! Blessings in Jesus! Pastors John and LoriPS: Upon arriving home from he and Pstr. Alta's visit, Pastor Jack sent us these words. I share them with you as we are in this "Kingdom advancement" together with you. The words encouraged me, and I hope you receive encouragement as well:
"Home reflecting on a wonderful week with family .This am I claimed Prv. 13:22 and others "wealth of sinners is layed up for the just".....prepare your hearts John and Lori for that increase; I'm quoting The Word and totaly believing for you. You have always upheld justice and giving to those in need beyond measure . Please let the reciprical promise have it's course Gal. 6:7. We stand with you in the prayer of faith for major breakthrough you can't be denied. I'm praying for every salvation,every healing, every miracle, every deliverance,every reconciliation that is to happen at "Living Hope" in days and years ahead. Together we "call unto Him"with every breath in us. We are so proud of how God has used "you two".........M+B" (Mimi and Bumpa)

Good Morning Living Hope! Zech. 4:6-10
6 So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.
7 "What [a] are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of 'God bless it! God bless it!' "
8 Then the word of the LORD came to me: 9 "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you.
10 "Who despises the day of small things? Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. We are pressing in to FAITH. What is faith after all? The substance of things HOPED for -- the EVIDENCE of things not seen. We are believing the Lord for an AMAZING, EVIDENT miracle surrounding LIVING HOPE. (See Hebrews 11:1)Throughout our walk with Christ, there will be "mountains" that need removing. As humans, we tend to go in circles around the mountain rather than addressing it and pressing "in Christ" to remove it! What is a "mountain", some type of hinderance, or unbelief, doubt, or blockage to the blessing and/or advancement of God's Kingdom in our life, family, church, etc. Jesus said we need to speak to mountains by faith - Matt. 17:20 "...I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Our Heavenly Father has done and will continue to do AWESOME things! Let's actively partner with the Lord. Christianity is not a "passive stroll", we are to be alert, aware and prepared, as we contend for the advancement of His Kingdom. Let's come together today, in prayer and fellowship, as we honor and lift up that NAME above all others - JESUS! We will be dedicating Mia Jane this morning. :) Pastors Jack and Alta are with Living Hope today. We have a brief Living Hope building update after service. A lunch plate will be available for purchase if you are staying. All proceeds will be directed to Kids Camp! GRATEFUL FOR YOU!! In Christ's love, PJ and L