Daily Dose of Hope

April 21, 2026

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3

Prayer: Almighty God, We rejoice in your holy name. We give you glory. Thank you for a new day. May we experience you, today, Lord. May we hear your voice and hear you when you call us. We want to do your will. We want to say yes. In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are currently walking through the letters of Paul and we are currently in 1 Timothy.

Today's reading is 1 Timothy 3. Paul has turned his attention to qualifications for overseers and deacons in the church. An overseer would have been similar to a pastor, someone who presides over a single congregation, probably in a house church. The deacons would have been specific people who served in the church, possibly assisting in church admin functions or in missions. This text indicates that Paul had struggled with some strong-willed and difficult leaders in the church. It's highly possible that some of the church leaders were bad influences, living too similarly to the pagan culture around them. We aren't privy to the details but we do know that Paul felt the need to give some basic parameters for who could lead within the young church. They needed to be people with integrity, people who were mature in their walk with Jesus, and people who were respected by their family and community.

Each church today has some kind of vetting process for their clergy. If they don't, then they certainly should. Our process in the Global Methodist Church is fairly rigorous and you can be assured that our clergy have gone through a process to ensure their theological qualifications but also their spiritual maturity and integrity. There is also a renewed focus on accountability. The reality is that all of our church leaders, lay and clergy alike, are highly visible. Their ability to withstand the distractions and temptations of the world and stay grounded in the ways of Jesus is huge. There is so much at stake. Please take some time today and pray for your church leaders.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

April 20, 2026

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2

Prayer: Holy God, Help us sit and reflect on your presence. Jesus, we need you. We go through our days distracted, sometimes even forgetting to pray or acknowledge you. Help us to be aware of your presence, knowing that you walk with us every step of the way, guiding us and leading us in all our words, actions, and decisions. We belong to you, Lord. Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We have been journeying through the letters of Paul chronologically. We are now in our eleventh letter out of thirteen, the book of 1 Timothy.

Today's reading is 1 Timothy 2. Paul addressed false teachers in chapter one and is addressing issues related to public worship in this chapter, specifically the roles of men and women. Some of these verses might be the most controversial verses in the New Testament. We know that Paul's writings were clearly a product of the time and culture during which he wrote. How could they not be? So how do we, two thousand years later, distinguish what is specific to Paul and Timothy's very particular situation and culture and what we are to apply to our lives and ministries today?

Most scholars agree that Paul's statement regarding the role of women in worship in this chapter are clearly culture-specific. All Scripture is useful and applicable BUT this doesn't mean that isn't written in very culture-specific and language-specific ways. We have to be able to discern this; we have to take each specific situation into account when we read and interpret Scripture. We also have to look at the full narrative of Scripture.

What does the rest of Scripture, including the rest of Paul's writing, say about the role of women in worship? First, many of Paul's letters were written to address very particular issues in the churches. Because of that, we recognize that much of what is commanded, the specific elements, are not to be translated literally and implemented in every other culture around the world. For instance, Paul tells Timothy to drink wine for his stomach ailments (does that mean we are to use wine regularly for medicinal purposes?), to beware of Alexander the coppersmith (Alexander is surely dead now but should we be wary of other coppersmiths?), to be sure that the only widows who are at least 60 years old and have washed strangers' feet receive resources from the church (I think most of our widows today would balk at washing a stranger's feet). Then there is his command to slaves to obey their masters. These are all clearly very specific to Paul's time and culture and were NOT intended to be applied universally.

Second, we have to also look at what the rest of Scripture says about gender roles in worship. In Paul's other writings, he speaks of women as prophets and teachers. He states that men and women are equal in Jesus in Galatians. He refers to and praises female leaders in the early churches. There is definitely a clear body of evidence that, for the most part, Paul valued and included women in the leadership of the early church (probably a lot more than was common in that time and culture). In so many ways, Paul elevated the social status of women, which was abysmally low at the time.

Are there other passages of Scripture that are difficult for you and/or you struggle to understand? I would encourage you to dig into the culture and context of the text. What was the author's intention? What cultural factors were at play? What was the specific historical context like at the time? What elements are culture-and language-specific and which elements are clearly meant to be translated into our lives today? Also, examine the Scripture within the full narrative of Scripture. What else has been included on that topic in the Bible? What is the general impression of the various Biblical authors on that topic? Then, pray, pray, and pray some more.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

April 17, 2026

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1

Prayer: Heavenly Father, We come to you today rejoicing in your holy name. You are such a good God. It's so hard for us to conceive that the God who put the stars in the sky and put the planets into motion is the same God who loves us and has numbered the hairs on our heads. We thank you so much for your love and care. Open our minds and hearts as we approach your Word today. Help us hear a word from you. How we yearn to hear from you, Lord. We need you. Over and over again, we need you. In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We have been journeying through the letters of Paul chronologically. We are starting our eleventh letter today; can you believe it? I would love to hear about what you have been learning from these readings. We have covered a lot of ground.

Today's reading is 1 Timothy 1. In this letter to Timothy, Paul gives instruction to his younger friend about how to lead the churches in Ephesus. Paul intends to travel there soon but expects to be delayed and thus, writes this letter to encourage and guide Timothy. But this is not a private letter. It was written to Timothy with the intention that these instructions be read aloud to the churches. It's not a very long letter, but Paul addresses a number of topics in it, including doctrine and a warning against false teachers, public worship, guidelines for pastors and deacons, moral instruction, social responsibilities, and how to deal with material possessions. This all would have been in reaction to struggles the churches were encountering.

Towards the end of this first chapter, Paul gives a mini testimony. He speaks about being a blasphemer and a persecutor (v. 14) but Christ showed grace toward him. From a worldly perspective, there wasn't much hope for him. But no one is beyond the grace of God. In fact, Paul says that Christ's grace was poured out abundantly, and overflowed, in his life. And then, Paul makes some pretty strong, definitive statements. He is responding to the deceptive and false teachers who were confusing the new believers. Read through verses 15-17 again...

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Paul makes it clear that the Gospel message is trustworthy, unlike the hollow claims of the false teachers. Christ came into the world to save sinners. Thus, the Gospel message is true AND universal. Jesus came to save the whole world. The Gospel is also personal. Paul speaks of his own experience of the Gospel. He was a pretty bad sinner and Jesus even saved him. Why did God show him this amazing mercy and grace? To demonstrate his immense patience as an example to others who might believe in him. Have you experienced the Gospel as trustworthy, universal, and personal? Do you know it as TRUE? Do you understand that Jesus' offer of salvation is for all nations, all tribes, all people?

Finally, have you personally experienced Jesus as your savior? Have you said YES to Jesus' offer of grace, repented of your sins, and decided to live a life following Jesus? If not, today can be your day! Maybe you need to recommit your life to Jesus. You've wandered, you've walked away, or you've simply been going through the motions. Today is the day to make a new commitment to Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

April 16, 2026

Scripture: Philemon

Prayer: Holy God, On this Thursday morning, we lift up our face to you. We call upon your name. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. You are almighty and wise. How thankful we are that you sit high and look low. Lord, forgive us for our many sins and faults. Give us strength and courage to do better. We give you this day, Lord. Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are journeying through Paul's letters and now we find ourselves in Paul's tenth letter, when we look at them chronologically, and that is the short letter called Philemon.

Paul wrote a congregational letter to the church at Colossae (Colossians) and then added this more personal letter to Philemon, kind of as an addendum. It is difficult to ascertain the specific circumstances behind this letter. Paul is obviously being very discreet and diplomatic in the letter, not wanting to alienate Philemon regarding his slave, Onesimus. What do we know? Paul is appealing to Philemon regarding Onesimus, who has accepted Christ through Paul's ministry. Paul expresses that Onesimus is useful to him, loved by him, and Paul would keep Onesimus with him if he could. We also know that somehow Onesimus has been separated from Philemon, that Onesimus may have wronged him in some way, and Paul asks that Philemon welcome him back as "better than a slave," as they are brothers in Christ. Paul is willing to pay any debt that Onesimus may have toward Philemon.

One of the main learnings from this text is the extent to which Christ-followers are bound to one another through the faith. While this letter is about a personal situation, Paul includes other individuals and the church community in this letter as well. The point was not simply to put pressure on Philemon, but because there are theological and social implications when one joins the covenant community of the church. We belong to one another. While we don't have to be in everyone's business, we are accountable to one another. We need one another for support, encouragement, mentoring, but also to ensure we are not drifting or making decisions contrary to the faith. We are brothers and sisters in Christ and we will spend eternity together.

Reflect on Romans 12:4-5, Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

April 15, 2026

Scripture: Colossians 4

Prayer: Jesus, Oh, how we need you! We need you to work within us and through us. Change our hearts, O Lord, so that we can bring glory to you. More of you, less of me. Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are journeying through Paul's letters and now we find ourselves in Paul's ninth letter, when we look at them chronologically.

Our reading today is Colossians 4. This last chapter of Colossians begins with a word to slave owners to treat their slaves in a way that was fair and right. Please note that Paul's mention of slavery is in no way supportive of it. I've said this before but it bears repeating. Slavery was a reality in the Roman Empire. Paul's discussion of loving others as Jesus loved them and his focus on people being equal in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28), suggest his disapproval of the institution. Among those in the early church, slaves were treated as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Paul does offer a last bit of advice on Christian living to the church at Colossae. He reminds the Colossians that three things are crucial: prayer, wisdom, and grace-filled speech/communication. First, their lives were to be devoted to prayer. This isn't too different from his command to the Thessalonians to pray without ceasing. A devoted prayer life includes a lifestyle of prayer, rooted in both gratitude and vigilance. I love how he asks them to pray for open doors to share the Gospel message, specifically that God would provide opportunities for Paul to share the Good News of Jesus wherever his life journey took him.

Then, there is this focus on wisdom. Remember, Paul is encouraging them to stay away from the false teachers and immerse themselves in Godly wisdom. Wisdom provides the right atmosphere for the Christian walk. We must be wise in what we allow ourselves to ingest into our minds and bodies, wise in our talk, and wise in our actions. This is so critical because it's our everyday, walking around lives that are the strongest witness to those outside the church.

Finally, there is an emphasis on grace-filled speech and communication. Oh, how our mouths get us into trouble over and over again. My guess is it wasn't too different 2000 years ago. Paul implores them to speak words of grace which are also "salty," words that make a difference but also words that are well-seasoned, not offensive, effective. Words can build up and words can tear down. Paul is saying to use words that effectively build up the Kingdom of God. Those who follow Jesus need to be intentional and careful in what and how they speak. We could just as easily have this same discussion today. Without even thinking too much about it, Christians are so careless with what they say and do.

Certainly, the foundation of transformation is a devoted prayer life, to which Paul alludes. When we are vigilant about prayer, when we develop a lifestyle of prayer, then we are less careless in the other areas of our lives. We are wiser, we are more grace-filled in speech and actions. It's possible that if every single person at New Hope made an intentional commitment to maintain a devoted, vigilant lifestyle of prayer, then Jesus could surely change the world through us. Certainly, our church would be transformed in pretty incredible ways!

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

April 14, 2026

Scripture: Colossians 3

Prayer: Almighty God, We belong to you. Sometimes, we get distracted and wander. Forgive us, Lord. Help us stay fully focused on you. Help us remember who and whose we are. In these next few moments of silence, Lord, help us hear a word from you...Jesus, this is your day, we are your people. In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We have been journeying through Paul's letters and we are currently in Colossians.

Today's reading was Colossians 3. In this chapter, Paul begins a discussion on sanctification, encouraging the believers at Colossae to grow in their walk with Christ and reflect Jesus in all they do. He implores them to live differently than those around them; they have a higher calling. The false teachers were concerned with life on earth but Paul is telling the Colossians that there is so much more for which to live.

Paul begins by speaking of the vices that must be set aside as Christ-followers. Then, he begins to speak of virtues. I love this! He speaks of these character traits like clothing; "clothe" yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Because they are new people in Jesus Christ, they put on new clothes that represent that new life. One can accept Christ and receive salvation, but it is a process learning how to live like a believer. It takes practice putting on these new clothes and yet it is so very important. They must also learn to forgive one another and love each other.

We take these concepts for granted in today's church because we talk about love and forgiveness so often. But this would have been new stuff for these early believers. For many, it would have been a drastic shift from their previous life. While we talk a great deal about love and forgiveness in the modern-day church, I think we also still are figuring out how to live out these concepts. If you ask people who left the church why they did so, it often amounts to being mistreated by a church member or being turned off by hypocritical behavior.

It would probably do all of us some good to do an assessment. How much do we reflect compassion in our interactions with others? How often do we reflect kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? How loving have we been toward others over the past week? How forgiving have we been? Take a moment and think about each virtue. Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10. What areas need work and how might you practice living these out?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

April 13, 2026

Scripture: Colossians 2

Prayer: Heavenly Father, On this Monday, we come to you today in awe. You are almighty and wise but also filled with love and mercy. And we have the pleasure of experiencing that love and mercy. Despite our brokenness, you care for us and you continue to walk alongside us. Thank you, Lord, for your patience. Help us to focus more on you. Fill us with a consuming desire to know you better. Work in us. Stretch us. Challenge us. Convict us. We love you. Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are journeying through Paul's letters and now we find ourselves in Paul's ninth letter, when we look at them chronologically.

Today's reading is Colossians 2. Paul was very concerned that the people of the Colossian church would be swayed by fancy and smart-sounding arguments. The arguments of false teachers often sound very convincing. They typically take a small bit of truth and twist it so that it sounds just right enough that people will be convinced. Paul knew this. His goal was for them to grow in their knowledge of Christ, become mature, well-developed disciples, so they would see through the untruths.

If they were rooted in Christ, like a solid tree with deep roots, then they would be less apt to be affected by the winds of false teachings. I love this idea of growing our roots deep into Jesus Christ. If we look at plants, we tend to focus on that which we can see. We see the trunk, the branches, and the leaves, and they maybe very beautiful. But what's most important is what we can't see-the deep roots which are vital to the health and longevity of the tree. If a bad storm comes, the tree will stay put because its roots are deep and strong. Paul wanted the Colossian church to have a deep root system as well, one that was firmly based in Jesus Christ. If they grew into strong, mature believers with strong roots, then they would be much less likely to be swayed by the fancy, sophisticated arguments of false teachers.

Historically, we haven't focused on having deep roots. In fact, our discipleship in most American churches has been quite shallow. We have required little of our members; we've asked them to simply warm a pew. Where has that gotten us? Being rooted in Jesus Christ means so much more than church attendance. It means reading and knowing God's Word and abiding with Jesus through prayer and Scripture reading. It means connecting with others for real accountability and listening to others who tell us hard truths about life and faith. It means serving others with the love of Jesus. It means giving sacrificially. And when the strong winds blow, we are ready. We stay solid and united in Jesus Christ, our roots strong and steady.

Let's convene again tomorrow.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

April 10, 2026

Scripture: Colossians 1

Prayer: Holy God, We come before you today distracted and with scattered thoughts. Help us focus, Lord, on you and your Word. Help us, in the next few moments, to be silent, still, and remember that you are God...Thank you, Lord, for your care and concern for our lives. Thank you for how you show up in amazing and unexpected ways! We give you glory, Lord Jesus. In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily reading plan. We have been journeying through Paul's letters and today we begin Paul's letter to the Colossians.

The author of Colossians is Paul but he mentions that it is also from Timothy. When Paul wrote this letter, the church at Colossae was facing threats from false teachers. As we read this, we will find a clear theme: the centrality of Jesus Christ. While details aren't known, there was apparently a movement within the town to remove Christ from the church. Thus, Paul goes to great lengths in this short little book to describe the person and work of Jesus and what it means to live as a Christ-follower. While Paul did not start the church at Colossae, he very much feels responsible for it. Therefore, Paul writes this letter with much urgency from a Roman (or possibly Ephesian) prison cell.

Today's reading is chapter 1. I would like to highlight verses 15-18, The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Here we see the emphasis on the identify of Jesus Christ. Notice how in the previous verses Paul speaks about Jesus as Savior, as the one who rescues and redeems us. Now, Paul is speaking of Jesus as Lord.

This section is considered a hymn to Jesus Christ and it is rich in theology. Jesus is the visible manifestation of God, God in human form; Jesus is God and nothing less. God's character can be seen in Jesus Christ. Let that sink in. But there is more. Jesus was present at creation and serves as Lord over all creation. He is supreme over all things. Jesus is Lord and everything exists to reveal his glory. Then, Jesus as creator and redeemer are brought together again. Jesus, who is head over all creation is also head over the church, his body. Obviously, Jesus existed without the church but the church cannot exist without Jesus. The church is the visible body of Christ in this world but Jesus serves as the head of the church. A body can't function or exist without a head. The church cannot function or exist without Jesus.

It almost seems laughable to me that there was a movement within Colossae trying to remove Jesus from the church. A church can't be a church without Jesus. It's totally absurd. And yet, even as I write that, I realize that there are probably many churches in existence right now that basically function separate from Jesus. Maybe they are religious social clubs or possibly political organizations but they aren't the body of Jesus. This could have happened gradually and slowly. After all, we live in a very distracted, self-reliant culture. I have to admit, even the thought of this is so, so scary to me. How can we ensure that Jesus stays central in all we do at New Hope? Pray, friends. Pray diligently and specifically that Jesus stays at the core of all we do.

We will chat again on Monday.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki