Explore every episode of the podcast The Voice of Hope

This episode launches our new series in the book of Acts: The Continuing Acts of Jesus. In this first episode, derived from Guide Through the Bible, Arlin and Anthony frame our study in Acts. They explore the theme that spans the book of Acts—turning the world upside down with Jesus—drawn from Act 4:13 and Acts 17:6. They also look at the progression of the Gospel outlined in Acts 1:8, and how we can take part in its ongoing spread. Through this conversation, they share their questions and what they hope to learn from this study of the book of Acts. […]

Have you seen the Righteous One? In this Easter special, Arlin Horst looks at Paul the Apostle, a man who encountered Jesus in a miraculous way and was transformed. As Arlin explores Acts 22:1-16, he examines Paul’s questions, his actions, and how his encounter with Christ turned him into a bold witness for Him. This episode invites you to reflect: Have you seen Jesus, and has your life been changed by Him? 

In this episode, we explore the profound silence that falls over heaven for thirty minutes after the opening of the seventh seal. Far from uneventful, this moment in Revelation 8:1-6 prepares the way for the seven trumpet judgments and the outpouring of God’s wrath. In this passage, we see the seven angels receive their trumpets, a mysterious angel cast burning coals to the earth, and the silence set the stage for the coming judgment on unbelievers. 

In this episode, we dig into Revelation 7:9-17 to answer a question brought by one of the elders, “Who are these?” As we answer this question, we uncover the identity of the great innumerable multitude standing before God’s throne, explore their doxology of praise, and discover the rewards awaiting those who remain faithful through the Great Tribulation.

This episode examines Revelation 7:1-8, where the scene shifts from the opening of the seven seals that release judgment to a different kind of seal that signifies protection and promise. J. Mark explores the actions of the angelic messengers as they hold back the winds, withhold judgment, and seal the servants of God from among the tribes of Israel. He unpacks the significance of these actions and what they reveal about the nature of God. 

As J. Mark continues his study of Revelation, he examines the opening of the fifth and sixth seals in Revelation 6:9-17. In the previous episode, he explored the first four seals, each marked by a horseman who had a distinct impact on the earth. In this second part, we witness the Lamb opening the next two seals, revealing the evidence of divine judgment seen in the cry of the martyrs, the convulsion of the earth, and the consternation of the people. 

J. Mark continues his study of Revelation, focusing on chapter six. We see the opening of the seven seals, which unleashes God’s judgment on unbelieving mankind. This episode examines the opening of the first four seals, which reveal the four horsemen, what they represent, and what judgments they bring. The judgments serve as a reminder that human history is moving toward a conclusion under God’s authority, and we can find security only in the Lamb. Join us as we study Revelation 6:1-8 in this first part of “Breaking the Seals.” 

In this episode, we see the beautiful account in Revelation 5:8-14 of the Lamb stepping forward and taking the scroll from the One who sits on the throne. J. Mark explores the scene that John describes, following the 3 choirs, each with a distinct expression of praise and worship to the worthy Lamb. They praise Lamb, who is worthy to take the book and open its seals, because he was slain and has redeemed us. 

In this episode, J. Mark explores Revelation 5:1-7, where the sealed scroll is revealed by the Sovereign God. This scroll is God’s complete plan for history and redemption, and no one is worthy to open its seal. As John weeps over humanity’s hopelessness, Jesus—the Lamb who was slain—steps forward as the only One worthy to open the scroll. Join us as we see how Christ’s victory qualifies Him to unfold God’s plan, bringing judgment, redemption, and the promise of Eden restored.

John is given a glimpse of heaven in Revelation 4:1-11. In this episode, the scene shifts from Christ’s messages to the churches to John’s glimpse into God’s throne room and unsurpassed glory. J. Mark walks through John’s encounter by examining its purpose, its perfection, and its participants and reveals why it matters to us today. Transcript My wife, Joyce, and I enjoy traveling. We’ve visited many states in the US and a few provinces in Canada. We’ve also traveled to other countries. We’ve marveled at the beauty of the Himalayas in Nepal, the seashore in Ghana, and Iguazu Falls in Brazil. […]

In this second part of “The Church of Dangerous Delusion”, we continue our study of the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22. Though this church is lukewarm and blind to its own spiritual condition, Jesus provides a path forward to restoration, which is outlined in his exhortation and compensation. In this last episode examining the churches in Revelation, we are called to reflect on our own spiritual temperature and the promise given to those who overcome.

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Revelation: The Voice of Hope
• (00:02:19) - the Church of the Laodiceans
• (00:03:56) - Message of Exhortation to the Church at Laodice
• (00:12:13) - Jesus at the Door
• (00:21:18) - 7 Letters to the 7 Churches of Revelation
• (00:27:03) - The Door of My Heart

How does someone become spiritually delusional? In this episode, we turn to Revelation 3:14-22 and Jesus’ sobering message to the church in Laodicea. In this episode, we see a church trapped in a dangerous self-deception having turned away from the truth. They found comfort in materiel wealth and were in danger of rejecting Jesus. In this first part of the study on Laodicea, J. Mark reflects on Jesus’ accusations and the danger of becoming lukewarm in your faith.

Our study today comes from Revelation 3:7-13, Jesus’ message to the church in Philadelphia. Unlike most of the other churches in Revelation, Jesus offers no condemnation, only praise. Despite their small numbers and limited influence, the believers in Philadelphia were commended for keeping His word and remaining loyal to His name. This passage powerfully highlights the enduring importance of devotion and faithfulness to Christ. 

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - The Church of Notable Devotion
• (00:05:05) - Crucified Words of Jesus to the Church
• (00:06:33) - The Message to the Church in Philadelphia
• (00:12:24) - Jesus' Words of Commendation to the Church at Philadelphia
• (00:22:10) - The Overcomers
• (00:25:33) - In a Little While We're Going Home

In this episode, J. Mark explores Jesus’ message to the church in Sardis from Revelation 3:1-6. He unpacks the historical and spiritual context of the church and explains what Jesus’ words would have meant to the believers there. Sardis was a wealthy city, and the church had a strong reputation for good works, but Jesus saw beyond the outward appearance and declared that the church was spiritually dying. This lesson challenges us to reflect on how Jesus’ evaluation of Sardis applies to our own lives today.

In this episode, J Mark examines Jesus’ letter to the church at Thyatira found in Revelation 2:18-29. Although this church was known for its love and perseverance, some believers had become captivated by deception and were drifting toward spiritual danger. Jesus addresses the seriousness of their compromise, warning them of judgment if they do not repent, while also encouraging those who remain faithful. This lesson explores Christ’s message to Thyatira through four key elements: the commendation, the accusation, the exhortation, and the compensation.

Merry Christmas! During this special time of year, we worship God for sending his Son to live among us—”The word became flesh and dwelt among us.” In this episode, we celebrate the birth of the Savior with a variety of musical selections that focus on different aspects of His coming to earth as a baby. So, I invite you to sit back, worship, and ponder the meaning of the Incarnation. Transcript Bold titles are song titles. Tiny King Thank you, men. Music is a wonderful gift that God has given to us. Music expresses the whole range of human emotions, […]

In this sermon, we study the Scriptural warnings of Revelation 2:12-17 concerning the church in Pergamum and the dangers of compromise. Learn how Jesus, who identifies Himself as the one with the sharp two-edged sword representing the power of His Word, calls the congregation to repentance away from the teachings of the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, promising the hidden manna and a white stone to those who overcome. Transcript Some of you from my generation (I was born in 1958) recognize the name, Keith Green. Before his conversion, his life was characterized by sex, drugs, and rock and […]

Persecution of those who are godly goes all the way back to Cain and Abel. While persecution of believers has ebbed and flowed throughout history, it has always been a constant reality. Our episode today, “The Church of Faithful Endurance,” focused on the text, Revelation 2:8-11. In this study, we come to the words of Jesus addressed to the suffering saints in the church at Smyrna. These words were an encouragement to the believers in Smyrna and can be an encouragement to us today. Transcript It’s winter, January 23, 1539, and Anna Jansz and a female companion had been accused […]

Small instances of neglect, disrespect, and a lack of meaningful communication can bring a marriage to a breaking point. What is true of marriage is also true in our relationship with Jesus. It takes daily care, attention, and discipline to develop a growing, lasting, life-giving connection. If we neglect these things, we will find the relationship withering on the vine. That’s what happened to the group of Believers in ancient Ephesus. They left their first love. Their predicament is presented to us in Revelation 2:1-7, the text for our study today. Today’s teaching is titled “The Church of Vanishing Affection.” […] Chapters

• (00:00:00) - The Church of Vanishing Affection
• (00:09:23) - Jesus' Commendation at Ephesus
• (00:13:11) - The Leaving of First Love
• (00:16:37) - The Words of Exhortation in the Gospel
• (00:21:07) - The Letter to the Church of Vanishing Affection

Jesus instructed John to “write the things which you have seen, the things which are, and the things which will take place after this.” In today’s section of Scripture, John sees Jesus manifested in several different ways—he sees Christ in glory. The glory of Christ is a main theme in the Book of Revelation, and it is the focus of today’s teaching. In Revelation 1:9-20, we are given a picture of “The Glorified Christ.” Together, let’s observe the several manifestations of that glory and bow before Him in worship. “When all else fails, read the instructions.” This well-known saying reveals […] Chapters

• (00:00:00) - The Book of Revelation
• (00:05:34) - The Glorified Christ
• (00:12:40) - The Message of Revelation
• (00:13:54) - Revelation 3, Symbolism
• (00:21:31) - 7 golden lampstands in Revelation
• (00:26:38) - Behold, What A Way of Man Is He?

Take a moment to think about your possessions. What is the most enduring tangible thing you own? How long will it last? In 2 Peter 3:10, we’re told, “both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” In contrast, the Psalmist stated, “Forever, O Lord, your word is settled in heaven.” That is the nature of God’s Word. As Christ-followers, we can have absolute confidence that we truly have “A Word from God.” That is the title of my teaching on Revelation 1:4-8. Transcript John is writing a letter to seven churches in Asia Minor. […]

Thinking about the book of Revelation, God’s last book, reminds us that last words are often cherished words. As Believers, we revere Jesus’ final words after His resurrection but before He ascended to heaven. In the book of Revelation, we find the final words of Jesus, included in the canon of Holy Scripture. They are words given to us after His earthly ministry was completed and He had ascended to His Father. In Revelation, He has a final message for us. The opening verses are a fitting introduction to “God’s Last Book.” Revelation 1:1-3 offers us several insights into the […] Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Beautiful Words, Wonderful Words of Life
• (00:03:44) - The Book of Revelation
• (00:08:47) - The Revelation of Jesus
• (00:15:12) - The Book of Revelation
• (00:24:36) - Revelation: The Last Book
• (00:25:11) - Revelation: My World, the World of Sam

With this episode of The Voice of Hope, we’re beginning a new series of study from the last book of the Bible, the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Some people are intrigued by the Book of Revelation; some are scared by it. Others, because they’re not sure what to do with it, ignore the book completely. In this episode, J Mark introduces Revelation, defines key terms, and discusses how many people interpret it. Join us in “Introduction to the Book of Revelation.” Transcript With this episode of The Voice of Hope, we’re beginning a new series of study from the last book of […] Chapters

• (00:00:00) - I'm On The Intangible Rock
• (00:01:39) - End Times in the Book of Revelation
• (00:03:05) - Prophecy and The End of the World
• (00:10:48) - Six Views of Eschatology in Christianity
• (00:12:27) - Millennialism, Historical Premillennialism and Postmillennial
• (00:21:26) - Are You Ready for the Wedding?
• (00:24:53) - Be Strong In The Faith

This episode wraps up our study of Jonah, and the theme has been the hearts. We have reflected on the heart of God, the heart of the sailors, the heart of the Ninevites, and the heart of Jonah. Today, we turn our gaze inward and look at our own hearts. The author of this book does a fantastic job of grabbing the person reading and giving them a good shake. We look at the lessons that Jonah has for us as a church and ask ourselves some questions: What about me? Is my heart like God’s? What has captured my […] Chapters

• (00:00:00) - When the Glory of the Living God Breakthrough Through the Tomb
• (00:03:24) - The Book of Jonah
• (00:06:27) - God's Heart in the Book of Jonah
• (00:09:39) - Applying the Words of Jonah to My Heart
• (00:10:35) - What Has Captivated My Heart?
• (00:13:38) - Jonah's Ninevites
• (00:16:55) - The Book of Jonah
• (00:18:35) - Book of Jonah
• (00:21:41) - The Call to Repentance in The Book of Jonah
• (00:24:07) - The Book of Jonah

In this passage of Jonah, we see the prophet furious that God forgave the Ninevites. In contrast, we see God respond with patience and compassion toward Jonah. What was going on in Jonah’s heart in Jonah 4:1-11 ? It seems Jonah believed he had been forgiven only a little. Like Jonah, we tend towards self-justification. But the truth is that our sins are great, and we have all been forgiven much. The question is: do I believe I’m not that bad and have only been forgiven a little? Or do I recognize that I’ve been forgiven a lot? Transcript Remember […] Chapters

• (00:00:00) - What Jesus Did For the Soul
• (00:05:48) - Jonah 3: How Much Have You Been forgiven?
• (00:10:04) - Jonah's Angry Reaction to the Forgiving of Nineveh
• (00:16:21) - God's Attempt to Reach the Hard Heart of Jonah
• (00:22:05) - The Book of Jonah
• (00:24:17) - How Much Have You Been Forgiven?
• (00:26:11) - Herald of Hope Mission
• (00:27:15) - Pilgrims

Have you ever found yourself wondering if God hears? This is a question that reaches to the core of who we are. Does God hear? Nineveh, a wicked city, gets God’s attention, and He hears. They cried out to God, and He showed them His incredible, life-changing mercy. What did the Ninevites do to get God’s attention? As we look at Jonah 3:1-10, I see four things they did which we still need to do today.  These actions—believing, humbling, crying, and repenting—are things we need to continue doing all our lives. Transcript Have you ever found yourself wondering if God hears? This is a question that reaches to the core of who we are. Does God hear? Does God […] Chapters

• (00:00:00) - The People of Nineveh
• (00:03:49) - Jonah
• (00:07:46) - Jonah Go to Nineveh
• (00:14:41) - The Ninevites: Humility
• (00:20:21) - Crying'mightily' unto God
• (00:21:37) - Reverend Arlan

Are you in a pit? We all go through hard times, and being in a pit is challenging. These seasons test our faith and prompt us to wrestle with profound questions about God and ourselves. In Jonah 1:17-3:1, Jonah is in the belly of the fish—his pit. He is at his lowest point, physically and spiritually. He chose a path away from God. The good news is that God’s heart is for all people, and he wasn’t out to destroy Jonah. In Jonah’s pit, God gets Jonah’s attention, and his response shows us what we should do when we are in a pit. We […] Chapters

• (00:00:00) - As I Went Down in the River to Prayer
• (00:03:57) - Jonah's Response to His Pit
• (00:08:43) - Jonah's Prayer in the Storm
• (00:15:04) - Jonah the Tankard: Believe!
• (00:20:25) - Jonah's Second Refusal
• (00:26:48) - Voice of Hope: The God of the Good Times

Throughout Jonah 1:5-16, we see how the prophet Jonah said one thing but lived another. However, the pagan sailors, who did not know God, were sensitive to Him and worshipped him genuinely. On this episode, “The Heart of the Sailors,” we see how the sailors’ response to their fears shows Jonah who He should be. It challenges us to be authentic and to ask ourselves the question, “Who really am I?” Transcript We’ve been journeying through the incredible book of Jonah, and today, is our third episode. Our focus today is a deeply personal and a somewhat uncomfortable question: Who […] Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Jonah Gets Called Out
• (00:02:59) - Jonah: Who Really Are You?
• (00:05:23) - Jonah
• (00:10:17) - Jonah's Fall from Grace
• (00:16:23) - Jonah vs the sailors
• (00:22:14) - The Three Fears of God
• (00:25:02) - Jonah, Real Enough for God
• (00:27:33) - Heralds of Hope

As we study the timeless book of Jonah, we discover a revelation of the very heart of God. Our mission today is to unpack what the book of Jonah shows us about God’s heart, especially looking at Jonah 1:1-4. Understanding God’s heart matters deeply because we are becoming what we worship. Seeing God for who He is will challenge our common misconceptions and invite us to grow in our understanding of His heart. When we have misperceptions about God, they create barriers in our relationship with Him. Today, we examine three common misconceptions about the heart of God and see […]

The Bible is a captivating book, and high on the list is the incredible account of a man getting swallowed by a fish and living to talk about it. You already know I am talking about Jonah and what happened to him is one of the most popular stories in the Bible. However, the main emphasis isn’t a man getting swallowed by a fish. The real point of Jonah isn’t the fish, or the storm, or Nineveh, or even Jonah himself, but actually it is you, the person reading it. Jonah is a believable event, like all the Bible, but […]

If you have been with us for this series of study, you know our title was “Jesus, the Suffering Servant.” From our perspective, suffering doesn’t appear to be the pathway to victory. In Mark, we can see from Jesus’ teaching and actions how His suffering culminated in His ultimate triumph. Today is our final episode in this series, titled “The Triumph of the Servant.” In this episode studying Mark 16:9-20, we explore the end of Jesus’ journey, where his suffering ends in victory. J. Mark highlights three key facts that point to Jesus’ triumph: his appearances, his commission, and his […]

Mark 16:1-8  For Christ-followers, the resurrection of Jesus is not a debatable issue. By faith, we accept the Bible record as accurate and authoritative. We have embraced Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” ESV. We believe Jesus is alive today!  But many in our world today deny the resurrection.  Some do not accept the Biblical record because it would convict them of sin. Accepting the authority of Scripture would make them accountable to someone other than themselves, and […]

Mark 15:42-47  When you die, where do you want to be buried? In Brunswick, New Jersey, in the 1790s, Mary Ellis fell in love with a sea captain. As he was leaving on a voyage, he left his favorite horse with her and promised to return to her as soon as he could.   Every day, Mary awaited his return at the same spot where he gave her his horse. Years passed, and in 1813, Mary purchased a plot of land by the Raritan River to continue her perpetual watch. Finally, in 1828, she died. She had never been reunited with […]

Mark 15:33-41  Have you ever considered the remarkable gift bestowed upon us by God in our human voice? It is one of the likenesses of being made in His image. We use our voices to speak or to sing. With the same voice, we can both bless God and curse men, as James 3:9 reminds us.  Our human voice is a unique characteristic that each of us possesses. It provides insight into our condition or personality. It changes throughout our lifespan and in response to external stimuli, or due to misuse. Our voice is a complex and not fully understood […]

Mark 15:16-32  Do you know how many Messianic prophecies Jesus fulfilled during His earthly ministry? Mathematician Peter Stoner counted the probability of one person fulfilling “just” 48 of the prophecies found in the Tanakh (Old Testament) would be one in (10 followed by 157 zeros)! Yet, Jesus (Yeshua) fulfilled not just the 48 specifically Messianic prophecies. He fulfilled more than 300 individual prophecies that related to the Messiah! The first calculation was impressive enough. So, the probability of one man fulfilling 300+ prophecies must be a number beyond comprehension for anyone!   This is more than a matter of random interest. […]

Mark 15:1-15 Thank you, Tony, for reading this sad and painful portion of Scripture. Yes, we know Jesus needed to suffer and die, but to see the callous disregard for truth and the lack of respect for human dignity should be painful for us. Let us reflect together on the text titled “The King of the Jews.” Observing the REACTIONS of the participants in this scene from Jesus before Pilate, we are motivated to reevaluate our embrace or rejection of The King of the Jews. The First REACTION is,  The Leaders’ Calumny Some of you might be saying to yourself, […]

Mark 14:66-72 Have you ever had someone you considered a friend deny knowing you? I can’t say I’ve had that experience. Years ago, I met a man in another state. He looked familiar, but I had never met him before. I asked him if he was related to a person I knew. He acknowledged that he was. Later, I found out that he was not only a brother to the man I knew, but also a twin. He chose to omit both of those details in answer to my question. His silence, in a way, denied that connection.   When Jesus […]

Mark 14:53-65 C.S. Lewis is well-known in the Christian world. He lived during the latter half of the 19th century and the early 20th century. His journey from Christianity to atheism and back again caused him to ask “hard questions” about faith and life. His writings made a significant contribution to our understanding of how to integrate truth into daily living. In his essay, “God in the Dock,” C.S. Lewis wrote, “The ancient man approached God (or even the gods) as the accused person approaches his judge. For the modern man, the roles are reversed. He is the judge: God […]

Mark 14:43-52 There are numerous expressions we use in the English language that, unbeknownst to many, come from the pages of Scripture. Some are quotes like, he’s a “salt of the earth” kind of guy, or “a three-strand cord isn’t easily broken.” Others are implied, like “don’t be a Judas,” or “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Speaking of Judas, his betrayal of Jesus gave us the idiom, “the kiss of death.” It is used to describe something (such as an act or association) that ultimately causes harm or ruin. No treachery is worse than betrayal by a family […]

Mark 14:27-42 “Not my will, but thine.” Five simple words so easily spoken, but so challenging to live. Have those words ever crossed your mind, your lips? If so, how have they affected your choices? Were they uttered in response to a specific decision you faced, or were you, as it were, writing a blank check to God, giving Him freedom to bring all of life under His authority? Most Christ-followers are aware that Jesus spoke these words during His prayer in Gethsemane, before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. But wasn’t Jesus always surrendered to the will of His Father? […]

Mark 14:17-26 Do you have memorials in your life? What are they? Why do you have them? How important are they? What is their purpose? Memorials are designed to preserve the memory of a person, event, or other significant concept, often in the form of a marker, monument, holiday, or special commemoration. It can be a statue or another object built to commemorate a unique event or a famous person who has passed away. Most countries in the world observe a variety of “memorial” days. They commemorate events such as independence and other significant milestones in their history. Memorials are […]

Mark 14:1-16 Human desire is a powerful, motivating force for good or evil. I recall my Dad saying something like this: “Everything in life has its price.” If you want something strongly enough, you’ll find a way to get it, to meet the price. Proverbs 13:19 says, “A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul.” All of us know the truth of that statement. God created you and me with desires for food, companionship, intimacy, acceptance, and many other things. These desires are good because God doesn’t make anything bad. Saint Augustine reminds us that “sin comes when we take […]

Galatians 5:22-23 When I say father, what pictures form in your mind? Are they pleasant, or memories you wish you could forget? No human being, except Jesus, ever had a perfect father, and if you’re a father now, you may feel the weight of your imperfections. But don’t despair, the Bible has clear direction for you as a dad, and God’s grace is sufficient to cover your shortcomings. We find so much in the Scriptures that will equip us to experience God’s best for us in our father role. On our program today, we honor faithful fathers and call them […]

Mark 13:28-37 Our culture has a love-hate relationship with future things. On the one hand, the popularity of horoscopes, astrology, and other ways of foretelling the future is very high. People have always had a hankering to peer into the future. On the other hand, descriptions of divine judgment are met with scorn. Many people accept Jesus as a wise teacher, but reject the notion of Him as the supreme Judge. They say, “God is a god of love; He wouldn’t send anyone to Hell.” Those are both factual statements. But God’s love has provided a way by which every […]

Mark 13:14-27 Throughout history, people have desired to know the future. Human beings want to have a sense of control over their destiny. For those who don’t know God or reject His existence, they resort to astrology, horoscopes, divination, omens, and other occult activities. As Christ followers, the details of the future are hidden from us, too. However, the Scripture has many predictive prophecies that reveal the bigger picture of how God will bring human history to its conclusion. Predictive prophecy makes up about one-quarter of the Scripture; we ignore it to our peril. Some people say, “Studying prophecy is […]

Mark 13:1-13 “To Catch an Angel” is a book by the late Robert Russell. It’s the autobiography of a young blind man who lived alone on an island in the middle of a river. Despite his blindness, he went rowing on the river almost every day. He did it using a relatively simple system. He attached a bell with a timer to the end of the dock. The bell rang every thirty seconds. Robert could sail up and down the river, and every thirty seconds, judge his distance by the sound of the bell. When he’d finished rowing, he’d find […]

Mark 12:38-44 I once read the story of Osceola McCarty, an 87-year-old woman who worked 12-hour days doing other people’s laundry for a livelihood. People were amazed when she generously donated 150,000 dollars to establish a scholarship fund at a major university. Even more impressive is that her gift represented only 60% of her life savings. When asked how she did it, she said she lived modestly, saved regularly, and gave generously. She saved a quarter of a million dollars over her lifetime by deciding to live a specific way. She structured her wants and needs to reach a particular […]

Have you ever been in a situation that just makes no sense? It felt like a perfect storm of events that left you wondering, “How did that happen? What is going on?” Life can feel like a bunch of puzzle pieces dumped on the floor, with no clear picture emerging. Hindsight isn’t always 20/20; we don’t always look back and see clearly what God was doing. What do we do when we don’t see what God is up to? What is our response supposed to be? The story of Ruth, particularly the final verses of chapter 4, offers profound insights […]

Here we are, standing at the edge of a grand finale in the story of Ruth – chapter 4. It’s a short story, but packed with meaning, and as we look at this ending, we’re reminded of a powerful truth: God is at work even in the worst of times. No matter how dark things feel around us, God is sovereign, in control, working. That’s truly good news, isn’t it, especially when the world feels dark? In this final act, we see Boaz step into the vital role and responsibility of a kinsman redeemer. He does the work of redeeming. […]

Where do you place your trust? This question lies in Ruth chapter 3, a beautiful story about finding rest in the right places. Background: The Story So Far Before diving into chapter 3, let’s remember where we are in Ruth’s journey: R.E.S.T: A Framework for Understanding Ruth 3 The chapter can be divided into four sections using the acronym REST: Risky (verses 1-4) Naomi presents Ruth with a plan that involves some risk. She wants security for Ruth’s future and sees Boaz as the potential answer: “My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well […]