Daily Dose of Hope

December 17, 2025

Scripture – Acts 19

Prayer: Lord, We come to you today with humble hearts. As we venture towards Christmas, help us think less of ourselves and more about others. Help us focus more on you, and less on our own wants. It is our inclination to complain and whine. Forgive us, Lord. We need you. More of you and less of me. In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida. We have been on a great journey of reading the Gospels and Acts. Today, we are covering Acts 19.

Paul's extended time in Ephesus has obviously made a huge impact on the region. Many people are coming to know Jesus, miracles are happening, and people are no longer participating in the local idol worship. They aren't buying the trinkets!

Interestingly, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus was considered, in its final form, to be one of the seven wonders of the world. It was extraordinary feat of how human beings can create beautiful idols to try to replace the one true God. If the worship of Artemis had been fulfilling and life-giving, then the Ephesian businessmen would have had nothing to worry about. But the worship of idols, two thousand years ago and today, always leaves one feeling empty and wanting.

Paul preached the Word of God, taught about the salvation and abundant life that comes from walking with Jesus, and created a community of people who loved God and each other. That was attractive to people who were desperate for something more. I can't help but relate this same scenario to our society today. What/Who are our modern Temples of Artemis? Which idols have we sought after, leaving us feeling empty and wanting more from life?

Just a reminder: Jesus is still in the business of transforming hearts and lives! Who in your life needs to know the abundant life that only comes from a living relationship with Jesus? Who needs to experience a community of Christians who will love and accept them as they are?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

December 16, 2025

Scripture – Acts 18

Prayer: Dear Holy God, Your love is amazing. Thank you for the way you care for us. In these next few moments of silence, Lord, help us focus on you...Lord Jesus, help us set aside every distraction and take this time to lean on you. We want to hear your voice. Amen.

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida. We are currently working our way through the book of Acts and today, we dive into Acts 18.

Here, we read more about Paul's missionary journey. He heads to Corinth, where he almost throws in the towel when it came to preaching to the Jews. But God encourages him and we continue to see his pattern of heading to the synagogue first, debating with the Jews, and then bringing the message to the Gentiles. While I'm sure it was frustrating for Paul, he did see a lot of fruit. Jews and Gentiles alike from all walks of life are beginning to believe the Good News.

Priscilla and Aquilla appear on the scene and they are a huge support to Paul, as Apollos will be as well. What I admire so much about Paul is how he traveled around frequently, built networks of believers (which become churches), and he seems almost fearless. He doesn't get too attached to any place, although he stays some places longer than others.

And yet, he builds deep relationships. There had to be a lot of hard good-byes.

Another thing I noticed in today's reading is Paul's ability to disciple people in the faith. He disciples Priscilla and Aquilla. He stops by all the different churches where he has built relationships, discipling them and encouraging them. His various pastoral letters, while they addressed specific problems, were definitely letters intended to disciple and mentor those working under him in the name of Jesus. He doesn't lead someone to Christ and then just leave them in that infancy stage. He truly does everything he can to build people up in the faith and help them grow.

Discipling others is hugely important and I think it's something we don't do very well in the Western church. For so long, our emphasis was getting people to say yes to Jesus. While that is not a bad thing, Jesus teaches us in the Great Commission to go make disciples. Remember, a disciple is an apprentice, someone who is truly working to be like Jesus. This doesn't mean someone who has intellectual belief in Jesus but someone who is doing all they can to be like Jesus in thoughts and actions. What are some ways that we could do a better job discipling other Christians at New Hope?

The bottom line was that Paul was totally and completely sold out for Jesus and he was willing to make any sacrifice to advance God's Kingdom. How many of us can say that? Wow.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

December 15, 2025

Scripture - Acts 17

Prayer: Holy God, Almighty Father, the Great I AM, throughout all time, you are good. Your ways are perfect. Teach us your ways, Lord. Help us to know you better, to know you more. Lord, on our own, we are powerless. We are desperate for your wisdom, love, and mercy. More of you and less of me, Jesus. Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan. We have now walked through the Gospels and we are in the second half of the book of Acts. Today, we will discuss Acts 17.

In this chapter, Paul preaches in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. At each place, he tailors his message to his audience but it's still clearly the Gospel. The reception he receives at each location is different too. In Thessalonica and Berea, he starts at the synagogue, which has been his pattern. He preaches the Gospel to the Jews first. Some Jews believe in Jesus, as did a number of prominent Greek men and women. But things turn south pretty quickly. A number of Jews in Thessalonica are jealous at Paul's success and they raise up a mob to stop him. They actually go to home in which they are staying and drag out Jason and other believers, arresting them and forcing them to post bond. Paul and Silas were being helped by other believers, who were aiding their travel to Berea.

In Berea, they were accepted warming at first. People believe. But the troublemakers from Thessalonica find out that Paul and Silas are there and they try to get hold of them there. But Paul and Silas are helped once again by believers who help them get to the coast.

In Athens, things are different still. The philosophers are interested in what Paul has to say and he shares the Gospel and there are varied reactions – belief, sneering, and wanting more information. But they aren't beaten up or thrown in jail, so that is quite a relief.

In each city, as different as they are, there are some people who take to the Gospel message right away and others who have more questions. I think this is such a great model for us. We share as God leads us and we tailor the message to those who are listening. If we are telling the Jesus story to Jews, then we will focus on the Old Testament and the various prophecies about Jesus. If we are telling the Jesus story to Gentiles, then the story will be spoken in a way that makes sense to them. Paul appealed to what they knew – think about his use of the altar to an unknown God in Athens.

In our world, I present the Gospel to someone who grew up in the church differently than I do to someone who has never heard of Jesus. I guess the theme here is know your audience and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki