If your Tongue is like a Steering Wheel, where is it Leading you?

This week I began a month-long reading of the Old Testament book of Joshua (download the New Hope Worship Center mobile app for the reading plan and devotionals). Joshua is an exceptional example of a godly leader, having led Israel from the wilderness into the land God promises them. Joshua gives us some insight into what is required to possess God’s promises: You will need to be strong and courageous. Josh. 1:6 says, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their… Read More
Praise is Not Merely Your Gift to God; Praise is God’s Gift to You
Praise is a choice, not a feeling. It’s easy to associate emotions with praise, because praise ushers into your life the manifest presence of God, which often prompts deep feelings of gratitude and joy. Praise, however, is not limited by how I feel. In fact, my choice to praise God when I don’t feel like it may be the strongest praise I can offer to God – it says, “Father, You are worthy of praise and I choose to give you praise in spite of my circumstances or feelings.” My worship of… Read More
Their Heart Is Far From Me
“‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;” – Jesus (Mat. 15:8 ESV) I can fool others, and I can even fool myself; but God always knows the true condition and motivation of my heart.