Word of Hope

Leave Room

2011-05-12T13:17:00.000-04:00

I heard a pastor tell this quote of a deacon’s prayer once “Lord, may you do something special today that is not listed in the Sunday bulletin.” This quote hits close to home for many of us: Have you prayed a prayer on Monday and wonder by the end of the week why God has not answered it yet? Ever doubted your purpose or direction in life? Wonder why your ministry is not growing? Only give what the checkbook says you can give? Is your life so planned out that God doesn’t fit in it anymore? Is your church service so planned out that you leave no room for something special?

Either we are not asking or we don’t believe….and leave room!

James 1:5-6

5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.

“I struggle with doubt often. Although I pray and say I trust God. I tend to be a doubting Thomas at times by the way I live my life. If Bill Gates was my uncle and he promised me to give me anything I needed at anytime, and all he wants me to do is ask in faith. It would be stupid to ask him for 20$ and walk away from him with the expectation that he wouldn’t give me just 20$ for gas or some other need. Because he has billions of dollars and he’s promised to give me anything I need, why would I doubt him for 20$. Then why would God, who has unlimited resources and unconditional love for us, promise to give us our essential needs and then not come through? I tend to pray prayers and then immediately start thinking about how I can accomplish my prayer in my time without Gods help. I’ve challenged myself with giving my needs to God and instead of trying to accomplish them in my power; I’m asking God for wisdom in faith and keeping my eyes open for opportunities, but not worrying about them at all.”-The Watchman

Is your vision too small? Have you factored God in that equation? “Factor God in that equation”-means asking yourself “is this goal man’s or God’s?”…where is the glory going- you or God?…have you retuned your vision to make sure your holding the course? Maybe today is the day. Refocus today not because you read an email, but because that is what the Lord is asking of you. Leave room in your walk for God to show up…leave room in your marriage for God to show up…leave room in your day to see…leave room in your day to listen…leave room to meet others…leave room for God to show up in your life!

Forward Focus

2010-06-22T12:30:00.001-04:00

"So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people. GALATIANS 6:10"

Some think opportunity has passed them by…some think their opportunity has never been there…some have lost the drive…while others have never been concerned about others. Have you ever considered that maybe you were created for such a time as this? Today! 2010! I used to be told I was too young to fulfill of hopes and dreams that could never be achieved. But now that I am older and the grey in my hair grows, these hopes and dreams have become unrealistic expectations.

Why are they unreal? Because you were told…or because you've never seen them in others…or are you just believing the lie? The lie of “how can I make a difference?”

If you're alive, then you have opportunities: give, write a card, dream big, think small, send an email, make a call, send a text, write a check, give a glass of water, pick up trash, do your best, read more, think more, pray more, love more, sing a song, encourage, speak up, move, change careers, speak less, write more, study less, study more. “…while we have opportunity” My hope is that you will stop believing the lie and know you are right where you are supposed to be…some roads have been tough and unexplainable…some unrealistic to think about…but as you look back to that path you just came from know this-you made it! “…let us do good to all people.”

“You can get busy dying or you can get busy living”

“You might not be able to change the world but you can change the world for one person”

Be a Foot Washer

2010-06-17T10:25:00.001-04:00

I have been on the road lately and when I get on the road I think a lot…and for some reason I thought back to the last two years that God has open some doors for me to speak at. In those two years I have seen and witness some amazing moments…first ever school I spoke at, we were able to save the life of a 14 year old girl that heard me that day and call the HopeLine that night. The following year I had a 13 year old girl come up to me after I was done speaking and said these words “I was going to commit suicide today…” the key to that sentence is “was”

Now you might be thinking “why in the world are you bringing up these stories?”…or for those who know me, you might be thinking “how cool to serve in that way “. In John 13:15 we read these words, “I have given you an example to follow.., do as I have done to you.” Now, be careful when reading those words, because those words are not about me but about a greater servant than I. I read these words just the other day:

Be a Foot Washer- Washed any feet lately? You don’t have to wash someone’s feet in order to serve like Jesus. You could spend time playing with a very young child to help a busy mother. You could read to someone who is feeling sick and in need of company. Take a faith step. Wash someone’s feet today!”

Look around you today and how could you wash some feet: be intentional, be open, look, listen, and lastly move into action. You are exactly in the place where God wants you…you have been through struggles for a reason…you are reading this because maybe you need to be reminded that the greatest of us was a “Foot Washer” himself.

Church-stop serving just on Sundays…you’re missing the other six days a week.

Friends-get outside your comfort zone and meet new people to serve…hanging out at the house won’t cut it

Work-are you a servant or a dictator…can people see a servants heart in you?

Stop making excuses, stop telling me why you can’t, stop telling me it’s not your job anymore….because the last time I looked you are still on the earth for a reason. Maybe this was for you or maybe you have been wrong all your life…it’s not too late to become a foot washer.

Take it up...

2010-05-09T22:44:00.000-04:00

Recently a friend of mine informed me that he and his family were moving away because of…

What if you were to pack up one day and move away because the Lord told you to? Could you? I can already hear some of you saying, “If God told me to of course I would move!” I am talking more about how you know it was the Lord telling you to move because I know some of us are poor listeners…or maybe that’s just me!? So, maybe the Lord has not asked you to pack up your family and move to a foreign land or city…but maybe the Lord did ask you to: Give, pray, serve, witness, love, forgive, read.

The funny thing about that list...it is only between you and the Lord. When was the last time you had a little “me and Jesus time?” Time to listen…time to ask…time to remember that all this is “His”.

Truly, I am going to miss my friend and his family, but I know we serve the Kingdom together and the King is asking him to go. I pray that you would hear the Lord’s voice in whatever He is asking you to do…and not just hear but act.

Matt 16:24 - "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'"

We need to get past...

2010-04-22T09:52:00.000-04:00

We need to get past…complaining about music in church…style of worship…how we serve the lost…the fear of man…excuses for not serving the Kingdom.

We need to remember…the cross…what it’s like to be a visitor again…prayer…worship.

Whose voice are you listening too? Some of you have given up and moved on because that is easier than trying to take a stand: please serve…please pray…please love your family… those around you…and your Heavenly Father. Have you ever thought God place you there in this moment for a reason?

Our God is Greater than anything…death, lies, and even you!!!! People ask why you keep trying to organize events, lunches, participation and sending out all these darn emails. Why-because of our God is greater than Man and the enemies of this world…and He is Risen!

WK

Problem with Friends

2010-03-18T12:57:00.001-04:00

Growing up in youth groups I started noticing a pattern:

When girls had issues it was a big deal-first someone had been hurt, then the taking sides, then the confrontation, and then always the make up with lots of hugs and tears. Always promising to be BBF’s for life!

Now when boys had issues there was less drama-if the boy even noticed the problem :)…needless to say it was different with boys.

As I’ve gotten older I’ve notice another pattern: that we have a lot of “friends“. It’s natural to say “This is Bobby and he is my friend!” But I would argue that we do not have many true friends but a lot of “so called” friends around us. Two problems with “Friends”:

1) We put everyone in the same categories as Good friends. This is not so good because it allows everyone's comments and opinions to weigh the same. The trouble with that is who can you trust. You have one person who tells you that shirt looks nice and another telling you it does not match your outfit, you have one friend who gives you advice which is the total opposite of the other. Why do you think customer service is such a tough industry? Because words mean things and we let everyone’s opinions matter…if a complete stranger off the street walks up to you and says something to you why should you give that person's comment the same weight as what your spouse says? It happens but we are so good at playing it off. We are good at not letting people in or too close to the real us.

When was the last time you asked someone “How are you doing today?” and felt like you got a completely honest answer out of them? You would be shocked if they said “I am really hurting right now?”

2) If someone was a good friend then why would we let them continue to destroy themselves, mess up, have no accountability, etc. How can you call yourself a friend when you allow your “friend” to justify their way of living? I am not talking about deep down secrets of the heart and soul here but the common “pit falls” of life. Drinking, drugs, abuse, sex outside of marriage, etc…

Wait, wait, I forgot we live a world that believes this only happens to “bad” people….

How can you be a true friend if you allow your “friends” to continue down this road? Why are you allowing the world to pressure you into “all opinions matter”. Maybe you are reading this and thinking now, "I know why Walt is a ref"…but I hope you can remember this one thing:

The Fear of the Lord is more important than the Fear of Man!

Believing the Lie

2010-03-14T21:51:00.001-04:00

When did we start believing the lie….when did we start doubting…when did the church start not believing in the power to change lives? What if I told you that there is a place that hurting people turn to…would you go? What if I told you at this place people were begging for help…would you go? What if I told you at this place you can share the gospel truth of Jesus…would you go?

Sadly many people believe the lies: Through God all things are possible but not in me…To never leave you nor forsake you but I have experienced this in my life so it must be true...That God only cares about his church…Those miracles do not happen anymore…I do not have anytime to give because my schedule is full…that is not my gift…God can’t use me at that place!

Why is it so many of us believe what we see in the news, read on the internet, the emails we receive, what we read in books, hear from our friends…and not believe in what God’s Word says anymore? Stop looking at man and start looking to God! Stop looking horizontally and start looking upward! Stop looking inward (church) and start serving outward! Stop looking for a style of church and start serving at church! Stop asking your church to feed you once a week and start feeding yourself in celebrating the good things He has done!

There are still men and women who believe…some might be called crazy, radical, out there, strange…some might even be called the word Christian. Look around you and see the opportunities and people that have been placed around you. Be available and allow God to show up in your life! Be patient for His timing! Plant the seeds now because God will send the rain! God can overcome all things-stop listening to those who tell themselves he can’t!

I have seen God show up and change people’s lives-do you believe me or do you think I am lying too?

Forgiveness is...

2010-03-14T21:49:00.000-04:00

Has anyone hurt you before? Has someone lied to you in the past? Ever had someone at church hurt you with words? When someone mentions parents does that bring back bad memories? How do we forgive…Forgiveness is not: revenge, getting even, getting the last word, hurting someone back, or payback

Forgiveness is supernatural…how can you explain when someone has physically hurt you…and you forgive them. How can you explain when you have been falsely accused…and you forgive them. How can you explain being made fun of…and you forgive them. How can you explain those closest to you turning their backs on you…and you forgive them…with a world crashing in all around you and you have done nothing wrong…and you forgive them.

Forgiveness is supernatural…do you read these words and think “how?” “Father forgive them because they know not what they have done…” If you are a believer forgiveness is supernatural and is hard to explain to a world that is “looking out for #1, just do it no matter what the cost, destroy everything in your path” Maybe its not your job to explain…Maybe your job is to just live the type of life that others can point to…Maybe you should stop carrying those burdens around that are slowing you down…maybe your only role in the process is to point them to Jesus and say…I am not sure how he did it but he forgave!

Prayer: Lord may I learn to forgive others by following your example…may I live the type of life that points to you…I am sorry for the mistakes I have made in the way I have lived my life to this point…may your supernatural love and forgiveness become real in my daily walk. From this day I want to change and become more like you…AMEN.

Life Lessons

2009-12-14T22:07:00.000-05:00

We have all heard the saying: "kids say the darndest things". That saying is so true but I have been thinking lately that this also true: kids hear the darndest things.

As some of you know, I have been a basketball referee for the last ten years and when you ref one thing you must know is that not everyone is going to agree with you. When you make a call 50% of your audience will disagree with that decision. Coaches and fans love to express their dissatisfaction when a call doesn't go their way, and I have plenty of stories I could tell you to illustrate my point but let’s just say “trust me” on this one…J Through frequent visits to ref at local schools and church leagues I have gotten to developed friendships with many coaches and fans alike. One particular Saturday one of those friends made a joke…”If you continue to ref my games I might have to switch churches…ha ha”. It seemed to be a harmless statement, but there happened to be a set of little ears that heard those same words. This little boy went to his mom with tears filling his eyes…”Coach is going to leave church if Walt keeps on doing our games mom!” I know my friend did not mean anything by those words, but his little friend didn't see it that way.

Has this ever happened to you; have you ever found yourself saying, "I did not mean to say it that way it just came out wrong...I did not know someone was watching me when I did that…it was only an email…he is only a ref".

Life lessons in sports can be huge so be careful which lessons you are teaching! Remember that someone is always watching or listening! My prayer is that this email will sink in for you the next time you watch a game! Remember, it’s only a game…but the lesson you teach could change someone’s life-Good or Bad.

Conquer the past

2009-12-08T14:21:00.000-05:00

Jesus saying, "I'll be with you. I'll love you. I'll take care of you. I'll reward you. You'll know fellowship with me if you conquer this that you wouldn't have known otherwise."

In years past during the Christmas season I would get sad for people: a mom and her children trying to find a place to sit to eat their meal in the mall, an old man walking with a face of sadness, or hearing someone complain in the check out line…if you do not believe me go watch this week at the mall. Jesus says he will be with you and love you! He will take care of you and reward you! You will have fellowship in him…..if you conquer what you wouldn’t have known otherwise.

You have seen the words of the Lord spoken in a way that makes people move, you have seen miracles in your life and those around…so why must we conquer still today? To live the types of lives God has called us to live: A smile on your face, a type of work ethic that makes a difference, words that speak the truth and a trust knowing that God is in control of all things at all times.

Or is your smile always upside down, is your work ethic sad, the words you use do not speak truth but tell lies and you do not trust God in all things.

Conquering just does not happen by watching, it happens by actions…getting out of one’s seat into the playing field and actively getting involved. Stop worrying-God is with you! Stop worrying about who you’re going to make mad-God loves you! Stop worrying about how you’re going to do this-God will take care of you! Stop worrying about what you see in your budget-God will reward you in ways you can’t imagine! Stop worrying about what to do-God will give you a peace to serve where he needs you! Stop living in the past but remember the past to keep inspiring you to keep on living for Him each day!

Why so serious?

2009-12-03T10:40:00.000-05:00

When is the last time you really laughed? One of those laughs that made you cry or even hurt the next day because you just laughed so hard. Do you find humor in things or is everything just so serious you miss the humor in life? I can’t answer that question for you but what I do know is God wants us to laugh! I guess whoever made the rule that men should not cry made the rule that Christians should not laugh. Life has its moments, kids do say the darnest things, adults do too, and we should laugh!

I remember when I first started my career I got criticized for being “too nice”. This was because I would walk around with a smile on my face and speak with anyone whether they were “important” or not. I tried to invest in people’s lives, talk to someone in need, follow up on someone the next day and even try to remember something unimportant from a previous conversation to let people know that I genuinely cared. I was amazed that people thought I was “too nice”, but over time I have come to realize that people are too serious. The truth is that many people in this world, at one time or another, have had their “Truster” broken before.

I can understand these people because life is hard, things do happen, people do hurt you, words can sting, which can cause you to start looking at life or someone is out to get you. I feel for those individuals! I pray for those people! Remember this “Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good”-1 Peter 4:19

I pray that you turn your life over to a faithful God who knows best how to shape and mold you into the person you are today and into the future. Find humor in the blessings God has given you, look at life through the eyes of a father who truly knows best, and stop being so serious all the time you forget how to laugh. So, let’s start right now…Got to love this headline: "Authorities hunt for a prisoner in a wheelchair who fled on foot from armed guards."

Pebbles in My Shoes

2009-11-19T09:00:00.003-05:00

I thought this email thought of the day I received in my inbox (by Moments Together for Couples by Crosswalk)this morning was worth passing on… thank you Lord for the email!

1 Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

For many years I didn't react well to those nagging little problems-the "pebbles in my shoe." I was used to either calling things "bad luck," getting ticked off, or just shrugging my shoulders while muttering "What's the use?"

Then I discovered 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and I began to measure my walk with God by those four simple words: "In everything give thanks." To my amazement, I started to notice a change in my attitude about life in general. I began to realize that God wants to invade every area of my life.

Let me suggest three reasons God commanded us to give thanks in all things:

First, giving thanks in all things expresses faith-faith in the God who knows what He's doing; faith in the God who sovereignly rules in all that happens to us. Isn't that what He wants from us?

Second, He knew we wouldn't do it naturally. Giving thanks in all things means I am no longer walking as a mere man, grumbling and griping, but walking as a spiritual man (see 1 Cor. 2:14,15)-a man who sees God at work...even in the grains of sand that tend to fill my shoes.

Isn't that a little bit of what's wrong with twentieth-century Christianity? Don't we divorce God from the details of daily experience? Don't we ultimately dislike those things that we can't seem to control? Let's be honest, we'd rather gripe, complain and be miserable about circumstances than give thanks.

Finally, God wants to teach us how to deal with the irritating grains of sand so we can get on with climbing the mountains He has for us. All we see are the pebbles, and we think if we could just remove all those pebbles then we could get on with real life. But the pebbles are the real life that God brings us day by day. He wants to use those irritants to instruct us and to see us mature in Christ.

Prayer:

Tell God you want to submit to Him to learn the lessons He has for you in the midst of daily life. Ask Him to teach you through these pebbles that are in your shoes."

Real Heroes

2009-11-11T11:25:00.000-05:00

I hope today has not passed you by? I hope you have not forgotten what this day is about? If it has, it is not too late to call, email, or stop a veteran to say “thank you”!

A thank to these men and women for being real heroes and serving a cause that is not always popular in the sight of some, the real heroes who serve behind the scenes in victories, the real heroes who do not passing the blame in a defeat, the real heroes who stand up for the weak, the real heroes who serve others no matter where they must go…

The lessons we should all learn from these men or women who serve this country: learn from the past so we do not commit the same mistakes again as a country, listen to their stories so we never forget and can pass them on, see the sacrifice they made to make this country great!

Real heroes are among us now - thank them, serve their families, love them when they return, pray from them daily! May we never forget this day again!

What if I am on the wrong side of this?

2009-11-02T16:25:00.001-05:00

What if I am on the wrong side of the issue? I know for some that’s a tough pill to swallow but it is possible-right? Possible that you could be wrong and that the other person is right? Possible you made an error in judgment? Possible you do not have all the facts?

I remember a story of a school bully and a young boy. The bully was the one who took things from his classmates at school. If he wanted it he took it type of bully in school, so one day the young school boy heads to his locker to retrieve his favorite pocket knife to head home. So, he opened up his locker and his knife was missing…this made the young boy very mad and he knew only one boy would dare do such a thing. The young school boy made a beeline to the bully and confronted him,”Where is it!” The bully just laughed and said, “What are you talking about?” So, just then…just like George McFly in Back to the Future… the young boy clinched his fist and clocked the bully right in the face...the bully hit the ground with tears in his eyes. “Where is my knife” screamed the young boy! “I don’t have a knife!”

So, with shock and amazement the young boy believed him and all the while was scared to death because he just hit a kid in school. So, he ran home as fast as he could…into his home and straight upstairs to his room! Sweating and worried about his future he sat on his bed….what did he see on his dresser? An old red pocket knife lying right where he left it that morning when he went to school?

Have you been there before? So sure you were right that you missed it? So deaf to what the other person was saying that you missed the point? So worried about winning the argument that you sacrifice your friendship? So bent on viewing church your way you forgot it was God’s way that really matters?

So, what if you are on the wrong side of your latest debate? What if you were on the wrong side just yesterday? Or this past Sunday? So, whatever the case, it’s not too late! God works through you and I for his glory and purpose, good or bad, right or wrong….we mess up and make mistakes! Like Rocky said “…its not how many times you get knocked down that matters, its how many times you get back up that counts”

Better Watch Out...

2009-10-28T16:36:00.001-04:00

“…you better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why…” recognize that song - I'll give you a hint: in one month you will hear it far too many times!

Have you ever heard something and it made you do a “double” take? Some of you are wondering why in the world I quoted "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" well, it's because I've got the words "you better watch out" stuck in my mind. One of the many things I have learned about those “better watch out moments” is that they come out of nowhere! They happen to anyone! And they hurt!

Not sure what I am taking about - Ever had someone hurt you with their words? Ever heard a rumor about you? Ever had a friend lie to you? Ever had a medical emergence? Ever had a pipe burst? Ever lost a deal because of an error you made? Ever ran out of gas? Ever been in a wreck? Ever missed your flight?

Those are just a few of the “better watch out moments” that many people face today, yesterday, last week, and everyday in this thing called Life! So now what? What next? We all have heard “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” on TV, but how do you do that? We all know how to stress over it, we all know how to gossip about it, we all know how to worry about it…but the question is how do we deal with it?

Steer into the storm! Remember the passage where it reads: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (I Cor 10:13). So, steer into the storm because the Lord will provide you a way! Steer into the storm because the Lord will help you endure! Steer into the storm because God wants you to…just maybe he is wanting to teach you something, show you something, or more importantly show others.

“…you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why” because Jesus has overcome for you and I!

How your pipes?

2009-10-22T11:08:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had pipe issues before? Could not get one to stop dripping, could not get one unclogged, or just could not believe how much it costs to clean out your pipes. Some of us when we have these problems try to do something that others of us would not dare to do! We try to fix it ourselves!

Recently I had to speak at a meeting on the topic of confession as well as facilitate a time of confession. This was uncomfortable for me because I was not sure how to approach it. Was I supposed to go around the room asking for everyone to share their inmost secrets with the group and tell us of the sins in their life? Were we having group therapy now? Needless to say that was not the approach I took because it really does not matter to me what they would have said because it only matters to God.

I decided to speak on the example I have heard used of your Christian walk being like a “Facet Pipe” and those areas in your life that are not pleasing to the Lord is the “junk” in those pipes. So, how can God use you or should we say how can God flow through you if your pipes are clogged? Pipes can look good on the outside but the inside is more important-right? Going to church, going to your job, or your everyday walk can look good on the outside…but it’s the inside that matters!

So, are your pipes flowing or are you dipping? Are you confessing and turning over any “clogs” in your life or are you trying to fix it yourself? Are you ignoring the advice of some experienced plumbers in your life? Are you missing those opportunities around you to be a blessing to others because your pipes are not cleaned out? Ask God for help…turn it over to the real expert on the subject! That plumber has the real pipe cleaner solution for your life.

Draw the Line

2009-10-21T08:37:00.000-04:00

I like movies! More importantly I love using them in references or in quotes when I speak or write, but I have to be careful now because of a simple fact-I am getting old! The other thing I like is "Simple" truth! A couple of Sundays ago I went up to my pastor after the morning service to greet him and shake his hand, but then another member walked up and said, “Great message this morning, simple and to the point…”

Later that day two things hit me-1) That man was not complaining about our pastor's message being simple but was thankful to be reminded of the simple truth 2) A quote came to me from an old movie called Star Trek 2 “The Wrath of Khan” where Spock says, "They knew exactly where to hit us." (do not ask me how these things come to me like this...in short, God made me special.. J)

If you are old enough to remember or are just a Star Trek junky you will recall the scene in “The Wrath of Khan” where Captain Kirk and his ship was first attacked by the vengeful person named Khan. Spock's quote came after that first attack…”They knew exactly where to hit us”

Are those words not true in our life? Don’t our enemies know exactly where to hit us? So, if your answer is an absolute “Amen”, then what? What do I do with that information? I know there are those who would say “Just pray about it”. While I believe that is true I also believe there is more…”Wait, more than prayer?”…Yes, with God’s guidance and help through prayer you are now called into action! God has given you a mind, friends to help, resources to use, and maybe today this email…

So, what am I saying? If the line to not cross is really at the Fifty yard line of a football field, should you not draw your line in the sand at the twenty? If you do not want your child to hit a home run in the “sex game” and get pregnant or get someone pregnant should we not teach them how important it is to not even step into the batter's box? If you know FaceBook is replacing God’s time should you not find another way of telling people what you are doing at this moment-who cares what you are doing at that exact moment in time? I know someone who does, God!

If you are on the other end of the scale and do not know where you are the weakest then - ask your spouse, ask a friend, ask your pastor, or better yet pray to God for help to show you and start the process of setting up your lines in the sand far away from the “true” line you are trying to avoid! You're going to mess up, you're human and that is why we need to draw those lines…here is one last quote:”You can learn from listening or you can learn from taking your lumps.” Translation, what is God asking you to change today or what line do you need to draw for Him?

Loving God, Loving People, and Serve the World

2009-10-20T16:04:00.000-04:00

In the past year the church I attend adopted the slogan “Loving God, Loving People and Serving the World”. I had some time off over the holidays and have been thinking about the coming year and the direction the Lord is leading. Every time I have turned around these last few weeks those words kept coming back to me - to love God, love people and serve the world….

I promise that I am not the smartest person in the world, but I knew it was the Lord speaking when He told me to not recreate the wheel or try to think of some “New Year’s Resolution” for the coming year. So, I want to ask you to think about those words and see where the Lord leads you…

Loving God- I want to seek out a closer walk with the Lord. I understand and realize that the difficulty in those words is how to do that. I think it means cleaning up some sin in my life, looking forward instead of backwards, looking to the King of my Life first instead of asking for forgiveness after doing something that came from my own wisdom.

Loving People- This might be the toughest of the 3 because we want control in this area and often choose the people we want to love and associate with. I know that is not God’s view of loving people because He said whatever you do for the least of these you do for the Me. Loving people means opening up the safe of your heart and your life. It means seeking to love those people that God has placed in your life rather than just loving those you are more comfortable with. It means loving those family members that you normally try to avoid so not to cause trouble, but still remembering to put God before your family.

Serving the World- In Matthew 14 Jesus asks the disciples to bring him what they had in order to feed the 5000, in the same way God is asking you to do your part in bringing what you have to Him. God's ways are not our ways - we may not think so, but the little things do make a difference in the Kingdom of God. We often wish we knew the impact our efforts make for the Kingdom but unfortunately we still see through the glass dimly but be patient good and faithful servants because God will reward your efforts for those little things you have done to the least of those around you.

So, here is my disclaimer in this posting….do not get mad at me if God is poking your heart strings and telling you to consider changes for the coming year. Do not worry about tomorrow because you have enough to worry about today!

When did the spoon become a spoon?

2009-10-20T15:56:00.001-04:00

When did the spoon become a spoon was the question asked? I heard the story behind the spoon in a marriage class at my church recently. The teacher played a scene from a movie where a wife is talking about how her first anniversary gift to her husband was a spoon from their first date in the park. Her face was glowing and there was a gleam in her eye as she talked about this spoon and the significance of it, but then she asked the question: "At what point did that spoon become just a spoon?".

Has this happened to you? Has there been something in your life you used to have a glow about when you described it? A spouse, a car, a church, a friend, a game, a sport, a cause, a job or a ministry? I asked this question at the HopeLine last night- when did the spoon become just a spoon and has the HopeLine now become just the HopeLine? One of the many things I have discovered is that the HopeLine is never ending. Serving with the HopeLine is not a one time only thing…or an annual event thing…or some temporary service thing…it is almost a life thing! My challenge was: please do everything possible to protect yourself and not let the “spoon become just a spoon” with this ministry.

I was reminded again of the story of Peter walking on water and again wondering why he was the only one out of the boat. One getting wet while the other 11 were staying dry…one stepping out to Jesus and others not…one not letting the spoon just become a spoon in his life anymore.

My prayer is that the place where you serve has not become that spoon…that your marriage has not become that spoon…that your Christian walk has not become that spoon. Be intentional to keep working at it…be intentional to keep praying about it…be intentional to keep stepping out of the boat in faith for whatever the Lord lays upon your heart.

Never?!

2008-12-17T16:34:00.002-05:00

A call came in from California a few nights ago from a young girl in an abusive home. As with many of the abuse calls we get the HopeCoaches heart was broken over the girl's situation and the caller thought that their situation was completely normal. Our HopeCoach listened as the caller told her all about her abusive situation and several other things that the caller was dealing with. After hearing it all she had to tell this girl that there was an answer to all the issues in her life- Jesus. She asked the caller what she thought about Jesus and didn't get the normal response. The caller said, "Who?" Thinking that the caller didn't hear her, the HopeCoach said, "Jesus, you know, God's son." The caller again expressed complete confusion. "Are you telling me you have never even heard of Jesus or God at all?" the HopeCoach said surprised. The caller wondering what the big deal was said that she truly had not heard of this God or Jesus. Our HopeCoach, like most any American, became very skeptical and began to think this was all a joke so she pressed a little harder and actually said, "Never heard of God? Are you from America?". The caller calmly said no and explained that her family had just moved to America from Guam. Well, the HopeCoach was obviously a little embarrassed but did not shrink from this incredible opportunity to share the wonderful story of Jesus with a girl for the very first time. When she had finished the caller was elated at this good news and when asked whether she wanted to pray to become a child of God and be forgiven of her sins she said yes with no hesitation whatsoever. Afterwards, we were able to send this caller the very first Bible she had even seen. Praise God!!!

Planting and Watering in God's Sovereignty

2008-11-17T15:05:00.001-05:00

On a Friday evening Amanda called the HopeLine concerned about her best friend. Amanda’s friend, Tommy, was gay and wanted to tell his parents. She told our HopeCoach about Tommy’s abusive home life and how he was terrified of the consequences that would come if he told them about his homosexuality. Tommy was so scared that he had actually asked Amanda to tell his parents for him, and she was struggling with what to tell him. Our HopeCoach, of course, gave her the practical advice not to get involved in this potentially dangerous situation. He went on to encourage her on how she could still be a good friend without doing Tommy this favor. Like all HopeLine calls it ended with the HopeCoach praying for the situation and asking God to do the things that only He can do. The HopeCoach hung up the phone and worked through the follow up we do for every call thinking about Amanda and Tommy. When he made himself available to take another call he saw one pop up on his screen from the same city Amanda was from. This caller hung up three times before having the courage to actually talk to someone. Amazingly, each time the call would come to this same HopeCoach. The fourth time was a charm and once again it came to him. The first words out of the caller’s mouth…“Hi my name is Tommy and I’m gay”. The HopeCoach was floored! After listening for a minute he felt it was appropriate to reveal his previous conversation with the caller’s best friend. Tommy said that he had not talked to her since early that morning, and had no idea that Amanda was going to call in. The HopeCoach was able to move straight to the heart of the issue and speak the truth in love concerning Tommy’s situation. Now, many calls that come into the HopeLine end with a defined resolution, but many calls do not. Though some great seeds were planted, Tommy did not repent on this call. At a glance this could seem very disappointing, but when we consider God’s incredible sovereignty in this divine appointment how could we be disappointed? This display should move us to a deeper trust in our amazing God to finish the work that He has started. We have a saying that we try to always keep in mind at the HopeLine: “We are responsible to each caller, but God is responsible for each caller.” We do all we can to listen and proclaim truth and offer help, but ultimately any really great or eternal work that is done is done by God. And He is still working when we hang up the phone. We praise God for the times He uses us to harvest, but we also praise Him for the opportunity to plant and water trusting in His perfect plan where His fierce love and power keeps working in every caller’s life!

Trapped in Darkness

2008-10-29T16:31:00.002-04:00

I have to admit that I only read a very small percentage of the assigned reading from my high school years, but one short story that I did read I have never forgotten because I thought it was so profound (though it has been a while so forgive me if the details are a little shaky). It was an allegory by Plato about men who been held captive in a cave all of their lives and were told that the cave was all there was in the world. One man, eventually, managed to escape and find his way outside. When he first saw the light of the sun it blinded him. After his eyes adjusted he saw the wonder of a whole new world with trees, birds, streams, and beautiful blue sky. He was in awe and decided that his fellow captives had to see this, so he went back to tell them and try to set them free. As he explained it to them they refused to believe him thinking it was a trick! These men were trapped in their darkness because they thought that it was all there was; that it was completely normal. Mary called recently trapped in a similar darkness. Her mother was an abusive alcoholic. Mary’s life consisted of being slapped around and verbally bashed by her mother so often that she thought it was completely normal. She had never known anything else and was convinced that most people’s home lives were like her own. For most of her life Mary literally thought the only purpose for make up was to cover up bruises left by her mother. She talked about the shock she experienced when she realized that her relationship with her abusive mother was not at all normal. Mary was calling because she needed someone to talk to about all of this. The HopeCoach listened brokenhearted for a very long time as story after story about the things her mother had said and did came out. He encouraged her, told her how wonderful and valuable she is, and shared with her about the great love of God. Afterwards he connected her with our partner ministry that offers free professional counseling. Mary’s story reminds me that we live in a dark world where, for some, the darkness is so thick that the people in it have no concept of anything else; anything better. Her story reminds me that I am to “walk as a child of light” (Ephesians 5:8) and “expose” the darkness that has so many trapped thinking there cannot be anything different than what they know.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket; but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Come and See!

2008-10-15T16:15:00.003-04:00

When I heard about Alexa's call I couldn't help but think of the woman at the well in John 4. Not because she had been married 5 times but because of her reaction to meeting Jesus. Alexa called because her mom was never around; the type of woman that spent her nights drinking and partying. The night that Alexa called was the night that she and her mother had a huge fight. Bravely, she confronted her mom about her lifestyle and got screamed at for her efforts. Alexa's grandmother came and picked her up after her mom went out. She was overwhelmed and flustered when she called in. Alexa talked about her problem and our HopeCoach caringly listened and tried to comfort her. Then, knowing the ultimate need of all our callers, the HopeCoach shared the wonderful love of Jesus Christ. He was suprised by how hungry this girl was for God, she eagerly gave her life to Christ! After praying, she told the HopeCoach how beautiful she thought the love of God was and that she couldn't wait to get to school to tell her friends about Jesus! Alexa, like the woman at the well, was filled with wonder at the real Messiah and did what people do when in wonder about something - they go and tell others about it. They do that because they desperately want others to know about this great thing they have found. So, the woman at the well runs into town, to the people she usually tried to avoid because of the shame she felt from her life's mistakes, and says "come and see the man who told me everything I have ever done". And Alexa goes without fear into the one of the most judgemental environments in America (public high school) and says "guess what happened to me last night, I found the beautiful love I have been craving all my life". I wonder how different the world would be if all Christians let their fear of what others think get swallowed up by amazement over this Messiah whose perfect, unstoppable love sets us free and gives us life forever with Him.

Cut or Call

2008-10-08T15:49:00.000-04:00

It is interesting for me to think about how many times the message that God spoke through Moses in Deuteronomy 30:19 is seen in everyday life – “Today…I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” He was calling them to obey the commands that God had given them, saying that if they did obey then they would receive abundant blessing and life, but if they did not obey then they would receive destruction. Lorie called and told us about a similar choice recently. Lorie was a cutter and knew that she needed help. She had heard Dawson’s show before and this Sunday night she was determined to avoid it. She had a terrible day that day. You see, her father was an alcoholic and her mother was not around. Her father tried to keep her from everyone, never letting her leave the house except to go school. Lorie knew that she was going to graduate this year and desperately wanted to go away to college, if only to get away from her father. He refused to let her go. This frustration and feeling of being trapped, coupled with terrible memories of things that had happened to her in the past, led her to the place she had found herself in too many times before. She was going to lock the door to her room and cut. But there was a part of her that didn’t want to; that was tired of cutting and wanted to get help. This created a real battle inside her, “Cut or call,” she would say to herself. She didn’t want to hear Dawson that night because she knew that the decision would be made if she did; she would call the HopeLine to get help. Lorie sat on her bed and tried to avoid the decision: cut or call. For a while she listened to music on CDs to keep her mind occupied. After a few hours of this she was tired of her CDs and thought Dawson’s show was over, so she turned the radio to her favorite station and found out that she was wrong- Dawson was still on. God brought conviction to Lorie through the show and the decision was made to call. She got one of our HopeCoaches who, as they always do, led her to getting the help that she needed, both in the situation with her father and her problem with cutting. Thanks be to God for using a caring voice over the air and then another over the phone to lead a young girl to choosing life!

Late Nights

2008-10-02T14:47:00.002-04:00

In April of 2008 the Dawson McAllister Association launched a new radio show called Dawson McAllister Late Nights. This show is designed to go from Midnight to 5am every night of the week. This was a huge jump for DMA being that the show they produce now is only one day a week, Sunday Nights. Needless to say it was a leap of faith, but DMA wanted to do all they could to broaden their influence and expose more people to the hope and love of Jesus Christ. This show has been slowly growing over the past few months, but has sort of been stuck on about 10 affiliates for a while (about 100,000 listeners each night). Well, we just received word that this will no longer be the case. There is a huge company that DMA has a contract with that seeks to get Dawson’s shows, along with thousands of others, on more radio stations across the country. It is a miracle that the relationship exists at all and it is also a miracle that it has lasted as long as it has because Dawson’s shows have not exactly been the top money producer for this company. Well, now the company as a whole is having some significant financial trouble. While this seems like a negative for our ministry God’s sovereignty shines through once again. Because of the financial struggles this company is forced to start pushing syndicated radio shows as opposed to local ones. Late Nights is on their list as one of the syndicated shows they are going to start pushing hard. This could mean 20-40 more stations would carry the Late Night show in the next year. This is a radical move of God and we praise Him for the favor He is showing to a ministry that simply seeks to be a shelter from the storms of life for teenagers and young adults. All praise be to the living God as He expands His influence through Dawson and, of course, the HopeLine!!!

Saved! - the Movie

2008-09-29T13:49:00.002-04:00

It is truly amazing to find out how people heard about the HopeLine and what cause them to call. Here is Jennifer's story of how she came to call last night. Jennifer decided to watch a movie with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend, who happened to be a hard core atheist, recommended the movie 'Saved'. Though I have not seen the movie I know that it is a satire on fundamental Christians portraying us in a pretty negative light. Well, as Jennifer watched this movie and its constant criticism of Christianity she began to feel convicted. The feeling grew the more she watched and when it was over conviction was upon her so heavily that she went to the internet and Googled 'Christian hotlines'. One of the first ones she came across was the HopeLine and, boldly, she called in telling the HopeCoach on the other end what had happened. She then started asked questions about Christianity and listened as the HopeCoach shared with her about Jesus Christ's great gift for an hour and a half. The HopeCoach knew she was serious about understanding Christianity when he realized that she was taking notes on what he was telling her. Jennifer did not give her heart to Christ last night, but, though I don't claim to know the future, I genuinely think that one day soon the Holy Spirit is going to bring her understanding and that she will be changed forever into a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. God's ways are so amazing! He is always at work! He used a movie mocking Christians to lead her to someone that could share the truth about Christ with her...I just cannot get over how much greater He is than he who is in the world!

2008-09-23T16:29:00.003-04:00

Usually we write about stories we have heard from HopeCoaches but when this HopeCoach emailed these comments on a call he had Sunday night I knew I couldn't phrase it any better. Here it is straight from the HopeCoach:

"...It was likely the very best call I have ever taken since working at the call center. For me it was a great call because it left me holding my head in my hands, weeping quietly for what seemed like a long time. I do not remember ever taking a call that moved me so deeply.

The girl was around eighteen years old, had a vibrant dynamic relationship with Lord while attending a Christian high school, but fell away and found herself addicted to drugs and watching her world crumble around her. She could not understand why everything she touched toppled like a house of cards while the people around doing wickedness seemed to prosper.

She told me in the very beginning of the call that she was numb, that she did not feel anything, and that it had been a long time since she had even cried. Ten or more minutes into our conversation she began to weep off and on, eventually turning to a constant flow of tearfulness and sobbing. It was apparent that her lack of emotion was due to some trauma that she was protecting herself from and later in the conversation I “felt” strongly that the trauma was due to the fact that she was holding a grudge against God. She felt that God had let her down by not protecting her from the drugs and there were some terrible things that happened to members of her family. I explained to her about how many times we hold grudges against people because we perceive they did something against us and as she prayed and forgave God for the perceived offenses and subsequently put her life back on God’s altar (Romans 12:1), I watched this numb, unemotional, troubled, young lady move from coldness, to brokenness, to peacefulness. When I was through praying with her, she commented that she felt as though a great weight had been lifted from her chest. Before we hung up, I told her “In case no one has told you yet today, let me be the first to tell you that I love you.” She broke down and started crying again.

In writing this, I still feel the depth of emotion that overcame me early this morning, leaving me humbled, and with my head in my hands.

I count myself fortunate to be involved with you, the Hopeline, and all the other hope coaches who continue to demonstrate such a great heart for the people whom God loved to such a great degree that He laid down the life of His only, one of a kind, Son to redeem us to Himself."

God's Calling!

2008-09-10T15:57:00.002-04:00

I have talked a little before about how much satan hates this ministry. He continually works to keep HopeCoaches from serving here. It is most easily seen in a HopeCoaches first few weeks. It has become a blessing to know this though because we continually get to see God glorified through satan's attempts. One woman in particular has had quite a journey. She came for the first time to our informational meeting. I found out that when she arrived she sat in her car afraid to come in because she didn't think that someone like her could do a ministry like this one. While in her car a sermon came on the radio by Ravi Zacharias about Gideon and about how he was small and insignificant in the world's eyes but that God used him for amazing things. This gave her the strength to come in and hear. After she heard more about the ministry she was sure that she was not qualified and that God did not want someone like her taking these important calls. The following Wednesday night at church they watched a video sermon that was about Moses and how he told God to get someone else because he was not qualified and stumbled over his words yet God had chosen Him. This and a few other things that happened that week made it unmistakable that God was calling her to volunteer for the HopeLine. This gave her the courage to come to the training. After the training satan was pulling out all the stops trying to discourage her and she decided even if she was called that she was not going to do it. She just couldn't - she was too scared and had too many past failures haunting her. That week her Pastor started a sermon series on - yep, you guessed it - Jonah. She knew that God was not going to let her run away from this. This gave her the courage to come in her first night to take her first call. She wanted to start with a chat but there weren't going to be chats available for a while and so I urged to try a call. She said she would and as she sat down she was trembling. She put herself as available and the phone rang. She answered and with a calming voice, compassionate words, and great advice she helped a young girl struggling with a relationship problem. Afterwards, another call came and after listening to the problem and giving wonderful advice again God led her to begin sharing the gospel. Through words truly from the Holy Spirit she led that caller to begin a relationship with Christ! It was the first person she had ever led to Christ in her life!!! She left with a smile so big that her face almost couldn't hold it! We serve an incredible God that makes us more than conquerers through Christ Jesus who loved us; who proves that when give our weakness to God He makes us strong in Him. Praise God for using such weak creatures for His great and eternal work!

180 Degree Change

2008-08-27T14:25:00.003-04:00

Jill called in recently to talk about some problems she was having at school. She was being made fun of by the other students constantly and needed to talk to someone about it. The HopeCoach asked her why the other students gave her such a hard time. She said it was because she dressed and acted differently than most of them. You see, Jill dressed in all black all the time and loved dark and evil things; she worshipped satan and said she talked to demons. Her reason for doing this was very interested though, she told the HopeCoach that she worshipped satan because she did not have anyone else to turn to. The Hopecoach jumped on that opportunity and asked if she had ever had anyone tell her about God's love. She had. In fact, she said that many people had tried to talk her about it but she was not interested. He then asked if he could have just 5 minutes to explain the gospel. She agreed to 5 minutes. He shared with her about the great work of Christ for much longer than 5 minutes but Jill didn't complain. When he finished sharing he asked if she wanted to give her life to Christ and enter into a relationship with God. She said that she couldn't because she already given her soul to satan. The HopeCoach said, "That's not what I asked. I asked you if you wanted to have a relationship with God." She paused...and said, "Yes, I do." After they had prayed she said she felt weird- like a huge weight had been lifted off of her shoulders. At the end of the call they prayed together and Jill prayed, "God, if there is anything left in my life that is not of you, then take it away!" Wow! Talk about a complete 180 - Jill went from having given her soul to satan and rejecting everything of God to given her life to Christ and rejecting everything of satan by God's power! God's love and power truly have no boundaries! I thank God that I am part of a ministry that He has set up to reach people like Jill - lost and lonely and would never think of darkening the door of a church but are starving for the great love of God!

Feedback

2008-08-20T09:40:00.004-04:00

One of the difficult things about the ministry of the HopeLine is that we very rarely get to see what God does with a life after the call is over. This week, however, we got to hear from a few people who were calling to give an update on how they were doing. The first call was from Taylor who originally called to talk about a problem with a guy. After some probing questions from the HopeCoach he discovered she had serious self image problems and was so desperate to be considered pretty that she had turned to bulimia and so desperate to fit in with the 'cool crowd' that she had started smoking pot with them. This girl claimed to be a Christian but didn't exactly have an active relationship with God. The HopeCoach really emphasized to her that she needed to start reading the Word and praying daily. She wasn't very responsive to this but the HopeCoach knew it was what she needed. Recently, we received another call from Taylor. She had called just say 'thank you'! She admitted that when she got off the phone with the HopeCoach she was unconvinced that beginning an active relationship with God would help but then said that she had started reading anyway and it was really helping her - the only thing that ever really had. Taylor, because of God's challenge through the HopeCoach, had tasted and seen that Lord is good!
The other call was from Tiffany who, when she originally called, was very depressed and felt she had nothing to live for. She had a terrible past having been molested and lost loved ones and really had no one to talk to. The HopeCoach listened to her, encouraged her, and shared the gospel with her. She was very eager to have a relationship with this God that loved her so much. She prayed to receive Christ. Afterwards she told the HopeCoach that she was in her basement that prior to the call was very cold and dark but after recieving Christ she said it was brighter and warmer! Two days later she called in just wanting to let us know that she was doing great. She had already led her brother to Christ and was talking to her sister, who has cancer, about the great love and saving power of Jesus Christ! Wow! Thank God for the privelege of being used to make and eternal difference in the lives of other people and thank God for feedback, though we don't get much, it are so encouraging!

Someone To Listen

2008-08-14T15:11:00.003-04:00

We often say that we are helping teens and young adults "within a yard of hell". This is a phrase taken from a quote by CT Studd found on another part of this blog. Well, when Jennifer called it became clear to the HopeCoach right away that she was one of those teens "within a yard of hell". She had been raped as a child by her uncle - often. Her mom knew it was going on but did nothing. The pressure, abuse, and guilt eventually took Jennifer's mom over and she committed suicide. This left Jennifer, already scared, absolutely devastated. On top of all that, a while later her brother had run away leaving her feeling utterly alone. The loneliness and terrible memories of her mother and her abuse drove to her to find away to escape. She found that escape in cutting (where a person will take a knife or razor blade and routinely cut themselves, usually on the arms and legs). Jennifer, like many who call in, had no one to talk to so when she heard about the HopeLine she called in hopes that she could find someone who would listen; someone who would care. She found it. The HopeCoach listened to her as she shared about her awful past. He knew that he would not be able to fix these problems but he could be there to listen. He also knew that this young girl needed to know about the incredible love that God has for her. After she had told her story and the HopeCoach did what he could to encourage her he began to share the gospel. When he started she told him that she was a Mormon. He asked if he could be honest with her and share a truth that might offend her. Jennifer responded by saying that she would listen because she trusted him and because he was the only one that had ever really listened to her. He shared the truth about Mormonism and the truth about the amazing love of the one true God shown in Jesus Christ. When he finished presenting the gospel she said that she had always thought God hated her and was angry with her because she cut. Jennifer began to weep. She was overwhelmed by this God who wanted to have a relationship with someone like her. Through her tears she accepted the love of Christ, renounced her Mormon beliefs, and said she was going to start living for the one true God. This story shows the wonderful power of God manifested through someone who was there to listen to a broken girl who had no one else and simply tell her about a God who loved her.

Greater Is He That Is In Us

2008-08-12T13:53:00.002-04:00

There are two things that have become abundantly clear since the Chattanooga HopeLine has started. The first is that satan absolutely hates this ministry and is constantly doing things to try to disrupt it. Often, we will hear of things happening that discourage new HopeCoaches from coming. One simple example of this was recently when a HopeCoach who was going to take calls from home for the first time attempted to open the internet on his computer and was unsucessful. He tried several things to fix the problem but nothing seemed to work. Finally he stopped and started to pray. He said, "Lord, I know that You want me to do this ministry and I know that You want to speak Your love through me tonight so I pray in the name of Jesus that..." and as soon as He said "in the name of Jesus" the internet started working. The second thing that has been clear is that as bad as satan hates this ministry God loves it more, and as many times as satan tries to stop what is going on God triumphs over His attempts and shows His power to HopeCoaches through it. We have seen 1 John 4:4 proved over and over again - "Greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world."

God is Sovereign!

2008-08-05T09:39:00.004-04:00

Skyles, a young man from North Carolina called saying he had been sexually abused by his father. This obviously broke the heart of the HopeCoach taking the call. He talked to Skyles about his pain and then about forgiveness. He said Skyles needed to forgive his father to be able to experience healing from his past. The HopeCoach went on to share about God's great love for Skyles and how God Himself wanted a relationship with him. The caller did not pray to receive Christ and the call ended like all calls - the HopeCoach praying for the caller.
This may not seem like a very exciting story and unworhty of being posted on our blog but that is only because you haven't heard the rest of the story...about 30 minutes later the same HopeCoach received a call with two young men on the line. They said their names were Josh and Steve. They went on to say that one of them had called earlier under the name Skyles and told a story they had both made up about Skyles being sexually abused by his father. They said that after they had hung up the phone they felt awful. They said they felt so badly about it that they had to let the HopeCoach know what they had done and apologize. The HopeCoach was shocked! He had no idea the previous call was a prank. The boys asked the HopeCoach for forgiveness, which, of course, he gave and then he went on to share again about God's love and His amazing forgiveness. The boys both fell under deep conviction and both gave their hearts to Jesus! Afterwards they said that they felt like their lives were truly changed forever! Wow! I can't help but think of the verse from Joseph's story as he talks to his brothers and tells them that what they meant for evil God used for good. All praise be to our sovereign and loving God!

New Life

2008-07-18T12:52:00.002-04:00

Last Sunday we had a girl call in wanting to talk about her situation with her boyfriend. He was not treating her well and she wanted some advice about what to do. Our Hopecoach said that she was far too valuable to be with a guy that was treating her so badly, and that the best thing to do was break up with him. She, however, was having none of that. She talked emphatically about how much she loved him - she just couldn't break up with him. She and the Hopecoach stayed on this topic for a while and after it became abundantly clear that she was dead set on staying with her boyfriend and not going to listen to reason, the Hopecoach asked her if she had any spiritual beliefs. She said yes and went on to talk about how she believed in the Bible and reincarnation. She was sure that the Bible taught about reincarnation somewhere. Our Hopecoach shared what the Bible actually says about life, death, sin, salvation, heaven, and hell and afterward asked if she wanted to turn her life over to Christ and have eternal life in heaven...she said that she did. They prayed and after they did the Hopecoach asked how she felt. She said, "Awesome! I want to start over. I want to live a completely new life." All the sudden she was willing to break up with her boyfriend and get rid of all of her old life so she could a new one in Christ. You can imagine her excitement when the Hopecoach shared 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, behold the new has come!"
Praise God for His incredible power to change a life - the old to new...dark to light...and death to life...forever!

A Huge Decision

2008-07-09T13:12:00.003-04:00

We had a young girl contact us through one-on-one chat recenlty. She wanted some advice on a huge decision - whether to have sex with her boyfriend or not. She and her boyfriend, both Christians, were considering the benefits and consequences of having sex. The HopeCoach could tell right away that this girl wanted to have sex and was looking for some kind of endorsement. The Hopecoach, of course, did not give that endorsement. Instead, in a gentle and loving way, she used the Bible to explain God's beautiful plan for sex and how it is meant to be enjoyed only in a marriage relationship. When the hopecoach had finished saying what was essentially the opposite of what the caller had wanted to hear, the caller, instead of argument or flippancy, thanked her profusely and before the chat was over had called her boyfriend to tell him that she now knew it was best to wait until marriage.
Today, teen's ideas about sex are shaped by entertainment and sex education whose most moral message is: "Having sex is absolutely fine as long as you love the person and you use protection." Even though she was a Christian, she had been so bombarded by this idea that she had almost completely accepted it. The HopeLine exists to shine the light of truth into the lives of teens that have been lied to by the world. And in this case the Holy Spirit granted the young girl an open heart and she, by God's grace, made a decision to accept the truth and wait until marriage before having sex.

What a Rush!

2008-07-03T12:03:00.003-04:00

A 17 year-old girl (we'll call her Joan) called in and wanted to talk about her girlfriend that had left her to be with another woman in another state. Joan was very hurt and very angry about over the situation. The Hopecoach, Harriet, did not talk about Joan's homosexuality right away. Instead, she talked to her about forgiveness and that the only way to be over her pain and to move on was to forgive this girl who had left her. After this the caller asked if God thought that homosexuality was an "abomination". Harriet said that, yes, it was but so were her other sins. Joan was taken aback at this response. Harriet began to share the gospel and God brought conviction on this young woman. She acklowedged all her sins, repented, and made Jesus the Lord of her life right then! After they had prayed there were a few seconds of silence and then the caller sort of squealed. Harriet asked what was going on and the girl said, "I'm having a rush come all over me!" The Hopecoach asked what she thought that was and Joan said, "The Holy Spirit just came and lived inside of me!" After the call was over Harriet was practically jumping up and down with excitement over what God had done in the life of this young woman! Praise God for His incredible power and for the amazing gift that is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit!

Spirit Filled Night!

2008-07-02T12:32:00.002-04:00

Last Sunday, June 29th, was an incredible night for the Chattanooga HopeLine. The Spirit of God was upon us. We took some significant time before we logged onto our computers to sit together and praise God for His work in the HopeLine. We shared with each other some of the calls that meant the most to us - the ones where we had so clearly seen God at work- as well as how the HopeLine had blessed us. After this time of praising God we went to the phones. Almost immediately we saw that this wasn't a normal night. Two separate hopecoaches ushered their very first callers of the night into the Kingdom of God! By the time another round of calls had come and gone two more souls were brought into a relationship with Jesus Christ! By the end of the night we had another two precious young people adopted into the family of God, one of which when asked if she felt any different after praying to receive Christ said, "I feel like I could fly!" A grand total of six callers had their lives completely transformed forever last night! Not only that but I can't tell you how many stories I heard where hopecoaches had calls that "were meant for just for them". I heard two separate hopecoaches say, "I am not sure anyone else could have understood that situation like me because I have been through every single thing that are going through now." Thanks be to God for His amazing saving power and perfect providence- He is truly an incredible God who loves the hurting young people of this world infinitely more than we ever could!

That's who it was!!!

2008-07-01T14:57:00.003-04:00

A young girl called recently because she really liked a guy - thought about him all the time - and wanted to know whether she should tell him. After talking about that for a while the HopeCoach began to talk to her about the gospel. As he was in the middle of sharing about what Jesus had done for this girl she burst out, "That's who it was! That's who was in my dream!" She went onto explain that she had a dream two nights before where a man appeared to her and spoke to her in a booming voice that shook the house and said, "They offer you love, but I offer you life." She went on to say that when she had the dream she didn't know who the man was but she realized as the HopeCoach shared that it was Jesus! She also realized that Jesus was calling her not to focus on guys (who offer her love) but on Himself (who offers her life). After that she enthusiastically rushed the HopeCoach to tell her how she could have a relationship with this Jesus. The HopeCoach was floored and so excited to be a part of this amazing saving work that God had done in this girl's life.

Hardened soldier touched by prayer

2008-06-17T11:41:00.003-04:00

We had a call from a young man in the Army that had been in Iraq for three straight years. His job while he was over there was essentially to pick up and transport dead soldiers. He said he would literally have to gather the separated limbs and spilled intestines of soldiers killed in the line of duty. Needless to say these experiences had left him emotionally damaged. He had trained himself not to feel...at all...ever. He had gotten home to his wife after three years of being gone and not only did they have the obstacle of getting to know each other all over again, there was the added problem of him not being able to feel or express any emotion. After our hopecoach sat for over an hour listening to this soldier's awful situation and trying to encourage him he asked if it was ok if he could pray for the soldier. He was a Christian so, of course, said yes. In the midst of the prayer the Holy Spirit moved and brought, for the first time in years, real emotion. The soldier came to the point of tears and when the prayer was over he told the hopecoach that he had never had anyone pray over him like that. That young man hung up knowing that there was hope - that he could have healing from his emotional scars and a restored life and marriage through the power and love of God!

Wounded gang member's life is changed forever

2008-06-13T13:20:00.000-04:00

Here is a story from a couple of weeks ago: There was a young man that called the HopeLine who was heavily involved in gangs and had actually been shot in the leg that night. He couldn't risk going to the hospital, so he went home scared. He heard Dawson on the radio and called the HopeLine where he heard about the love of Christ. The Holy Spirit convicted him of his sin and through tears he gave his life to Christ. The next day he called back and left a voicemail saying he had led two of his friends from the gang to Christ. God is using Dawson and the HopeLine to reach those youth within a yard of hell.