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Moses meets God at the burning bush's aftermath — and starts listing reasons it can't be him. "Nobody will believe me." "I am slow of speech and tongue." "Send somebody else." God answers the first objection with three signs, the second with a question — did I not make your mouth? — and the third not by sending someone else instead of Moses, but by sending someone with him. Emmy Roberts walks through Exodus 4 and asks: who has God sent with you? Along the way: what it means that Pharaoh's heart is hardened, why the covenant Moses nearly skipped still mattered, and a people who bowed in worship simply because they had been seen. Opening Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for today. God, thank you for this weather that we're having — it is so beautiful. Us Floridians are so grateful for a taste of fall. And Lord, we are so grateful for your Word. We're so thankful for the wisdom that we glean from it, and from the people you used to do your will. And we're so thankful that you will use us to do yours. Lord, help us to quiet our hearts, quiet our minds, our worries, our fears, our excuses — anything — and just be focused on you, and your goodness, and your love for us. In your Son's name we pray, amen. The Daily Dose of Hope is a devotional intended to provide context and reflection to the New Hope Church Bible Reading Plan. It's our goal to read the Bible in a year together as a family of faith — five days a week we read, two days a week we rest or catch up. Reading the Bible is the number one way to grow in our walk with Jesus; we have to know God's Word to live God's Word. Emmy Roberts

Daily Dose of Hope October 22, 2026   Scripture:  Exodus 3   Prayer:  Holy God, How amazing it is that we can come before you today.  You are God of all things, Lord of everything, and yet you care about each of us.  We give you glory and praise.  We thank you most of all for Jesus, who made it possible for us to walk hand in hand with a holy God.  Help us see today's Scripture through fresh eyes.  Keep teaching us, Lord.  Continue to reveal yourself to us.  We are open and grateful.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  This week, we have started a deep dive into the book of Exodus and today, we are reading Exodus 3.   In today's reading, Moses encounters the Almighty God in the form of a burning bush.  God knows how to get his attention.  And when he does, Moses hides his face, fearful in God's presence.  I don't blame him at all.  There is something about God's presence that makes us realize how sinful we are, standing before a holy God.    We see this throughout Scripture.  Isaiah (in Isaiah 6:5) encounters God and says, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips..."  When Peter realizes Jesus is God in Luke 5:8, he says, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord."  How might you react if you were in the presence of the Living God?    Moses hides his face.  But as far as we know, God does not address Moses' fear.  He just tells Moses what needs to be done.  Moses is being called to save the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt.  Moses raises objections.  He asks, "Who am I to go to Pharoah?"  Moses, once overconfident as a young man, is now feeling very insecure.   And then he asks God an interesting question, "What if they ask what your name is?"  God is so patient here.  God tells Moses to say his name is "I AM WHO I AM."  This is a statement of God's self-sufficiency and self-existence.  God's existence is not dependent of anything or anyone else.  He is the eternally constant God.  He is ever present and unchangeable.  All of those attributes are part of the name, I AM WHO I AM.  It is kind of similar to the New Testament expression in Revelation 1:8, "'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.'"   So, Moses is to go to the Israelites and their elders and say that the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, appeared to him, and called him to bring the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt and into the land of Canaan.  God assures Moses they will listen.  I can imagine Moses thinking, "Umm, yeah, right."    From there, Moses and the elders will go to Pharoah and ask for the Hebrews to be set free.  Of course, here is where the really difficult story begins.  More tomorrow everyone.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope October 21, 2026   Scripture: Exodus 2   Prayer:  Father God, hear our prayer this morning.  We are awed by your power and strength.  We are amazed by your love.  Thank you, Lord, for the many ways you show in our lives to teach us and care for us.  Help us gather our scattered thoughts right now and focus on you.  In these next few moments of silence, help us (help me) be still and know that you are God...Come Holy Spirit, and help us walk through this Scripture in a way that honors you.  Show up and help us discover whatever it is you want us to learn.  This is your Word and we want to hear from you.  In Your powerful name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We have started a deep dive into the book of Exodus and today, our reading is Exodus 2.   Most of us have heard today's story before.  At the end of yesterday's chapter, the king declared that all Hebrew baby boys should be thrown into the Nile River.  At the beginning of today's chapter, Moses is born to Hebrew parents.  His mother nurses him for three months, then places him in a basket and floats him down the Nile.  I can only imagine how difficult that would be for her.  Gut-wrenching really.    We, of course, get a picture into one specific family.  But this was basically a genocide.  Some rabbinic writings suggest that 10,000 to 600,000 babies would have been affected by this edict.  Other writings suggested that God miraculously intervened to rescue many children.  I think both of those things can be true at the same time.   I just want us to remember that while Moses was saved, many others would not have been.    So, back to the Scripture.  God had his hand on Moses' life.  He is found by Pharoah's daughter who just happened to be bathing in the section of the Nile were Moses was floating.  She raises him as her own son, but not before his own mother gets to nurse him and care for him until he was about age three.  That means that Moses was able to learn early on that he was a Hebrew.  He was raised in the palace with every luxury but he knew where he came from.    And we see this as we move into the next part of the chapter.  Moses is now an adult and he watches an Egyptian beat a Hebrew.  Without thinking too much about the consequences, Moses kills the Egyptian and buries him in the sand.  The Pharoah doesn't look too highly on this and Moses has to flee to Midian for safety, which is modern day Saudi Arabia.    It's in Midian where Moses once again stands up for the weak.  He is sitting by a well when he sees seven young women come to draw water for their father's flock.  Some shepherds come to drive them away and Moses rises to their defense.  He makes the shepherds leave and he waters the flocks.  The young women's father, Reuel, was grateful for Moses' courage and generosity.  So grateful, in fact, that he invites Moses home for dinner and offers one of his daughters to Moses in marriage.    Y'all, this is a bit disturbing to me.  I mean, she is a human being, not a nice bottle of wine.  But from what I have read, inviting Moses into the family would have increased Reuel's household's safety and security.  I guess he needs it.  It would have also meant that Moses would have community and family.  Right now, he has nothing.  God is providing for him.    Moses stays in Midian for a long time, something like forty years.  But God used this time to shape Moses' character.  God increased Moses' compassion, as he learned what it meant to be an alien in a foreign land.  Moses learned he couldn't help his people on his own.  He needed to rely on God.   God was working in Egypt as well.  The king who wanted Moses dead eventually died himself.  The Hebrew people began to cry out under the weight of their slavery and oppression.  God hears their cries.  And God remembers the covenant he made with his people.   More tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope October 20, 2026   Scripture: Exodus 1   Prayer:  Almighty God, Thank you for today.  Thank you for providing for us, caring for us, and protecting us.  Over thousands upon thousands of years, you have taken care of your people.  We give you glory and praise, for who you are.  Thank you, most of all, for sending Jesus, who moved into our neighborhood so that we could begin to understand your love.  Wow.  There are no words to adequately thank you for the sacrifice that saved our lives.  Lord Jesus, we love you and we thank you.  Help us grow in holiness, continue to transform us so we can be a better reflection of you.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  Today, we are beginning a deep dive into the book of Exodus.  Our reading is Exodus 1.   Almost 300 years pass between Genesis and Exodus.  The Pharoah who trusted Joseph has long since died and a new king is in charge.  He doesn't know Joseph or remember the famine.  He has no knowledge of the history of his nation.  Ignorance is rarely a good trait in a leader, as we have seen in Biblical history and modern history.  Like so many leaders, what this king is concerned about is power.  And he is afraid that the Hebrews, who have grown in number, threaten his power.    So what do kings or leaders do when they feel threatened by a particular group of people?  This isn't a trick question.  We have seen it over and over again.  They choose some kind of violence.  The first form of violence that this Egyptian king uses is to enslave and oppress the Hebrews.  But the worse they oppress them, the more the Hebrews multiply.  Remember, God is still with his people.  The covenant is still in place.    When that doesn't work, they try to work them harder, "ruthlessly" is the word used in Scripture.  But that isn't enough and the king wants to increase his level of violence.  So, he speaks to the Hebrew midwives and tells them to kill all the newborn boys and let the newborn girls live.  This kills the future soldiers and workers.  It also means that the women would be forced to intermarry with Egyptians and kind of water down the Hebrew culture.    I don't think I need to say that infanticide is horrific.  God abhorred infant sacrifice or child killing of any kind, which was practiced by the ancient cultures who lived around Israel.  Every child is made in the image of God, valued, worthy, and precious in his sight.  What this Egyptian king was doing was an abomination to the Lord.  And remember, this was all about his power.  How often do we see leaders today do horrific things to hold onto power?   But the Hebrew midwives were faithful to the one true God.  They did not kill the baby boys.  They were also pretty witty.  They told the king that the Hebrew women were strong and gave birth quickly, before the midwives could even arrive on the scene.  And the Scripture says that the Hebrews grew and multiplied.  Remember, God is blessing his people.   But the last section of the chapter is disturbing.  The king is increasing his violence once again.  He says that all Hebrew baby boys must be thrown in the Nile River.  As we learned in Genesis, what human beings mean for evil, God can use for good.  So, while God abhors violence, baby killing, and oppression, he is going to use what this evil king is doing for his good.  There is a baby about to be placed in a basket in the Nile River who will save his people and finally lead them back to Canaan.  Tomorrow, we will read about his birth.  Do you know who I'm talking about?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope October 19, 2026   Scripture:  Genesis 50   Prayer:  Lord Jesus, We rejoice in you.  We praise your name.  You are the Alpha and the Omega, the one who was, and is, and is to come.  We cannot possibly express our gratitude in words.  You have offered us mercy but you have also given us freedom.  Thank you for that.  Help us live like free people.  Help us demonstrate your love and grace to others who cross our path.  Help us see people through your eyes.  We love you, Lord.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are on our last chapter of Genesis, chapter 50.  Can you believe it?  What a journey it has been.  Take a moment right now and think about your big takeaways from the book of Genesis.  This is a very important book – it sets the tone for the entire Biblical narrative.  It gives us a good picture of God's character and his love.  I would love your thoughts.  Tomorrow, we start Exodus and that will be a new challenge!   Jacob has died.  This is no small thing.  He is the patriarch of the family.   And we know that Jacob's final wish was to have his body returned to the land of Canaan.  So, Joseph asks Pharoah's permission to go bury his father.  Pharoah is generous and sends many officials to go with Joseph to lay his father to rest.  Think about this.  This family started with Abraham and Sarah, humble people who faithfully followed God away from their home into the land God showed them.  God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations.  After several generations, we have Abraham's grandson, Jacob, with his many sons and grandchildren, along with Pharoah's officials, laying him to rest.  God has ensured this family's safety and helped them grow in both number and significance.    But Jacob's passing creates anxiety for Joseph's brothers.  Will he turn against them now that their father is dead?  This section is fascinating.  We can see how Joseph has grown and matured.  He had no intention of taking vengeance out on his brothers.  He had truly forgiven them for their horrible actions.  And their actions were really bad.  Remember, they sold him into slavery.  They didn't just steal his football jersey.  They sold him to a group of nomads and told their father he had been killed by a wild animal.  If they were remorseful, we don't have evidence of that.  Although Scripture does indicate that they knew it was wrong.  When Joseph heard about their concerns, he wept.  Did he weep because they thought he would harm them?  Or, did he weep because he was still processing their betrayal and it was painful?  We don't know.   So, what does Joseph do?  He reassures them that they are forgiven.  He tells them that what they meant for harm, God used for good.  Let's clarify this a bit here.  God does NOT cause bad things to happen.  It was NOT part of God's plan that Joseph was sold into slavery.  God is totally good and just.  He does not cause evil.  But God has given us free will.  So, God will allow us to freely make bad or evil choices.  He allowed Joseph's brothers to sell him into slavery.  Could God have intervened?  Yes, but he didn't.  Instead, God chose to use the terrible situation for his glory.  He used it to save lives in the future.  Remember, God exists outside of linear time.  He can see the past, present, and future, all at the same time.  He can know our future freely made choices.    Eventually, Jacob dies as well.  The Hebrews stay in Egypt.  They multiply.  They are successful.  And the story will continue in Exodus.  Same time and place tomorrow as we begin our deep dive into the book of Exodus.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope October 16, 2026   Scripture:  Genesis 49 + Going Deeper with Emmy Roberts   Prayer:  Everlasting Father, We thank you that you are a God of hope.  You are a God who keeps his promises.  You are a God who always has our best interest in mind.  Forgive us for those times that we want things to go the way we want things to go.  Fill us with your wisdom and discernment.  Help us try to think about things from a more eternal perspective.  How difficult that is for us!  Lord, we submit to you our lives, our families, our jobs, our burdens, our physical bodies.  We give them to you and we trust you.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are almost done with our deep dive into the book of Genesis.  Today, we are reading Genesis 49.  Monday is chapter 50, the final chapter of Genesis, and then Tuesday we begin our deep dive into Exodus.    Jacob is about to die and he is completing his business with his sons.  He provides prophetic blessings to each man, but they really end up being both blessings and curses and he doesn't mince words.  Jacob is basically predicting a part of the future of each of his son's descendants.  Remember, each son's family will become one of the twelve tribes of Israel.  Some of the tribes will be great, and others not so much.  Some will bear the consequences of the sin of their ancestor.   This deathbed speech, usually called an oracle, will serve a number of purposes for the people of Israel in the future.  During the several hundred years of slavery, it will provide hope that the Hebrew people will once again live in Canaan, the Promised Land.  It also will remind his people that God has a plan for them and that he will be faithful to his people.   Finally, Joseph gives instructions on where he wants to be buried.  He does not want to be buried in Egypt.  He will need to be taken back to Canaan so his body can rest with Abraham and Sarah and other dear relatives.  While we know that when we pass, our soul goes to heaven and the physical body left behind is just a shell, sometimes we still really want to be buried in a special place.  Can you relate to this?   Let's start our going deeper discussion with Emmy Roberts...   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope October 15, 2026   Scripture:  Genesis 48   Prayer:  Holy God, We come to you today with expectancy.  We need to hear your voice.  We need to feel your presence.  Lord Jesus, we know that we are weak.  Our lives are incomplete and empty without you.  Our world is nothing without you.  Help us go through this day remembering that we belong to you.  With your Spirit in us, we have power.  With your Spirit in us, we can be bold and courageous.  We give you our day, Lord.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope on this morning.  This is the devotional and podcast that complements that New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently nearing the end of a deep dive on the book of Genesis.  Today's reading is Genesis 48.   Jacob is getting very old and his health is failing.  Thus, Joseph goes to see him in the land of Goshen and brings his own sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.  Joseph wanted his father to bless his boys, specifically his oldest, as would have been the tradition.  One thing that is weird is that Jacob asks Joseph who are these boys?  Has he not met Joseph's boys up until this point?  I mean, Jacob lived in Egypt seventeen years before he died.  Why would Joseph not bring his sons to meet their grandfather before now when Jacob is on his deathbed?  We know there is social division between Egyptians and Hebrews.  We know that Egyptians detest shepherds.  We also know that Joseph held a very high position in the Egyptian government.  But still, it seems odd that he didn't want his own boys to know his family.  I would love your thoughts on this.   Regardless, they are now at Jacob's deathbed. Joseph put his older son, Manasseh, by Jacob's right hand and his younger son, Ephraim, by his left hand.  Jacob's eyesight was poor by this time so Joseph is trying to help him out a bit here.  But, in a surprise twist, Jacob crossed his arms and put his right hand on Ephraim and his left hand on Manasseh.  Joseph tries to correct his father to ensure that the older son was blessed, but Jacob apparently knew exactly what he was doing.   Jacob says that Ephraim would be greater than his older brother.  Manasseh would be a people but Ephraim's descendants will become a group of nations.  We have seen this throughout Genesis – God's choices are not at all bound by human tradition.  And another thing that is really interesting here – Jacob elevates his grandsons (born in Egypt to an Egyptian mama) into the direct covenant line of Abraham and Isaac.  It's almost as if Jacob is adopting these boys as his own sons.  Note there isn't a tribe of Joseph, but there does become a tribe of Manasseh and a tribe of Ephraim.  God is bringing people into his family by grace rather than simply blood lineage.   More tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope October 14, 2026   Scripture:  Genesis 47   Prayer:  Holy God, You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the one who was and is and is to come.  We love you and give you praise.  We rejoice in your powerful name.  Thank you for how you call each of us.  Thank you for how you provide for us and equip us with everything we need.  You don't need to use us but you do; you allow us to be part of your work in this world.  Thank you, Lord.  Help us to see the blessing of serving you.  We pray this in your name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope on this morning.  This is the devotional and podcast that complements that New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently nearing the end of a deep dive on the book of Genesis.  Today's reading is Genesis 47.   Jacob and his whole family are now in Egypt.  When Pharoah visits with them, he asks about their occupation.  Joseph has already coached them on this one.  They are to say they are herdsmen, which is true.  They do have great flocks.  Apparently, Egyptians looked down at shepherds and herdsmen because they were seen as dirty and nomadic.    This distaste worked in Jacob's family's favor.  Pharoah gives them the land of Goshen to live in and raise their animals.  This is some of the richest land there is; it will be a place where their flocks will prosper and their crops will thrive.  Pharoah even asks if the brothers are interested in caring for his own flocks.  Pharoah has watched Joseph and knows he is trustworthy and he is assuming the brothers are as well.    It's interesting.  It seems that Pharoah was very much fascinated with Joseph and now he is very much fascinated with Jacob and his family.  This is a family in which God has blessed.  Pharoah doesn't know that but he senses there is something very different about this group of people.    While Joseph's family is cared for, the rest of Egypt is in significant decline.  The famine is getting worse and the people have run out of money to buy food from Pharoah.  So, Joseph has them sell their livestock for grain.  Then the livestock are all gone, but the famine is still severe.  The people are starving, quite literally.  So, Joseph has them sell their property in exchange for grain to feed their families.  Basically, the people become Pharoah's servants.    But Joseph is fair.  He has the people seed the fields.  The fields belong to Pharoah, but the people will farm them.  They will give a fifth of the crops to Pharoah and keep most for themselves.  It could have been a much worse deal.  Joseph allows them to keep their livelihood and their dignity.   As Christ-followers, it seems obvious (but I'm going to say it anyway), that all our dealings should be fair and just.  We should seek ways to preserve the dignity of others.  Paul's New Testament letters often speak to the importance of being fair in our treatment of others.  Jesus embodied fairness and justice of course.  And the prophets spoke out about it as well.  One of my favorite Scripture verses is Micah 6:8, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope October 13, 2026   Scripture:  Genesis 46   Prayer:  Holy God, Thank you for this day and thank you for the ways you provide and care for us.  We rejoice in your powerful and mighty name.  As we read through the Scripture today and reflect on what it means for us, help us hear a new word from you.  Help us set aside the distractions of the day and really listen for your voice.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope on this Monday morning.  This is the devotional and podcast that complements that New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently nearing the end of a deep dive on the book of Genesis.  Today's reading is Genesis 46.   Jacob, his wives, his sons, and their households, all leave Canaan, headed down to Egypt.  On their way, Jacob stops in Beersheba.  This is the southernmost city in Israel.  He builds an altar there and offers sacrifices to God.  It seems that Jacob isn't sure that its God's will for him to go to Egypt.  Afterall, Canaan is the land that God had given his family and now he is leaving.  I think he just really needed confirmation.    In the past, when Jacob was at a crossroads, he would take matters into his own hands.  He might manipulate or try to take control.  But notice he doesn't do that here.  We have seen Jacob, now Israel, come full circle.  Trickery and deception are not longer his standard ways of operating, but rather going to the Lord and seeking divine guidance.  In this case, God hears Jacob and lets him know that it is okay to go to Egypt.   Maybe you noticed that Jacob didn't leave anyone behind in Canaan to take care of his land and property.  This was a huge step of faith.  But God had said it was okay to go, and Jacob is trusting that there will be a way to return at some point.  We know its going to be a long, long time before the Hebrews return to Canaan.    And that, we get to the list of names.  I know this is everyone's favorite part of the reading.  It may be boring, but it is important.  Remember, these lists of names were included for a reason.  Every single one of these people really existed.  They packed up their stuff in the middle of famine and moved to Egypt.  That must have been scary.  Keep in mind, this is not a comprehensive list of every person that went to Egypt, but only a list of Jacob's direct descendants that would actually form the tribes of Israel.    Then, Judah takes the lead.  He leads his whole extended family into Egypt.  It's the opposite of the exodus.  He is leading everyone into exile in Egypt, as Moses will lead them out several hundred years later.  Kind of an interesting thought.   Finally, we have Joseph's reunion with his father.  It's been twenty years.  Jacob never thought he would see his boy again and here they are.  God can do amazing things.  There are so many things we don't understand about God and his ways.  I often want to question everything.  But when we read stories like this, I am just reminded once again that God's ways are not our ways.  We can trust Him.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope October 12, 2026   Scripture:  Genesis 45   Prayer:  Holy and Merciful God, We come to you today rejoicing in your holy name.  It's amazing that you, the God of all, care about the minute details of our lives.  I mean, who are we?  But yet, you love us, you care, you died for us!  Thank you, Jesus.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Help us, as we move on throughout this day to remember your presence.  Guide our words, our actions, and our thoughts.  Help us hear your voice as we engage with your Word today.  We love you.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope on this Monday morning.  This is the devotional and podcast that complements that New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently nearing the end of a deep dive on the book of Genesis.  Today's reading is Genesis 45   It's been twenty -two years since Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery into Egypt and now it's time for the big reveal.  This is a really good thing and we are reminded that God's promise to bless Abraham and make him a father of many nations is not going to be deterred.  God is going to bless his people.  But before Joseph can actually get the words out, he is overcome by emotion.  So, he send the servants away and he begins to weep loudly, so loudly that the Egyptians standing outside, and all of Pharoah's household can hear him.    When he can finally choke out some works, Joseph says to them, "I am Joseph.  Is my father still alive?"  The brothers are terrified at Joseph's presence.  Think about this.  They betrayed him.  They sold him into slavery.  And now, they are totally dependent on him for their family's survival.  But Joseph is quick to calm them.  He makes it clear.  God had his hand in this.  The point of Joseph coming to Egypt was to preserve life.  In Joseph's mind, it may have been the brothers who sold him, but it was God who sent him.  This is no small thing.  Joseph himself is putting his own tragic experiences into the larger framework of God's plan.  He realizes this is much bigger than himself.   Joseph then forgives his brothers.  He breaks multigenerational cycles of sibling and family bitterness.  This in and of itself is pretty incredible.  He asks his brothers to bring his father to Egypt.  He will settle his family there where they will be protected from the famine.  When Pharoah hears the news of Joseph's brothers paying a visit, he is also elated.  Pharoah himself sends gifts and promises that all of them will be well cared for in Egypt.    What man means for harm, God takes and turns it for good.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope October 9, 2026   Scripture: Genesis 44 + Going Deeper with Emmy Roberts   Prayer: Almighty God, We come before you today with both humility and gratefulness.  You are so powerful, so holy, and so wise.  We need you.  We seek you.  We are desperate to hear a word from you today, Lord.  We also know that we have failed over and over again.  Lord, forgive us for our sins, for the ways we fall short.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...Jesus, help us stay focused on you and your Word today.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently working our way through the book of Genesis, and we are getting close to the end.  We have covered a lot of ground.  Once we are done with Genesis, we will go right into Exodus.   Today's reading is Genesis 44.  Joseph is up to some more trickery.  He has his servants put his own silver cup, the one he drinks his wine from at the table, into Benjamin's pack.  The brothers have no idea.  They head home and Joseph sends people after them, ready to accuse them of theft.  They are clueless.  Of course they deny taking the cup.  But it is found in Benjamin's pack.   This means that Benjamin will be kept in Egypt as a slave.  We know the family drama this will cause.  Judah speaks up.  He offers to take Benjamin's place.   And now for our going deeper discussion with Emmy...   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope October 8, 2026   Scripture: Genesis 43   Prayer: Lord, our Lord, How majestic is your name in all the earth!  We magnify your precious and powerful name.  How often we forget how mighty you are.  You created all.  You created us.  Thank you, Lord, for who you are.  Most of all, thank you for loving us with all our flaws and brokenness.  In all we do, in who we are, help us to be more like you.  We pray for humility, mercy, and compassion.  Help us see others through your eyes.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently working our way through the book of Genesis, and we are getting close to the end.  For some perspective, Genesis is the second longest book of the Bible, after Jeremiah.  So, we have covered a lot of ground.  Once we are done with Genesis, we will go right into Exodus.   Today's reading is Genesis 43.  Jacob and his family have gone through the grain the sons brought back from Egypt.  It is highly probable that they thought the famine would only last a season.  Maybe the Egyptian grain would be enough and last.  But we know that isn't going to work.  This is going to be a seven-year famine, which is a very long famine.  They will be forced to go back down to Egypt.   Jacob initially wants his sons to head back to Egypt without Benjamin.  But Judah stands up to him.  They know that will be a fruitless endeavor.  Joseph (although they don't know yet it's Joseph) has been very clear with them.  Bring back your younger brother or you will never see my face again.    We begin to see Judah's leadership develop here.  Remember Judah's previous moral decay?  He is the one who didn't take care of his daughter-in-law, Tamar.  But here we see a different side of him.  He knows they need to go to Egypt, and he promises to personally protect Benjamin.  If he doesn't return with Benjamin, then Jacob can blame him for the rest of his days.  He is willing to be held fully accountable.    We also know that the bloodline will go through Judah.  Because the three older brothers had significant moral failings – Reuben slept with his father's concubine and Levi and Simeon were involved in the slaughter of the villagers after Dinah's rape.  Judah wasn't a saint by any means, but God must have seen something in his heart.  He is growing and learning.  He has come a long way from his Tamar days.  So, God shows tremendous graciousness toward Judah.    Getting back to the story – all the brothers head back down to Egypt.  They are brought to Joseph's house.  When Joseph sees Bejamin, he is overcome with emotion and has to leave the room to weep.  The pain of loss is still very real to Joseph.  At the same time, he recognizes that if it weren't for him being sold into Egypt, he wouldn't be able to help his brothers right now.  Lots of mixed feelings.   Because of all these mixed feelings and the pure drama in these chapters, I think sometimes we miss a bigger point.  God is pouring out his grace on the entire clan of Abraham.  God brought Abraham and his people out of a pagan people group.  He showed Abraham and his sons and their crazy families such kindness and patience.  He gave them wealth and blessing for no reason at all.  They didn't deserve it and yet God did it anyway.  Why?  Because our God is filled with grace and love.  God continues to show his love to those who don't deserve it.  We see this throughout the Old and New Testaments.  Actually, we see it today, in our own lives.   Take a moment and think about how you have experienced God's grace in your life.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope October 7, 2026   Scripture: Genesis 42   Prayer:  Almighty God, We give you glory and praise.  Thank you for the ways you care for us.  Thank you for the ways you care for our church.  Lord Jesus, help us set aside our scattered thoughts.  Help us push away distractions and truly focus on you.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...Holy Spirit, guide our reading and devotional time today.  May we hear a word from you.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the book of Genesis and this will be followed by Exodus.  Lots of learning and truth!  Today's reading is Genesis 42.   The famine that hit Egypt has also affected Canaan, which means that Jacob's family is running out of food.  The first part of this chapter is actually kind of comical to me.  The patriarch, Jacob, yells at his adult male children to actually go do something.  Go to Egypt!  Go find grain!  Stop standing around and just looking at each other!  While the situation is quite dire, we can kind of picture these brothers, now absolutely helpless, unsure which direction to turn.  Their elderly father has to kind of snap them back to reality – basically, we all are going to die if you don't do something!    It's decided that the ten oldest brothers will head down to Egypt.  Benjamin, the youngest, will stay with Jacob.  After the loss of Joseph, it seems that Jacob is very hesitant to let these young ones out of his sight.  I get the impression he doesn't entirely trust his older boys, and we know there is good reason for that.   The ten brothers head down to Egypt and encounter Joseph, who holds a very high position in the land.  They bow down before him.  Did you catch that?  They literally bow down before Joseph, just like in Joseph's dreams at age seventeen.  It's kind of eerie in a way.  But now Joseph isn't a naïve teenager, he is a powerful Egyptian leader.  In fact, Joseph holds all the cards and the brothers hold none.    So what does Joseph do?  Under the guise of homeland security, Joseph accuses his brothers of being spies and basically has them arrested.  It is an odd game he plays with them and we can't tell if he enjoys this or is tormented by it, maybe a little of both.  Bottom line:  Joseph sends the brothers home with a little grain, with the silver they came with, but with a directive to bring their younger brother, Benjamin back when they return.  He holds Simeon hostage just to be sure they come back.  Of course, the brothers have no idea they are dealing with Joseph.  They assume this is some power-hungry Egyptian official.    But when they get back to Canaan, Jacob has no intention of letting Benjamin go to Egypt.  It's obvious that he does not trust Rueben in the least.  It makes me wonder – did Jacob possibly suspect foul play when Joseph disappeared?  Was there something about that situation that made Jacob doubt his older sons' stories?  Because it appears there is no way in heck he is going to put Benjamin in their care.  Maybe the old man isn't as dumb as they think he is.    And the drama continues tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope October 6, 2026   Scripture: Genesis 41:41-57   Prayer:  Lord Jesus, We come before you this morning, thanking you for a new day.  Lord, you are good and we rejoice in your holy and powerful name.  As we begin our day, Lord, help us focus on you.  Help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on your Word and what you want us to learn today.  We get so distracted and self-consumed.  Forgive us for that, Lord.  In these next few moments of silence, help us have laser focus on your voice... In Your Powerful Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the book of Genesis.  Today's reading is the second half of Genesis 40.   Joseph at age thirty is now second in command of Egypt.  During the years of abundance, he marries and has two sons.  We have discussed before about how the names of Leah's sons had meaning and demonstrated her journey in faith.  The names of Joseph's sons also tell a story.  His firstborn son is Manasseh, which sounds like the Hebrew word, "to cause to forget."  Joseph said, "For...God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father's house."  Obviously, Joseph's background still was a heavy burden he carried.  He probably still missed his father and his home, even though now he is building a new life.  God is helping him put the tragedy behind him, but healing is long and hard.   Joseph named his second son Ephraim, which means "to be fruitful."  In verse 52, Joseph says that "...God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."   Even in Egypt, Joseph was being fruitful and experiencing good things.    Joseph proves to be an excellent leader.  God has given him supernatural wisdom here.  During the years of abundance, he diligently saves grain and stores it in all the cities.  When the famine hits, Egypt is prepared.  The people have food to eat.  We can see how Pharoah depends on Joseph here.  "Go see Joseph..." he tells the people.  And Joseph opens up the storehouses so the people can eat.    Joseph has come a long way and God has seen him through all of it.  Think about your own life.  How have you seen God walk with you through the hardships and carry your through the difficult times?    Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope October 5, 2026   Scripture: Genesis 41:1-40   Prayer:  Abba Father, We come to you today, grateful for your love and care in our lives.  Thank you for your presence and your peace.  Help us to gather our scattered thoughts and set aside distractions so we can focus on what you have for us today.  In the next few moments of silence, Lord, help me be still and know that you are God...We give you all the glory, Lord Almighty.  Amen.    Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the book of Genesis.  Today's reading is the first half of Genesis 40.   Everything is in God's timing, isn't it?  It's been two years since Joseph interpreted the dreams of the baker of the cupbearer and he has been stuck down in the dungeon.  I wonder what Joseph thought during those two years, what his prayers were like.  I mean, he had been sold into slavery and then unjustly thrown in prison in this foreign land.  There is no indication that he ever doubts God or is angry at him.  I'm assuming he simply trusted.  But there had to have been some pretty bad days and some pretty desperate prayers.  Afterall, he was only human and all of this was traumatic.   But now, the time has come for God to interpret Pharoah's dreams through Joseph.  Did you catch how Joseph is careful to not take credit for himself?  When Pharoah asks if Joseph can interpret his dreams, Joseph is quick to say that he cannot, but God can.  I think this is a great lesson for all of us.    When we do the work of God, it's easy to sometimes take the credit.  I have this issue with preaching.   Preaching is an activity of God.  When we preach, it's God who directs, God who leads, and God who gives words.  I obviously have a small part in it, but I couldn't do anything without God.  So, if someone likes the message and tells me it's good, I try to make sure I give credit where credit is due – to Jesus!  Sometimes, I slip up and don't emphasize that enough.  Please know that I'm not comparing myself to Joseph, but I get his drift.  We need to be careful.    So, Joseph does some dream interpreting and Pharoah is impressed.  He also now knows that Egypt is in for some future trouble.  There will be seven years of abundance and seven years of severe famine.  That means a lot of organization and preparation.  During the years of abundance, they will need to save enough to sustain the people during the famine.  Historians estimate that about two million people lived in Egypt at that time, so that is a lot of people to feed during the seven years of famine.  Pharoah is going to need a competent person to oversee this whole process.  He deliberates and decides, who better to lead the whole endeavor than Joseph?    Thus, Pharoah decides to lift Joseph from model prisoner to second in command of the whole nation of Egypt.  He goes from rags to riches, literally, in the matter of a few minutes.  God had a bigger plan the whole time.  In his timing.    Blessing, Pastor Vicki