Would We Really Rather Have Things Our Way?
I recently came across this wonderful devotional by Frank Hall. Click here to hear the audio – Would We Really Rather Have Things Our Way?
A Hymn / A Prayer of Consecration
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.
~Francis Ridley Havergal
The Tenderness of God
“He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.” Isaiah 40:11
How soothing, in the hour of sorrow, or bereavement, or death — to have the countenance and sympathy of a tender earthly friend. Reader, these words tell you of One nearer, dearer, and tenderer still — the Friend that never fails — a tender God! By how many endearing epithets does Jesus exhibit the tenderness of His relation to His people. Does a shepherd watch tenderly over his flock? “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Does a father exercise fondest solicitude towards his children? “I will be a Father unto you.” Does a mother’s love exceed all other earthly types of affection. “As one whom his mother comforts — so will I comfort you.” Is the ‘apple of the eye’ (the pupil) the most sensitive part of the most delicate bodily organ? He guards His people “as the apple of His eye!”
When the Shepherd and Guardian of Souls finds the redeemed sinner, like a lost sheep, stumbling on the dark mountains — how tenderly He deals with him! There is no look of wrath — no word of upbraiding; in silent love “He lays him on His shoulders rejoicing!”
When Peter fell, Jesus did not unnecessarily wound him. He might have repeated often and again, the piercing look which brought the flood of penitential sorrow. But He gave that look only once; and when He reminded Peter of his threefold denial, it was by thrice repeating the gentlest of questions, “Do you love Me?”
Reader, are you mourning over the weakness of your faith; the coldness of your love; your manifold spiritual declensions? Fear not! He knows your frame! He will give ‘feeble faith’ tender dealing. He will “carry” in His arms those that are unable to walk, and will conduct the burdened ones through a path less rough and rugged than others.
When “the lion” or “the bear” comes, you may trust the true David, the tenderest of Shepherds! Are you suffering from outward trial? Confide in the tenderness of your God’s dealings with you. The strokes of His rod are gentle strokes — the needed discipline of a father yearning over his children, at the very moment he is chastising them. The gentlest earthly parent may speak a harsh word at times; it may be needlessly harsh. But not so with God. He may seem, like Joseph to his brethren, to speak roughly; but all the while there is love in His heart.
The ‘pruning knife’ will not be used unnecessarily — it will never cut too deeply! The ‘furnace’ will not burn more fiercely than is absolutely required — a tender God is seated by it, tempering the fury of its flames!
And what, believer, is the secret of all this tenderness? “There is a Man upon the Throne!” Jesus, the God-Man Mediator; combining with the might of Godhead — the tenderness of spotless humanity. Is your heart crushed with sorrow? So was His! Are your eyes dimmed with tears? So were His! “Jesus wept!” Bethany’s Chief Mourner still wears the Brother’s heart in glory. Others may be unable to enter into the depths of your trial — He can — He does!
With such a “tender God” caring for me, providing for me, watching my path by day, and guarding my couch by night, “I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me live in safety!” Psalm 4:8
John Macduff
A Grateful Heart
Dear Volunteers of the Hope Center.
Hello everyone. My name is Claudia Flores. I came in to the Hope Center on July 14, 2016 needing an electric skillet because mine had stopped working. My studio apartment does not have a stove; but we are allowed to cook with skillets or ovens or whatever other form we chose to use to cook hot meals.
As I walked in, the office ladies (sorry, I forgot their names) greeted me. They were compassionate towards me and treated me with love and kindness which shocked me a little. I saw that all their volunteers treat people with love, dignity and respect.
God wanted me to experience that brotherly love among the Hope Center. I had stopped attending church many years ago due to a lack of respect from the whole congregation. This made me lose faith in Christians. But as I walked in The Hope Center, I prayed with a lady named Marilyn and told her my experience. She said that the Devil wants to keep me out of Church, but God wants to bring me back. We prayed that I could forgive those people who had hurt me and broke my trust. Marilyn gave me a list of Churches that I can look into to attend.
I was given a George Foreman grill which works great and was taken to the back, where I was also allowed to get clothes and food and some house items, a Bible and a prayer book. The ladies who volunteered in the clothes and book area of the Hope Center were especially sweet, and loving. There was one lady that helped me out and helped me choose scarfs and taught me how to arrange them.
Then there was an older tall man in charge of the food who was so nice. He knew that I was taking the bus back home but he still made a food basket for me. Then he helped me to take only what I needed. I am thankful for him for being of such great service to me.
The office ladies were so considerate that they gave me a backpack to carry my stuff back home since I was going to take the GET Bus and I had to walk a distance.
Overall I want everyone at the Hope Center who volunteers their precious time to serve people in need like me, to know that they are all appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so kind to me. You demonstrated being Christ like; you really are doing God’s work. May God bless every single one of you and your families for your time and effort that you put into the ministry for Jesus.
In Christ’s Love, Claudia Flores
Testimony: Jacoby Jones
My name is Jacoby Jones. I am 39 years old. Three months ago my life was upside down but one night I asked Christ to come into my life and since that day on November 4th 2018 I have become a miracle and God has turned everything in my life around for His Glory. I now have peace of mind and I don’t hate myself any longer. I wake up with joy in my heart, grateful and thankful for all he has done and everything he is going to do.
I’m God’s baby now and everything I have is because His hand is upon me. My past was weighing me down but God has taught me to use my past as a powerful testimony and as fuel to strive for more out of life. Today my life has meaning and purpose. I was truly lost on drugs. I stole from people, lied and conned people and I had no remorse. I didn’t care about anyone or anything other than my self. I went back and forth to jail so many times it was like a second home to me. I was just a punching bag for the Devil for years.
When God touched my heart and made me new all the old things past away and everything became new. I love God wholeheartedly and I walk in faith today. I now have power faith and Jesus and God has seen things in me that I couldn’t see for myself. I know Jesus died for me and everybody and I no longer take that for granted. If the Lord promises life abundantly then today and every day I am going to stand firm on that promise.
Jesus is the way the truth and the life and I pray that one person will read this and they will come to know Jesus. If he can work a miracle in my life then He can work one in yours. I have spent a lot of time volunteering at The Hope Center and I feel so good giving back to the Lord and to the community of Bakersfield
Thank you for reading this in Jesus name, Amen.
The Sleeping Bag Story
To all who are the recipients of sleeping bags, we want to tell you the story of those who are responsible.
It was August 1, and it was a hot summer day. The temperature in Bakersfield was a steamy 105 degrees.
Eight year old Alexis and her five year old brother Chace from Mystic Connecticut were visiting their family in California. With their own little hands they had made craft items and planned to sell them in our local community. Although they were hot and tired they were determined to complete what they had started.
By the end of the day Alexis and Chace had made $91.00. On August 2 they came into The Hope Center at 3311 Manor and presented their gift of $91.00 to the staff and designated that the money, the full amount be spent on sleeping bags for those who were homeless and less fortunate.
How proud we are of them and what a blessing they are to others. To give so unselfishly blesses the heart of our Heavenly Father. These children are what makes America great. They are the next generation of patriots and leaders in our great nation.
Socktober 2018
Thousands of people will receive new socks, thanks to Highland Elementary students. Socktober began five years ago as a fifth-grade class at Highland Elementary project that collected 100 pairs of socks for the Hope Center in Bakersfield. On Wednesday, the fifth-graders of Highland presented 5,018 pairs of socks to Hope Center, a faith-based nonprofit, charitable organization that provides food, clothing, household items and other resources to low-income individuals and families. “ I am blown away at the awe inspiring response from your students” Bill Richert of The Hope center said. “These young and responsible citizens have proven themselves to be the future leaders in our Bakersfield community. Those of us who are adults can certainly take a lesson from their stewardship and the ownership they have for their community as they grow to be men and women. I want to pass on my congratulations to their families for ingraining in their lives the values of our great country. May they be blessed beyond measure.” Gera Bahr, a fifth-grade teacher at Highland, said the Socktober project has grown in the past five years. “So, every year there’s a new group of students that have heard what the previous year has done and they really try to build on it and make it a larger project,” Bahr said. “Not just because they want it to successful, but because they know of how many people it’s going to help.” More than 13,500 socks have been donated since Highland students began collecting socks. “It’s pretty amazing and again, it’s a testament to these students and their desire to help those in our community,” Bahr said. “Our kind of motto for the year is to be goal setters and goal getters and we stressed that throughout the project. And these students did an amazing job and really did knock our socks off.”
The Great Ladies of our Clothing Department
Meet Anne, Jeri, Linda and Lauri who work diligently to keep our clothing department stocked and well organized. They take extra good care of all those who come in for clothing. Working in this area is very challenging at times. We are pleased to have them on our team. Thank you, Anne, Jeri, Linda and Lauri for your professionalism.
The Hope Center’s Kevin Karg
Kevin was born in St Louis, Missouri in 1959. He experienced a rather normal childhood living with his parents and graduating from High School in 1978. As a child he had been exposed to Sunday School and Vacation Bible School through his neighbors who regularly attended church; however he had not experienced a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Following his graduation from High School, Kevin joined the Air Force; and after boot camp, was sent to San Antonio, Texas, then to San Bernardino. After 4 years in the military, he stayed in San Bernardino and was very attracted to the glamour of the California lifestyle, particularly as a guitarist in a rock band, which, like so many others, never materialized. In 1984, Kevin was employed as a truck driver then started a gardening business which lasted 3 years. In 1988 he was convicted of drug possession, for which he spent time in jail and probation. Kevin eventually became homeless and spent a year living out of his car and 10 years on drugs. He felt his grip on life was beginning to slip away with even his appearance which had become reprehensible. As he was walking by an apartment complex a young man handed him a flyer about a Christian evangelism rally. He asked Kevin if he knew Jesus, and Kevin responded by saying that he knew of Him. That evening The Holy Spirit miraculously impacted him and Kevin asked Christ to become the Lord of his life. He was assisted, then given an opportunity to live in a Christian men’s home. Twice a day in the men’s facility he was exposed to God’s word by attending Bible studies, as a result, he became very knowledgeable about the Bible. Kevin has been a tremendous asset to The Hope Center. He is highly esteemed by the staff and all the other volunteers. He has been one our most reliable volunteers and is always available to pray for those who come to us for aid and assistance. Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for what you have done in the life of Kevin. You have touched the lives of so many who come to us.
Helping those in need
There is a Chinese saying that goes: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” For centuries, the greatest thinkers have suggested the same thing: Happiness is found in helping others. And so we learn early: It is better to give than to receive. The venerable aphorism is drummed into our heads from our first slice of a shared birthday cake. But is there a deeper truth behind the truism? The resounding answer is yes. Scientific research provides compelling data to support the anecdotal evidence that giving is a powerful pathway to personal growth and lasting happiness. Through fMRI technology, we now know that giving activates the same parts of the brain that are stimulated by food and sex. Experiments show evidence that altruism is hardwired in the brain—and it’s pleasurable. Helping others may just be the secret to living a life that is not only happier but also healthier, wealthier, more productive, and meaningful. But it’s important to remember that giving doesn’t always feel great. The opposite could very well be true: Giving can make us feel depleted and taken advantage of. Here are some tips to that will help you give not until it hurts, but until it feels great: