Hope Harbor

God cares about orphans. Psalm 82:3 New American Standard Bible Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. He has put it on the hearts of many of His followers to have concern for orphans too. It pleases God that those who have a genuine relationship with Him meet the needs of the poor and those who have noone to care for them. James 1:27 New American Standard Bible (NASB) Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to)visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by)the world. I am privileged to know many who deeply care about orphans throughout the world. Several friends either have become adoptive parents , or know that it is part of God's plan for them to bring orphans into their families. Two young couples with whom I am acquainted are actively and personally involved in the adoption process. One couple completed the adoption of a precious little boy from Ethiopia. The oth...

There are already advertisements intended to motivate people to shop for gifts for Valentine's Day. As is the case with many holidays the true meaning of Valentine’s Day seems to have been lost. In fact, I used to not like Valentine’s Day at all. There has been such an emphasis on Romance, flowers, candy and the mythical chubby creature with an arrow. I felt it really didn’t apply to me. As a single woman, I felt left out of the celebration of Valentine’s Day until I learned about its history and true meaning. St Valentine was a godly man with a deep faith. He was committed to God and sincerely loved people. He would frequently send messages of encouragement written on red paper to believers who were being persecuted for their faith. That was probably the origin of our custom of sending “Valentine” cards as expression of our affection. St Valentine eventually paid the ultimate sacrifice being a willing substitute for another young believer. He allowed himself to be martyred in h...

"Haste makes waste" is a well-known saying attributed to the statesman and inventor Ben Franklin. We probably all have heard stories about a driver who took a "short cut" that took them on a round about journey which caused the trip to be long and difficult before arriving at their intended destination. I had an instance this week that reminded me of the potential consequences of carelessness. Many in the church I attend are involved in the production of an excellent theatrical play with a profound message. I have a small role as an "extra" in a medical scene. I also am trying to help with research and making phone calls. One of my duties is to remind cast members of their scheduled practices. Yesterday, I was trying to be "efficient' in my efforts to notify people of their designated rehearsal sessions, so I decided to rely on my memory rather that shuffling through the pages of the list of phone numbers, schedule, and cast roster. Regrettabl...

As our nation commemorates the  life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the famous  " I Have a Dream " speech this civil rights leader delivered decades ago comes to mind. Here is an excerpt from the speech Dr. King made in 1963: I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal." I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. I h...

As 2011 begins, we have expectation to experience new adventures, we hope to gain new vision for all that God wants to accomplish and new determination to be committed to what is right and good. The calendar has turned for us to start another year, and with the dawn of each day, we look forward to new beginnings. It can be refreshing to anticipate change. It can also be comforting to cling to the steadfast. We can find security in things that remain the same. A colleague from MarketPlace Chaplains USA http://www.marketplacechaplains.com/ sent an email to me today with a list of things of which we can be assured in 2011: 1. The Bible will still have all the answers. 2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth. 3. The Holy Spirit will still move. 4. God will still honor the praises of His people. 5. There will still be God-anointed preaching. 6. There will still be singing of praise to God. 7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people. 8. Ther...

Happy New Year! In the early days of a new year it is common for people to reflect on their lives and endeavor to make positive changes. Many make resolutions to improve health, adjust attitudes, deepen relationships or enhance careers. Some of us have a bit of difficulty setting goals. We may wonder... "What am I supposed to be doing with my life!?" This struggle must be a relatively frequent dilemma because Barbara Sher wrote a book entitled I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was. Discovering our destinies and pursuing our purpose in life can be a challenging process but a journey of inestimable value. I am grateful that God promises to give needed guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 (Amplified Bible) 5Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Psalm 20:4 (New Ameri...