Hope's Harbor Podcast - Gritty Bible Devotions

Knowing the causes of our salvation will help us appreciate more fully the deep love of GOD for all people. And then knowing the effects helps us live out all GOD intends for us as His people. And also receive something He has for us. The Son of GOD has a particular purpose for us to enjoy. It's found in the Bible, the book of John 15:11 - "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy...

Since depression stalks us, some more than others, this episode looks at depression's effects on those who struggle with it. And we'll look at ways to help alleviate some of the more dangerous aspects of it. I'm not a professional counselor. I speak here from my experiences with depression and from having nearly lost my life to suicide years ago. There is hope for you if you're...

In John 15:4 Jesus said to abide in Him. What does it mean, to abide? In this episode, we'll look at why Jesus said to abide in Him and how it benefits us. To abide takes some effort on our part but the blessing and benefit are worth the effort. Besides the benefit of following Jesus's instruction to us concerning abiding, John chapter 15 is rich with Jesus's declarations of love fo...

Acts of mercy are something  to be practiced by every Christian. Unless it is your gift you may struggle being merciful, especially with the acts of evil surrounding us today. This episode looks at ways to implement mercy, whether it is your gift, or not. Learn ways to avoid being misunderstood when wanting to be merciful, while learning how to use your gift of mercy for the good of others. Furthe...

The spiritual gift of leadership involves many aspects within Christian service and church organizations. We are all leaders in some way, but this gift is unique in that leaders will influence others, for either good or ill. Find out if this is your gift, and if so, begin to exercise it in keeping with the teachings of Scripture. We need strong leaders, unafraid to do what is right, always. Show n...

Exercising the gift of giving requires we take action consistently. This episode explores fundamental principles involved to help ensure giving is done with the right motive and with wisdom.  The right motive pleases GOD, and wisdom helps to avoid scams. Learn how to determine whether a ministry is worthy of your giving and ensure your gifts get to those in need. And listen, more than money is inv...

Exhortation may be the most difficult Biblical spiritual gift to exercise. Listen in to learn more about this gift and get helpful guidelines to use. When you are faced with exhorting someone, especially if they come to you for help, there are pitfalls to avoid because it is all too easy to offend others with this gift. This is not necessary when you learn the value of wisdom in applying this gift...

Do you have the gift of teaching? Before you click out of this page, may I share something with you? I have always had a fear of speaking in front of a group. Then one day when I was a newly promoted police sergeant, the chief stopped by my office and told me I was signed up to become an instructor. My stomach knotted. He went on to inform me the course was scheduled within a couple of weeks. I dr...

Have you wondered what your spiritual gift is? Many of us do. Finding which gift is your primary one gives you the opportunity to serve others with an ability many others do not have. This episode looks at the gift of service by examining the pros and cons that may come with the gift. When we live within the power of our gift it may upset others if we don't realize our behavior may irritate t...

What is the purpose of having a spiritual gift? The Bible gives three basic reasons: To edify - this means to build someone up, ie to encourage them. To exhort - to encourage them to go forward, ie to engage with life. To comfort - to be there when a brother or sister is in need. Key verse: Romans 12:8 - 'Having then gifts, differing according to the grace given us, let us use them ...'...

Have you noticed few people have time for us anymore? And I wonder... do we have time for others? An online search for how to break free of overbearing busyness is an eye-opener.  If you feel trapped by all the demands on your time, listen to this episode and see if it helps shed light on the issue first of all. You see, many of us don't even know we're trapped. Second, see if any of the...

Legalism is prevalent throughout the world today in every form of religious exercise known. At its root is the belief and practice of earning favor with whatever god or deity someone worships, other than the GOD of the Bible. Even then, well-meaning Christians are caught in legalism's clutches. This is because legalistic practices appeal to human nature. For Christians, legalism gives a sense...

What is an idol in this present day and age? They are those things that occupy our hearts to the exclusion of spending time with GOD. A key verse to consider: 1 Thessalonians 1:9 - '... and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,' These idols are sometimes subtle in their toxic effect on our hearts. In this episode, my wife, Kris, will present 3 primary idols t...

This episode is the 2nd in a series of periodic episodes on marriage and other close relationships drawn from our combined years of marriage, both our 1st marriages and the marriage we're in, 15 years this past Thanksgiving Day, 2022. If my math is correct the total years for both of us being in a marriage relationship is 65 years. Snap - In relationships, there are rarely boulder-sized probl...

In the song  In Christ Alone   a lyric reads 'When on the cross as Jesus died, the wrath of GOD was satisfied.' Why did GOD have wrath and why would His wrath be satisfied with the death of His Son? This episode tries to answer those questions. The reason the answer is so important is that fully understanding GOD's hatred for sin helps us with being thankful for the forgiveness GOD...

'"It is finished." That is the last word in the Redemption of the human race.' (Oswald Chambers in Utmost For His Highest- paraphrased.) The Cross where Jesus died. This is a common statement of belief among Christians, but have you ever thought about what actually happened? As Christians, we know Jesus died to pay the penalty for sin, the sin of the whole human race. But what...

Have you wondered lately what your purpose is? Are you looking for a way to find out more about your purpose? Then I hope you find this episode a help by offering insights into GOD's Word about this issue. There are guidelines within the Bible to help us find our purpose if we know where to find them. Listen in and discover suggestions I give drawn from my experiences of also seeking GOD&apos...

This episode, one in a series, takes a look at several issues when host David Bradley and his wife, Kris, discuss their experiences with re-marriage and the challenges they faced. The ultimate relationship is that between a man or woman and GOD. With that in mind, why does the Bible liken marriage to our relationship with Jesus, Son of GOD? GOD created marriage and intended it for companionship be...

This episode is a summary of sorts concerning the previous series on the Armor of GOD. Prayer and praying are the reasons we need GOD's Armor because when we are wearing the armor, our enemy, Satan, will attack us.  Prayer does so many things for us. It draws us closer to GOD it helps us recognize lies and deceptions in the world around us It protects our minds and hearts It is a means of ask...

Have you ever wielded a sword? They are deadly weapons for fighting in close. With this in mind as a sword compares to GOD's Word, The Bible, among other uses, is a weapon to use against darkness and despair. This devotion is taken from:   Ephesians 6:18 - 'praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for...

Wearing a helmet is an act of protection. When I rode a motorcycle I knew the danger of serious head injury possible if I went down, especially at speed. So I wore a helmet, even though it can be hot in summer. In a spiritual sense the helmet of salvation mentioned in Ephesians 6:17 (Ephesians 6:17a - 'And take the helmet of salvation...' implies the need for protection. Protecting the m...

In this series on the Armor of GOD we'll answer the question: How important is the shield?  And, is it a very important piece of protection? If so, how so? In Ephesians 6:16 Paul writes "Above all taking up the shield of faith..." This means over everything else take up the shield. We have a part to play. It means this takes effort on our part in spiritual war. Faith is what you cho...

In Ephesians 6:15:   'and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace,' Paul informs us we are expected to walk or live, in light (in the reality) of the Gospel of peace. This Gospel means a good message, one of peace. And peace in this verse means quietness and rest. Who of us doesn't want quietness? And it doesn't mean the kind of quiet that is unsettlin...

This episode examines how right behavior on our part protects us from evil. It gives us the Breastplate of Righteousness - Ephesians 6:14b What is meant by a breastplate of righteousness? Christians know for the most part that Jesus gives us His right standing with GOD when we trust Him as Savior from sin. This means when GOD sees us, He sees the goodness of His Son covering us. There is nothing t...

Is absolute truth necessary? If so, where is that written? Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesian Christians an exhortation to wear the whole armor of GOD  and begins with the  Belt of Truth. In this episode, we see why Paul put the belt of truth first in his descriptive letter of what was possibly Roman armor worn by the guard standing watch over him. Measure yourself against the Bible's t...