Penhold Church of Hope

Dave Trenholm shares his story of recovery from pornography addiction and to introduce Hope Again Ministries as a way to share the hope, help, and healing he has discovered in his journey. To find out more or to discover hope for those experiencing both pornography addiction and betrayal trauma, visit hopeagainministries.org

As the wall nears completion, we find the enemy using sly and subtle tricks in a final attempt to distract and scare Nehemiah from the job God has given him.

Even while the external walls were going up, the community inside was beginning to crumble.

Christ's arrival at the first Christmas serves to offer us hope as we await his anticipated seconding coming.

Observing how the shepherds, King Herod, and the wise men responded to news about the newborn King can help prepare us for Christmas.

Jesus' coming as the light of the world was an event foretold long ago and still being felt and lived out today in every believer.

In chapter 4, Nehemiah's response to external threats and opposition provides the church a template for how we can handle spiritual adversity through prayer, action, and trust in God.

Even the 'boring' chapters are God's word and can be gleaned for important truth. In the list of builders in Nehemiah 3, we find the mundane work of common Israelites raised to divine labour when done according to God's purposes.

After four months of praying and waiting for God's timing, Nehemiah makes his request of the king and and receives provisions and protects as God moves the heart of the king.

The book of Nehemiah opens with brokenness, as Nehemiah the cupbearer learns of the ruinous state of Jerusalem. In this brokenness and sorrow begins the rebuilding process as Nehemiah rightfully starts in prayer.

Psalm 119 praises the power and beauty of God's Word. Reading from Charles Bridges' "Exposition of Psalm 119" (1827), verses 59 to 60 highlight the need for self-examination, repentance, and urgent obedience to God's testimonies. "Exposition of Psalm 119" by Charles Bridges: https://gracegems.org/26/bridges3.htm

Thanksgiving is far more than an annual holiday weekend. It is found throughout in Scripture and meant to be part of a Christian lifestyle, grateful for God's abundant provisions.

Giving is not transactional; it is relational. It is an act of worship as we reflect the generosity our God has shown us.

One of the most familiar and often one of the most neglected part of the Christian life, prayer is a key aspect of our relationship with "our Father", reorientating ourselves toward God's glory and our daily reliance on Him.

Baptism is far more than an optional add-on. It is an act of obedience, a visual display of the gospel and the work of God in the life of a believer.

The traditions among the Christians and the church can become disconnected from their intended meaning through repetition. In this series, we are reminded of the what and why behind those traditions, starting with worship, which is far more than a singing or a service on Sunday morning.

What we believe matters. Our sinful behaviours demonstrate our false beliefs about God. When we align our heart-level beliefs to the truth of Scripture, we will "taste and see that the Lord is good."

The tragedy of Samson's wasted potential concludes with the strong man finally recognizing God as the source of his strength in an act that makes him a surprise entry into the "Hall of Faith".

In Judges 15, we find the cycle of revenge escalate between Samson and the Philistines.

The Old Testament Nazirite vow still holds insight into how Christians today can live lives visibly set apart to God.

A weeklong wedding celebration involving an arrogant husband, a nagging wife, a foolish bet, and thirty people killed - and still God's plans were being fulfilled.

Though his birth and childhood experienced particular divine attention, we soon see the character flaws appear in the life of Samson and his disregard for his nazirite vows. Still, God has plans to work through his poor decisions.

As Gideon grows in his trust of God and empowered by the Spirit, he leads the Israelites into a battle they cannot win unless God steps in.

Hiding in a winepress, we see the first steps of obedience by Gideon as he becomes a "mighty hero".

Even with all the support actors in Judges 4 of Deborah, Barak, Sisera, Jael, and others, it is the will and actions of God that brings victory over Israel's enemy.