We invite you to join us as a golfer or sponsor at our 23rd annual golf tournament on Thursday, September 14, at Turf Valley Golf Resort, and Friday, September 15, at Iron Valley Golf Club and Wyncote Golf Club to help us raise $1,100,000 to invest in the dreams of 40,000* families around the world through discipleship, biblically based training, a safe place to save, and loans. We equip men and women with Christ-centered financial services that are extended to their children and communities, breaking the cycle of poverty and changing the future for the next generation.
This year, we are thrilled to announce our expansion to Wyncote Golf Club, which is nationally ranked as one of the finest golf courses in the country!
Following each round of golf, we will be hosting a networking reception at the golf course.
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities and benefits: hopeint.cc/3qzE5FX
Please register by Sept 1.
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Wisdom from the Red Letters is found in Matthew 28, verses 18 to 20.
Just before ascending to heaven, Jesus said to His disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This is known as the “Great Commission.” Jesus promises to be with us as we go in His name to produce more devoted followers of Jesus. Notice, the focus of this Commission is not just conversion. God does want us to give people the opportunity to come to faith in Christ. But that is not where it stops. Jesus also told His disciples to teach them to obey His words. That is the process of discipleship, which helps people to grow in their faith as they follow Jesus.
The words of Jesus inspire us to be part of the Great Commission in the Year of Redemption.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Trust, today’s Focus on God examines His constant presence.
According to Hebrews 13:5, “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Reminders of God’s constant presence serve to build our courage and release us from fear.
Joshua was about to face the battle of Jericho on his way to the Promised Land. The LORD said to him, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
We might get nervous at the thought of telling someone else about our faith in Jesus, but the constant presence of Jesus encourages us to be His faithful witnesses. He said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always to the very end of the age.”
The constant presence of Jesus is a reason to trust in God for today and forever.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Connection, today’s Encounter with Jesus examines His great commission.
It happens in Matthew 28, just before He ascended to heaven. He told the disciples: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always to the very end of the age.”
Jesus was commissioning His followers into a mission of disciple-making that would leave an impact on the world for many generations to follow. These men were not the religious scholars of their day, but they did spend time with Jesus, and that made all the difference in their bold proclamation of the Gospel. Acts 4:13 says that when the religious leaders saw the courage of two of Jesus’ disciples, (Peter and John), and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
We do not have to be scholars to be effective witnesses of the Gospel, but we do need a relationship with Jesus. We need His help and we need His love, because being a disciple-maker is a God-sized mission.
A daily connection with Christ gives us the courage to speak for Him.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
