Hope Family Fellowship

Ever wondered why some people get healed instantly while others wait years for their miracle? There are specific obstacles that can block healing in our lives - and most of them are removable. What if the breakthrough you've been praying for is just one confession, one act of faith, or one change in perspective away? Your healing journey might be closer than you think.

Is healing really God's will for us today? The same God who healed every disease in Jesus' time is still healing now. What if you're just one prayer away from your breakthrough? Don't let past disappointments keep you from believing God can do more in a moment than we can do in a lifetime.

What if your greatest disappointment became your greatest opportunity to bless the next generation? King David wanted to build God's temple but was told his son Solomon would do it instead. His response reveals a powerful secret about legacy building that will transform how you view preparation and success. Are you preparing for what others will accomplish, or are you only focused on your own achievements?

You don't need to be ten steps ahead of someone to mentor them - just one step is enough. Every believer needs both a Paul (someone investing in them) and a Timothy (someone they're investing in). Who is your Paul, and who could be your Timothy? The relationship between Paul and Timothy shows us that spiritual growth happens through intentional investment flowing in both directions.

In today's message, Pastor Rusty looks at John the Baptist and how we can prepare others for eternity. John the Baptist had one mission: preparing others for Jesus. What if we took that same calling seriously today? Are you living as a witness to the light, or hiding your faith under a basket? The kingdom of heaven is near, and people around you need to be prepared. Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus this week?

Victory is sweet, but it's not the end of the story. Just as Nehemiah continued working after rebuilding Jerusalem's wall in 52 days, we must continue our spiritual preparation even after experiencing God's victories. The physical wall was complete, but their spiritual wall still lay in ruins. This required the people to hunger for God's Word, engage in fasting and prayer, commit to biblical community, and give their time, talent, and treasure. As long as we have breath, God has work for us to do, and we can't rest on our successes or we'll miss out on God's best.

Personal preparation is the foundation for collective transformation in our faith journey. Nehemiah's response to Jerusalem's broken walls demonstrates the power of individual heart preparation before attempting to fix collective problems. Rather than blaming others or seeking quick solutions, Nehemiah spent days mourning, fasting, and praying. He recognized God as a covenant keeper, embraced personal repentance, and acknowledged specific failures. Through prayer and preparation, God positioned him strategically as cupbearer to influence King Artaxerxes. God has similarly placed each of us in specific positions for His purposes, requiring us to prepare our hearts through confession, prayer, and remembering His promises.

Life is a continuous season of preparation, and this principle extends deeply into our spiritual journey. Scripture shows us that when we faithfully prepare our hearts and resources, we position ourselves for God to move in extraordinary ways. Like Joshua preparing the Israelites for the Promised Land, we need spiritual provisions including prepared leaders to follow and personal consecration. Preparation involves setting ourselves apart for God's purposes, sharing our testimony with the next generation, and committing to consistent prayer. However, preparation must eventually lead to action - we must step into the water and trust God for the miracle, knowing that while we prepare faithfully, the victory belongs to the Lord.

You are only one decision away from a totally different life. But here's the problem: 92% of New Year's resolutions fail because we're trying to change with willpower instead of God's power. What if real transformation isn't about trying harder, but about surrendering deeper? What spiritual burden are you carrying that God wants you to release this year?

What if the peace you're searching for this Christmas isn't found in perfect circumstances, but in divine interruptions? The same God who shattered the shepherds' silent night with good news of great joy wants to interrupt your chaos with His presence. Are you creating space for Him to speak?

What if your greatest problem isn't the storm around you, but the unbelief within you? When life hits you with unexpected challenges, remember this truth: Jesus is still in the boat. The same voice that calmed wind and waves with three words is speaking peace over your situation right now. Are you listening for His voice above the noise of your circumstances?

Searching for peace in all the wrong places? True peace isn't found in perfect circumstances but in the Prince of Peace himself. What if the peace you've been desperately seeking is closer than you think? Jesus offers something the world can't give - confidence in God's presence even in the midst of chaos. Are you ready to stop worrying and start experiencing the peace that surpasses understanding?

The Prince of Peace didn't come just to end wars—He came to restore the wholeness your soul is desperately searching for. What if the peace you've been longing for isn't found in perfect circumstances, but in surrendering your burdens to the One who conquered death itself? This Christmas, discover how Jesus breaks down every barrier keeping you from true shalom.

Are you trying to accomplish God's work in your own strength? There's supernatural power available that can transform how you share your faith and handle life's challenges. The difference between operating in human effort versus God's power is like using a manual screwdriver versus a power drill - both work, but one is far more effective. What would change in your life if you stopped just talking about God's power and started living in it? Discover how you can grow in Power as Pastor Rusty concludes our series, Made for More!

Growing in holiness means allowing God to transform us from the inside out, becoming more like Him in our daily lives. True holiness involves being morally pure, spiritually whole, and set apart for God's purposes. Based on Ephesians 4:21-24, there are four essential steps: learning the truth about Jesus, putting off our old sinful nature, letting the Spirit renew our minds, and living out our new life in Christ. To avoid hypocrisy, we must practice what we teach, be authentic rather than putting on masks, focus on heart transformation over titles, avoid self-promotion, and allow God to clean us from the inside out.

When fear takes over, we instinctively reach for emotional armor to protect ourselves - control, people-pleasing, self-victimization, or withdrawal. Like David removing Saul's ill-fitting armor before facing Goliath, we must recognize that our defensive mechanisms often don't work and leave us exhausted. The armor of control makes us micromanage everything, believing we'll be safe if we stay in charge. People-pleasing armor drives us to keep everyone happy to avoid rejection. Self-victimization armor tears us down before others can. Withdrawal armor keeps us isolated to prevent hurt. Instead of relying on these faulty protections, God calls us to trust His strength and put on His armor of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and His Word.

God has designed us for more than our current spiritual experience. While wisdom is essential for growth, it works alongside four other crucial areas: understanding, knowledge, instruction, good judgment, and discernment. Understanding means truly comprehending God's Word, while knowledge comes through study and life experience. Instruction involves receiving correction and guidance from God, even when uncomfortable. Good judgment requires making decisions based on future outcomes rather than living only in the moment. Discernment develops through intimate relationship with Jesus, knowing what pleases Him. Spiritual growth happens through daily choices - each godly decision draws us closer to God and leads to the abundant life He has planned for us.

What if the secret to making better decisions was as simple as asking? God promises to give wisdom generously to anyone who asks - no criticism, no conditions. But growing in wisdom goes beyond just asking. Are the people closest to you making you wiser or holding you back? Even ants have something to teach us about wisdom. Ready to discover 12 biblical principles that will transform your decision-making and spiritual growth? In this week's message, Pastor Rusty helps us understand how to grow in wisdom. 

Pastor Rusty continues our series, Made for More. Are you the same person spiritually that you were five years ago? Jesus grew in four specific ways during His earthly life, and so should we. Physical growth happens naturally, but mental, spiritual, and social growth require intentional effort. Which area do you need to focus on most? Don't settle for spiritual immaturity when God has so much more for you.

God isn't finished with you yet. Whether you're brand new to faith or have been walking with Jesus for decades, there's more of God available to you right now. Are you still drinking spiritual milk when you should be eating solid food? What's one step you could take this week to grow in spiritual maturity?

What souvenirs are you keeping from your victories? When David defeated Goliath, he kept reminders that built his faith, encouraged others, and warned his enemies. God is still in the giant-killing business today, turning our messes into messages and our trials into testimonies. What giant in your life needs to be defeated? Your victory story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. 

Knocking down your giant isn't enough - David didn't stop when Goliath fell, but finished the job completely. What giants have you knocked down but not finished off in your life? The enemy flees when we stand firm in God's strength and complete what we've started. Are you leaving your battles half-won, or are you pursuing total victory?

What's the Goliath in your life that seems impossible to defeat? The biblical David teaches us that underdogs become overcomers not through their own might, but through God's power. He didn't just face his giant—he ran toward him! This week, identify your giant and instead of cowering, face it with divine confidence. Remember: it's not your strength that brings victory, but God fighting for you. 

Playing to Win: How to Defeat Your Giants Using God's Strategy explores how victory over life's challenges often requires unconventional approaches. Like David refusing Saul's armor to face Goliath, we must discern God's unique strategy for our battles through Scripture, godly counsel, and inner peace. Success comes when we embrace our true identity rather than imitating others, and when we utilize the resources God has already provided. Instead of waiting for perfect circumstances, we should act now with what's in our hands, trusting that God's power will transform our simple tools into giant-slaying weapons.

Everyone faces giants in life - unexpected illness, financial turmoil, relationship struggles, or personal attacks. The story of David and Goliath teaches us that God uses underdogs to accomplish His purposes. David wasn't qualified on paper, but he understood that his past victories over lions and bears had prepared him for this moment. Most importantly, David saw Goliath not as his problem but as God's problem. When we face our own giants, we must remember that our challenges are opportunities for God to work miracles. If we won't step up in faith, God will find someone else who will.

What stands between you and your breakthrough? In this message, Pastor Rusty shares a story from Mark 5. It's about a woman who suffered for 12 years pushed through crowds, overcame shame, and risked everything for one touch from Jesus. Her faith didn't just heal her body—it restored her life. Are you willing to press through for your miracle? Sometimes your breakthrough is just one act of faith away.

Pastor Rusty wraps up our series, Shine, with a message on shining the light around the world. 

Discover what it truly means to shine the light of Jesus in a dark world through your actions. This powerful message explores Matthew 5:16 and reveals how our good deeds can glorify God and draw others to Him.Learn about five specific ways to shine Christ's light: through acts of kindness, compassionate service, utilizing your spiritual gifts, tapping into supernatural power through prayer, and sharing your hope in Christ. Each of these actions can transform lives and communities when done with the right heart.The message also addresses the critical question of motivation—why do you serve others? Explore common motivations like seeking recognition, influence, or approval, and discover why glorifying God should be our ultimate purpose. When we serve with pure motives, we become living testimonies that point people to Jesus rather than ourselves.This teaching includes practical application steps to examine your heart, look for opportunities to serve, intentionally point to Jesus, and pray for pure motives. It's a challenging reminder that faith without works is dead, and that we are saved not by good works, but for good works.

In this message, Pastor Rusty discusses the Christian mandate to share the light of Jesus with the world. Drawing from Matthew 5:14-16, he emphasizes that believers are called to be 'the light of the world' - not hiding their faith but actively sharing it with everyone they encounter. Pastor challenges us to recognize that they have both a mission to follow and a mandate to fulfill in sharing the gospel, comparing it to John the Baptist's role in testifying about Jesus.

Are you trying to shine without having the light? In a world growing darker, how can we effectively be the light Jesus called us to be? In this message, discover six practical ways to illuminate your surroundings with Christ's love and truth. The world doesn't need more critics—it needs more light. How bright is yours?

Are you exhausted from trying to control everything? Peace isn't found in having control—it's found in knowing WHO is in control. In today's message, Josh helps us discover where your responsibility ends and God's begins, and finally experience the rest your soul craves. 

In this message, Pastor Rusty concludes our series, Chasing Green Pastures. This message looks at Psalm 23:6. 

What if King Jehoash had struck the ground six times instead of three? What blessings are we missing by doing just the minimum in our faith? Noah built an ark for 100 years despite ridicule. Luke and John wrote additional gospels that gave us our most beloved teachings. What might God do through YOUR willingness to go one step beyond comfortable? Stephen Tipps of Project Rescue helps us discover how to identify and respond to God's invitation to do 'just a little bit more' in your area of passion.

Ever feel surrounded by enemies? God doesn't just rescue you—He prepares a feast right in their presence! Psalm 23:5 reveals how the Good Shepherd goes ahead to prepare everything you need before you even arrive. What battles are you fighting in your own strength instead of trusting His provision? Pastor Rusty helps you discover how the Good Shepherd prepares a feast for you in the presence of your enemies in this message in our series, Chasing Green Pastures. 

In Psalm 23:4, we discover the profound comfort of God's presence in our darkest valleys. As our Good Shepherd, God doesn't just point the way through difficult times—He walks beside us. The shepherd's rod represents God as our protector, examiner, and corrector, while the staff shows Him as our rescuer, connector, and guide. Valley experiences aren't destinations but passages to higher ground. Whatever challenges we face, we can take comfort in the Lord who is there is walking with us through every trial.

Finding Peace in the Shepherd's Arms: Understanding Psalm 23:3 explores how God restores our souls when we feel spiritually depleted. This message unpacks the profound meaning behind the familiar words 'He restores my soul' and 'He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.' Discover what it truly means to have your soul - the deepest part of who you are - renewed by the Good Shepherd. Learn how God steps in to restore what the enemy has attacked, what has been weighing you down, and even what sin has broken. Understand why we need divine guidance on right paths and how our transformed lives bring glory to God. This teaching reveals God as Jehovah Rophe (the Lord who heals) and Jehovah Tsidkenu (the Lord our righteousness), showing how these aspects of God's character work together for our restoration. If you're feeling lost, overwhelmed, or spiritually empty, this message offers biblical hope and practical steps for experiencing God's restorative power. Perfect for anyone struggling with spiritual depletion, seeking direction, or wanting to understand Psalm 23 more deeply.

Finding true rest in a restless world through the guidance of the Good Shepherd. This message explores Psalm 23:2 and reveals how God provides genuine peace by making us lie down in green pastures and leading us beside still waters. Discover the four conditions necessary for spiritual rest: freedom from fear, freedom from tension, freedom from aggravations, and freedom from hunger. Learn how Jesus fulfills the role of the Good Shepherd prophesied in Ezekiel 34, bringing peace and refreshment to our souls. If you're struggling with anxiety, relationship tensions, or spiritual dryness, this message offers biblical insights for finding rest in God's presence. Understand the difference between merely sleeping and truly resting, and how fixing your thoughts on the Prince of Peace transforms your life. Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or spiritually depleted. 

Are you looking for peace and comfort in all the wrong places? Discover how Psalm 23's timeless wisdom about the Good Shepherd can transform your perspective on provision and contentment. What would change in your life if you truly believed 'The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need'? On Today's Podcast, Pastor Rusty shares the first message in our new series, Chasing Green Pastures. 

If God is all-powerful, why didn't He fix my situation? The story of Lazarus reveals something surprising about God's power - it's not that other powers don't exist, but that He has the final word over them all. Are you carrying disappointment with God? What 'tomb' in your life needs its stone rolled away, despite the 'smell' you fear exposing? God can handle your doubts and questions. He might just be waiting for you to create the conditions for a miracle. Join, Dr. Jimmy White, the Adult Discipleship Director for the Assemblies of God, as he unpacks the story of Lazarus. 

In this podcast, Pastor Rusty concludes our series, Kingdom Priorities, with a message on Micah 6:8. He challenges us to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. 

In the second week of this three part series, Pastor Rusty continues answering the question, what does the Lord require of you? This week's message deals with loving and serving God, as well as obedience.

Pastor Rusty begins a new series, Kingdom Priorities. It answers the question, "what does the Lord require of you?"

On our church's 80th Birthday, we remember the good things God has done and refocus for our future. 

Pastor Rusty speaks a message on the book of Jude.

Pastor Rusty concludes the series, In the Potter's Hands, with a message titled "Jars of Clay."

Pastor Rusty continues the series, In the Potter's Hands. 

Josh Hood spoke on being fearless. 

Pastor Rusty continues the series, In the Potter's Hands, with a challenge to lay down the things between you and God. 

In Today's Message, Pastor Rusty starts a new series, In the Potter's Hands. 

God is at work in the waiting. In this message, Pastor Rusty explains how God is at work in the waiting. 

Pastor Rusty continues our series, In the Waiting, with a message about preparing in the waiting.