The Hope Podcast

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #31: That One About Anger Episode #31 of The Hope Podcast is an episode that Scott and Jim do together. This episode is a discussion on anger and also includes an interaction with the new book by David Powlison entitled Good and Angry. Here is a brief snapshot of the book. Powlison divides it into four sections with several chapters within each section: Section 1: Our Experience Section 2: What is anger? Section 3: How to change? Section 4: Tackling the hard cases. There are two observations he made in section one that I especially relate to. “When a little thing pushes your buttons, it says something about the buttons inside you.”’ “Every one of us has a hard time changing. It’s hard to think straight about anger.” What pushes your buttons? When someone pushes our buttons, Powlison observes, bad anger poisons everything. In the second section, What is Anger?, Powlison defines good and bad anger. These quotes reveal his ability to handle this important topic in a way that helps others process their anger. “At its core anger is very simple. It expresses, 'I’m against that.' It is an active stance you take to oppose something that you assess as both important and wrong.” “Anger goes wrong when you get godlike. Your desires become divine law. Poke your way into every example of bad anger, and you’ll find god-playing. Whether I’m really ticked off, just a little irritated, or deeply embittered, it’s all about almighty me. Anger is demanding and entitled: This is what I want. My will be done. It’s superior: The world and all that is in it are subject to me. All persons, objects, and events are subject to my opinion and evaluation. It’s accusatory: you have violated my will, and you deserve punishment.” Powlison’s observations perfectly describes the struggle that many people have. We get angry, and often rightly so because something bad has happened. He goes on to define good anger. Good anger is God’s anger. God is justly angry at evil. He is angered by the injustice endured by His children. And, he observes the following: "When God’s larger purposes are in control, the poisonous evil of anger is neutralized. Anger becomes a servant of goodness.” In Chapter 7 he begins to define good anger. He says that anger’s essential DNA is displeasure at wrong. Then he defines good anger: “The constructive displeasure of mercy.” And good anger is what we must learn. “Like simple anger, it says, 'That matters. It’s wrong and offensive. I want to do something about it.' But unlike just getting mad, it says, 'that’s wrong - and I will be constructively merciful while pursing what is just, whatever makes things right, whatever does good.'" He then outlines for characteristics of good anger Patience: In it for the long haul Forgiveness: The willingness to not get even Charity: You treat with purposeful kindness someone who treated you or others badly. Constructive conflict: the displeasure of mercy enters forcefully into conflict in order to redeem. David outlines a series of eight different questions to process your anger in Chapter 13. He also fleshes out Psalm 23 within one of the questions and I began to sob as I read his application of Psalm 23. Another of my favorite chapters is chapter 14, titled "I’ll Never Get Over It.” This chapter alone is worth the price of the book. Simply put, Powlison observes that there are some experiences we will never get over. "The experience will always be there, but you do not need to be forever defined by what happened. You won’t forget, but you do not need to endlessly visit what happened. You do not need to be imprisoned in your reactions." He goes on. "By definition, to transmute a very deep furnace of pain and anger into something fruitful is hard. It is refreshing to admit, 'Tha

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #30: Recap of 2016 This episode of The Hope Podcast features an in studio discussion with Scott and Jim. We often suggest during episodes of the podcast that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling for depression, etc, is needed. To locate a counselor in your area, call CCEF at 215-884-7676. We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things shared during this episode. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. Our goal is to post a new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We don’t always succeed, but we try. We pray that you will find encouragement through each episode. Thank you for downloading The Hope Podcast. The Hope Podcast. The Hope Podcast New Intro - Let Hope In: Daniel Bashta Used with Permission http://www.danielbashta.com/music/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5SWqNShtnY Outro Song: Body Down Artist: Nick O'Connor http://www.noisetrade.com/nickoconnor

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #29: The Scandalous Love of God. Episode #29 of The Hope Podcast is a solo episode where I explore the topic of The Scandalous Love of God from Luke 15. I have been deeply moved by the love of God recently, and I pray that this is presented clearly as I explore the story of the Prodigal Son. I think the latter part of Luke 15 is better described as the Scandalous Love of God. We often suggest during episodes of the podcast that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling for depression, etc, is needed. To locate a counselor in your area, call CCEF at 215-884-7676. If you live in the Pocono region, call Foundations Christian Counseling at 570-402-5088. We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things shared during this episode. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. Our goal is to post a new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We don’t always succeed, but we try. We pray that you will find encouragement through each episode. Thank you for downloading The Hope Podcast. IThe Hope Podcast New Intro - Let Hope In: Daniel Bashta Used with Permission http://www.danielbashta.com/music/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5SWqNShtnY In Episode Song; Born under the shadow: Nick O'Connor Outro Song: Breadcrumbs Artist: Nick O'Connor http://www.noisetrade.com/nickoconnor Nick OConnor was a guest on Episode 26. Go Back and Listen!

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #28: Interview with Fred Jacoby This episode of The Hope Podcast features a Skype Interview with Fred Jacoby, my friend who is the Director of Foundations Christian Counseling with several ministry locations in the Pocono Mountain Region of Pennsylvania. Fred shares his story of his personal struggle with depression and how he has learned to deal with it from a Gospel perspective. Here is Fred’s contact information: Phone: 570-402-5088 Web Site: www.foundchristcounsel.org By the way, Fred is also a Philadelphia Eagles Fan. Fred also recommended the following book: When People Are Big and God is Small, by Ed Welch. We often suggest during episodes of the podcast that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling for depression, etc, is needed. To locate a counselor in your area, call CCEF at 215-884-7676. If you live in the Pocono region, call Foundations Christian Counseling at 570-402-5088. We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things shared during this episode. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. Our goal is to post a new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We don’t always succeed, but we try. We pray that you will find encouragement through each episode. Thank you for downloading The Hope Podcast. The Hope Podcast. The Hope Podcast New Intro - Let Hope In: Daniel Bashta Used with Permission http://www.danielbashta.com/music/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5SWqNShtnY Outro Song: Breadcrumbs Artist: Nick O'Connor http://www.noisetrade.com/nickoconnor Nick OConnor was a guest on Episode 26. Go Back and Listen!

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #27: Interview with Steve Rau This episode of The Hope Podcast features a Skype interview with Steve Rau, a new friend that I met at The Ragamuffin Camp I attended at Camp Christian in Mill Run, PA during the week of October 4 – 9, 2016. Steve shares his story of going through challenges in his life, and how he is learning to overcome them through his relationship with Jesus Christ. Steve and his wife Theresa live in Asheville, NC and have four children. Steve is a writer and you will find his writings at the following Facebook pages: Crucified Beyond The Narrow Gate: https://www.facebook.com/CrucifiedBeyondTheNarrowGate/?fref=ts Christians on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=christians%20on%20facebook We often suggest during episodes of the podcast that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling for depression, etc, is needed. To locate a counselor in your area, call CCEF at 215-884-7676. We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things shared during this episode. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. Our goal is to post a new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We don’t always succeed, but we try. We pray that you will find encouragement through each episode. Thank you for downloading The Hope Podcast. The Hope Podcast. The Hope Podcast New Intro - Let Hope In: Daniel Bashta Used with Permission http://www.danielbashta.com/music/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5SWqNShtnY Outro Song: Breadcrumbs Artist: Nick O'Connor http://www.noisetrade.com/nickoconnor

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #26: Interview with Nick O’Connor This episode of The Hope Podcast features a Skype interview with Nick O’Connor, a new friend I met recently at The 2016 Ragamuffin Camp. This episode contains some language that some may find offensive. However, we did not censor this episode because Nick shares his story and his honest response to his life-experiences and his language is a reflection of those experiences. Nick shares his story of going through really difficult times in his life, and how he came to know the love of his Abba Father. Nick is a musician and lives in Longmont, Colorado. You can find Nick’s music on Noisetrade at this link: http://noisetrade.com/nickoconnor. Episode #26 ends with the song Breadcrumbs, by Nick O’Connor. We encourage you to download Nick’s music via Noisetrade and leave a generous tip! We often suggest during episodes of the podcast that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling for depression, etc, is needed. To locate a counselor in your area, call CCEF at 215-884-7676. We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things shared during this episode. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. Our goal is to post a new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We don’t always succeed, but we try. We pray that you will find encouragement through each episode. Thank you for downloading The Hope Podcast. he Hope Podcast New Intro - Let Hope In: Daniel Bashta Used with Permission http://www.danielbashta.com/music/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5SWqNShtnY Outro Song: Breadcrumbs Artist: Nick O'Connor http://www.noisetrade.com/nickoconnor

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #25: Recap of The 2016 Ragamuffin Camp In this episode of The Hope Podcast I share a recap of The Ragamuffin Camp that I attended at Camp Christian in Mill Run, PA during the week of October 4 – 9, 2016. The Ragamuffin Camp is sponsored each year by Color Green Films and under the direction of David Leo Schultz and his excellent team of fellow ragamuffins. David Leo Schultz has directed two films: Ragamuffin, a feature length movie about the life of Rich Mullins, and also Brennan, a feature length movie about the life of Brennan Manning, the author of many books including the Ragamuffin Gospel. http://colorgreenfilms.com/ David quickly became a friend at camp, and my heart resonated with his. Hello friend if you are listening and hello fellow ragamuffins! The date has already been set for next year’s Ragamuffin Camp. It will be held at the YMCA of the Rockies during October 18 – 22, 2017. Registration will be limited to the first fifty people. Keep checking the link above for related announcements about the 2017 Ragamuffin Camp. I share some overall impressions of my first Ragamuffin Camp during this episode along with some personal insights and lessons learned. This camp made a tremendous impact on my life as I personally encountered the love of God as I never have before. Episode #25 ends with the song The Love of God, by Rich Mullins. We encourage you to purchase the song and add it to a playlist to be reminded often just how much God loves you. -------------------------------------------- The Love of God Rich Mullins There's a wideness in God's mercy I cannot find in my own And He keeps His fire burning To melt this heart of stone Keeps me aching with a yearning Keeps me glad to have been caught In the reckless raging fury That they call the love of God Now I've seen no band of angels But I've heard the soldiers' songs Love hangs over them like a banner Love within them leads them on To the battle on the journey And it's never gonna stop Ever widening their mercies And the fury of His love Oh the love of God And oh, the love of God The love of God Joy and sorrow are this ocean And in their every ebb and flow Now the Lord a door has opened The Hope Podcast New Intro and Outro - Let Hope In: Daniel Bashta Used with Permission http://www.danielbashta.com/music/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5SWqNShtnY That all Hell could never close Here I'm tested and made worthy Tossed about but lifted up In the reckless raging fury That they call the love of God Songwriters: MULLINS, RICHARD The Love Of God lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group ---------------------------------- Feel free to contact us if we can be of help to you. You can reach us at [email protected]. We often suggest during episodes of the podcast that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling for depression, etc, is needed. To locate a counselor in your area, call CCEF at 215-884-7676. We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things shared during this episode. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. Our goal is to post a new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We don’t always succeed, but we try. We pray that you will find encouragement through each episode. Thank you for downloading The Hope Podcast.

Episode #24: Interview with Bill Berger. In this episode of The Hope Podcast I have the privilege of interviewing Bill currently he is a missionary in Quito, Ecuador. Connect with them at www.bergers4him.blogspot.com. Also learn more about their school at www.alliance.k12.ce. Feel free to contact us if we can be of help to you. Email us at [email protected]. We also suggest during episodes of the podcast that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling for depression, etc, is needed. Their phone number is 215-884-7676. The Hope Podcast New Intro and Outro - Let Hope In: Daniel Bashta Used with Permission http://www.danielbashta.com/music/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5SWqNShtnY

Episode #23: Interview with Brent Killman. In this episode of The Hope Podcast I have the privilege of interviewing Brent, currently the Church Plant Resident at Mercy Hill PCA, in Sewell, NJ. You may learn more about Brent by going to www.mercyhillnj.org. Feel free to contact us if we can be of help to you. Email us at [email protected]. We also suggest during episodes of the podcast that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling for depression, etc, is needed. Their phone number is 215-884-7676. The Hope Podcast New Intro and Outro - Let Hope In: Daniel Bashta Used with Permission http://www.danielbashta.com/music/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5SWqNShtnY

Episode #22: Interview with James (Jimbo) Hoffman In this episode of The Hope Podcast I have the privilege of interviewing James, former MMA Fighter, counselor and aspiring Podcast host. Thats right The Hope Podcast and the Berean Broadcast unite! You will find this interview interesting as we dive into James past with fighting and his current work with broken people. You can learn more about Jimbo's Podcast here http://thebereanbroadcast.podomatic.com/entry/2016-07-30T22_53_59-07_00. He also has an open Facebook Group for you to join also https://www.facebook.com/groups/319000728287253/?fref=nf Feel free to contact us if we can be of help to you. Email us at [email protected]. We also suggest during episodes of the podcast that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling for depression, etc, is needed. Their phone number is 215-884-7676. The Hope Podcast New Intro and Outro - Let Hope In: Daniel Bashta Used with Permission http://www.danielbashta.com/music/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5SWqNShtnY

Western Indian Ministries website: http://www.westernindian.org/ Family Blog: https://cookfamilywim.wordpress.com/ Family Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cookfamilymissions/ Make a donation: http://tinyurl.com/h3owdqx The Hope Podcast Intro and Outro - Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #20: Interview with Mario Freitas In this episode of The Hope Podcast I have the privilege of interviewing Mario Freitas, Missionary with More International. Mario grew up and serves in the country of Brazil. He and his family are currently living in the Cedar Lane Missionary Homes in Laurel Springs, New Jersey. Mario’s ministry with More International focuses on three primary areas of need: Assisting believers around the word during natural disasters, religious persecution and war zones. You can learn more about Mario’s ministry by visiting their website: www.moreinternational.org. You can also reach Mario via his email: [email protected]. Feel free to contact us if we can be of help to you. Email us at [email protected]. We also suggest during episodes of the podcast that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling for depression, etc, is needed. Their phone number is 215-884-7676. The Hope Podcast Intro and Outro - Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #19: Emotional Hygiene In this episode of The Hope Podcast Scott and I share some thoughts about Emotional Hygiene. Have you ever had to tell someone they had BO? My wife did, and it didn’t go well. Just as hygiene is important to keep our bodies clean, we also need to practice good emotional hygiene to keep our minds and emotions healthy. We need to create church environments where it is OK for the outside of a man to reflect what is going on in the inside. We are all a mess and Jesus is in the process of making us less messy. But we sold not subvert God’s cleanup process by forcing our self or others into a disingenuous conformity. ~ Mark McIntyre Guy Winch, Emotional Hygiene (TED talk on this.) Click here: https://youtu.be/F2hc2FLOdhI "When you’re in emotional pain, treat yourself with the same compassion you would expect from a truly good friend. We have to catch our unhealthy psychological habits and change them. One of the unhealthiest and most common is called rumination. To ruminate means to chew over. It’s when your boss yells at you, or your professor makes you feel stupid in class, or you have a big fight with a friend and you just can’t stop repaying the scene in your head for days, sometimes for weeks on end. Ruminating about upsetting events in this way can easily become a habit, and its a very costly one. Because of spending so much time focused on upsetting and negative thoughts, you are actually putting yourself at significant risk for developing clinical depression, alcoholism, eating disorders, and even cardiovascular disease." What is God’s clean up process as we practice emotional hygiene in this world where both very good and very horrible things happen? It begins with spiritual disciplines. Another part of God’s clean up process is putting off and putting on. God also uses other people in our lives as a part of his clean-up process. Sometimes when the clean-up process is overwhelming, we call in a specialist. Find a good Christian counselor to help you. These are some initial thoughts on Emotional Hygiene. Feel free to contact us if we can be of help to you with these issues. Email us at [email protected]. We also suggested during this episode that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling for depression, etc, is needed. Their phone number is 215-884-7676. We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things shared during this episode. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. A new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We hope you will find encouragement through these episodes of the podcast. Scott Read from a book called Wisdom in Leadership. Find that here: http://www.matthiasmedia.com.au/wisdom-in-leadership The Hope Podcast Intro and Outro - Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #18: Interview with Tony Martin I had the privilege of interviewing Tony Martin, Missionary to Sweden, during this episode of The Hope Podcast. During this episode, Tony shares that one of the challenges missionaries face while entering a new culture is loneliness. I asked Tony for some suggestions for how churches can do a better job of supporting missionaries. Here are some of his suggestions. Schedule a Skype call with missionaries once per quarter. Find out birthdays and anniversary dates for missionary family members. Remember your missionaries during American Holidays and send appropriate gifts to help them while they are away from home. Connect with your missionaries on a regular basis via phone calls or Skype. Send little surprises on a special occasion. Another issue that Tony shares that is common with missionaries is depression. We urge you to pray for our missionaries as they encounter many different challenges. We appreciated Tony sharing these things with us and encourage you to keep he and his family in prayer. You can learn more about Tony’s ministry by visiting their website at: www.tagmartin.com. We also suggested during this episode that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling for depression, etc, is needed. Their phone number is 215-884-7676. Email us if you are not successful in finding a counselor and we will try to help. ([email protected]) The Hope Podcast Intro and Outro - Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #17: Rita Reyes Rita is a friend and Founder and Director of Choices of the Heart in Sewell, New Jersey. In this episode of the podcast Rita shares her story of having an unplanned pregnancy. She also tells us how her story led her to begin Choices of the Heart. We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things shared during the interview. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. A new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We hope you will find encouragement through future episodes of the podcast. The Hope Podcast Intro and Outro - Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #16: Jim Leary Jim Leary, Host of The Hope Podcast, appears in this episode. We also suggested during this episode that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling is needed. Their phone number is 215-884-7676. Email us if you are not successful in finding a counselor and we will try to help. ([email protected]) We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things Jim shared during the interview. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. A new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We hope you will find encouragement through future episodes of the podcast. The Hope Podcast Intro and Outro - Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #15: Jim Leary Jim Leary, Host of The Hope Podcast, appears in this episode. Jim reads from Mark 11:25-30 and shares some thoughts. He also shares his personal story of his father wounds, and shares some of his journey to find healing from them. Here are three quotes that Jim shared during the episode: Every man carries a wound, and the wound is nearly always given by his father. (John Eldridge) Choose Wisely We have no power to stop the evil choices made by another person.
 But I have the power to choose to do good.
I have the power to choose kindness.
I have the power to choose hope.
I have the power to choose generosity.
I have the power to choose to forgive.
I have the power to choose to love.

And I, and every person ever born, have this power of choice in all that we do, as a gift given by the One Eternal God.

"... I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life..." - Deuteronomy 30:19–20

"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." - Galatians 5:25

"[God] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…" - Ephesians 3:20

What will you do with your power to choose? (Sylane Mack) A trusted counselor helps readers move from heartache to joy as they overcome the wounds from a missing, abusive, or absent father. (H. Norman Wright) We also suggested during this episode that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling is needed. Their phone number is 215-884-7676. Email us if you are not successful in finding a counselor and we will try to help. ([email protected]) We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things Jim shared during the interview. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. A new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We hope you will find encouragement through future episodes of the podcast. The Hope Podcast Intro and Outro - Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #14: Jeff Johnson Our guest for Episode #14 is Jeff Johnson. Jeff is a friend and also an elder at Stagecoach Road Christian Fellowship in Sicklerville, New Jersey. In this episode of the podcast Jeff shares his story about his battle with pornography. He also shares how he came to faith in Christ and how that has helped him to overcome his addiction. We also talk about several tools that have helped Jeff in his journey. Here are some links: Ever Accountable: http://www.everaccountable.com The Conquer Series: http://www.everaccountable.com/ Harvest USA: http://www.harvestusa.org/ XXXChurch: http://www.xxxchurch.com We also suggested during this episode that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling is needed. Their phone number is 215-884-7676. Email us if you are not successful in finding a counselor and we will try to help. ([email protected]) We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things Jeff shared during the interview. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. A new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We hope you will find encouragement through future episodes of the podcast. The Hope Podcast Intro and Outro - Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #13: Dez Childs Our guest for Episode #13 is Dez Childs. Dez is a friend, recording artist, worship leader, radio personality and mother-to-be who lives in South Jersey. We encourage you to visit her website to learn more about her music ministry at www.dezchilds.com. In this episode of the podcast Dez shares her story about what it has been like to deal with her expectations for her music, and how God has helped her to persevere. We talk about how even our dreams and good aspirations can become idols if we are not aware. Dez is learning to surrender her dreams to God. She will also be launching her newest album later this year called “Work of Art.” We encourage you to bookmark her website and watch for the release. We feature one of her new songs, “Around and Around”, on the podcast. Our prayer is that you will find this interview with our friend Dez to be encouraging and helpful. We also suggested during this episode that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling is needed. Their phone number is 215-884-7676. Email us if you are not successful in finding a counselor and we will try to help. ([email protected]) We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things Ken shared during the interview. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. A new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We hope you will find encouragement through future episodes of the podcast. The Hope Podcast Intro and Outro - Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #12: Pastor Ken Jackson Our guest for Episode #12 is Pastor Ken Jackson. Ken is a friend who lives in Franklinville, NJ. He is also the Pastor of Cornerstone Church in Franklinville, NJ. In this episode of the podcast Ken shares his story about what it has been like to be the pastor of a church plant, and how God has opened the door for them to now have a church building. Ken shares the kinds of struggles that many other pastors also go through. We urge you to visit the church website: https://cornerstone242.com. Our prayer is that you will find this interview with our friend Ken to be encouraging and helpful. We also suggested during this episode that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling is needed. Their phone number is 215-884-7676. Email us if you are not successful in finding a counselor and we will try to help. ([email protected]) We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things Ken shared during the interview. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. A new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We hope you will find encouragement through future episodes of the podcast. The Hope Podcast Intro and Outro Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #11: Elizabeth Moreton Our guest for Episode #11 is Elizabeth Moreton. Beth is a friend who lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Our family became friends with Beth and her family when they began attending Stagecoach Road Christian Fellowship In this episode of the podcast Beth shares her story about her struggle with anxiety and depression, and how God has helped her through work through those issues to a place of hope and healing today. Beth shares a significant part of her story through her blog. We urge you to visit here: https://findfaith47.wordpress.com/ Our prayer is that you will find this interview with our friend Beth to be encouraging and helpful. We also suggested during this episode that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling is needed. Their phone number is 215-884-7676. Email us if you are not successful in finding a counselor and we will try to help. ([email protected]) We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things Beth shared during the interview. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. A new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We hope you will find encouragement through future episodes of the podcast. The Hope Podcast Intro and Outro Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

We are back in studio and take a look back at where the podcast has come and where we hope to go in the next few weeks. Thank you to our listeners all around the world! We encourage you to reach out to your pastor. If you do not have a pastor, we encourage you to contact CCEF (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation). Their phone number is 215-884-7676. Email us if you are not successful in finding a counselor and we will try to help. ([email protected]) We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things that are shared on the podcast. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. A new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We hope you will find encouragement through each episode of the podcast. The Hope Podcast Intro and Outro Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #9: Vicki Weiss Our guest for Episode #9 is Vicki Weiss. Vicki lives in Ocean County, New Jersey, and works as a child advocate. In this episode of the podcast Vicki shares her story of her painful childhood as an orphan in the Philippines, and how a military couple adopted her and brought her to the US. She shares how God has provided healing and hope through many traumatic experiences in her life. Our prayer is that you will find this interview with Vicki to be helpful and encouraging to you. We also suggested during this episode that our listeners seek help through counseling if needed. We encourage you to reach out to your pastor. If you do not have a pastor, we encourage you to contact CCEF (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation). Their phone number is 215-884-7676. Email us if you are not successful in finding a counselor and we will try to help. ([email protected]) We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things Vicki shared during the interview. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. A new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We hope you will find encouragement through each episode of the podcast. Intro and Outro Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #7: Tom and Tamara Miller Our guests for Episode #7 are Tom and Tamara Miller. Tom is a former pastor and schoolteacher. Tom and Gail Miller have two adult children: Tamara and Robert. In this episode of the podcast Tom and Tamara, their daughter, each share their stories about their struggles with anxiety and depression. Tom suffers from Parkinson’s disease and his disease has progressed to where he now moves in and out of various stages of depression. Tamara has suffered from anxiety and depression since she was thirteen years old. We are thankful that this father and daughter had the courage to share their stories. We are especially thankful for Tamara because her story is one that many young people share. We also appreciate Tom sharing what it is like to love and support their daughter as she has moved through so many difficult experiences. Our prayer is that you will find this interview with Tom and Tamara Miller to be encouraging and helpful. We also suggested during this episode that our listeners contact CCEF if counseling is needed. Their phone number is 215-884-7676. Email us if you are not successful in finding a counselor and we will try to help. ([email protected]) We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things Tom and Tamara shared during the interview. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. A new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We hope you will find encouragement through future episodes of the podcast. Intro and Outro Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

The Hope Podcast Host: Jim Leary Technical Director: Scott Leary Episode #6: Pastor Thomas Loman Our guest for Episode #6 is Pastor Thomas Loman. Thomas is the Pastor of Stagecoach Road Christian Fellowship in Sicklerville, NJ. (www.stagecoachchurch.org) Thomas and Lauren Loman have four children: Micah, Levi, Chloe and Lydia. In Episode 6 of the podcast Thomas shares his story of growing up in a dysfunctional home where his father abused drugs. He describes how his father even invited him to try drugs and how he learned to deal with those father wounds. Thomas came to know Jesus as His Savior at an early age and his grandfather who was a pastor helped to mentor him to also become a pastor. Thomas affirms that the Gospel has helped him to overcome many of the issues that were created by his father wounds. Our prayer is that you will find this interview with Thomas to be encouraging and helpful. We invite you to join our Facebook Forum where we will discuss some of the things Thomas shared during the interview. The forum can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast. We hope you will find future episodes of the Hope Podcast to also be encouraging. Visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com.
 A new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. Intro and Outro Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

Welcome to the fourth episode of The Hope Podcast. Thank you for downloading and listening to our podcast. We realize your time is very valuable. We would like to begin the podcast today by thanking some friends who recently posted reviews on the podcast. JBCJared and StanRR both posted comments and gave the podcast 5 stars. Thank you! We explore the topic of a community of hope in this episode. I read part of an email from a missionary friend who is crying out for supporting churches to be safe places, communities of hope, where they could safely share their ministry struggles and live in grace and truth. What is a community of hope? It is a place where everyone lives in the grace and truth of the gospel, acknowledging that all of us are fallen sinners who rest solely on the work of the cross. It is where broken people find a home. It is a place where we can be ourselves, brokenness and all. How can we encourage our churches to become communities of hope? Here are some suggestions. 1. Understand grace and truth myself. 2. Pray for my church to become a community of hope. 3. Study how Jesus gave hope to those who suffered in the NT. 4. Seek to understand the needs of my community. 5. Become transparent with others about my own stuff. 6. Encourage my pastor and elders to also become transparent about their stuff. 7. Listen to those around me. Friends who are struggling will often give subtle hints that all is not well. Meet with them over coffee and ask them to share tell their story with you. 8. When others share their story, extend grace and truth, reminding them of God's love and that you are also there to love and support them. 9. Develop support systems for those people God sends your way who need hope. 10. Multiply these efforts church-wide. If you are in a church that has not yet become a community of hope, I suggest that you find someone to talk with to help you deal with your stuff. We also mention the importance of finding a good counselor in this episode. We suggest calling CCEF (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation). Their phone number is 215-884-7676. If you are not successful, email us ([email protected]) and we will try to help.
 We pray you will find future episodes of the Hope Podcast to be encouraging. We also invite you to visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com.
 A new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. We encourage you to listen and post a review! Thanks again for listening. ~ Jim Leary Intro and Outro used with permission Release the Deep - Josh White http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

Welcome to the third episode of The Hope Podcast. Thank you for downloading and listening to our podcast. We realize your time is very valuable. We explore the topic of hopeful realism in this episode. A good definition of hopeful realism is found in the book How People Change by Tim Lane and Paul Tripp. They observe: "The gospel calls us to look at the messiness of life in a radically different way. The good news of the gospel is that Christ has conquered sin and death, and with them every meaningless and destructive end. Our final destination infuses every word, action, desire, and response with meaning and purpose. There are no completely hopeless situations. The gospel welcomes us to a hopeful realism. We can look life in the face and still be hopeful because of who Christ is and where he is taking us. Everything God has brought into your life has been brought with your destination in view. God is moving you on, even when you think you are stuck." We also mention the importance of finding a good counselor in this episode. We suggest calling CCEF (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation). Their phone number is 215-884-7676. If you're in the Philadelphia Area you can also contact the Philadelphia Renewal Network. They're a network of counselors based in local churches. You can go to www.philadelphiarenewalnetwork.org. If you are not successful, email us ([email protected]) and we will try to help.
 We pray you will find future episodes of the Hope Podcast to be encouraging. We also invite you to visit our website and sign up for our free newsletter. Our web address is www.thehopepodcast.com.
 A new episode of The Hope Podcast will appear each Monday. The topic of episode #4 will be how we can create communities of hope. Intro and Outro Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/

Show Notes for Episode 2 Everything we need we find in the Gospel Story Here are some examples. There is betrayal in the story of the Gospel. Have you ever been betrayed? Has your spouse been unfaithful and broken your marriage vows? There is betrayal in the Gospel. Judas betrayed Jesus to the Roman soldiers and He was arrested and eventually crucified. Jesus knows betrayal. There is the death of a son in the story of the Gospel. Have you ever lost a loved one? A child? A spouse? Jesus, God’s only Son, died on the cross. God, His Father, understands your loss and can bring you comfort. There is the total loss of hope in the story of the Gospel. Do you struggle with a sense of hopelessness? Jesus experienced that when His Father turned his back on him. On the cross He cried, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachtani.” “Why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) Jesus understands your feelings of hopelessness. He has been there. There is an account of unfair treatment in the story of the Gospel. Do you ever feel like you have been treated unfairly? Jesus was when He was on trial. His trial was a farce. Jesus understands how you were mistreated. There is an account of someone who received the most severe punishment ever for something that He did not do, so that others who did not deserve it in the story of the Gospel. Do you feel like you are being punished unfairly for something you haven’t done? Jesus bore the sins of the world and He didn’t deserve that. He understands what you are going through. There is joy in the story of the Gospel. Hebrews 12:2 – “who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross….” There was also joy and rejoicing at Jesus birth. (Matthew 2:10) Do you lack joy? Are you feeling sad? God understands and wants you to experience His joy. I would encourage you to send your stories to this email address. [email protected]  
 If you give me permission, I would like to share your stories. If we get the technology worked out, I would also like to invite some of you to share your hope stories on a future podcast. I will also be interviewing counselors and others who offer help and hope to those who struggle. So this podcast is also a self-help project for me. 
 Hopefully you will find future episodes of the Hope Podcast to be encouraging. I invite you to bookmark our website and return to download future episodes. The web address is www.thehopepodcast.com.
 You are also invited to tune in to the next episode of the podcast that will be up next Monday, when I will share how the Gospel gives me hope. I also invite you to like our FB page here : https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast/. Also follow me on Twitter: @thehopepodcast Song Release the Deep by Josh White used with his permission

In this Episode we hear from the Podcasts Founder and Host Jim Leary. He shares his personal story of his search for Hope. Is it ok for a a Pastor to struggle with losing hope? Where in the Bible do we see people struggling with losing hope? Here are a few instances: 1. Abraham (Genesis 15) 2. Jonah (Jonah 4) 3. Job (The Book of Job) 4. Elijah (1 Kings 19) Elijah asked to die. He said, “it is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” (1 Kings 19:4-5) 5. Hannah was deeply depressed because she could not have children. “Hannah wept and would not eat….she was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.” (1 Samuel 1;7-10) 6. King Saul (1 Samuel 16) 7. Jeremiah (Book of Jeremiah and Book of Lamentations) 8. David (Psalm 42 and other passages) 9. David in Psalm 38: 6, 8: “I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long…I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.” 10. Cain, the son of Adam, after he disobeyed God, God said the following to him: “Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4;6-7) 11. David experienced anxiety and depression as King of Israel after he committed adultery with Bathseba: “When I kept silent, my bones grew old. Through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah” (P 12. The Apostle Paul experienced depression. “We were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. “ (2 Cor 1:8-10) So, I would to assure you that in future episodes of this podcast we will be talking about the issues surrounding hopelessness and hope from a personal point of view. I will seek to be honest, and real. Beginning in February, we will feature interviews with people who lost hope and rediscovered it again. We will also interview counselors and others who help people rediscover hope again. I would also love to hear your stories of struggle, of when you felt hopeless and that all was lost, and where you are now in that journey. I look forward to hearing from you. Maybe we can connect and find hope together. I would also appreciate learning about where do you see God in your suffering? What has He done for you? Send your stories to this email address. [email protected] If you give me permission, I would like to share your stories during a future podcast. I would also like to invite some of you to share your hope stories via an interview. Hopefully you will find future episodes of the Hope Podcast to be encouraging. I invite you to bookmark our website and return to download future episodes. The web address is www.thehopepodcast.com. You are also invited to tune in to the next episode of the podcast that will be up next Monday when I will share how the Gospel gives me hope. Like our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehopepodcast/ Follow us on Twitter: The Hope Podcast Intro and Outro Release the Deep: Josh White Used with Permission http://deeper-well.com/releases/absolution/