Hope Floats

A Sandra Bullock movie was released more than ten years ago called “Hope Floats.” Whether or not you’ve seen it, don’t you think just the title itself is compelling? You don’t need to know the storyline to resonate with the joyful buoyancy of hope.

Hope is a chest and chin lifter. It is a burst of fresh air when you’ve been trapped in a dark and stale basement. It is a lifesaver when you are floundering in the deep ocean sea.

Hope is simple … it’s not showy, it’s not dramatic. But it floats. And when you are about to be pulled under the water’s surface, it’s all you need to keep from drowning.

The Bible has much to say about hope. One passage I’ve always found interesting is 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Because I am such a fan of hope, I used to be discouraged that it wasn’t “the greatest of these.” But then I realized that perhaps love is greatest because it is the only one that will be present with us through eternity in heaven (“for if you already have something, you don’t need to hope for it” (Romans 8:24, NLT)).

In heaven, where believers in Jesus Christ will spend eternity, faith and hope will not be present. Faith will not be necessary because we will be living in the presence of the One in whom faith is currently required. And hope will not be there because we will lack nothing; we will have no reason to grasp for the buoyancy of hope … we ourselves will be buoyant!

But for now, while we are here on earth, I love what 1 Peter 1: 3-5 has to say about our living hope, and what we have to look forward to in heaven: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Are you downtrodden today? Take a firm grip on hope in Jesus Christ! This is hope that floats.

Pressures, Process and Promotion

In His priestly prayer toward the end of His mission on earth, Jesus speaks to the Father, “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” John 17:4.

Likewise, as disciples of Jesus following His example, we glorify God by completing the work He’s given us to do. God told us in His word that we are His workmanship created to walk in the good works, which He prepared in advance. The question remains for some of us, how do we discover this ultimate purpose, which He prepared in advance for us personally? Or better yet, how do we get there?

Recently, I had the opportunity to listen to a powerful, dynamic teacher, Dr. Lance Wallnau, who has completed a lifetime of research on organizational and personal transformation. He desires to encourage others to find their purpose and fulfill that one thing God has called them to do. Since this relates to what we teach here at Greater Reach Ministries through our Who Do You Think You Are? Class, I’d like to share some highlights of his insightful and articulate teaching.
First, He mentioned a study from Fuller Seminary graduates. The study concluded that 80% of Fuller Seminary graduates, at the peak of their career, had not reached their ultimate purpose. He then defined convergence to be the place where your passion, divine gifting, and divine timing meet. It’s the place where you are at your affinity, your calling and your ultimate purpose for the Kingdom. In convergence, you will experience divine favor. This means that people will be drawn to you because of a quality of God in you. People who are given divine favor are usually those who have “an extraordinary dialogue with heaven”.

So, how do we reach this place of divine favor and maximizing our gifts and passions? According to Dr. Wallnau, it will be appointed to you by God at the right time. God is the one who puts you into the future. It’s not something you achieve, but it’s something that He does in you and for you. Dr. Wallnau feels that everyone is in a season of “process” until they reach their destiny, where they also may experience many pressures of preparation.
Are you currently in a difficult season, and anxious to arrive at your convergence? He encouraged and exhorted us by reminding us that God shakes our circumstances to refine our gifts for our purpose. You’re also defining your passion. Jesus’ passion was the sheep. He laid down His life for His sheep. In order to lay down your life, there has to be something you love more than your own life. You’re also developing your skills now, and if you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough.

Dr. Wallnau feels that anyone can be happy in their current circumstance if they make a connection between what they are going through now and their ultimate destiny. He shared that most people quit because they don’t understand the process. God is using your current pressures for your own promotion. He can relieve the pressure, and release you from your potential, or he can leave it and see if you crack. He feels that this process involves a stretching of who you are to give you greater identity. Dr. Wallnau provided the example of Joseph’s challenging process, which led Him to His promotion.

Obviously waiting is active, so, what can we do in our walk with God during the process to help us prepare? If, like Joseph, God has given you a vision for the future, during your season of “process”, you can look to that next level. Ask yourself what are the characteristics of those currently at the next level? Who will I have to become that I’ve never been before? You can also ask yourself, who will God have to be for me that He’s never been before once I get there? This is the character you can begin to develop with the Lord during your process. Remember, you are God’s workmanship, and He is working in you to develop you for this next level. It’s in His timing, not our own, that you will arrive. Feel like quitting? Of course, God gives grace and will love you just the same, but you will be missing out on the satisfaction of living a purposeful life for His glory!

--By Alyssa Spitale

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67% of the women in Arizona prisons return within 3 years. Christian ex-offenders need to hear that God loves them, they are significant to Jesus, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. They need to grow in understanding that their true identity is in Christ, and discover practical ways to change their thinking and behavior so they do not return to their old ways... and to prison.Your love offering will make it possible for Christian ex-offenders enrolled in the Women's Discipleship Program at Along Side Ministries to hear the good news about their identity by attending the 8-week class "Who Do You Think You Are?"Will you help us make a difference in their lives? We need to raise $50 per woman to cover materials, administrative and travel expenses.Please write "ex-offender class" in the memo section of your check and send your gift to: Greater Reach Ministries at:

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Jesus Defies Culture: The Woman at the Well (excerpt 5 of 5)

You are catching the final entry of a series of posts with excerpts from my book, “Who Do You Think You Are?” focusing on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the water well (John 4:1-30).

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Read the second post >> {entry #2}
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Buy the book now >> {link}

In the book, a two-column chart displays the information below. It considers what the cultural and traditional norms were at the time, and contrasts them with how Jesus, the “radical rabbi,” behaved toward the Samaritan woman.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: A rabbi could not speak to a woman in public.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ speaks to a Samaritan woman. Christ rejected Jewish teaching forbidding talking to women.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Jewish leaders considered woman incapable of understanding religious teaching.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ though she was capable of learning.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Jewish leaders considered a woman unworthy of religious teaching.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ thought she was worthy and wanted to include her in the plan of salvation.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Women were not considered reliable witnesses in Israel.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ knew she would be a witness for Him.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Rabbinic law stated that Samaritan women were considered unclean.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ defied this tradition. He rejected Jewish teaching regarding uncleanness.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Religious segregation was normal for both women and Samaritans.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ defied this tradition.Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: A man would never drink from a woman.

Jesus Defies Culture: The Woman at the Well (excerpt 4 of 5)

You are joining in the middle of a series of posts with excerpts from my book, “Who Do You Think You Are?” focusing on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the water well (John 4:1-30).

Post #1

Post#2

Post#3

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We also know that Jewish leaders of the day considered a woman incapable of a religious education. Jesus engaged her on a deep spiritual level of conversation almost immediately, challenging her understanding of religious teachings. She tried to keep the conversation at the surface, asking about the proper place for worship. Jesus let her ask, then gently guided her back to a level where He could engage her heart. He taught her that what was really important was not where you worship, but whether you worship in spirit and in truth. That was pretty deep for a conversation at a well.

Not only did Jewish leaders consider a woman incapable of a religious education, they saw her as UNWORTHY. Jesus deemed her capable AND worthy of learning … worthy enough to offer her salvation. He tells her that if she knew the gift of God and who it was asking her for a drink, she would have asked Him and He would have given her living water. Jesus invited her into God’s eternal plan.

Finally, women were not considered reliable witnesses in Israel. If Jesus had wanted to spread His Good News through a “respectable” method, He would have had such an encounter with a man. Instead, He chose a Samaritan woman who so changed by their interaction that the first thing she does is witness to her community. She runs and shouts throughout the village, “Come, and see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” (verse 29). The Samaritan woman goes from avoiding people in the morning to seeking them out in the afternoon! What happened to her? Do you think her view of herself was changed? What happened to the shame she surely must have felt earlier that same day?

On so many levels Jesus defied tradition and culture in this encounter. Before they met this woman felt alienated, used, and abused. But in this one brief conversation she is given a profound message about her true value—one she had likely never heard in all her years. Through their encounter she became both a member and a messenger of God’s Kingdom. Jesus changed her life! She was liberated, His redeemed image-bearer. She received and responded to His unconditional acceptance of her. This is how Jesus Christ wants to change you today.Stay tuned for the next post with more from "Who Do You Think You Are?"

What a Great Time We Had!

Every time I teach our 8 week class based on my book, “Who Do You Think You Are?” I think, “Wow, this is a great group of women! Best ever!” Though I have taught this class many times now, each time I wonder if the next group of women is going to be as awesome as the last. Well, they are as awesome as the last class! Lyn Fish, our newest staff member, and I taught the 8 week class in May and June, and let me tell you, I am as blessed as anyone to have had the privilege of teaching women who are smart, ready to grow, and blended together into such a harmonious group of believers! Just listen to what a couple of the women said who attended:

“The class was a real blessing. I received confirmation that I am right where God wants me to be and I have already used some of the class information with my mentee. In addition, I am finalizing my Mission Statement which I would not have done without the class so that's a huge blessing.” Lynn Austin

“I know how precious I am to my Savior now. I no longer carry guilt and shame of my childhood and I am as valuable to God as my brothers are. I never knew that. I thought I was here to be their servant. In reality I am here to serve the Lord in whatever ways He calls me to.” Maria Chez

I can’t imagine anything more thrilling and fulfilling than to be able to encourage and equip these precious ones to take the next step on their spiritual journeys. I truly count it a joy, and am grateful to God that He has given me the gift of this ministry. I would love for every woman I know to learn and experience the truths that we discover ed together in 8 short weeks.

If you haven’t taken this class yet and you want to, let us know and we will keep you informed as to when and where it will be taught again. Join us! It could change your life!

Jesus Defies Culture: The Woman at the Well (excerpt 3 of 5)

You are joining in the middle of a series of posts with excerpts from my book, “Who Do You Think You Are?” focusing on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the water well (John 4:1-30).

Read the first post >> Entry #1

Read the second post >> Entry #2

Buy the book now>> Click Here

The culture came head-to-head with Christ’s behavior. Consider the ways this encounter was so radical, and how many man-made rules He broke. Most striking, rabbinical law stated that Samaritan women were considered unclean. Jesus rejected this Jewish teaching by reaching out to a mixed-race female (that’s two strikes against her), AND whose morality was in question. It would never cross the mind of any “good Jew” to treat this person as a fellow human being.

Secondly, a godly Jewish man, let alone a rabbi (teacher), was not to speak to a woman in public. Men simply did not speak to women in public. In fact, a husband would not even address his wife if he saw her on the street! Yet Jesus, a revered rabbi, willingly initiates conversation with this down-and-out, mixed-race female at one of the village’s social hot spots.

Thirdly, religious segregation was standard for both women and Samaritans. Not only would a Jewish man never drink from a woman’s cup, a rabbi would never even associate with a “sinner.” Think now about how Jesus opened his conversation with the Samaritan woman by asking to have a drink from her cup! This surely alarmed her. He asked to drink from the cup of a woman viewed by the culture to be in a constant state of uncleanness. That’s radical! His request would have been like a white man drinking from a fountain marked “colored only” in Alabama in the 1950s. But here, Jesus Christ Himself not only asks for a drink, He engages in a lengthy conversation with, a woman “sinner” … in public.

Check back here for the next post with more from “Who Do You Think You Are?”