'If You’re Reading This, I’m Dead'

Dear New Hope Family,

I know what you’re thinking: “What? Was this one of those letters set to send automatically when someone passes away?"

Thankfully, no, it’s not. It’s just a quick way to direct your attention to a powerful truth that is SO easy to forget in our “me-first” culture...

"I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

This is our greatest motivation to serve others — not because we’re trying to earn God’s favor, but because JESUS is living His life through us, and He came to serve!

This is our greatest reason to honor God through giving — not because we’re trying to keep God from punishing us, but because JESUS is living His life through us, and He is always generous.

And this is our greatest reason to love God more than ourselves… or our family… or our country… because JESUS is living His life through us, and He loves the Father more than anyone else.

Whose Life to Live Today?

So here’s my question to me and to you, a question that can frame our days and our weeks and our whole lives if we ask and answer it regularly: “Whose life am I going to live today?"

When we ask and answer that in the mirror each morning (or even if we do it only occasionally), we gain something powerful that helps clarify our daily decisions: perspective.

While I won’t get to see you this weekend (not because I’m dead, because we’re visiting family in Texas, I hope you’ll make it a priority to come participate in worship. 

And if you find yourself not sure whether or not you’ll make it, well, you know the question to ask. ;-)

Grateful to serve with you,
~ Pastor Phillip