Hope's Harbor Podcast - Gritty Bible Devotions

David F Bradley

About

I want to encourage you today. Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions is a podcast that deals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other topics from a Biblical perspective. The goal of this podcast is to bring about positive change in our lives through the practical application of Scripture. This episode gives a little background into the creation of this Bible-based devotional show. The lessons are drawn from Scripture. I'm not a pastor, rather a layperson sharing personal experiences from 40+ years of living the Christian life in all its difficulties. The intent is to encourage listeners to find hope within the Bible. The goal of studying helpful Bible truths is to help ease despair leading to depression. One such helpful truth is that God loves us equal to His Son, Jesus. His forgiveness once accepted and asked for, is complete. The challenge is living in light of this and other truths found throughout the Bible. Join me on this journey as we study how to replace toxic thinking with the truths of Scripture. Together, we can live out God’s plan for us and experience His hope for tomorrow. Will you consider listening and working together to make it happen? If so, you can subscribe to Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions on Apple Podcasts or other well-known directories. This show isn't affiliated with any organization, religious or otherwise.

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121 episodes

E121 - Jesus Beyond the Cross - Part 4 of 4 - Final Episode

Key verse ROMANS 1:4 - ...And (Jesus was)  declared to be the Son of GOD with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is just as crucial to our salvation as His death on the cross for our sins. For if Jesus didnt rise from the dead it means His sacrifice was not sufficient payment for the sins of the human race.  It means there would be no atonement for our sin. But rest assured... Jesus did rise from the dead on the 3rd day after He died. This fact was witnessed by many people who saw Him afterward, and numerous peole with whom Jesus interacted. But how do we know for sure? Let me ask you - what changed the disciples from cowards to lions?

7m
Aug 28, 2023
E120 - Jesus Off the Cross - Part 3 of 4

Jesus was only taken down off the cross after a Roman soldier ensured Jesus was dead by thrusting a spear into His heart. It is crucial that Jesus was dead because without Him dead there could be no resurrection from death. Without a ressurection the Christian system of belief is empty, as in fake. The Apostle Paul said that those of us who believe Jesus was raised from the dead if in fact He did not rise, we are the most pitiful of all people. Why would he say that? Because our hope for eternal life would be in vain. But take heart - the dicisples, the very ones who abandoned Jesus, were changed by something to the point they turned the world upsidedown with a message coming out of an event they witnessed. And most of them died telling what they saw.

9m
Aug 21, 2023
E119 - Jesus on the Cross - Part 2 of 4

When Pilate, the Roman governor, asked the religious leaders clamoring for Jesus to be put to death, he asked them, "Why, what evil has He done?" But the mob didnt answer him except to cry out all the more, "Let Him be crucified!" John 19:7 gives more information as to the reason the leaders in Jerusalem wanted Jesus dead. They said because Jesus "made himself the Son of GOD." This was an excuse they used because the real reason was Jesus told them earlier in His ministry their religion would not gain them favor with GOD, and that they were the "children of the devil." Yes, that will get religious people riled up. Now, on the cross Jesus had something to say to those witnessing His death. He asked GOD His Father to forgive those men standing there as they mocked Him. And then, just before He died He declared, "It is finished!" This meant HIs death completely atoned, or paid the penalty, for the sins of the human race. All sin, for all time. Why would He do this? Because of His love for us and His desire to see the human race survive. At least for those who chose to believe in Him and show it by taking Him as their Savior. You know, like what it takes to become married. It takes more than intellectual  assent. It takes an action on our part to become married. Now transfer that to salvation and you will have eternal life according to JOHN 3:16 - "For GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that believes in Him should not preish but have everlasting life."

8m
Aug 14, 2023
E118 - Jesus at the Cross - Part 1 of 4

When Jesus was at the cross where He would die, human history reached a crossroads. Treachery brought him here. Hatred kept Him there. A Roman death sentence by the demands of His own people ensured Jesus would die on the cross. The thing is... He was innocent. Being the Son of GOD as He was, why didnt GOD rescue His Son? Why did GOD allow His Son to die at the hands of ruthless men? JOHN 10:17 gives the answer.

9m
Aug 07, 2023
E117 - How Joseph redeemed the time he lost in prison - Part 4 of 4

When we lose a portion of our lives due to some disaster or tragedy or violence, etc., what do we do afterward? Is there a way to redeem the pain and loss? This series on the life of Joseph found in the book of Genesis in the Bible gives an amazing example of how a young man, wrongfully accused and sent to prison, redeemed the time taken by pain and loss. We too can find restoration, even if the loss is irreplacable. GOD, when petitioned in prayer, has the means and williness to restore us. We can redeem the pain for good in our lives.

9m
Jul 31, 2023
E116 - How Joseph got out of Prison - What about us? Part 3 of 3

Joseph was faithful to GOD throughout his time in prison. And listen, this was undoubtedly a filthy dungeon, and he spent years wrongfully imprisoned. And still he remained a faithful child of GOD. His work ethic and attitude gained him favor, but did not earn his release. GOD had to bring that about, which He did, in His perfect timing. What about us? Are we waiting faithfully? Or constantly complaining? Joseph had lessons to learn which served him later after he was released. Are you and I learning for the next phase of our life? No, really. Are we learning... and applying our newfound knowledge, or are we sitting, soaking, and drifting through life? Come on, pick yourself up and get going. Life is waiting for us. And so are others.

8m
Jul 24, 2023
E115 - Joseph's Time in Prison - Part 2

What does it look like for a Christian in bondage. Is it even possible. This episode compares Josephs prison experience with that of Christians in a prison of bondage to numerous poor choices. Some choices we make in ignorance of the consequences of those choices. Other times we ignore the consequences to our peril.

9m
Jul 17, 2023
E114 - Why Joseph went to Prison - Part 1

Confinement in prison - it is meant for those who dont follow societys rules and laws. Therefore, prison is a means of punishment as an attempt to teach lawless people to obey the law, even if they dont want to. But in Josdephs case, he was innocent And we, even if innocent, have a mortal enemy called Satan who will bind anyone he can into a prison of sorts, a kind of bondage. We can learn from Josephs experience how to endure being enslaved, imprisoned by mental, physical, or addictive behavior. What to do when you are bound on every side.

9m
Jul 10, 2023
E113 - Hazard of Abiding in Jesus - Part 4 of 4

Did you know it can be hazardous as a follower of Jesus? In what way? Here are the words of Jesus concerning the hazard: JOHN 15:18 - "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you."  In civilized nations, the hazard is likely to come from standing for truth and being honest in business and work situations. Problems may come from standing firm with your integrity intact, refusing to give a false report of sales, or profit in the business world. For teachers, it may be difficult to report what a students score actually is, not what the parents or school administrators would rather that teacher put down. It may be a law enforcement officer faced with being truthful, but it allows a guilty perpetrator to go free. Or a real estate agent being pressured to misrepresent the value of a piece of property.  In countries where the dominant religion is other than Christianity and is hostile to any beliefs other than those held by the majority of people, Christians and others of different beliefs have lost their lives for no other reason than holding different values and beliefs concerning GOD.  This hazard has faced GODs people throughout Bible history, from the time of the prophets to New Testament times when Christians were killed for sport. Then came the dark ages around 1500-1600 AD in which Christians were killed by the thousands for simply possessing a Bible. And now in our day and age to avoid hazards at all costs, will we sit silent in the face of evil? Or, take our stand for the Son of GOD and His Word?

8m
Jul 03, 2023
E112 - Abiding in Friendship with Jesus - Part 3

Friendship with Jesus is easy enough to think about. But consider this: what is it like to have a friendship with the Son of GOD? You know, the One who created all there is. Yes, thats in the Bible: COLOSSIANS 1:15 - He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. COLOSSIANS 1:16 - For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. COLOSSIANS 1:17 - And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. If Jesus is your friend, are you loyal to Him? How so?

7m
Jun 26, 2023
E111 - Abiding / A Deeper Look - Part 2

A deeper look at John 15:2 reveals a tender promise from GOD. That of a loving Father who lifts up a fallen child and takes the steps necessary to restore His beloved child to wholeness. But what about our part in the restoration process? If you have fallen into a low condition of stress and depression, etc. what can you do to help yourself within GODs power and promises? Listen in and let me know if this message helps you in any way. I need feedback in order to improve future episodes. info@hopesharbor.net

10m
Jun 19, 2023
E110 - Abiding - A Deeper Look at John 15

During the night before Jesus was arrested, He spent hours teaching His followers several things dear to His heart. Abiding with Him spiritually was one of the lessons He wanted them to remember. He used an analogy of a branch abiding in the vine, without which a branch will wither and not produce that for which it is intended. We are those branches. Jesus is the vine. Almighty GOD tends to both. And from this state of being close to the Son of GOD, we are promised a life of benefiting others, we are promised joy, and we are promised answers to our prayers when they are prayed in keeping with Jesuss nature, power, and authority. The question is, how do we abide?

8m
Jun 12, 2023
E109 - The Foundations of Christian Living - Part 2 of 2

The foundation for living the Christian life is, I believe, obedience to the commands of Jesus. There are truths in the Bible by which to test our faith and whether we are who we say we are. That is... when we say we belong to GOD.  The bottom line question is this: is our name written in the Book of Life? The truths I refer to help us determine if we were sincere when we gave our lives to GOD and took the forgiveness offered.  This episode takes a balanced look at what the Bible reveals to us concerning our relationship with GOD.

8m
Jun 05, 2023
E108 - Foundations of the Christian Faith - Part 1

Every system of religious belief must have a solid foundation upon which to base its claims. If viewed the same as constructing a highrise building, if the foundation doesnt hold up, the system, like a building, will fail those who inhabit it. Christianity makes the claim of eternal forgiveness of sin, restoration of the lost connection with GOD, power to live each day in faith, or belief, and witness accounts of each of these claims. What makes Christianity different is the forgiveness of GOD is offered free to those who choose it, although it cost GOD the life of His Son here on the earth. So what happened to Jesus that caused religious people to seek His death at the hands of the Roman government? He told the religious leaders of His day their religion would not get them to Heaven.

9m
May 29, 2023
E107 - 3 People Who Influenced My Christian Life

Have you ever thought about the influence people have in your life? How about in the past? Many things influence us, especially during our childhood, whether physical or spiritual. Let this episode bring consideration to the influence youre having in someones life right now. We all influence others; how will they remember us in years to come?

9m
May 22, 2023
E105 - Attribute of GOD - His Love - Part 6 of 6

You may have heard of the love of GOD, but how does GODs love help us today? What can I know and understand about GODs love so that it becomes real to me? Well, GODs nature is love and everything about Him stems from His nature. All of His attributes, those characteristics that help identify GOD to us, are all tied to His love and His love to all His other attributes. This episode explores the measure of GODs love and what it led Him to do for us. And this is where knowledge meets experience. You see, all new spiritual life offered to us is possible right now for the asking because of what Jesus did for us on that cross. If we choose to believe what the Bible reveals about the new life in Christ, then we begin to experience GODs love as His purposes for us are lived out. Those purposes are also revealed in the Bible.

6m
May 08, 2023
E104 - Attributes of GOD - Goodness/Justice/Mercy - Part 5

GODs goodness ensures He carries out justice. His justice is tempered by mercy. Do you want or need GODs mercy? In goodness He gives mercy. But what about justice? It was justice that sent Jesus, the Son of GOD to the cross to die. However, the mercy of GOD moved Him to substitute His Son in our place of death. You see, justice demands the death penalty for sinning against GOD. And if we take the message of this episode to heart, we need not die an eternal death of the soul but rather, live for eternity with GOD who loves us dearly.

8m
May 01, 2023
103 - Attributes of GOD - Unchanging, All-knowing, Perfect Wisdom - Part 4

These attributes of GOD explain something of the mind of GOD. Is there comfort in knowing GOD never changes? Would you trust your life, and your future to GOD regardless of the cost if you believe He knows all there is to know? And what if GOD holds all knowledge? Doesnt He need to know how to apply His will to our lives with wisdom? Its easy to say we believe these attributes are true about GOD, but do we live by them, day by day? This is not a rhetorical question. If you want to deepen your knowledge of GOD and by deeper knowledge deepen your faith, listen to this episode and others in the series The Attributes of GOD, taken from A W Tozers book . KEY VERSES: __ __

8m
Apr 24, 2023
E102 - Attributes of GOD - He is Trustworthy - Part 3

How is it known GOD is trustworthy? Well, over the last several thousand years people of those ages and even today test GODs promises in the Bible. How is this done? By praying. And how to pray... that is a whole other subject! Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:10 - whom we trust... And he meant GOD. I was skeptical about GOD when I was younger, and whether the Bible is true. Then I took a chance by choosing to believe the Bible account. It took time but I eventually came to experience enough interaction with GOD over the last 47 years to learn something. GOD is trustworthy. I explain it as best I can in this episode.

7m
Apr 17, 2023
E101 - Attributes of GOD - Can we trust them? Part 2

How trustworthy are GODs attributes? Of course, we may we know we can trust GOD, but how far does that belief go? Will we step out without knowing every aspect of something GOD calls us to do? It comes down to the question of who is in charge. Us or GOD.  If you want to go further in your experience with knowing GOD, then learning how to trust GODs nature is how to begin.

9m
Apr 10, 2023
E100 - The Attributes of GOD - What makes Him Great - Part 1

What is it that makes GOD great? Is it His power? His majesty? His nature? While all of these characteristics contribute to GODs greatness, what makes you revere Him, if at all? This series will examine GODs attributes, which are something true about GOD. And behind all studies of GOD, one truth stands out above all others.

11m
Apr 03, 2023
E-99 - The Missing Effect - Part 4

The missing effect I neglected to mention is the most important part of re-establishing a relationship with GOD. Even if youve never had a relationship, you may even be an atheist, the Bible describes how the human race turned its back on GOD and walked away from a relationship with Him. The things we see changing in our world today are a negative effect of that lost relationship. Want to see what it is thats missing? This episode reveals the missing element between us and GOD and how to reestablish what is missing... if you want it, that is.

10m
Mar 27, 2023
E98 - Being Born Again - Justification - Sanctification Part 3

When looking at the causes and effects of salvation, of course, the best is being born again with a new spirit. This spirit comes from GOD. Even then a new birth, becoming a child of GOD, is but an entrance into a life lived with GOD.  This new life is lived by faith, or belief, in the fact the Bible is true. Sometimes we dont feel any different than before we were reborn and this is where faith comes in. To live despite how life still mistreats us. To believe regardless of pain or discouragement. Then we get to the part justification plays. This is a legal term by which we are allowed to stand before GOD, forgiven. Now, the Holy Spirit begins His ministry to us by changing our mindset about everything. How does He do this? Primarily through the Word of GOD, the Bible. When we read and study the Bible, it opens our minds to GOD and allows Him to teach and guide us. 

8m
Mar 20, 2023
E97 - Causes of Salvation - Redemption - Calling - Regeneration Part 2

What did GOD do to cause, or make possible, salvation for the human soul? Is redemption all that important, and if so, how much so? This episode examines redemption, and the call of GOD, and then looks at the part regeneration plays. JOHN 3:16 READS: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. " This one verse contains all three causes of salvation and leaves us with a choice. Do you see it?

8m
Mar 13, 2023
E96 - Causes and Effects of Salvation - Part 1

Knowing the causes of our salvation will help us appreciate more fully the deep love of GOD for people. And then knowing the effects helps us live out all GOD intends for us as His people. And also receive something He has for us. The Son of GOD has a particular purpose for us to enjoy. Its found in the Bible, the book of JOHN 15:11 - "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." He wants you to have joy, whether you are a Christian, or are interested in having the salvation Christians enjoy. Join my wife, Kris, and me as we go through this series to learn  more about the blessings Jesus made available through His death on the cross.  

5m
Mar 06, 2023
E95 - Depression

Since depression stalks us, some more than others, this episode looks at depressions effects on those who struggle with it. And well look at ways to help alleviate some of the more dangerous aspects of it. Im not a professional counselor. I speak here from my experiences with depression and from having nearly lost my life to suicide years ago. There is hope for you if youre in the depths and surrounded by darkness, but listen, you must get help if youre considering taking your life. It may feel like the only answer, I know, but put off harming yourself. Give yourself more time to find an answer to relieve the pain.  If all else is failing you, call 911, please, and ask to have an officer meet with you. I was in law enforcement nearly 21 years and went to numerous calls for help when suicide was being considered. Give someone the chance to help you.

12m
Feb 27, 2023
E94 - The Benefit of Abiding in Jesus

In JOHN 15:4 Jesus said to abide in Him. What does it mean, to abide? In this episode, well look at why Jesus said to abide in Him and how it benefits us. To abide takes some effort on our part but the blessing and benefit are worth the effort. Besides the benefit of following Jesuss instruction to us concerning abiding, JOHN CHAPTER 15 is rich with Jesuss declarations of love for us.

9m
Feb 20, 2023
E93 - What is Your Spiritual Gift - Part 7 of 7 - Mercy

Acts of mercy are something  to be practiced by every Christian. Unless it is your gift you may struggle being merciful, especially with the acts of evil surrounding us today. This episode looks at ways to implement mercy, whether it is your gift, or not. Learn ways to avoid being misunderstood when wanting to be merciful, while learning how to use your gift of mercy for the good of others. Further information on mercy is found in the Appendix to the show notes. 

7m
Feb 13, 2023
E92 - What is your spiritual gift? Part 6 of 7 - Leadership (Administration)

The spiritual gift of leadership involves many aspects within Christian service and church organizations. We are all leaders in some way, but this gift is unique in that leaders will influence others, for either good or ill. Find out if this is your gift, and if so, begin to exercise it in keeping with the teachings of Scripture. We need strong leaders, unafraid to do what is right, always.

6m
Feb 06, 2023
E91 - What is Your Spiritual Gift? Part 5 of 7 - The Gift of Giving

Exercising the gift of giving requires we take action consistently. This episode explores fundamental principles involved to help ensure giving is done with the right motive and with wisdom.  The right motive pleases GOD, and wisdom helps to avoid scams. Learn how to determine whether a ministry is worthy of your giving and ensure your gifts get to those in need. And listen, more than money is involved in giving.

7m
Jan 30, 2023