A few of us went to Hope Ministries’ Bethel Mission tonight to lead a chapel service, which the men are required to go to every night. Bethel Mission is where the homeless men are given a place to stay, food to eat, and an opportunity to worship and meet Jesus.

I had a feeling I would speak tonight, and sure enough, after worship was over, I was beckoned. Prior to the chapel, I had prayed that if I were to share, that Christ would fill me and give me the words to speak. During worship, God laid some thoughts and scriptures on my heart, throwing my initial intentions out the window.

My message was hope. Fitting for Hope Ministries. I read parts of Lamentations 3. I like this book and the Psalms because they are real people being brutally honest with God. Even angry. But their frustrations always turn to hope. Hope in Christ’s redemption. Hope in his faithfulness. Hope in his love. Hope in his sacrifice.

I also shared from Romans 5. I explained how our suffering builds us, causes us to endure and persevere, and drawing us closer to him in hope. Hope in his presence. Hope in his promises. Because while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He sets us free. His tender mercies are new every morning.

I urged the men, whatever their circumstances, to let Christ meet them where they’re at and fill them with hope. And ask for the power of his presence. We must ask for Jesus to come. Come and redeem us. Empty us of our sin. Fill us with his Spirit and hope. Because hope in Christ does not disappoint us.

After the service, a few of the men came up to me and thanked me for sharing. One of them said that he really needed that encouragement, which encouraged me of the power of Christ speaking within me. And a couple men said they would like to come to the Vineyard.

I am excited for more chapel opportunities in the coming months. So I can hear the broken men worshipping Jesus with me. So others can share their stories. So lives can be set free. So we all can experience Hope.