The Women of New Hope -Loveland OH, Loveland, OH (2026)

02/10/2024

Got plans? New Hope’s Valentine event is all ready! 6:00 pm. Bring your best chili, dessert or just yourself. Thank you Ron and Tawna for always going above and beyond ❤️.

06/14/2023

First backyard Bible study and lemonade. Thank you June Burkhart for hosting and Tara Trett leading the study

05/20/2023

Backyard, Lemonade and Bible Study is back! Join us as Tara Trett leads us through The Well Watered Woman. Mark your calendar for June 13, July 11, and August 8 at 7:00 PM

12/22/2022

CHRISTMAS IS…

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. - Luke 2:6-7 (ESV)

Just like John, Jesus arrived at the exact moment God had ordained. We don’t know if Mary had an easy delivery, hard delivery or a long labor. How she labored, how many inches or how much He weighed doesn’t matter. What matters most is the prophecies all came true, the miracle was complete and the Savior rested in Mary’s arms. The Word became flesh. On that day God became more than a pillar of cloud or a pillar of fire. He became flesh and blood and bone. He became one of us.

On the day we call Christmas, he could have simply arrived on earth, yet he chose to enter through a virgin's womb. The Lord also chose to be born into poverty to identify with the unseen. He chose to be born a baby to identify with what we call life so that He can truly understand. If you read on in scripture you will follow him to the cross, Jesus was tempted, made fun of, rejected and tortured all so that He can understand and make a way for us to experience redemption and true freedom.

What is God saying to us? The rich cannot depend on their riches. The mature must become like children. Those who are full of themselves must be emptied for the Savior to enter in. It’s no accident that when the heavenly host came to earth, they sought the company of shepherds, not kings. He did this all for you and me. We are not just a number but precious to Him.

Sunday is Christmas, the celebration of Jesus’ birth. What plans are you making to put Christ at the center of your Christmas this year?

Things to ponder…

How do centuries of customs and traditions from around the world enhance our appreciation of this holy season? And how do they distract us from the true story of the Messiah coming to earth?

Ever since the first Christmas night, when thousands of angels sang praises to God, music has been an integral part of the season. What is your favorite Christmas song?

*The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs, chapter 7

12/20/2022

SACRIFICING TO BE OBEDIENT

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about. His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. - Matthew 1:18 (ESV)

Since Mary was only betrothed to Joseph, Mary would have been shunned, every door would have been closed to her, every friend would have deserted her, the punishment was swift and cruel; yet she said yes to God. She sacrificed her reputation to be obedient. Everything depended on the husband’s testimony. …And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. (Matthew 1:19 ESV). Joseph was faithful to the letter of the law, but he was also faithful to the spirit of the law.

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, - Matthew 1:20-24 (ESV)

Joseph did as the angel had directed him, just as Mary had accepted what the Lord required of her.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. -Luke 2:1-3 (ESV)

Caesar needed to know precisely how many people he’d conquered so he could tax them properly. This exercise was purely political but from God’s viewpoint it was purely spiritual. They were to go to the town of their ancestors, not necessarily where they were born. By matching people with their homelands, Caesar could determine the strength of each tribe.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. - Luke 2:4-5 (ESV)
Mary and Joseph were married at this point, but they were still considered “betrothed” because they had not yet consummated their marriage. Mary was still a virgin about to deliver the Son of God.

Things to ponder…

In the Bible, Joseph never speaks. The Bible tells us, “the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.” In your own life are you more likely to talk about God or to be obedient to God’s commands?

Think of a time when God asked you to step out in faithful obedience. How did you respond? What was the outcome?

*The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs, pages 101-118

12/15/2022

RESTORED AND BLESSED

During Elizabeth’s pregnancy it would be reasonable to conclude that Zechariah had many conversations with God asking for forgiveness for his unbelief. Reliving the moment he questioned the angel. He had many months to reflect on the situation and his initial reaction.

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” And they said to her, “None of your relatives are called by this name.” And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. Luke 1:57-64 (ESV)

Now that the baby had been born, it was time to name him. Remember, Zechariah was unable to speak so close relatives took it upon themselves to speak on Zechariah’s behalf. …and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah…Luke 1:59. This may have come across as a surprise since it wasn’t necessarily customary, at that time, to be named after the father. Elizabeth knew his name was to be John and she insisted. Since no one in their family had that name they turned to Zechariah. Note they “made signs to his father” which would confirm Zechariah not only couldn’t speak but couldn’t hear as well. Zechariah put it to bed and wrote on a tablet “his name is John”. Immediately, at the moment of Zechariah’s obedience, his mouth opened.

And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him. Luke 1:65-66 (ESV)

Zechariah's Prophecy
And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. Luke 1:67-69 (ESV)

Can you imagine the discussions around the dinner table? This was big news, for sure. There was no doubt this child had a special mission. In Zechariah’s Prophecy, he is not talking about his son, John. He was talking about Jesus. Zechariah knew the coming of the Messiah had been set in motion.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high. Luke 1:76-78

Zechariah’s vision of his son’s future ministry was crystal clear. Elizabeth could not have known a more joy-filled moment. A husband restored to health and rejoicing in God’s provision. And a kinswoman in Nazareth carrying the Savior of the world. Wow! The presence of God was truly there.

Things to ponder…

Zechariah’s silence wasn’t punishment but rather God’s discipline. Job 5:17 says, “Blessed is the one whom God corrects”. God disciplines those he loves. When have you been aware that God was disciplining you? What did you learn?

*The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs, Chapter 5 pages 85-101

12/13/2022

RECOGNIZING GOD’S PRESENCE IN FRIENDSHIPS AND YOURSELF

If you need encouragement or an understanding ear, it’s hard to beat a friend who is walking the same path. This is Mary and Elizabeth. Neither thought they would be where they were but here they were.

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:39-45 (ESV)

Mary likely traveled on foot the whole way. Horses were only for the rich and camels were used by traders. Her family would not have been in a position to spare a donkey so she took off walking. From Nazareth to Elizabeth’s home in Jerusalem is about seventy to a hundred miles depending on the exact location. At this point, Mary is the only one that knows the good news, Joseph is unaware.

When Mary arrived at the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary greeted Elizabeth. All joy swept through Elizabeth like a rushing wind. The baby leaped and the Holy Spirit filled Elizabeth. Elizabeth shouted! Nothing planned, simply shouted what was in her heart. Elizabeth recognized Mary’s favor with God. Both were forever changed. In verse 43, Elizabeth says, “my Lord” proclaiming her confession of faith way before Jesus was born. Through the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth also confirms Mary’s pregnancy and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Just like Elizabeth’s son, John, she gladly stepped aside to honor Mary.

Mary’s Song-
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” Luke 1:39-55 (ESV)

Mary was so overwhelmed by God’s promises and presence that she broke out in a song of praise. This is what it means to love and serve God. This is what it means to live with a divine purpose. This is what it means to put Him above everyone and everything.

Mary was among the peasants of Nazareth, a poor town. Mary understood her place. God was mindful of her, God saw her, and God knew her heart. God sees you as well. He had a plan for Mary and he has one for you. It wasn’t about Mary but what God was doing through her and it's the same for us. Newly pregnant and unmarried, Mary didn’t know what her future would hold, yet she sang with full confidence by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home. Luke 1:56 (ESV)

Can you imagine their conversations? I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall.

Things to Ponder…

Elizabeth told Mary she was blessed among women. Can you think of a time when you felt blessed by God? Did you share it? With who?

Elizabeth was a lot older than Mary yet they shared a bond and were supportive of each other. Do you have someone older or younger who builds up your faith? And how do you build up theirs?

The focus of this chapter is really the Holy Spirit. In John 14:26 we learn the Holy Spirit will teach you all things. In Acts 13:4 Barnabas and Saul were sent on their way by the Holy Spirit. What role does the Holy Spirit play in your life? When and where have you sensed God’s Spirit teaching you? Sending you? Flowing through you?

*The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs, Chapter 4

12/08/2022

OPENING OURSELVES UP TO THE IMPOSSIBLE

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. Luke 1:26-27 (ESV)

Now Gabriel headed to Nazareth. Nazareth was a very small town consisting of laborers, shepherds, tradesmen and farmers. Mary and Joseph were engaged but they were as good as married. It was a legally binding oath and to break it off would be a divorce. Mary was approximately twelve years old. Joseph would have been much older as the men had to establish themselves in order to take care of a family. A full year would occur between the engagement and the marriage. They would not be seen alone during this time.

And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Luke 1:28-30 (ESV)

Mary was likely just going about her day when the angel appeared. In the same way, while we go about our daily tasks, God’s divine plan is unfolding. At any moment our lives could change. No surprise to God, yet a surprise to us. Note: the angel appeared to Mary first, a woman of no status yet God shows how much he valued her. Notice Gabriel called her by name. God knew her name just as he knows ours.

He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. Luke 1:32-35 (ESV)

Gabriel listened and responded to Mary’s questions. It is more than okay to ask God questions or how he will accomplish something. We need to be ready and willing to hear the answer.
And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:36-38 (ESV)

Things to Ponder…
What questions might you have had for Gabriel if you’d stood in Mary’s sandals that day?

What things in your life seem too hard to handle? Read Luke 1:37.

If you truly believe that nothing is impossible with God, what must you do to embrace that reality?

*The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs, Chapter 3

12/06/2022

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time. Luke 1:19-20 (ESV)

Sometimes our speechlessness is born of reverence. Sometimes of fear. For Zechariah, silence would soon become a holy necessity. Many scholars believe he also lost the ability to hear. At this moment Zechariah feared all was lost but yet Gabriel had astounding news to share. His silence could have been because it was not time for the world to hear. God's timing is always perfect. Luke 1:21 says, And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. But what they got was silence.

What we call miraculous, God calls business as usual. For five months Elizabeth kept her secret. When the time came for Elizabeth’s self-imposed silence to end, she spoke with boldness

After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” Luke 1:24-25 (ESV)

Elizabeth was filled with joy, with praise, and with a gift that could only come from God.

Things to Ponder…

Like Zechariah, if God silenced you even for a day, what lessons might you learn?

Read Psalm 139:13-16. How might those verses add deeper meaning to Elizabeth’s statement, “The Lord has done this for me”?
If you too are waiting for a particular blessing from God, how does Elizabeth’s story challenge you? Encourage you? Convict you? Give you hope?

*The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs, Chapter 2

12/01/2022

GOD’S PERFECT TIMING

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Luke 1:5 (ESV)

As a priest, Zechariah’s duties included handling the offerings, giving thanks, and singing praises at the gates of the tabernacle. The highest honor was serving within the Holy Place.

Like Zechariah, Elizabeth was in Aaron’s lineage. According to Luke 1:6, both of them were righteous in the sight of God. As a result, people may think they earned God’s approval, but in fact, it was God’s power and strength that put this story in motion, not theirs. Living a godly life doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges. Zechariah and Elizabeth were challenged with not being able to have a child. Having children was seen as a blessing from God for their faithfulness. They may have been thinking, “Are we not faithful enough? Have we dishonored God in some way? Are we being punished? Why is this happening?

In those days, a wife was expected to give her husband sons to honor his name. The consequences for not doing so could be disapproval, humiliation or even divorce. We no longer live in a day when it is a disgrace to be childless but that does not relieve the pain for those who desperately want to have a child. Many women can relate to the disappointment as months go by and they are not pregnant. Elizabeth knew this as well as she was getting older and each year she didn’t conceive left little hope that she would ever have a child.

In God’s perfect timing, the stage was being set for God to intervene and make the impossible possible. Her prayers were not going unanswered, it had been answered with “wait, I have something better for you”.

Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. Luke 1:8-10 (ESV)

Casting lots is just what it sounds like, they threw dice to see who would enter the Holy Place. As weird as that is, it was how the priest determined God’s will (do not try this at home 🙂). Zechariah was chosen and this would have been the high point of his ministry. During the burning of incense, many gathered “at the hour of the incense” to pray. Elizabeth was likely there in the Court of Women silently praying (it was against custom for women to be heard). Zechariah was performing the most prestigious and holy task, he was ready to fulfill his duty.

And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
Luke 1:11-13 (ESV)

Even serving God in the holy temple, Zechariah was unprepared for something holy to happen. He was performing a service without an expectation of hearing from God. We cannot be too hard on him, or at least I cannot, because there have been times I have been unprepared for a word from God, in the very place I should expect it, in our worship service. How about you? Zechariah was naturally afraid. The angel said in essence, don’t be afraid, calm down. I've got good news for you. Like Zechariah, we often fear the worst when God grabs our attention yet all he wants is to love us completely and give us direction on what is best for us.

Zechariah wanted to believe but yet he struggled because it seemed impossible. Luke 1:18 says he asked the angel, “how can I be sure of this?” He wanted proof. How many times have we done the same thing? Like Zechariah, we sometimes forget we are talking to the God of the impossible. He struggled with unbelief yet believing is what Christmas is all about! Believing Jesus is the Son of God. Believing he was born of a virgin. Believing he came to earth to save us from our sins.

Elizabeth will soon find out that she may have been beyond childbearing years but she wasn’t beyond God’s plan. Whatever it is you're praying for, God did not forget Elizabeth and Zechariah and he has not forgotten you. There is a plan and just like he chose Elizabeth and Zechariah for a purpose, He has also chosen you and I for a purpose.

Things to Ponder…

Zechariah struggled with unbelief. When and where in your life might you need a reminder that God does everything out of love and in His timing? What is God saying specifically to you in John 14:27.

Elizabeth’s godliness came from God himself. 2 Peter 1:3 says, His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence. What happens when you give yourself credit - if only in your mind - when we do something right? How can you combat the very human urge to take credit for your godly behavior, when it belongs solely to God?

*The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs, Chapter 1

11/30/2022

WHAT ARE YOU PREPARING FOR?

As we rush around preparing for Christmas, have we stopped and thought about what we are truly preparing for? Is it buying presents, attending or hosting Christmas parties, planning the family Christmas meal?

Christmas comes on a Sunday this year and many will debate on whether or not to attend church. What about the kids opening presents? I need to cook Christmas dinner? I have guests coming in from out of town.

What are we teaching our family by how we prepare for and celebrate Christmas? Is it the commercial Christmas or the anticipation of celebrating the birth of Jesus?

Christmas is so much more than a holiday. So much more than buying presents, attending parties, decorating your home or cooking a Christmas meal. It’s a time of reflection, renewal and living out the true meaning of Christmas. The perfect time to put everything else aside and pick up our bible where Christmas began*. The best gift you can give is an example that points those around you to Jesus. In the words of Uncle Eddie, “it’s the gift that keeps on giving”

To help all of us stop and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, I will be starting an online bible study tomorrow using the book, The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs. In the book, we will look at three women (and two husbands) who played a vital role in Jesus’ birth. Elizabeth, Mary and Anna. It is these women who will teach us to trust God with everything that matters to us and pray until our prayers are answered*.

Watch for the bible study each Tuesday and Thursday morning as we journey to the first Christmas.

*The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs, Chapter 1

The Women of New Hope -Loveland OH

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