About Mount Hope Church

We Are Family. Mount Hope Church is a community of people who love God and others—and that includes YOU! As a church family, it’s exciting to grow alongside others of all ages and backgrounds, coming together to experience the hope that is found only in Jesus. It is our desire that as you encounter God’s love and amazing grace at Mount Hope Church, you will truly feel a part of the family as we say, “Welcome Home!”

Pray. Vote. Love.

While I love this time of year, I know it can be hectic and stressful. The never-ending political ads that you just can’t seem to get away from are beyond annoying. A new friend I met recently is running for Lt. Governor of Indiana. He told me that politics comes from two words: poly, meaning many, and ticks, meaning blood-sucking parasites. When I got done laughing, I looked at my new friend and said, “Thank you for running for office! We need good, godly leaders in places of authority and influence.” 

I want to encourage you to VOTE. I was shocked to discover that there are nearly 30 million Christians that do not vote! Why would that be? I know there are some who are convinced that as a citizen of Heaven, they have no business in elections. Listen, I know that our options sometimes make voting challenging. But as Christians, we are to be a light in this dark world. What does light do? It influences its surroundings. Let me address a very simple question: Why should Christians vote? What, if anything, do the Scriptures tell us about this practice of voting for our leaders?

“Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare” (Jer. 29:7). 

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior (Phil. 3:20).

So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” (2 Cor. 5:20).

Israel would be living in a foreign land, Babylon, for 70 years. For years, they would be surrounded by ungodliness, idol worship, and immorality. But just because they were citizens of Israel did not mean they were not to care about Babylon. While there would be no voting in Babylon, they were to work for the peace and prosperity of that place. They were supposed to pray for it. They were supposed to work for the city’s welfare, which would significantly impact their lives.  

So it is with Christians in America. I know our citizenship is in Heaven. But as long as we are on this earth, we are responsible for this world’s welfare, peace, and prosperity. I’m not obsessed with this world, but I care about it! How this world goes, the laws passed, and the policies pursued, will impact my life and yours. 

What are Christians to do during an election cycle?

Pray.

We must PRAY for our city, state, and nation. As it is in Heaven, let it be on the earth! We should pray that God will give us leaders who will make decisions based on His plans. We should pray that God will bless our leaders and give them a heart to know Him! We should ask God to help our leaders. 

Vote.

We must VOTE as ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom of which we are citizens. We certainly can’t sit around and gripe about the moral decline in our nation when we are not willing to stand up for Biblical values through our votes. Allow the values of Heaven to direct you as you vote. An ambassador lives in a foreign land and experiences the tensions that come with that. Have you felt some of that tension lately? The primary responsibility of an ambassador is to accurately represent and advocate for their home country’s values and goals while abroad. We should ask, what values represent the King of Kings? What goals is He working toward? And how am I representing those values and goals in all that I do, including how I vote? 

Love.

We must LOVE like Jesus. If we will represent Jesus well, we will love well. You don’t have to look farther than the next person in front of you to find someone who needs love and compassion. Election seasons are all too often known for high emotions and divisiveness. Let’s go out of our way to bring the love of Jesus into this season with every person we come in contact with.  

Love and Prayers, 

Pastor Kevin

Stop At The Crossroads

Dear friend, I want you to know that Renee and I love you and are praying for you! We are thrilled that God added you to the Mount Hope Church family. It is our delight to pray for, love, and serve you. 

I was reading the Bible the other morning when I ran across a passage that leaped off the page. It’s the answer for the person who feels stuck in life. It’s the answer to a nation that has gone astray. It was a specific word for Judah and a relevant word for America today. Here it is: 

This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’” – Jeremiah 6:16. 

Maybe you have looked around at what is happening in our country and around the world, and it has grieved you. What are we to do? The Lord tells us precisely the critical steps we must take. 

The first thing we need to do is STOP.

I want to encourage you, my brother and sister, to stop business as usual, stop going through the motions, stop being obsessed with the negativity around you, and stop and listen to the voice of the Lord. Ask the Lord for His perspective on the circumstances you are currently facing. What does the Lord have to say about your family, our community, and America? Just hearing one word from God can change everything for you. 

Next, LOOK AROUND.

What do you see happening around you? What has the Lord called you to do about it? I look around and see confusion, division, and intense hatred for Israel like I’ve never seen before in my lifetime. But I also see that God is raising up a remnant of prayer warriors in these last days. As you look around, I want you to take note of what is possible. Take note of not just what is but what could be. When you do this, faith will well up in you! That faith will prompt you to action. 

Now it’s time to ASK for the old godly way!

I love this. Ask for the old, godly way of humility to be evident in your life. Ask for the old, godly way of reverence. Ask for the old, godly way of prayer to be active in your life. Ask for the old, godly way of honoring the Lord’s Words. Ask for the old godly way known for a deep, intimate relationship with God, what the Bible calls close fellowship or walking with God. 

We must ask for the old, godly way and walk in it! Asking must be followed by action.
When it comes to our state and country, please pray and please take action. One of the actions you can take is to vote. The truth is a large percentage of Christians don’t vote every election year. I don’t know why that is, but it should not be. Elections have consequences. Be sure to make your voice heard. 

As long as people are running for office, there will never be a perfect person to vote for. But you can vote with biblical values as your guide. Let’s do our part and ask for that old, godly way and then walk in it. The promise is that then there will be rest for your soul. I pray that for you and your family. 

Would you join me in a prayer for the United States of America? 

Father, I come to you in Jesus’ name to pray for Michigan and America. I’m asking for the old godly way! As your people who are called by your name, we humble ourselves before you, great King. We turn from our wicked ways. Forgive us for the injustice, murder, pride, arrogance, and perversion that has polluted this nation. May our hearts be right before you so that you will hear our cry, forgive us, and heal our land. 

We are a nation in need of your healing touch! We are utterly broken and bankrupt apart from you. I ask that the fear of the Lord will fall on this land called America. May there be a holy respect for you, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. According to your word, give us hearts that long to know you more than anybody or anything—that you will be our God, and we will be your people! May there be a genuine spirit of humility and repentance across this land that will cause thousands to be swept into your Kingdom in these last days.

As it is in Heaven, let it be on the earth! As it is in Heaven, let it be in America! I ask for an invasion of your Kingdom—the King’s Domain—to come to this land. I declare the state of Michigan to be a healing zone, a divorce-free zone, a cancer-free zone for your honor and glory! I ask that you stretch out your hand with healing power over this nation and heal those who are hurt. 

Father, you have a long history of waking kings in the middle of the night and putting in a leader’s heart what they should do. I ask that you wake up our leaders in the night season. I ask that you give them dreams and visions and put what they should do in their hearts. Cause our leaders to be delivered from wicked men. Heal our leaders where they hurt and give them peace. I pray that our leaders will have ears to hear you and a heart to obey so that our land may be healed. 

Grant our leaders wisdom in all their decisions, specifically concerning our interaction with Israel. We know that those who bless Israel will be blessed! So, help us as a nation to always bless Israel. May we walk in the blessing that comes from blessing your people, Israel. 

Father, surround this nation with a fiery wall of protection, and no weapon formed against this nation will prosper in the name of Jesus. You, Lord, be the glory inside this nation. Thank you for bringing healing to America for your honor and glory. Amen.

The Little Foxes

One time we had a complaint about a project we were doing, so I confronted the person responsible. His response? “A couple of spots, nothing at all.” I could’ve responded by saying, “Oh, if it’s just a couple of spots, then no big deal,” but I didn’t; I said I did not want to give the customer any cause for dissatisfaction. None.

Over 40 years ago, I learned that the little things in life are really the big things.  If a person is responsible for something very small, you’ll be able to trust him with something larger.  If he’s faithful with that, then yet a larger thing.  If a person considers a little thing important, then the bigger things will be even more important to him.

This plays out in many ways.

Over time, a small amount saved every month becomes a large sum.  If you’re overweight and you lose a pound a month, you’ll be much slimmer at the end of the year.  If every day you tell your spouse, “I love you,” your love will grow stronger and stronger.

On a negative note, if you’re making scrambled eggs and you put in eleven good eggs and one bad egg, you’ll find your breakfast spoiled.

The little things really are the big things.

From a consumer standpoint, I once took a short trip to Florida and reserved a hotel online from a trusted source—and for an exceptional rate.  When I got there, it was simply beautiful, exceeding my expectations.  But I was ticked off! Why? Because instead of the advertised cleaning rate of $55, they charged me $65, and on top of that they charged me a tax for the cleaning! And when I finally settled in I found there was no internet!  A great place, but the little things messed it up.

I have seen it time and again–my company can do a project and everything goes superbly well, except that the job site didn’t get cleaned up well enough.  Or the painter made a mess of the sink.  Or the edge of a door got missed.  Or the glass got scratched.  All of a sudden, the customer’s perspective changes and we’re not so good after all.  Instead of a 10, we score a 5 or a 6, or a 7.  And it’s, “We’re satisfied, but we had some problems that had to be resolved first.”

Imagine your surgeon saying that, or your dentist!

“Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that are ruining the vineyards,” Solomon writes.  ‘It’s those darn little foxes that ruin everything.’  It’s true, small things matter; you can build something beautiful, and you can score a 99% in customer satisfaction, but if a ‘fox’ is loose and that 1% isn’t attended to, you may well find your ‘vineyard’ ruined.

– T.L. Hart

The Big ‘Mo’

I’ll not forget the Spring of 2002, when the effects of 9/11 finally hit T. L. Hart, Inc.  Like most other companies, the world had been a good place to do business in. Michigan had been booming during the 1990’s along with the rest of the country, and T. L. Hart, Inc. had grown exponentially during this time.  Many companies, including mine, had built their business models on what had become the norm.

That all changed that first and second quarter. Here we were, an organization with 30-40 people, a lot of overhead, and no work.  It was during an advisory board meeting where I presented out predicament, when one of the members said, “Just do something! Start something! Just get moving!”

His advice proved to be wisdom from God.  In May of that year, closing the company’s doors was a serious consideration.  By the end of December however, T. L. Hart,Inc. had realized its second highest sales year ever, ending the period with a profit.

Years later I was studying John Maxwell’s The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.  Maxwell is arguably America’s leading authority on the topic of leadership, with multiple books, DVD’s and audio versions of his various seminar presentations.  In this book Maxwell presents what he believes—and others agree—are twenty-one laws that apply to all leaders at all times, without exception.  One of them is “The Law of Momentum.”

The Law of Momentum (or, The ‘Big Mo’) says this:  There always has to be forward progress—there has to be some movement, any movement. That is the leader’s responsibility.  In some way, shape, or form things have to get and keep moving.  That is why small victories are so important, because with each success you build momentum that helps move the organization further along on its mission.

It is hard to steer a parked car.  “But,” Maxwell says, “when you have momentum on your side, the future looks bright, obstacles appear small, and trouble seems temporary.”

It reminds me of what Jim Collins writes about in his book, Good to Great.  He talks about a flywheel, which at first is hard to get going.  It takes a lot of effort initially.  But then, once you get moving you gain momentum, and eventually it’s as if it has a life of its own—it is literally flying, round and round, at high speeds.

There is so much truth in all this, both for small companies like T. L. Hart, Inc., large organizations, governmental entities, and ministries. Just get something going.  Get pointed in the right direction. Put forth all the effort you can muster, and get the ball rolling.  You will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome.

That’s the ‘Big Mo’, the Law of Momentum.

– T.L. Hart

Three Keys to Prospering in Your Work

“And every work that [Hezekiah] undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21).

There are here in this one verse three keys to prospering in your work.

One, whatever you do should be in accordance with the word of God. God’s will is revealed in his word; it is to be found in no other place. I realize the Bible does not tell us whether we should be a carpenter or a financial advisor, a realtor or a nurse, but it does tell us to do what we do as unto the Lord. So if what you are doing can be so done, it is well and good as far as God is concerned.  Better yet, find out what God wants you to do, and do that. I teach that a person should get a word from God as to his occupation. It could be that God puts a certain thing on your heart, to be and do such and such a thing.  This is also good in God’s sight, as he gives us the desires of our hearts. He is in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  That said, let it be “in accordance with the law and the commandments.”

Two, seek God.  He is a rewarder of them that seek him.  Jesus taught, “seek and you shall find.” Having sought God as to what he wants you to do, keeping seeking him as to how to do it.

This is a never ending endeavor.  There is a verse in Scripture that goes like this: “As long as he sought the Lord, he prospered” (see 2 Chronicles 26:5). So if you are seeking God and prospering, if you want to continue to do so, keep seeking God.

Three, do what you do with all your heart.  The Bible says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23).  What is to be noticed here is who you are working for.  You may think you are working for the government, or the auto-maker, or the real-estate broker. Or, if you are self-employed or own your own business, that you work for yourself.  The Christian, however, is to work for the Lord.  Verse 24 of this same book and chapter says, “You are serving the Lord Christ.”  So, if you think a half-hearted approach to your job pleases the Lord, then go for it. Otherwise, you had better up your game.

There is another verse in Ecclesiastes that addresses how you work.  “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (9:10).  In other words, in everything you do, whatever it is—your job, your service to your family or church, or even mundane things like mowing the yard or shoveling snow, give it all you have.  Do it as for Jesus, as this greatly pleases him.

It should be apparent, then, that if you wish to prosper, be applying these principles.  And if you want to keep on prospering, don’t let up. I have found that after enjoying a measure of success, it is easy to ease off on the intensity with which you approach your work. Jesus says it best when speaking about prayer: keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking.  The key words here being “keep on.”

– T.L. Hart

Prayers of Power

A few weeks ago, the Lord put a word in my heart that has everything to do with you! It was all about how your prayers are the link to somebody’s miracle! If you missed that message, please check it out at www.mounthopechurch.org/messages. 

“The greatest thing anyone can do for God and for man is to pray. It is not the only thing; but it is the chief thing.” — S.D. Gordon

Peter was set free from prison and an impending death because somebody prayed (Acts 12:5). At the sound of God’s people praying, an angel suddenly appeared, chains fell off his wrists, gates opened wide, and Peter was free!

God could have set Peter free by Himself, but He has chosen to work through His children to release miracles on the earth. What if those believers who committed to praying for Peter never made that choice? What if they were just too distracted or just too busy? I guess God would go looking elsewhere and find a group of people who would say “yes” to become the link to Peter’s miracle.  

We Can Pray!

We will not take the call to prayer seriously until our hearts begin to feel the prison and impending death sentence that people are facing right now. Sin and the effects of it are destroying people’s lives, locking them in prison, and throwing away the key. But we can pray! We can become the link to the miracle they desperately need and that the Lord deeply desires to bring their way. 

There is no way around this fact: The earth is in a state of war, a spiritual conflict in which we have a part to play! 

On the Sunday I shared this message, the church responded. It looked like 100% of the church said, “Yes, Pastor Kev, I will commit to praying and becoming the link to somebody’s miracle.” That’s amazing! THANK YOU! I know God is putting in people’s hearts to pray for certain people and specific places, until there is a breakthrough from Heaven. For every ditch you dig through prayer, God will fill it! 

I see spontaneous prayer groups popping up all over the community. Some will meet to strategically pray in the Prayer Center. Others will gather in homes, workplaces, and schools, all as the Lord orchestrates. We need to give Him our “YES.” 

So, what now?

If you feel called to gather with other Christians to pray, GO FOR IT! Please take a moment and fill out the form here. You may use the Prayer Center or decide to use the place you work or go to school. While I love the big prayer gatherings and see the day stadiums are filled for prayer and worship, I never have lost sight of the power of a few hungry hearts praying together! A few people committed to praying have always changed the face of the world. 

From my heart, thank you! I can’t wait to see what happens in our community and the nations because of your prayers!  

Your Friend and Pastor,

Kevin Berry

 

Guidelines for your personal prayer meetings

  • Open with a song or verse.
  • Share the target you want your prayers to hit.
  • Invite people to pray and get out of the way.
  • Individuals should pray no more than two times in a meeting so as not to dominate the group.
  • Keep your prayers biblical, not controversial. This is not the place to air your opinions.
  • Encourage the prayer team that you have hit the target! God has heard your prayers, so now we wait with expectation!
  • Close with prayer and song.

Can you See Hope For America?

“In God We Trust” are the words I have seen all over Washington, DC. I saw those words over the Supreme Court building. Everywhere I looked, I could see signs of faith in America’s history.

“A nation which does not know what it was yesterday, does not know what it is today, nor what it is trying to do.” – President Woodrow Wilson

  • America was never perfect. But what was America “yesterday?”
  • America was hungry for the Word of God. Bibles were printed for use in our public schools. The American Bible Society began with the signers of the Constitution; they wanted every American to have a Bible.
  • America had praying leaders. You can see prayers from our past presidents on statues throughout Washington, DC.
  • America had the ugliness of slavery, which led to the civil war. I remember looking over battlefields where so many lives were lost in that battle for freedom.
  • America was ripe for revival, and the same is true today!

I’m filled with hope for America!

I see an ever-increasing hunger for the Word of God and the Presence of God in America again! Across this nation, I hear a praying Church asking for another outpouring of the Holy Spirit over this land. I see Christians representing Jesus and the Kingdom well by caring for the poor, orphans, and widows. We are becoming famous for our love. I keep hearing about miracles at Mount Hope, and these testimonies are contagious, igniting faith and hope in others.

The undeniable division in America and the sin that is running rampant tell me that America is ripe for another Great Awakening! Can you see the hope of where America can be? Can you see the day that prayer meetings start to pop up around the country and God answers the prayers of His people? We will see entire cities and counties come into a life-giving relationship with Jesus. It’s time for another Jesus Revolution!

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14

Your Friend and Pastor,

Kevin Berry

Choosing What Looms Over Your Life

I was talking to a dear friend and prayer partner on the phone recently. She told me that on a Sunday morning at Mount Hope Church, she remembers hearing a guest minister say, “Something big will loom over your life—your circumstances or the Word of God—and you get to decide.” It was so good, I wrote it down as she spoke. 

Something big will loom over your life—your circumstances or the Word of God—and you get to decide.  

What big thing are you allowing to loom over your life today? Is it the bigness of a situation you are currently facing? Or is it the bigness of the Word of God? 

You may have heard of the time that Jesus told His disciples to get in the boat and go to the other side of the lake. But the journey to the other side of the lake came with a fierce storm that had the disciples saying something like, “Jesus, Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” What happened? Looking at their circumstances—the giant waves and the boat filling with water—they forgot the words of Jesus: “We are going to the other side” (Mark 4:35-38). 

I encourage you to stay in your Bible! Don’t just read your Bible; let your Bible read you. Let the Word of God drive you to your knees in fervent prayer. May the Word of God lift you when you are down. May the Word of God that is active and alive carry you through to the other side. May the Word of God hover over your life today. Remember, one Word from God can change everything for you!

Here are a few of my favorite power Words that have spoken to my life deeply. 

  • Tell the godly that all will be well for them (Is. 3:10). 
  • I’m teaching you today—yes you—so that you will trust in the Lord (Prov. 22:19).
  • The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is a wonderful teacher, and he gives the farmer great wisdom (Is. 28:29).
  • The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives (Ps. 37:23). 
  • What do you mean, “If I can?” Jesus asked, “Anything is possible if a person believes” (Mark 9:23).
  • Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace (Phil. 4:6-7). 

I invite you to join me as we continue reading through the Bible in One Year, and let’s read, talk, and encounter the power of God’s Word together! 

Your Friend and Pastor,

Kevin Berry

What Do You Do When Tragedy Happens?

Dear Friend, 

We have experienced the horrible sting of evil in our community. It has been beyond heartbreaking to hear the stories, see the tears, and feel the pain in the hearts of so many. 

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

May the Lord be close to every hurting heart. May the Lord be close to MSU. May the Lord be close to those in our surrounding communities. May the Lord be close to YOU! Know this my friend, as the Lord draws close to you, He does so with one purpose in mind: to save you! To rescue you, to deliver you from distress, to come to your aid. He comes to be present with you, to help you! 

When tragedy happens, if you are like me, you want to do something. But what can you do?

Pray.

God hears the cries of our hearts, and He is famous for responding! It’s time for daring prayers. When our prayers cease to be daring, when they become tamed down, they are lacking. Here are prayer times you can participate during the week; 6:00am, 12:00pm, and 6:00pm in the Prayer Center and the Wednesday Night Prayer Gathering at 7:00pm.

Go.

Go to hurting people. God is close to the broken-
hearted, so we should be too. Be present—love, listen, and hug somebody. Join the teams bringing food to MSU dorm rooms and be close to those God is close to. 

Thank God.

We must always give Him thanks, in the best of times and the worst of times. He is always worthy. Thanking God is a secret to experiencing His peace over your heart.

Love.

Love those nearest to you, check in on them. Even when you don’t know what to say, your presence speaks volumes.

Hope.

Mostly, point people to Jesus. He is our only hope. He is our healer. 

Your friend and Pastor, 

Kevin

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