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!”

Marriage and Divorce

Dear Friend,

There is something very important and heavy on my heart that I want to talk to you about—marriage and divorce. You may hear often about marriage and family in church circles. We know that marriage was God’s idea, He loves marriage, and that there are blessings that come with the marriage covenant. But what you don’t hear much about is divorce, yet it plagues so many. For them, their dream of what they thought marriage would be was hit with disaster.

I have cried with friends who were divorced. It’s not what they signed up for. It’s not what they wanted. For them, divorce was something that happened to other people, but of course would never happen to them… but then it did. Through the tears, I have seen the pain of being rejected and the broken heart that came with the broken covenant.

What does God say about divorce? How can a couple stay together in a world where divorce is the norm? What hope does He give?

Let’s start with God’s Word.

“For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.” – Malachi 2:16

But God made them male and female from the beginning of creation. This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” – Mark 10:6-9

Why does God hate divorce? It goes against His nature. It’s the nature of God to join together, accept, and create a covenant relationship. It’s the nature of the enemy to separate, reject, and break a covenant. God hates the overwhelming cruelty, pain, and brokenness that come with divorce.

Hey, if you have been through the pain of divorce… if you were served divorce papers… if somebody rejected you… listen to me real closely—Jesus accepts you! You are the beloved. The Lord is close to you; He’s close to the brokenhearted. The Lord, your healer, can mend your broken heart and restore life to you! Just because someone said it’s over… you are not over.

If you are facing significant challenges, there is hope for you! God is into the restoration business. He’s into making everything new. He’s great at taking what is broken and making it healed. It’s not too late for you. Jesus, who raised the dead back to life, can raise a dead marriage back to life. It’s true, my friend, nothing is impossible with God… nothing!

Love ya,

Pastor Kev

Prayer Focus: Israel

“They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them.” – Jeremiah 32:38-39

Remember

God commanded the Jewish people to celebrate Purim (March) and Passover (April) throughout their generations. Purim celebrates their deliverance from the evil plot of Haman, which was to have every Jew killed; Passover reminds them of God’s mighty deliverance from Egypt.

Prayer: Father, I pray that You will watch over the Jewish people as they celebrate your commanded festivals.

Declaration: I declare a grace awakening and revival in Israel. I declare that as the Jewish people across the world celebrate Purim and Passover, remembering what God did for them, their hearts will be open to receive the greater gift, Jesus, their Messiah.

Government and Leadership

Prayer: Father, I pray for a unified Israeli government, one that will seek to know the heart and will of God and obey. I pray for heavenly visitations, dreams and visions. I pray against occult practices, that they will be leaders in turning the nation of Israel to Jesus as their Messiah. I pray for proper alignment with other nations and leaders. I thank you for other nation leaders that boldly stand with Israel.

Declaration: I declare that Israel’s leaders will know the times and what Israel ought to do, as they seek God and His wisdom.

Protection and Safety

Harassment and anti-Semitic acts against the Jewish people and their property are dramatically increasing across the nations, even in America.

Prayer: Father, I pray for a concerted effort to combat these expressions of hatred and violence, and that world leaders will strongly condemn anti-Semitism.

I pray for God’s mercy upon the men and women entrusted with Israel’s internal security; for alertness, integrity and righteous judgment to govern their actions.

Declaration: I declare peace for Jerusalem and the nation of Israel. I declare angels surrounding Jewish communities. I declare that random acts of kindness will overtake random acts of violence.

Ministries and Messianic Jews

Congregations are seeing exponential growth of youth, young families with children, who are being mentored for leadership.

Prayer: Father, I pray that You will continue to build Your church throughout Israel. I pray that pastors are refreshed, encouraged and that people’s lives are transformed through their ministry. I pray that revelation, truth and prophecy will be released in services. I plead the blood of Jesus over the pastors, their families and congregations.

Declaration: I declare a thousand times more anointing over every pastor, congregation and ministry throughout the nation of Israel. I declare that all of Israel will be saved.

Prayers and Declarations

  • That terrorist and militant groups be uprooted and stopped
  • Those who have been wounded or lost loved ones would heal quickly
  • That haters of the Israeli state be routed out of areas of influence in Israel, America and other nations

Praise and Thanksgiving

  • For God continuing to watch over Israel
  • For nation leaders boldly standing with Israel
  • For miracles of divine protection that take place everyday throughout Israel
  • For the abundance of rain throughout Galilee and other agriculture centers

 

Start Talking To Your Mountain

March 3: Today’s reading from The One Year Bible:

“I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
– Mark 11:23-25

I was in an airport recently when I noticed something very strange – people kept talking to themselves. Some were facing a wall and talking to it; others… well, I don’t know who they were talking to. Nobody else was around but they were chatting up a storm. How weird is that?

Eventually, I discovered that they had a Bluetooth device in their ears and they were talking on the phone, but it just looked weird! I guess sometimes things that look odd at a first glance are actually just fine.

Jesus taught us to do something that may look odd, but in reality it’s always the right thing to do. When you face a mountain—a challenge of some sort—talk to it! You can talk aboutit, or you can talk to it. And talking with faith to your mountain is a whole lot more valuable than just talking about it! I’ve heard it said like this – You can make excuses or you can make progress, but you can’t do both!

What is it you are facing today? What challenge sits in front of you and looks like a mountain that can’t be moved? Jesus gives us a strategy that may look a bit odd at first, but it brings results! Here it is:

  1. Speak to your mountain with words of faith!
  2. Really believe that with God, all things are possible. Treat doubt and fear like the toxic plague they are.
  3. Receive the answer by faith. Believe it’s yours before you see it with your eyes.
  4. Forgive.

And now may God give you the gift of faith. May He grant you eyes to see what is coming, not just what is today. May He fill you with His Holy Spirit. May you walk in the fullness of His joy today.

Your Pastor and Friend,
Kevin Berry

Courage

March 2 – Bible reading for today from the One Year Bible:

 

“They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear.” – Mark 10:32

Why would the disciples be filled with awe? Why were others overwhelmed with fear? I mean, this is Jesus we are talking about! Most people were filled with hope when Jesus was walking by, but this day was different. Jesus was walking into Jerusalem—the place where the religious leaders wanted to kill Him. He knew it… the disciples knew it. They were in awe because of the amazing courage Jesus displayed. He wasn’t walking behind them to hide. Instead, He was walking ahead of them, right toward the cross!

Here’s the thing—that same courageous Jesus lives inside you! In the face of everything that is overwhelming to you, during times of deep discouragement when it feels like everything and everyone is against you, TAKE COURAGE! Rise up, lift up your head! Fix your eyes on what lies before you. Do not be sidetracked by the challenges that lie in front of you. Press into the presence of the Lord. He is a warrior, and it’s in these moments that He wants to rise up on the inside of you with a bold courage.

Renee and I were talking last night about how a mother bear, when provoked, comes out fighting. When it comes to protecting her own, she is willing to fight, even if it means her own life. Something happens when we need to protect our children… when we feel pushed into a corner. We tap into a strength that we didn’t think we had. We become fearless, courageous… it’s the very nature of God inside of us! Moses declared:

“The Lord is a warrior; Yahweh is his name!” – Exodus 15:3

Jesus had courage to walk toward His death because He knew it was not going to be the end of the story! He knew that three days later, there would be a resurrection; it would be the beginning of a new and better covenant. Take courage, my friend – it’s not the end of the story for you. It’s the beginning of something brand new!

Blessings!

Your Pastor and Friend,

Kevin Berry

What An Altar Call

March 1 – Today’s reading from The One Year Bible:

 

“Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” —Jesus  – Mark 10:21

Hey, thanks for reading through the Bible with me this year and joining me in fasting and prayer the first three days of every month!

In our Bible reading today, we learn about the unusual “altar call” that Jesus gave. This man ran up to Jesus, wanting to inherit eternal life. He said, “What must I do?” Jesus did not tell the man to close his eyes or raise his hand. There would be no simple prayer for him to repeat after Jesus. Instead, Jesus said, “Go sell everything you have and give it to the poor! Then come, follow me.” At that, the man went away sad! It’s a sad story… his possessions actually possessed him.

In his mind, he did everything right… he had obeyed all the laws. But Jesus was more concerned with his heart than his deeds. So Jesus got to the heart of the issue with the man—money! Even though he was promised treasures in Heaven, his heart could not give up the treasures he had on Earth! He was so close to the realm of the Kingdom, but could not give up his attachment to the things of this realm. Bill Johnson put it well when he said, “You will always represent the realm you are most aware of.”

I pray for you, that during this time of fasting and prayer, God will cause your heart to be more aware of the realm of the Kingdom. That you would be more concerned about your treasures in Heaven than the possessions you have on Earth. That God would give you wisdom to be a good steward of the finances He has entrusted you with.

Later this month, our dear friends, Michael and Ramona Woods will be joining us on Sunday, March 26th for our morning services. They’ll be back again on Monday evening, March 27th for a Financial Workshop that I know you will love! They have blessed people around the nation when it comes to the number one challenge for most—money! Hey, money doesn’t have to have a hold on you. Come and receive practical help from experts that will give you tools to advance you by years! Position yourself this year to be blessed so you can be a blessing to others! Simply click below to register so we can save a seat for you!

Blessings!

Your Pastor and Friend,

Kevin Berry

 

 

2016 In Missions

Mount Hope, there is a lot to be proud of! As we celebrate you during Mission’s Launch, we want to share with you all of the amazing things that you were a part of in 2016. Here’s what we, together, accomplished:

  • We have made financial investments into over 300 missionaries and ministries in over 100 countries. 
  • Mount Hopers went on two mission trips to Guatemala to minister to orphans.
  • We feed the homeless in Lansing every week. 
  • Sent a team and funds to Cambodia to build a women’s ministry center for mothers with small children suffering from alcohol and drug addictions.
  • Partnering with the Furnace Prayer Ministry to run a multi-use outreach facility on the edge of MSU’s campus.
  • Provided 1,000 Arabic Bibles and 2,500 Arabic New Testaments in the Middle East.
  • Provide monthly support to St. Vincent’s Children’s Home as well as funded renovations to the facility.
  • Added 17 missionaries and ministries to our monthly support. This includes missionaries in countries like Senegal, Egypt, Iraq, Laos, India, Syria, Thailand, Central and Eastern Europe, Estonia and Zambia. In Michigan, includes reaching Muslims in Dearborn, campus ministry at UofM, and a Christian ministry providing food to the needy in Lansing.
  • Sent a team of students to Detroit for outreach ministry with Courage Church.
  • Supported church planting initiatives in the Middle East including Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Oman, Tunisia, and Morocco. 
  • Provide monthly support to the House of Promise ministry focused on rescuing and healing girls trapped in human trafficking in Michigan. 
  • Minister to children through schools in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Gaza Strip.
  • Working with the State of Michigan to find ways to place every foster child in a Christ-centered home.
  • Pastor Kevin and Pastor Joe ministered at a crusade in Cuba with one of our missionaries.
  • Provide monthly support to biblically qualified widows at Mount Hope.
  • Our very own Amanda Miller ministers to the deaf in Mexico.
  • Partner with Soundsgood Ministries as they reach students through music and God’s word.
  • Provided relief efforts and the Gospel message to Syrian refugees. 
  • We are the primary supporter of New Directions ministry providing over 40 services a month in jails, prisons and nursing homes.
  • Provided evangelism materials in Europe as they see a sea of immigrants passing through their country.
  • Provided monthly support to campus outreaches at MSU, U of M, Eastern Michigan University, and Western Michigan University.
  • Helped plant a church in Japan that was impacted by the hurricane and earthquake in 2011. 
  • Helping drug addicts recover through Teen Challenge centers in Lansing, Muskegon and Saginaw.
  • Supported church planting efforts in Albania.
  • Helping to reach Muslims in Dearborn, Michigan. 
  • Feeding a community of orphans in the Philippines.
  • Partner with the Pregnancy Services of Greater Lansing giving pregnant teens options other than abortion. 
  • Providing medical care with a gospel message in Haiti.
  • Reaching disadvantaged children in Detroit and Pontiac through the Power Company Ministry.
  • Caring for orphans in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe.
  • Reaching the Jewish people of our country through Rock of Israel Ministries.
  • Planting underground churches in Asia.
  • Partner with Dave Roever Ministries as he reaches out to wounded veterans. 
  • Helped with repairs and expansion of a ministry center in Lithuania that helps women get free of alcohol and drug addiction.
  • Provided three tons of food to the Lansing Rescue Mission during Bless the City.
  • Helped provide Bible School curriculum in Africa.
  • Provided funds for relief efforts related to the flooding in Louisiana, earthquake in Ecuador, and flooding in Texas.
  • Provided funds for renovations to a refugee house in Africa. 
  • Supplied safe drinking water to residents of Flint, Michigan. 
  • Donated the funds needed to build a church the Muslim area of Benin.
  • Provided funds to a Lansing-based ministry to purchase a vehicle.
  • Provided a generator in Gabon to allow for evangelism crusades.
  • Started a ministry outreach to international students at Michigan State University.
  • Provided Kindles containing ministry resources and tools to Bible School students in Egypt.

Thank you, Mount Hope, for your prayers and contribution in Missions—helping to make an impacted both globally and locally.

A Heart That Hears And Speaks

February 3 – Today’s reading from The One Year Bible:

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “ LORD, I am coming.”
– Psalms 27:8 

King David said, “My heart has heard you say.” Wait a minute. Hearts don’t hear… or do they? As I read this the other day I was captivated by this thought – a heart that hears!That’s what I must have. If my heart only beats… it’s not enough! If my heart only bleeds… it’s not enough! If my heart only hurts… it’s not enough! I must have a heart that hears! This year, I want my heart to hear the voice of the Lord more!

It’s not enough to have ears that hear. The Pharisees had ears that heard the words of Jesus, but their hearts were like rocks – stony hearts that could not hear. Oh, the tragedy of those who hear words, but miss the words of God. They miss the divine whispers that I have come to cherish.

If you have a heart that hears, then you must also have a heart that responds! We must have a heart that talks back to the Lord, where love responds to love. We are told that in the last days the love of many will grow cold, but your love should be hotter every day. Yes, may your heart burn within you as the Lord opens up the scriptures to you.

I pray for you today, my friend, asking that God would work in you a heart that hears His voice with greater clarity. A heart that hears the majesty of His whispers to you. A heart that hears His intentions toward you. A heart that is soft, warm, and responsive to His voice. I pray that your heart would respond with a leap of joy at the mention of His name. Take notice of what the Lord is doing in you this year – He’s forming your heart.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we begin a new series, “Neighboring.” There are some things the Lord wants to work in our hearts during these next few weeks.

Blessings!
Your pastor and friend,
Pastor Kevin

The Lord Has Heard You

February 2 – Today’s reading from The One Year Bible:

There, too, the whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron. – Exodus 16:2

The Lord said to Moses, “I have heard the Israelites’ complaints.” – Exodus 16:12

In our Bible reading today, we learn something about the Israelites – they complained. Not just once, not twice, but over and over again. What they didn’t know was that God was listening. Oh, that God would have heard them praying, trusting, and believing. Imagine what could have happened if they would have said, “Lord we don’t understand what’s happening, but we know that You are on the throne and leading us into a promised land… we trust You!” But no, they just complained, and that complaining kept them from entering into the land that God had prepared for them.

The people refused to enter the pleasant land, for they wouldn’t believe his promise to care for them. Instead, they grumbled in their tents and refused to obey the Lord. – Psalms 106:24-25

The whole community of Israel complained. Sound familiar? There sure are some similarities to America, where it feels like almost the whole nation is complaining about something. People complain about their jobs, boss, families, and the government. What could happen if we prayed more than we complained? The fact is that while complaining keeps you from the promise, praying accelerates the promise!

In this culture that is bent on complaining, I want to encourage you to think differently. When you do, you have the ability to use your voice to do something that will actually accelerate you toward the promises of God. You can use your voice to prophesy, make faith declarations, praise, and pray! No matter what you see, trust the Lord. Believe His promise to take care of you.

It’s Day 2 of our fast this month. From my heart, thanks again for joining me. I pray that God will reward you and bless you as we fast and pray together the first three days of every month this year. May the Lord lead you into all the good that He has promised you!

Blessings,
Pastor Kevin

The Lord is A Warrior

February 1 – Today’s reading from the One Year Bible:

– Exodus 13:17-22
– Exodus 14
– Exodus 15:1-18
– Matthew 21:23-46
– Psalms 26:1-12
– Proverbs 6:16-19

The LORD is a warrior; Yahweh is his name!
– Exodus 15:3

Thanks for joining me in a fasted life this year by praying and fasting with me for the first three days of every month. Together, we are setting our eyes on the vision and getting ready to run. I decree this to be a year of Miracles, More, and Multiplication for you!

When you read the Bible, you are looking to find God, not principles about Him. In today’s reading, we get a picture of who God is and what He is like. “The Lord is a warrior; Yahweh is His name.” Those words were a spontaneous song after the parting of the Red Sea. It’s the oldest poem in history by hundreds of years. But more than that, this song shows us who God is.

Have you thought about the Lord as a mighty warrior? Have you seen Him as the one who fights battles for you? Oh, that you will see the Lord today as the mighty warrior He is. Don’t fret at what you see around you, my friend. The Lord is a warrior and He is for you, not against you.

“One person with God is always in the majority.”
– Graham Cooke

“Yahweh is His name.” God’s name was highly respected by the Jews. In fact, His name was so holy to them that they would not even say it. When the scribes would come to write God’s name, they would go in and take a bath, put on fresh clothes, wash their pen completely, dip it in fresh ink, and then write God’s name. Oh, that we would have a love for His name! That we would cry out as Moses did, “Show me your glory, Lord!” That we would relish in His name—My Father, The Lord my Healer, My Shepherd, My Provider, The Great I AM, Jesus, Prince of Peace, Savior—the name above all names!

“When His name means everything to you, it will obtain everything for you.”
– Andrew Murray

I pray for you, my friend, that you have an experience with God’s glory this month! That you have a deeper experience of God’s name and who He is to you in this current season of your life. I pray that His name becomes a name you cherish more, a name that floods you with hope, and that you experience the Lord as the Warrior that is fighting for you.

Love and prayers,
Pastor Kevin

Watch or listen to Pastor Kevin’s “Vision Sunday” messages here or on our Mount Hope Church app. You can also download our 2017 Vision and Core Value handout so you can keep it in front of you all year long here!

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