Mark Hapka, a dedicated Watermark member with a passion for fostering and adoption, joins the discussion to delve into Psalm 146. He emphasizes aligning our hearts with God’s priorities, particularly in caring for the marginalized. Mark shares his personal journey and insights on trusting God amid uncertain leadership and the challenges of adoption. The conversation also highlights the importance of placing hope in God despite life's uncertainties, grounding it all in powerful biblical truths.
Aligning our hearts with God's concerns involves actively engaging in social justice and supporting the marginalized in our communities.
True hope and security stem from trusting in God's promises rather than human leaders, especially during times of political uncertainty.
Deep dives
Caring About What God Cares About
The discussion emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s heart with God's cares, which include social justice, support for the needy, and compassion for the marginalized. In examining Psalm 146, it is pointed out that God is deeply concerned about justice and provision for the impoverished, as well as the freedom of those imprisoned. As a follower of Jesus, there is a desire to mirror God's concerns rather than pursuing personal interests. This involves developing a posture of praise and actively engaging in practices that remind oneself of God's faithfulness, such as singing hymns and reflecting on God's past actions in one’s life.
Trusting in God Over Human Leaders
The podcast addresses the challenge of placing trust in human leaders rather than in God, particularly in the context of elections and political uncertainty. Examples from scripture, such as the life of King Solomon, illustrate how even the most seemingly qualified human leaders can lead to division and disappointment. The reminder is made that true hope and security come from God, who promises a plan for each individual's life despite external circumstances. This underlines the necessity of living faithfully within one's community while keeping God as the ultimate source of hope and guidance.
Blessings in Hope and Faithfulness
The idea that blessedness comes from placing one's hope in God rather than worldly things is central to the conversation. Verses from Psalm 146 highlight that those who trust in the Lord are blessed because they recognize His promises and faithfulness. The discussion also connects personal experiences, such as fostering and moving toward adoption within a family, to living out Biblical principles of care for orphans and widows. This reinforces the belief that as followers of Christ, there is a calling to be active participants in God’s work, especially in supporting those in vulnerable situations.
"As a follower of Jesus, I want to care about the things that God cares about." In today’s episode, Watermark member, Mark Hapka joins Emma Dotter to walk us through how we can help get our hearts aligned to God’s heart.
Additional Scripture referenced in today's episode: Deuteronomy 4:9, “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children" Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Isaiah 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." Colossians 1:16-17, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Register for Training Day x Join The Journey here: https://www.watermark.org/events/6353-training-day-x-join-the-journey
Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093
You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898
Check out today's Join The Journey devo: https://www.jointhejourney.com/today
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