Symbols of Strength

There are many reminders in nature that show us the power and strength of our loving and
all-powerful God. Two notable symbols of awe-inspiring strength we use in this ministry are soaring eagles, and sturdy, old trees. As you have often heard me share, I love taking walks in nature to connect with God. It is a great way to experience peace and open my heart to what He wants me to share with you. I always admire the majesty of God’s creations. 

The eagle is an important symbol within Hour of Power, as it represents the strength and solid foundation set forth by our Eagle Partners. The Bible uses the eagle to represent God’s majesty and strength. Eagles are strong and stoic, but they fly with grace and ease. Much like our Lord and Savior, who gives us the fortitude to go on in times of despair with his loving, gentle arms wrapped around our hearts.

It is important to know that God sees us, His children, as eagles too. Isaiah 40:31 states, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not grow faint.” We are created by God in His image. What great news!

As the eagle holds its place in this ministry as a symbol of strength and beauty, so do big, old, majestic trees! I notice their intricate branches and how wide they often stretch, providing shade and shelter for man and God’s creatures. They are truly a gift from God! I also think about how older trees have long, deep roots below the surface, and how these roots strongly anchor them while they grow. I’m reminded they are a symbol of God’s strength as He keeps His people rooted through life’s stages, and amidst its trials and tribulations.

The Bible uses trees as a symbol, such as the Tree of Life which is introduced in Genesis 2 and represents eternal life with its gift of fruit. Think also of the olive tree in Psalm 52:8, “But I am like
an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. Psalm 1:3 states, “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither –– whatever they do prospers.” This is the truth of what God wants for us. 

You may have heard me share this quote about trees: “Blessed is he who plants trees under whose shade he will never sit.” I can remember many times growing up in Oklahoma, working in the hot summer sun. Sweaty and exhausted, I would take a break to rest while sitting under a big, shady tree. That tree was planted long, long ago by someone I never knew, who had no idea I would someday be resting there.

Friends, as we walk through life, we are called to help plant trees today under which we will never sit. We are called to be symbols of strength. And by this, we will provide the hope of the Gospel for generations to come. You are like the mighty, majestic eagle soaring with strength! You are like a hearty tree rooted in God, and nourished by His love. You are a symbol of God’s strength to others!
I am praying that you deeply know and live this truth!

God loves you and so do I!

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Creating a Home Away From Home

God triumphs with perfect timing in people’s lives! A viewer in Illinois had not been to church in years and decided to tune in to the Hour of Power. It was at this moment that she felt at home with the Lord and was moved by the inspirational messages.

In our Christ community, having faith in God is front and center as people are looking for answers, and may be uncertain of their future. God has always been there for those who seek him and those who have not yet to seek him. It’s a time in which most of us are needing support from others, and validation of our feelings. It’s a time of reflection and awakening in which the word of God, in all of its comfort and acceptance, can make a marked difference in one’s life. His power can rescue despondent hearts, and His truth is the antidote to the darkness that seeks to overcome us. 

At Hour of Power, we consider it a great privilege to be God’s ambassadors as He carries out His rescue mission to humanity. When YOU partner with us, you’re changing people’s destinies and bringing Jesus to the midst of their most vulnerable moments. One sermon, one verse, or one affirmation can really speak to someone’s heart and fill them with the Holy Spirit! Someone like Katie in Illinois…

“Thank you so much for your heartfelt message, encouragement and prayers!! You really filled my heart! I have not been to church in years and I felt at home (even though I am in Illinois). I am having a really hard time attempting to go back to a local church. I love the Lord and love watching TBN. I just want you to know that you made a difference in my heart today!!! You helped to uplift me, give me joy and hope and reminded me that I am a child of God and I can rest in that! God Bless you!” 

Katie in Illinois

Katie’s story is YOUR story, too. YOU are the wind beneath our wings, and by committing to
EAGLE PARTNERSHIP this year, you’ll enable us to reach more precious souls with the power of Christ’s compassionate love.

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Setting Hearts Free to Soar… 

“I get inspired by watching the sermons of Pastor Bobby, who really speaks from the heart.” 

Sabrina, email

“You helped me so much during a trying time as I went through the loss of both of my parents. God is using you to bring His comfort and to challenge me as I look forward to growth and new beginnings!” 

Sue, MN

“I give thanks to God everyday for bringing the Hour of Power into my life. I turned the TV on one Sunday morning and found your programme. God has worked His miracles in my life in so many different ways, especially since my husband passed away 9 years ago. I have a disabled friend who is housebound, and she also watches and loves your programme. It brings joy and comfort to her seeing how your family responds to each other. Thank you for being such a delight in this world.” 

Jeanette, Australia

“The variety of worship and growth in the Spirit is to be commended. I believe the strength of worship at Hour of Power will set many captives free.”

Janice, Canada

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“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Have you ever planted a tree? It is a sacred act because you are making an investment in the future. No one plants a tree expecting results overnight. Everyone knows that trees do not function that way – they take time, sunlight and water to thrive. It takes an apple tree anywhere from 5-10 years to grow from seed to fruit
bearing. Tree planting is all about the future.  

The passage above from Jeremiah 17 states that someone who trusts God is like a tree planted in a prime location. A tree down by the river does not worry about its water supply. It continues to bear fruit even during a drought because the stream never stops flowing. We are called to be like that. God wants us to plant seeds even though we may not know exactly what to expect.  

I remember opening a college savings account for my son when my wife was three months pregnant. I did
this without knowing our child’s name or gender, let alone the location of his future university. Even so, I
trusted that her pregnancy would lead to a live birth, and that child would someday want to attend college. When Teyo did enroll in UC Santa Cruz eighteen years later, the tuition funds were already there. It was an act of faith.  

What is God calling you to do? Do you need to change careers, improve your health or restore a broken
relationship? You may not be able to picture the exact outcome when you start the process, but you can
be sure that planting seeds is always the first step. Whatever you decide to do, you will live with the
confidence of knowing that you are rooted in the fertile soil of Jesus Christ. There is no better location than
in His loving arms.  

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We’ve all heard of the expression, “leaving a legacy.” It evokes images of a positive and noble act for future generations to find meaning in. When you make the choice to “pay it forward” in the name of God, “leaving a legacy” takes on a whole new meaning! By investing a portion of your estate in growing the Kingdom of God, the things you worked hard to build in your lifetime continue to change people’s destinies long after your passing.  

In fact, if you’re enjoying the ministry of Hour of Power today, it’s because faithful friends in generations past chose to bless us with a legacy gift. Through changing seasons, we’ve been empowered to carry on because members of our viewing family have honored us with a bequest. Knowing that, there are no words to convey how important these special offerings are as we embrace the future! 

If God has been speaking to your heart to share the Gospel with future generations through an estate gift to Hour of Power, we encourage you to do the following:

May the Lord bless you for your faithfulness. We’re grateful for your life, your devotion to Jesus,
and your dedication to the ongoing work of this ministry!