Hope with God... with Andrew and Wendy Palau

If you’re struggling with depression, I want you to hear this: you are not alone. Jesus sees you. He knows your pain, and He is not afraid of it, and He is not offended by it. Here’s a verse in the Bible that makes a difference, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." That means even when you feel completely alone, you are not. Even when hope feels out of reach, He is right there with you. Depression is real. Healing takes time, and sometimes, it takes a lot of support and work. But Jesus offers hope, a hope that can hold you steady, even in the darkest, hardest moments. So, if you’re struggling, please don’t walk this road alone. There is hope, and His name is Jesus. Call out to Him today. He wants to care for you. And always remember, there is hope with God. I’m Andrew Palau. Scripture Reference: Psalm 34:18 radio.hopewithgod.com

Have you seen a tree that’s been chopped down to a stump? It looks like nothing good could grow there again. That’s the picture the prophet Isaiah used long ago when he promised these words: “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” God’s people felt hopeless. And then, on that first Christmas night in Bethlehem, Jesus was born. He was—and is—the promised King. But unlike earthly rulers, He came to serve, He came to love, He came to give His life so that we could be made new. Christmas is for you! Christmas is a reminder that new life is possible through Jesus. Will you ask Him for it? Always remember, there is hope with God. Scripture Reference: Isaiah 11:1 radio.hopewithgod.com

You’ve surely heard the Christmas carol “Silent Night.” Its words paint such a peaceful scene: “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.” That song points us back to a real night in history. On a quiet night in Bethlehem, a young mother named Mary laid her newborn baby in a manger. And the angels even sang it out, “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” Christmas is about God entering the world that He made to be close to you. He came to bring peace to the world and to you. That peace that lasts beyond just one night. You can say to Him today: “Jesus, thank You for coming into this world for me. Bring Your peace into my life today. I want to know You, and I will serve You forever. Amen.” Always remember, there is hope with God. I’m Andrew Palau. Scripture Reference: Luke 2:11 radio.hopewithgod.com

Hundreds of years ago, before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah promised this... He said, “...Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Notice that last part? Immanuel means “God is with us.” For generations, people held onto those words, waiting for the day God would come. And then, on that very first Christmas, it happened. Jesus was born; God, Himself, stepped into our world—into history—because He loves us. You can pray with me right now: “Jesus, thank You for coming to be with us. I believe, I know that you’re real. Will you be with me today?” Always remember, there is hope with God. radio.hopewithgod.com

What comes to your mind when you think about peace at Christmas? Maybe it’s snow falling softly outside. Or the warmth of laughing around the family table. When Jesus was born, the angels declared in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” This peace isn’t about the absence of conflict. It’s the peace of knowing that God loves you, that He has forgiven you, that He promises, “I will never leave you.” Christmas is not a charming legend about a baby—it is the true arrival of God Himself in the world, the world that He created. This Christmas, you can welcome Him into your life by just praying, “Jesus, I want to know You. I want to receive Your forgiveness for all the wrongs. Please forgive me and bring peace into my heart. And I trust You with my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.” Always remember, there is hope with God. radio.hopewithgod.com

What is the absolute best Christmas gift you’ve ever unwrapped? For me, it was my father’s old Bible. The pages are worn and every margin is filled with his notes—it is priceless to me. Gifts connect us. And at Christmas, God gave the greatest gift of all: His Son. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God entered our world as a baby—Jesus—a real Savior who came to offer you the gift of new, eternal life. Will you receive it? If so, you can simply turn to Him and say, “Jesus, I want to know You, and I will follow You. Please forgive me. Thank you for coming, for the work You did on my behalf; giving yourself so that I could have live. I receive Your gift.” Always remember, there is hope with God. radio.hopewithgod.com

Have you ever wished for just a day of peace? People everywhere long for peace. And centuries ago, the prophet Isaiah made this promise about Jesus: “For a child is born to us, a son is given. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” For generations, people clung to these words while living through war and struggles, and disappointments and loss. And then Jesus was born. He came to make peace between us and God. And to bring peace into our troubled lives. He is still alive today! You can pray with me: “Jesus, I need Your peace. Help me to trust You and follow You. Amen.” Always remember, there is hope with God. Scripture Reference: Isaiah 9:6 radio.hopewithgod.com

Christmas lights make the darkest night feel bright and joyful. Where I live in Portland, Oregon it sparkles through the month of December with color and warmth. These lights they’re temporary—we pack them away when the season ends. But there is another light that never fades. Jesus once said, “...I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you will not walk in darkness, because you will have the light of life, the light that leads to life.” Jesus isn’t just a story, being born at Christmas—He’s the Savior, the real One—God in flesh, who entered into the world that He created because He loves you. This Christmas, as you soak in the beauty of the lights around you, remember the true Light. You can receive His love and His hope right now. You can say, “Jesus, I need You. Shine Your light into my life. Come, I want to know You, and I will follow You all the days of my life.” Always remember, there is hope with God. Scripture Reference: John 8:12 radio.hopewithgod.com

A prophet named Isaiah said this, these words, long before Jesus was born: “For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” At last—Christ was born. That ancient promise came true as a tiny baby, full of life. Jesus wasn’t a symbol that faded in history—He was real, living among real people, teaching them how to love, healing broken lives, and showing them the way to a repaired relationship with God. Today, you may feel lost, unseen, or surrounded by shadows. Jesus is the light who does not fade. He knows your heart, He loves you so much, and He invites you to walk in His light. Always remember, there is hope with God. Scripture Reference: Isaiah 9:2 radio.hopewithgod.com

Every December, you hear the voices singing, “Joy to the World, the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King!” And the melody, I wish I could sing better, it’s cheerful, believe me. The words are full of hope. But they are rooted in something real! It’s the Bible, God’s book of truth. And it tells us that when Jesus was born, the angels visited the local shepherds, saying, “Don’t be afraid!… We bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” The Good News was that God’s promised Savior had arrived—Jesus, born as a baby, but sent to rescue humanity from sin and death. He grew up, He taught us God’s ways, He healed the broken, and ultimately He gave His life on the cross so that we could be forgiven. The song rings true—there is joy for the world, everyone who chooses to follow Jesus. Always remember, there is hope with God. Scripture Reference: Luke 2:10 radio.hopewithgod.com

Is there any reason not to give your life to Jesus today? I’ve asked that question to people many times, and one of the things that holds people back? It’s this idea that if they decide to follow God, they’re going to have to give up everything fun about life. Well, let me tell you, it could not be further from the truth; God sets us free. Once you come to know God’s love, His kindness, His compassion…you will WANT to make some of those changes in your life. But these changes are not about control or punishment, killing your joy. Your choices to end this destructive behavior in your life will be voluntary and it will be motivated by your overflowing love of God. And it’s for your own good. So, why not invite God into your heart and get to know His generous love? It is better by far than anything that you may have to give up, I promise you. Always remember, there is hope with God. radio.hopewithgod.com

When I married my husband, I moved from my small island of Jamaica to Portland, Oregon in the United States. I missed my home, but I loved my husband. In the first years of our marriage, there were so many times I felt alien. I was a foreigner in a different place, a different culture, different traditions and accents, ways of thinking and seeing the world. When we don't have a relationship with God through Jesus, God's ways are so foreign to us. We don't understand Him. We become confused at times at the ways He works in the world. And we can think that God is distant and cold. But when we take the step of faith to walk with Jesus, Ephesians 2 tells us that we are no longer foreigners and aliens to God. But fellow citizens with God's people. Always remember there is hope with God. Scripture Reference: Ephesians 2:19 radio.hopewithgod.com

Is there anything stopping you from coming to God right now? I’ve asked people that question so many times, and often, people think that they’re just too messed up. I’m too full of sin at the moment. And they believe God won’t want me. Jesus reached out again and again to the most rejected, unclean, and sinful people of all society. He went to them and He invited Himself to dinner at their houses. And He washed their feet. He touched them. And He loved them without any reservation. And this is His offer for you today. Pray with me: Jesus, I’ve been afraid, but now I’m here, offering You my life. I’m not perfect, but I’m Yours. And I will follow You. I want to learn Your ways. Help me to know Your healing and Your love. And thank You. In Jesus’ name, amen. Always remember, there is hope with God. Scripture Reference: Luke 19:5 radio.hopewithgod.com

When you reach the end of your life and look back at your story, what will have mattered the most? Most people will say the time they spent with loved ones. For me, it’s a message I get to share with everyone I meet, and I love it so much! When this message sinks into people’s hearts, it gives birth to hope. This message saves people. Can I share it with you right now? God, the one Who made everything, Who formed you in your mother’s womb before you took your first breath, loves you. And you can know Him. If you ask Him, He will take the pain and the shame of every wrong thing you’ve done. And He will set you free and give you new life. Isn’t this good news?! Invite Jesus into your heart today. "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb." Psalm 139:13 Always remember, there is hope with God. radio.hopewithgod.com

Are you in a season of sorrow? You know, it’s okay not to be cheerful all the time. In fact, Jesus experienced deep sorrow Himself. These are the words of the prophet Isaiah, which he spoke centuries before Jesus would come to walk the earth: He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief… Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. So, this means that Jesus knows how you feel when you experience pain…because He experienced it Himself. You don’t have to bear the burden of sorrow or grief on your own. He will lift the heaviness off your shoulders. Pray with me: God, I need You to help me to carry this heaviness and this grief. You know the depths of my pain. And I invite You to come into my heart and take over with Your love and with Your comfort. Thank You. Always remember, there is hope with God. Scripture Reference: Isaiah 53:3a&4a radio.hopewithgod.com

Long ago, Jesus made this surprising statement: What sorrow awaits you teachers of the religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people’s bones and all sorts of impurity. What a powerful image! And Jesus wasn’t talking to the rejected people of society…rather, these were the powerful religious leaders who claimed to be holy. Have you ever been hurt by religion? Maybe it’s a scary thought to even think about spirituality. Jesus does not use religion as a weapon to control, to punish or to push people away. And as you see here, He gets most upset when others do. Jesus is not the one who hurt you. And He wants you to find safety, healing, and restoration in His loving arms. Scriptural Reference: Matthew 23:27 radio.hopewithgod.com

Have you noticed that social media is flooded with messages that are meant to encourage you? One-sentence phrases that seem wise and insightful? Encouraging content is nice, but what does it really do for you? Maybe it makes you smile, or it helps you feel better in the moment. But it can also make you feel stuck; it doesn’t contain the challenging truths that lead to real change. I want to share the most important truth with you right now, because it’s the most loving thing I can do. Here it is: Jesus is real. He already knows you, and He loves you without reservation. But if you want to know Him, you need to make a choice. Offer your heart to God in prayer. Come to Him. Get to know Jesus, love Him, follow Him. Always remember, there is hope with God. "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise." Hebrews 10:23******** radio.hopewithgod.com

I could tell you ten ways to improve your self-esteem. Three signs that you’ve been hurt by a narcissist. I could tell you how to set boundaries. The truth is, there’s only so much we can do to improve ourselves. We need help from someone more powerful than ourselves. We need God! If that thought scares you, just stick with me for a minute. God is not a harsh judge or a scolding father like you may imagine. He is compassionate, kind, empathetic, and powerful. He loves you enough to absorb the consequences of your wrongs. And He did! That’s just what happened when Jesus died on the cross, making a way for you and for me, and all the imperfect and broken people of the world, to experience freedom and life that is truly life. Do you want that? Always remember, there is hope with God. I’m Andrew Palau. "But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole.  He was whipped so we could be healed." Isaiah 53:5 radio.hopewithgod.com

Are you a caregiver? Maybe you have children who rely on you to keep them safe, loved, and healthy. Maybe you’re taking care of a parent or relative. Or maybe you just have friends who depend on you for support. If that’s you, I have an important question for you today… Who takes care of you? There is someone who thinks about you all the time. Who loves you on your good days, and your worst days. Who cries with you every time you cry. The book of Isaiah in the Bible holds a message of promise for you. Today, God says… See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. God is the one who made you, He loves you, and He knows you even better than you know yourself. Will you let Him be your caregiver? Always remember, there is hope with God. Scripture Reference: Isaiah 49:16 radio.hopewithgod.com

The media tells us that outward appearances are everything. I’m sure you’ve noticed… advertisements for diet pills, anti-aging products, workouts that promise to make you look amazing in three weeks. I wish! Taking care of your body- it’s a great thing. But no matter what we do to fix our appearance, there is only one solution for our inner state. And that’s God. He sees right through us to the deepest places of our hearts. This isn’t a product I’m selling. It’s a simple choice that you can make right now. Will you ask God to restore your inner being? Pray with me: God, I’ve had enough of empty outward solutions. I want inner change that’s real. Please clean me out and help me to start again. I want to know You, and I will follow You. In Jesus’ name, amen. Always remember, there is hope with God. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." Psalm 139:23-24 radio.hopewithgod.com