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Trusting His Heart: A Journey into Worship
Athena Ramsey Athena Ramsey

Trusting His Heart: A Journey into Worship

Seek My face.” This invitation, which God extends to David in Psalm 27:8, is not just for the king but for every one of His children. The Psalms provide a powerful roadmap to develop a deeper relationship with Jehovah, the Creator. In reading through the first book of Psalms (Psalm 1-41), we are invited to echo David’s heartfelt declaration: “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” When we accept this invitation, we open ourselves to the revelation of God’s presence and, ultimately, His heart.

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One Resolve for Every Struggle
Athena Ramsey Athena Ramsey

One Resolve for Every Struggle

Did you know that, according to the 2021 report from the International Federation of Phonographic Industry, people around the world listen to music for 2–3 hours each day? While this varies depending on a person’s lifestyle, culture, and age, it’s clear that music is a significant part of daily life. I pray that, amidst all the sounds we hear, you’re also finding joy in God’s music, especially the Psalms, which beautifully capture the heart's experiences of His people. Just as the saints of old, I hope you are uncovering the song in your own heart!

As I mentioned before, this year at Esperanza-Hope, we’re focusing all our blog posts on the Psalms. Our goal is to commit to reading one Psalm each day. So far, we've journeyed through most of Book I, which David primarily wrote—the shepherd boy turned king. As we read these Psalms, we uncover the truth behind David’s experiences: that there is one resolve for every struggle.

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Deeply Planted: Flourishing in the Psalms
Athena Ramsey Athena Ramsey

Deeply Planted: Flourishing in the Psalms

A fresh start is upon us once again. This time of year brings a wave of excitement—new beginnings, fresh possibilities, and the promise of transformation. At Esperanza-Hope, we’re embracing this cyclical opportunity by diving into the Book of Psalms, studying and applying its timeless wisdom to our daily lives.

The Psalms provide a powerful foundation for adoring God and understanding His character. They offer us a way to explore the full spectrum of human experience, both in joy and sorrow, and to live out these emotions in a manner that honors Him. Each month, the Esperanza-Hope blog will focus on the Psalms, equipping you with God’s Word, deepening your understanding of His nature, and helping you embrace your emotions in a God-glorifying way.

Let’s begin!

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Connect with Christ
Athena Ramsey Athena Ramsey

Connect with Christ

In John 15:4, Jesus gives us a powerful command: "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me."

This simple but profound statement encapsulates the heart of God’s desire throughout Scripture: His relentless pursuit of a relationship with us. From the very beginning, God weaved through His Word the truth of His desire to be near us, to walk with us, and to live in communion with His people. Today, I want to explore how this invitation to "abide" in Christ is not just a call for our personal devotion, but a command meant to transform our lives.

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Guarding Our Speech: Choosing Words That Honor God
Athena Ramsey Athena Ramsey

Guarding Our Speech: Choosing Words That Honor God

While the Mayo Clinic reports that five to ten percent of people have an actual speech disorder, I estimate that over 50% struggle with speech control and might consider using a mouth guard, as Proverbs 21:23 suggests. Words hold immense power; God used them to create everything, speaking the universe into existence. As bearers of His image, our words carry that same power, capable of building up or tearing down. I often remember this at family dinners when a single comment slips from my lips, robbing the table of joy and laughter and quickly replacing it with solemn silence of hurt souls. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us "death and life are in the power of the tongue." So how can we take control of what we say? How do we choose to speak life?

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Bible Study Resources

Journaling while exploring the bible is a great method to identify themes and document areas for further study! Here are affiliate links to my recommended journal and bible highlighters.