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Dare to Hope: Living Intentionally in an Unstable World
When we look around at today’s world, hope usually isn’t the first word
that comes to mind. In many ways we live in an unstable world where
marriages fail, bank accounts run low, friendships end, and the everyday
demands of a fast-paced life get us down. In the Book of Jeremiah, we
find God calling out to His people with a message of hope—a message that
intentional living is possible even in an unstable world.
In Dare to Hope , Melissa Spoelstra draws upon her best-selling Bible study Daring to Hope in an Unstable World
to examine this hope-filled message, highlighting six guidelines for
intentional living that enable us to overcome fear, worry, and doubt as
we surrender to God and put our hope in Him alone. This book inspires us
to dare to hope, remembering that God is rich in mercy and love and has
good plans for us.
that comes to mind. In many ways we live in an unstable world where
marriages fail, bank accounts run low, friendships end, and the everyday
demands of a fast-paced life get us down. In the Book of Jeremiah, we
find God calling out to His people with a message of hope—a message that
intentional living is possible even in an unstable world.
In Dare to Hope , Melissa Spoelstra draws upon her best-selling Bible study Daring to Hope in an Unstable World
to examine this hope-filled message, highlighting six guidelines for
intentional living that enable us to overcome fear, worry, and doubt as
we surrender to God and put our hope in Him alone. This book inspires us
to dare to hope, remembering that God is rich in mercy and love and has
good plans for us.
- GenresChristian Living
224 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2019
10 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Spoelstra
39 books113 followersMelissa Spoelstra is a popular women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God's Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of Joseph: The Journey to Forgiveness, Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World, and the forthcoming Total Family Makeover: 8 Steps to Making Disciples at Home. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 16, 2019
"Live Intentionally With God Daily"
I've read the authors work before, I like the down to earth way she speaks. She shares Biblical principles and Godly wisdom in ways we all can understand. In "Dare to Hope" the message of Jeremiah that she share's reminds us, if we want to see our country turned back to God we need to start with each of us and our relationship with Him. As we read the book we see ways we can have hope as well as share hope with others. In an unstable world this book book is a good companion to go with the Bible as it helps guide us to live intentionally with God daily.
I highlighted many quotes as I read a few of my favorites are below:
"We should be people who draw others to our God rather than people who are pulled away from Him by our culture."
"Cultures change one person at a time, so the first step in turning the tide of our nation starts with a look in the mirror. The only person I can truly change is me, and the only person you can truly change is you."
"Guarding our hearts means using caution about what we allow to influence our thoughts, words, and actions."
"To guard against those times when life seems devoid of hope and we lose sight of God’s good plans, we need to meditate on Scripture and begin to hide the words in our hearts."
In the epilogue the author shares several scriptures on hope as well as 5 Spiritual Practices for Living with Hope. I'd recommend this book and author to anyone looking to grow in their relationship with God.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher, these are my thoughts on the book.
I've read the authors work before, I like the down to earth way she speaks. She shares Biblical principles and Godly wisdom in ways we all can understand. In "Dare to Hope" the message of Jeremiah that she share's reminds us, if we want to see our country turned back to God we need to start with each of us and our relationship with Him. As we read the book we see ways we can have hope as well as share hope with others. In an unstable world this book book is a good companion to go with the Bible as it helps guide us to live intentionally with God daily.
I highlighted many quotes as I read a few of my favorites are below:
"We should be people who draw others to our God rather than people who are pulled away from Him by our culture."
"Cultures change one person at a time, so the first step in turning the tide of our nation starts with a look in the mirror. The only person I can truly change is me, and the only person you can truly change is you."
"Guarding our hearts means using caution about what we allow to influence our thoughts, words, and actions."
"To guard against those times when life seems devoid of hope and we lose sight of God’s good plans, we need to meditate on Scripture and begin to hide the words in our hearts."
In the epilogue the author shares several scriptures on hope as well as 5 Spiritual Practices for Living with Hope. I'd recommend this book and author to anyone looking to grow in their relationship with God.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher, these are my thoughts on the book.
March 5, 2019
Melissa Spoelstra's new book was very motivating. Sharing examples from her life, her family's life, and the book of Jeremiah; Melissa shares how it is possible to have hope. While she says it more eloquently in her book, it all starts with a change of heart. We need to hope in the Lord, in order to have hope in this unstable world. As someone who was struggling with my prayer life, felt like God left me, and having very little hope- this book changed my outlook on a lot of things in my life. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who has struggled with the question "are you there God?"
February 16, 2019
Dare to Hope: Living Intentionally in an Unstable World is an enjoyable read that will not disappoint you! I had completed Melissa Spoelstra's Jeremiah Daring to Hope in an Unstable World Bible Study back when it was release in 2014. This book is an extension of the Jeremiah bible study. Readers will be able to jump right in and relate to applying the concepts regardless if you have read her previous book or not. Dare to Hope will give you great insight into the book of Jeremiah with practical ways we as women, moms, and wives can apply the biblical applications into our daily lives. Melissa is very talented in how she has written 6 chapters that each tie back to biblical truth and the struggles Jeremiah and the people of his day were faced with. While Jeremiah may have lived long before our time, we too are faced with the same kinds of struggles. Melissa has dived her book up with sections on Surrender, Rejecting Counterfeits, Listening, Checking our Heart, Taking Personal Responsibility, and Pursuing Intimacy with God. This is a very easy read that is good for the soul. It had me constantly reflecting on how I viewed situations I am faced with as a christian, and how to keep my heart right with God. I also love how each chapter ends with a challenge that helps me reflect even deeper. Melissa ends the book with and Epilogue listing many great scriptures that are a reminder of God's greatness and how he provides hope for us all.
February 18, 2019
I was so thrilled to be part of the launch team for Melissa Spoelstra's new book 'Dare To Hope: Living Intentionally in an Unstable World.' Such an appropriate title for the world we live in today. Through God we can dare to hope! When I finished the book, I was sad because I wanted to keep reading more!
“Dare to Hope” really made me stop and reflect on my life and think about just what is really important in my life. Melissa shows us how to find the source of our hope and how we need to surrender our will to God’s will. She poses challenging questions that make you stop and reflect: are you placing your hope in God or other people, idols, material possessions, etc.: do you place more effort into your daily activities, work, vacations than you do pursuing God with your whole heart? Melissa shows you that “hope-filled living is possible even in an unstable world”!
“We shouldn’t just talk about God; we should talk with God about everything we are thinking and feeling. If we call ourselves Christ-followers, our relationship with God should be the number one thing in our lives. When we live like Jeremiah, putting fear of God over fear of people or circumstances, the road is not problem-free, but it is blessed.”
“Dare to Hope” really made me stop and reflect on my life and think about just what is really important in my life. Melissa shows us how to find the source of our hope and how we need to surrender our will to God’s will. She poses challenging questions that make you stop and reflect: are you placing your hope in God or other people, idols, material possessions, etc.: do you place more effort into your daily activities, work, vacations than you do pursuing God with your whole heart? Melissa shows you that “hope-filled living is possible even in an unstable world”!
“We shouldn’t just talk about God; we should talk with God about everything we are thinking and feeling. If we call ourselves Christ-followers, our relationship with God should be the number one thing in our lives. When we live like Jeremiah, putting fear of God over fear of people or circumstances, the road is not problem-free, but it is blessed.”
March 5, 2019
I enjoyed reading this new book out by Melissa Spoelstra. It had applicable sections with helpful, descriptive anecdotes. It’s hard to review a full length book by her compared to her Bible studies that I’m used to doing. There were a few sections of chapters that I personally felt could have been pared down a bit more, if only in the interest of keeping my attention, but it was well-written overall. I had many great takeaways and notes written down, so I can guarantee you’ll have thoughts that stick with you. Her helpful challenges to really examine yourself yielded benefits in my life right when I needed them.
Some nice takeaways that were expanded on in the book, as examples, include:
-We should not make anyone or anything our safe place,besides God.
-We are forgetful at times when it comes to our affection for God; we’re more careful with our clothes, cell phone, and exercise than making our hearts right with Him.
-Characteristics of a hard heart versus a soft heart
-We worry about what the spectators of our life think about us, rather than what God thinks about us.
I have these notes and more to ponder over and would recommend this book at anyone wanting to re-examine and readjust their frame of mind and relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Some nice takeaways that were expanded on in the book, as examples, include:
-We should not make anyone or anything our safe place,besides God.
-We are forgetful at times when it comes to our affection for God; we’re more careful with our clothes, cell phone, and exercise than making our hearts right with Him.
-Characteristics of a hard heart versus a soft heart
-We worry about what the spectators of our life think about us, rather than what God thinks about us.
I have these notes and more to ponder over and would recommend this book at anyone wanting to re-examine and readjust their frame of mind and relationship with our Heavenly Father.
March 5, 2019
Melissa provides new depths of insight into not only living but daring to hope in an unsettling world. Dare to Hope provides inspiration, encouragement, and hope for everyone seeking to live a God-filled life. We cannot expect God to develop and refine us, giving us hope, if we only live as Christians occasionally. Our relationship and walk with God must be the number one thing in our lives EVERY day - and that gives us hope today and for the future. When we dare to hope, God's plans for us unfold in miraculous ways. Melissa reminds us, "God has a purpose for each of our lives. He not only has a purpose for us; He has big plans for us!" This book will change your life and the world around you. It is filled with stories of hope and examples of how God's power can mold and shape you in the midst of an unsettled world, despair, discouragement, pain, and suffering. And hope lies within our hearts even in the world that is too busy, too hard, and too demanding.
Raise the white flag! Melissa reminds us, "When we raise the white flag of surrender—letting go of all our excuses, saying yes to God, and trusting Him— we get to experience the power of God at work in our lives." #daretohope
Raise the white flag! Melissa reminds us, "When we raise the white flag of surrender—letting go of all our excuses, saying yes to God, and trusting Him— we get to experience the power of God at work in our lives." #daretohope
February 19, 2019
I have been doing Bible Studies, Online Bible Studies & 1st 5 App with Proverbs 31 Ministries for several years & Melissa is one of many writer/speaker/teacher's in this valuable ministry. I always have enjoyed reading her blogs, posts, teaching, etc. This is the first book I have read that is written solely by her. Dare to Hope gave me the courage to dare to hope. I love how she brought the book of Jeremiah to life & showed how the prophecies regarding Jesus was written way before Jesus' time. Her personal stories & personal messes, helps the reader relate to her as a woman who has been there & done that. This is a must read for anyone who has lost hope & isn't quite sure how to find it in a world gone nuts. Melissa helps you find it within the pages of the most read book in history: the Bible. She takes God's Living Word & simplifies it, helping the reader understand & relate to the words on the pages. I especially liked the Dare to Hope Challenges at the end of each chapter. You will not be disappointed.
April 17, 2019
I completed Melissa Spoelstra’s Bible study on Jeremiah a few years ago, and this book was a good extension to that study. One of the main points that I got from the book were that God is the source of our hope, no matter what is happening in our lives or the world around us. I could see a lot of parallels between the world in Jeremiah’s time and the world today, which made me realize anew how applicable the Bible is and will always be in our own lives. Spoelstra writes in a very down to earth and easy to understand manner. I appreciated reading and relating to the personal stories that she shared. One of the only things that I would change about the book is the length of the chapters. Sometimes I would find my interest waning because each chapter contained so much information. But overall, a great read for another woman looking for hope, and to gain insight about the book of Jeremiah.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through Net Galley. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through Net Galley. All opinions are my own.
March 5, 2019
"Dare to Hope" is loaded with practical illustrations that will inspire and encourage you to be aware of what you are currently placing your trust in, and our need to surrender our wills to God and to rest our hope in Him alone. We live in a world filled with so many distractions, Melissa reminds us through the scriptures of Jeremiah to not let the minutia of life crowd out the most important -- your relationship with your Creator. Many of us tend to spend more time in the New Testament, but the Old Testament is just as important to knowing and loving and serving our God. Melissa brings the writings of Jeremiah to life and makes them applicable for our modern day. This is a great book for personal study or for a group.
August 30, 2022
Daring to Hope by Melissa Spoelstra is a conversation through the book of Jeremiah.
The author writes in a calming style, and a knowing one, as someone taking the walk. Jeremiah was God’s messenger, and Spoelstra conveys the Word through this Old Testament reading.
Each chapter, full of thought and Bible study, wraps with a Dare to Hope challenge. They are thought provoking, build on each other, and some can be incorporated habitually. Like being cognizant of being intentional with your heart, and memorizing verses of comfort.
Excellent journey through a fascinating book of the Bible, and making it applicable today.
The author writes in a calming style, and a knowing one, as someone taking the walk. Jeremiah was God’s messenger, and Spoelstra conveys the Word through this Old Testament reading.
Each chapter, full of thought and Bible study, wraps with a Dare to Hope challenge. They are thought provoking, build on each other, and some can be incorporated habitually. Like being cognizant of being intentional with your heart, and memorizing verses of comfort.
Excellent journey through a fascinating book of the Bible, and making it applicable today.
February 16, 2019
I loved this book, Melissa really makes me stop and reflect on my life and think about what is really important in my life. Pursuing God with my whole heart is needed daily. God offers us hope and healing as we surrender our broken hearts to him. Melissa is very easy to understand and writes solid biblical truths make you think about what is really important. I loved how relatable she is, I really got so much from this book.
March 6, 2019
Melissa takes the reader through Jeremiah's story and relates it to the present day. There is something for everyone in this book! She uses so much Scripture in this book, not just Jeremiah. She offers daily hope challenges at the end of each chapter. The epilogue is full of hope memory verses and how to live with hope. I recommend this book for everyone who wants to discover hope in this crazy world. Love this book so much!!!!!
February 26, 2019
A beautiful bible study and a wonderful guide in the world we live in. Sound biblical teaching, a wonderful read from a great author. Melissa takes you on a great journey of faith and discovery.
March 3, 2019
This is an amazing book full of spiritual truth we all need reminders of in a world that seems to have gone mad. I highly recommend it for the new Christian to the spiritually mature believer.
July 21, 2019
Dare to Hope is Jeremiah's message. Hope in an unstable world is knowing and having a personal relationship with God!
August 16, 2021
Really loved the underwear comparison. This book brought fresh meaning to the reading of Jeremiah.
July 10, 2022
I enjoyed the writing style and lots of good reminders from the book of Jeremiah
November 21, 2019
This is the first time I have read a book from this author. I really enjoyed the way she managed to help us engage with the book of Jeremiah, which some say is quite difficult to get through, and make it so relatable to our lives today. This book challenged me and yet encouraged me all at the same time. What I particularly love about this book is the practical application which is included at the end of each chapter titled "Dare to Hope Challenge". The questions that you ponder in this section helps tie in everything that was read in the previous chapter and highlights how the reader can apply what was learnt in their everyday life.
A wonderful book that reminds us to clear out all the distractions and counterfeits in our life and redirect our focus to the source of our hope, God. This book is also a good reminder that we need to make choices each day to live more intentionally by pursuing intimacy with God and that if we do this, no matter what our circumstances are, we will find stability in an uncertain world.
I highly recommend this book to any reader.
(I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review)
A wonderful book that reminds us to clear out all the distractions and counterfeits in our life and redirect our focus to the source of our hope, God. This book is also a good reminder that we need to make choices each day to live more intentionally by pursuing intimacy with God and that if we do this, no matter what our circumstances are, we will find stability in an uncertain world.
I highly recommend this book to any reader.
(I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review)
March 6, 2019
The author said that the book paralleled the world we live in today and I could see that. As I read the book and thought of the world we live in today, people have turned their back on God and I had lost my hope. The world today with its barrage of negativity, the turmoil, the struggles, was taken its toll on me. I think God led me to this book because as I turned to Him for understanding, He brought me here and I got clarity and understanding. Hope was and is what I need and this is a reminder that through hope you see the world differently. I will be keeping this book to read again when I seem to lose my way and my hope in the world as it is today.
March 11, 2019
4 stars
Dare to Hope
Living Intentionally in an Unstable World
By Melissa Spoelstra
An amazing book looking at the life and book of Jeremiah. I learned so much from this study! I am sure this is something I will reread in the future as there is so much deep biblical wisdom packed within these pages. The book is relatively short and would make a great book for a small group, individual or a Bible study.
I so very highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #DareToHope #NetGalley #Abingdon
Dare to Hope
Living Intentionally in an Unstable World
By Melissa Spoelstra
An amazing book looking at the life and book of Jeremiah. I learned so much from this study! I am sure this is something I will reread in the future as there is so much deep biblical wisdom packed within these pages. The book is relatively short and would make a great book for a small group, individual or a Bible study.
I so very highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #DareToHope #NetGalley #Abingdon
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews