1-hope-4-america

3 Practical ways to enter 2026 Reigning over Fear

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:29:12 GMT

Anxiety began to rise in me as I was about to preach a crusade in Oroville, CA. The room was packed, electric, and expectant. I walked behind the stage and began to fight thoughts that were trying to make me afraid, “Do I have what it takes to do this?” “What if I miss it?” “Have I prepared myself enough for this moment?”

I knew I couldn’t afford to let these thoughts settle, so I began to thank God for who He is, declare truth, and refocus on Christ and my assignment to serve this city. The nervous feeling didn’t go away, but the gripping fear did. This was about Christ, not me, and the enemy was trying to distract me with fear and anxiety, but God was refocusing me. The breakthrough that night was huge. In three days, around 200 people committed their lives to Jesus Christ, and over 20 churches were united around the gospel. It was a big victory for the Kingdom of God, but it didn’t come without a fight. There is always a fight.

Fear, and its cousin anxiety, have an assignment: paralyze, immobilize, and make us small. We’ve all felt it, but did you know that in Christ, it’s more than possible to rule over fear? I have wrestled this demon more times than I can count, but I have learned a few things that have empowered me to blast through fear, live big, and fulfill the call of God on my life that I want to share with you!

1. You are seated with Christ in heavenly places—fear is under your feet.

This is not a hyperbole; it is a reality. You are a spirit with a soul living in a body. Your spirit is one with Christ—who never fears— but your soul is where you get hit with lies that produce feelings of fear, and imagine your demise. This is vital lest you confuse God’s voice with your feelings. In Christ, we are secure, safe, confident, victorious, and in perfect peace (Ephesians 1).

He is never shaken. Dawna Desilva said, “My authority is not toe-to-toe with the enemy; it’s him under my feet.” Don’t get in the boxing ring with fear; he’s already been knocked out when Christ rose from the grave! Don’t react to fearful thoughts; instead, stay calm, recognize your proximity—far above the enemy, seated with Christ in heavenly places—worship the Lord, and listen to His voice, which always gives peace and security.

2. Fear is a spirit that sets up traps in your thought life.

Fear is more than a feeling; it is a malevolent living being that is attempting to murder humanity. That’s who is talking to you, and agreement with his bullyish lies is what causes you to freeze, and self-sabotage. It’s vital to know that this demon hides, attempting to overthrow your will with the belief that these thoughts originated with you. Avoid these traps by rejecting ownership!

3. Bolster thoughts that create faith.

Lies produce fear; truth produces faith. Believing lies makes you feel hopeless, while believing the truth makes you feel hopeful. You will get on the offense when you overflow with truth that reinforces that you are victoriously seated with Christ, far above fear.

I do this by binging on truth—cutting out distractions and meditating on the Word of God (Psalm 27 and 34 are great places to start). Then, when fear comes knocking, he won’t find room to occupy, because you are full of truth, and overflowing in the Holy Spirit, which produces freedom, peace, and joy, so you can live powerfully and become fear's worst nightmare!

America shall be saved,

Tom Crandall

The Gospel With Power: Jean-Luc Trachsel on Awakening a Nation

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 03:54:50 GMT

The Gospel With Power: Jean-Luc Trachsel on Awakening a Nation

Tom Crandall

Building an Ecosystem for the Great Commission

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 22:41:59 GMT

Building an Ecosystem for the Great Commission

As a child I remember seeing the classic film Field of Dreams, and hearing the phrase “If you build it, they will come.” This line has stuck with us as Americans, but why? It speaks of vision and faith. We are a people who love to build, but I believe this is something that God instilled in us—in our DNA. In your DNA. You my friend have great purpose in what I am about to share with you.

At the beginning of this year a phrase began to bounce around in my spirit that I need to, “Build an eco-system for the Great Commission.” After much prayer and hard work, I have written an 8-Week course entitled Ways of the Kingdom and we have now entered the editing phase. We took over 50 students from Bethel Church through the course and saw massive fruit—to God be the glory!

As I look across America and I see the rise of Islam, the battle over Gen Z on college campuses, and the spirit of the age at work to intimidate the most powerful voice in America, the church, my heart is at rest in what Christ accomplished 2000 years ago. I am not afraid, intimidated, or backing down—I am reloading! The Church has the most powerful weapon in the universe to destroy evil, and that is the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Light is not intimidated by darkness. I don’t fear the darkness in the world, I fear God—I have to speak! We have to go!

Soon, we are going to produce this manual called Ways of the Kingdom that I believe will disciple the harvest that is about to come in—“if we build it, they will come.”

We will continue to do crusades in America, and the people who get saved at the altar will get plugged into churches that are doing this new cutting edge course that will ground new believers in the Kingdom of God—light will expel darkness, and we are about to see thousands grow in Christ. But they have to get saved first! We must preach the gospel! You must preach the gospel in your city—to your friends, co-workers, on the streets, and at your church—America needs the ABC’s of the gospel more than ever before.

Isaiah saw the day we are living in when he said, “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory shall be seen upon you” (Is 60:1-2).

e are already thinking about the New Year, and where God is calling us to bring our next 1hope4America crusade and we are praying into two locations right now—the college campuses and Stockton, California.

Following the death of Charlie Kirk, we felt a shift towards College Campuses to engage the battle and a door has opened to us. In January we have been invited to speak at the AG Chai Alpha conference called Salt in Santa Cruz, where we will connect with chi alpha ministries across the West Coast, and ready to go preach the gospel to what every door opens from there.

I have felt the whisper of the spirit about Stockton, California and have started having conversations with pastors there and have they been very receptive and excited at the possibility of our coming. A lot of things have to come into play before pulling the trigger to go, so please pray. More will be transpiring on that adventure—I am told that CA is one of the hardest places to do a crusade due to many factors I don’t have time to share, but I live with a conviction that California will be saved, and I am willing to run to the fight!

If you are with with me, please pray for us.

Give generously to this ministry, or become a monthly partner in the Great Commission .

Lastly, get ready to come on a trip with us. I promise you will never be the same again as you become a part of the harvest coming in. Your heart will be deeply impacted when you are “about the Father’s Business."

Tom Crandall

Revival, Reform, and Rebuilding America — A Conversation with Ché Ahn

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:34:28 GMT

Revival, Reform, and Rebuilding America — A Conversation with Ché Ahn

Tom Crandall

What the enemy meant for evil...

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:37:33 GMT

...God IS turning it for good.

This month, we lost a true American hero. In just 31 years, Charlie Kirk accomplished more than many achieve in a lifetime, and his legacy is already being felt. On September 10th, as news of his assassination spread, the nation paused—stunned that such violence could occur on American soil. An evangelist, historian, political strategist, and future leader had been martyred.

Charlie stood for the truth of the Gospel as few do in our day, using the platform God gave him to proclaim that every person is more than their group identity, more than their sexual attractions, more than their race or economic status. He proclaimed that we are made in the image of God, have sinned and fallen short of His glory, and have been redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb (Romans 3:23-24).

While we do not believe God caused Charlie’s death, nor that it was His will, history reminds us that God specializes in turning evil into good. As Joseph declared to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). Similarly, God used the martyrdom of Stephen in Acts 7 to bring about the conversion of Saul—a man who approved of Stephen’s killing, yet went on to write nearly half of the New Testament.

“Never did the Church so much prosper and so truly thrive as when she was baptized in the blood of the martyrs.”

Charles Spurgeon

Good is already beginning to emerge. Recently, with just 3 days notice, nearly 2,000 Redding locals gathered at Shasta College for a prayer vigil in memory of Charlie Kirk, which quickly became a revival meeting. The atmosphere was filled with the peace of heaven as hearts cried out for our nation (Psalm 33:12).

In the same spirit, at the national memorial service in Arizona, 90,000 filled the stadium, with an additional 20,000 overflowing into a nearby arena and countless others gathering in surrounding parks.

Fox News reported over 22 million viewers tuned in throughout the service in the US alone—including more than 600,000 from left-leaning news sources. The conscience of our nation has been pricked in a way not seen since 9/11. But while the enemy seeks to divide us along political lines, something far greater is at work.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has noted a surge in church attendance across denominations, and demand for Christian literature is rising. The nation is awakening once again to its need for Christ (Acts 2:17-18). The truth that brings hope amid grief and uncertainty is this: God will use Charlie’s martyrdom for good (Romans 8:28).

What is happening in America and in the nations of the world is unprecedented. People are more open to God than ever before. It’s important for us to know the season we’re in so we can know how to respond in this moment. It’s time to talk to your neighbor, organize that prayer vigil and go on that mission trip.

“Christianity will last without America, but America will not last without Christianity”

Mario Murillo.

Charlie’s life was a model of courage, conviction, and Gospel-centered action. In life, he challenged a generation to speak the truth in love; in death, he is passing the baton to each of us. Now it is your turn to stand boldly wherever God has placed you. Your community needs you to proclaim the truth of the Gospel (Matthew 5:14-16), mentor and disciple young people, and pray fervently for leaders, neighbors, and our nation (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It needs you to engage in local outreach and ministry, bringing the light of Christ into every part of society.

Carry the torch Charlie lit, turning this moment of loss into a launchpad for courage, conviction, and Christ-centered living. Remember the promise of Romans 8:28: even in the midst of tragedy, God works all things for good for those who love Him. Rise, act, and let your life honor the legacy Charlie has left behind.

Today, God is calling each of us—preacher or not, young or old, timid or bold, single or married, male and female, every race, every denomination, everyone—to rise in courage, speak the truth of the Gospel, and shine the light of Christ in every corner of our nation.

Let us honor Charlie’s life and sacrifice by living boldly for Jesus, pursuing lives of purity and holiness, and taking a public stand for righteousness and truth.

In grief and expectancy,

The 1Hope4America Team

A Conversation with Jessi and Parker Green

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:32:42 GMT

A Conversation with Jessi and Parker Green

Tom Crandall

New Paragraph

A Conversation About Deliverance

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:29:07 GMT

A Conversation About Deliverance

Tom Crandall

In this episode, we host a live Q and A and dive deep about deliverance.

A Conversation with Jordan Creager and Matt Gangell

Thu, 01 May 2025 00:21:58 GMT

A Conversation with Jordan Creager and Matt Gangell

Tom Crandall

Tom Crandall sits down with Jordan Creager and Matt Gangell to address whether large‐scale gospel crusades still resonate in modern America, questioning if traditional preaching methods have become outdated or if there’s a perceived tension between discipleship and evangelism. They discuss the evolution of outreach strategies within the 1Hope4America ministry, weighing the effectiveness of mass evangelistic events against more personalized discipleship efforts. Throughout the conversation, they explore cultural shifts that may have altered how people receive the message of the Gospel, probing questions like “Are crusades dead in America?” and “Is preaching the Gospel a thing of the past?”

Spiritual Paratroopers: Answering the Call to Pray

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 22:01:53 GMT

Spiritual Paratroopers: Answering the Call to Pray

The night sky erupted with the thunderous roar of anti-aircraft fire, shaking the aircraft as it descended toward heavily fortified enemy lines. The paratroopers knew their mission was perilous—flying low and slow over enemy positions. With the door flung open, the sound of explosions faded into the deafening rush of air as they leapt into the unknown, deep behind enemy lines.

On June 6, 1944, thousands of airborne troops—American, British, and Canadian—parachuted into enemy territory, capturing key positions, cutting supply lines, and clearing the way for the D-Day invasion. Their disruption and strategic foothold were critical to the mission’s success. As Dwight D. Eisenhower put it:

“The airborne forces were the tip of the spear in the invasion. Without them, the invasion would have been a much harder fight.”

Much like these airborne troops, Daniel Nash was a spiritual paratrooper. As Charles Finney’s prayer warrior, Nash would slip behind enemy lines weeks before a crusade, covertly disrupting the works of darkness, dismantling strongholds, and preparing the ground for revival through prayer and intercession.

Yet Nash was an unlikely warrior—a former pastor, rejected by his church, and spiritually cold. Finney recalled their first meeting:

“I observed that he [Nash] was praying... but it did not sound to me much like prayer. He was at that time in a very cold and backslidden state.”

Shortly after, Nash suffered a severe eye infection, confining him to a dark room for weeks. Unable to read or write, he wrestled with God—and emerged transformed. His ministry shifted from public preaching to private intercession.

From then on, Nash and a handful of intercessors would stealthily enter towns weeks before Finney’s crusades, fasting and praying for God to move. Even during the meetings, Nash would remain in prayer, contending for the presence of God to descend and stir souls to repentance.

Charles Finney led an estimated 500,000 people to Jesus, what we now call The Second Great Awakening, but Finney never fought alone. Behind every great move of God, unseen warriors contend in prayer—breaking spiritual chains, tearing down barriers, and preparing the soil for the Word of God.

Will You Be One of Them?

Today, the battle for souls is as urgent as ever. We are called to go behind enemy lines—not with weapons of war, but with the unstoppable power of prayer.

Before every crusade, revival, and salvation, there must be those who fast and intercede for God’s presence to break through. Will you be one of them? Will you answer the call to pray—persistently, fervently, sacrificially—for souls to be saved?

A great harvest is coming. But like the spiritual paratroopers of the past, we must prepare the ground.

Your prayers for the upcoming 1Hope4America crusade are essential. The time to pray is now.

The victory is the Lord’s—but He calls us to stand in the gap.

Will you join the fight? Will you pray?

With your prayers, America shall be saved,

The 1Hope4America Team

Spiritual Paratroopers: Answering the Call to Pray

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 22:21:00 GMT

Spiritual Paratroopers: Answering the Call to Pray

“The airborne forces were the tip of the spear in the invasion. Without them, the invasion would have been a much harder fight.”

Yet Nash was an unlikely warrior—a former pastor, rejected by his church, and spiritually cold. Finney recalled their first meeting:

“I observed that he [Nash] was praying... but it did not sound to me much like prayer. He was at that time in a very cold and backslidden state.”

Will You Be One of Them?

Today, the battle for souls is as urgent as ever. We are called to go behind enemy lines—not with weapons of war, but with the unstoppable power of prayer.

A great harvest is coming. But like the spiritual paratroopers of the past, we must prepare the ground.

Your prayers for the upcoming 1Hope4America crusade are essential. The time to pray is now.

The victory is the Lord’s—but He calls us to stand in the gap.

Will you join the fight? Will you pray?

With your prayers, America shall be saved,

The 1Hope4America Team

Will you stand up to evil like Corrie Ten Boom?

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:26:55 GMT

Will you stand up to evil like Corrie Ten Boom?

81 years ago in Nazi occupied Netherlands, at 12.30pm, the Gestapo (German Secret police) entered the watch shop of the Ten Boom family and smashed their way upstairs into the family home. Forcing an ill, 51 year old Corrie out of her bed and dragging her into the living room, proceeded to savagely beat her and her 59 year old sister Betsie in front of her father Casper, brother Willem and nephew Peter.

Despite the blows, the Ten Boom sisters kept quiet, refusing to give up the location of the Jews they were accused of hiding. After the entire Ten Boom family were arrested and their house searched, the Jewish refugees miraculously remained undiscovered, hiding for over 47 hours in the dark, secret room in Corrie’s bedroom.

The Gestapo offered Corrie’s 84-year-old father his freedom—if he promised to stop helping Jews. Emboldened by his faith in Christ, he refused. Replying “If I go home today, tomorrow I will open my door again to anyone in need.” He died 10 days later in prison.

Corrie and her sister were sent to a brutal concentration camp for women. Despite extreme cruelty, they decided to minister to fellow prisoners, leading secret worship gatherings and sharing the light of the Gospel in one of the darkest and most evil places on earth. Until her death just 4 months before the Allies liberated the camp, her sister frequently encouraged Corrie to forgive and pray for their captors, telling her

“There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”.

Miraculously, Corrie was released due to a clerical error, just one week before all women her age were due to be executed. After the war, Corrie dedicated her life to teaching the love and forgiveness of Christ with all who would listen. Several years later, while she was speaking in a church in Munich, a man approached her, and she immediately recognised him as one of the cruelest guards at the concentration camp.

“I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well.” he said,

“Will you forgive me?”

Even as the angry, vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him.

I tried to smile. I struggled to raise my hand. I could not. I felt nothing, not the slightest spark of warmth or charity. And so again I breathed a silent prayer. Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me Your forgiveness.

In that moment, a battle raged inside; memories of beatings, starvation, and her sister's death flooded her mind. Her heart screamed no. But Corrie remembered Christ’s command "If you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matt. 6:15). She prayed silently, remembering Philippians 4:13, asking Jesus for help to forgive.

As an act of will, she forced her hand into his. As she did this, Corrie later wrote, “The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.

‘I forgive you, brother!’ I cried.

‘With all my heart!’”.

Corrie discovered that the healing of the world hinges not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness. When God tells us to forgive and love our enemies, ‘He gives, along with the command, the love itself.’

The Ten Boom family stood against great evil, rescuing 800 Jews from the Nazis because they knew their strength came from Christ alone.

The evils of today might seem like insurmountable foes, but we must remember that the Nazis, too, seemed insurmountable - until they weren't.

These evils will fall, but we need the Ten Booms of today who will be strengthened by Christ alone, not looking to the size of the evil, but looking instead to the size of our God. Those who will look evil in the eye and say “not on my watch”. Those who will stand, emboldened by the gospel, to reach the lost and affect every sphere of culture for the Kingdom of God.

We need these types of people today more than ever.

Will you be that person?

The 1Hope4America Team

Bulletproof faith: How George Washington defied death and founded a nation.

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 01:24:35 GMT

Bulletproof Faith: How George Washington defied death and founded a nation.

President’s Day gives us a moment each year to honor the leadership and sacrifice of past leaders, like George Washington, who stood firm against enormous challenges. But what does it take to stand up to such adversity? For Washington, it meant surviving multiple assassination attempts, three wars and countless personal tragedies.

Deeply rooted in his faith in Christ, Washington was able to overcome these adversities and help free the United States of America from British Tyranny. On President’s Day we are reminded that when we are deeply, and firmly rooted in Christ and the power of the Gospel, we can overcome even the most extreme challenges.

Twenty years before Washington’s greatest triumph as Commander in Chief, a 23 year old Washington served as aide-de-camp (high ranking personal assistant) to British General Edward Braddock in the French and Indian War - riding through enemy gunfire to deliver vital messages across the battlefield. Historian Joseph Ellis reports that in the chaos of the Battle of Monongahela, every other officer on horseback was killed, two of Washington’s horses were shot beneath him, his coat had 4 bullet holes and there was even shrapnel found in his hair - and yet he walked away without a scratch.

Years later, an elderly Native American chief who had fought against him in the battle sought Washington out. He told him that he had personally shot at him 17 times, and ordered his men to do the same - but not a single bullet found their mark, eventually telling his men to stop wasting their ammunition. The chief finished the meeting by explaining that before he died, he wanted to meet the man who was “protected by the Great Presence Above”.

“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”

Washington echoes the truth of Psalm 127:1, ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”. As a Founding Father of the United States, he held that without the foundation of the Word of God no nation would prosper. While debating the US Constitution in 1788, Washington wrote - almost prophetically - to Rev Samuel Langdon:

“I have no doubt that the United States will be the most prosperous and powerful nation in the world, provided we continue to follow the ways of God.”.

Throughout the Old Testament and into today, we see what happens when a nation turns away from God towards humanism the outcome - without fail - is disastrous. Yes, we have elected a president who stands for Christian values, but we must also be aware that whoever sits in the Oval Office is not the Savior.

This President’s Day, let us remember George Washington’s legacy by putting Jesus first in our lives and in our country. We must actively seek His Kingdom and His righteousness, as Matthew 6:33 instructs us. Let us pray for our leaders, support and advocate for policies rooted in Biblical truth and build communities that reflect the love and mercy of Christ, whilst uncovering and repenting of sin everywhere we find it.

If we want our nation to be prosperous and powerful once more the answer is simple: we must return to following the ways of Jesus, because He is the one hope for America.

America shall be saved,

1Hope4America Team

A Conversation with Ken Williams

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 23:00:30 GMT

A Conversation with Ken Williams

Tom Crandall

As a boy he felt inadequate as a male, at odds with masculinity, and began to wrestle with same-sex attraction. This created a conflict in his soul because he wanted his life to be pleasing to God and because he did not want to live a gay life.

In this podcast, Tom asks Ken the tough questions—what does someone do if their child is struggling, and how do we help people who are stuck, get out? What message do pastors and leaders need to have to those battling in the church, and in the world? Ken gets real about his struggle and how God set him free offering hope to anyone still struggling in pain today.

The Worth of a Soul

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 02:08:36 GMT

What is the worth of a soul?

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Consider how precious a soul must be when both God and the devil are after it.”

The other day, I was at Walmart when a man walked past me, and I heard the Holy Spirit say something about his mom. So I followed him down the aisle, approached him with a smile on my face, and said, “Excuse me, sometimes God talks to me for people. I just heard Him say something about your mom. Does that mean anything to you?”

He replied, “That is crazy because she has caused me pain my whole life by abandoning me.”

The conversation opened up, and I was able to explain what it means to be born again and how to start a relationship with God. It was amazing as the love of God touched this man with my arm around his shoulder, and he gave his life to Christ right there in Walmart!

The Bible calls Satan the “god” of this world, and he has led many to a place of despair, anguish, and torment through lies, pain, and sin, magnified through his numbing concoction of temporary satisfaction that eases the pain for a moment till it wears off. This cycle of symptom management continues until the person encounters the Living God, hears the gospel, and has an opportunity to respond!

America’s new drug of choice is not sex, drugs, and rock and roll , but a political spirit that seeks to blind and inoculate people from reality. This spirit says, “Take sides,” “Say anything in order to win,” or the opposite, “You’d better not say anything,” or “It doesn’t matter, stay out of it.” Ultimately this spirit is terrified of everyday believers following the Way, the Truth, and the Life! It is a spirit of fear and intimidation that seeks to get you to disengage and not stand for anything. The world needs believers to stand and shine with love and truth!

People are looking for hope amidst the uncertainties of inflation and for freedom from confusion over what is right or wrong. Millions have been deceived by the masquerading of abortion as “healthcare,” only to find out that decision brings no freedom—only pain, trauma, guilt and shame. What is called “gender affirming care” is, in fact, the mutilation of our children, sometimes before they are old enough to make such a life-altering, irreversible decision. Racism flares up as the false prophets of the media continue to pit us against each other through selected newsclips and one-sided reporting.

Who can rescue America from this deception!? The battle we are facing is not political; it is spiritual. Lies about gender, abortion, free sex with whomever, and the deception of sin are keeping Americans dead, disconnected and deceived. We need an awakening!

Christians are told not to get political and not to have an opinion about current affairs—just stick to the script. As Abraham Lincoln said of the Civil War, “Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came.” My friend, you might not want to get involved, but you already are involved. The war has come to us! We have a responsibility as citizens of this great country to vote and choose who will lead America. Let’s be real, a vote for Kamala Harris is a vote for more depraved trans ideology being pushed on our children, pornography in our classrooms, thousands of children “lost” at the border and trafficked into sex-slavery. At the recent debate, Trump asked Harris if she would restrict abortion in the last few months of pregnancy, and folks, you saw her reaction. By refusing to answer the question, she very obviously answered that she would not restrict abortion up until birth. That means babies who feel everything being barbarically ripped apart! How can we be silent?

How does this relate to the young man who got saved in Walmart? When evil goes unchecked in a nation, it influences everyone. If you’re following Jesus, it’s time to take a stand for righteousness and see the tide turn. We have to let our light shine so that the people blinded by the encroaching darkness can see the truth.

But let me be clear, I am full of hope as I look at the current state of America because when I read the Bible and spend time with the Author, I see that God is the master at turning things around. The gospel through George Whitfield was what galvanized the hearts of the thirteen colonies to look to God and not a man for freedom, winning their independence in the American Revolution. It was the gospel that rocked the boat and began to dismantle the slave trade through Charles Finney in America during the Civil War. And it will be followers of Christ once again standing up for righteousness that will turn the tide in America today.

If you are waiting for the next Billy Graham or big name preacher to save us, then you are looking at the wrong thing. We will vote soon for the next president of the United States as every American should, but America already has a King, and His name is Jesus. You can’t vote Him in or out. My friend, if you are following Him, now is the time to shine at home, school, work, social media, and on November 5th as we vote from Biblical values to protect children, life in the womb, end inflation, policies that protect families, and uphold the constitution. If every Christian voted in America we would turn this nation for righteousness in one day. It’s time to bring heaven to earth like never before. Heal the sick, cast out demons and cause an awakening in your community! You are carrying a hurricane called heaven on the inside of you—release it!

I have never seen darkness and light fight it out as I switch a light on in a room—darkness leaves immediately! It’s time for the church in America to switch the light of the gospel on. And you will watch the darkness flee as another great awakening is ushered into America!

I almost attended the Trump rally in Butler, PA—but God!

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:39:03 GMT

The voice of God spared us from going to the Trump Rally in Butler, PA last Saturday.

Here is the story:

Upon my family’s arrival in Western Pennsylvania to visit family on vacation, my mother-in-law informed us there was a Trump Rally happening in Buttler, and she had acquired two free tickets to attend.

My daughter and I were instantly excited to go, but a schedule conflict unfolded as my sister-in-law had a birthday on Saturday, and the whole family was planning to go to dinner together at 5, which meant we had to choose between the two events.

As cold as this might sound, I said we can celebrate her birthday every year, we’re going to the Trump rally! My sister-in-law totally understood and was excited for us.

But the night before the rally, my daughter’s heart was torn and felt like we needed to prioritize celebrating family. The next morning, my in-laws drove me to Butler which was only 30 minutes away to scope out the venue for the rally, and see where to park, while we waited to see if my daughter felt the same. The impression to prioritize family remained, and I gladly followed my daughter’s conviction.

After dinner that night as we drove home around 6:15, I tuned in to the rally to witness live shots fired. Trump hit the ground then pumped his fist shouting, “fight!” as he was escorted off the stage. I was in shock along with the rest of the world, but was instantly grateful that God had ordered our steps to avoid possible danger, trauma or even the unthinkable.

The interesting thing was that my daughter didn’t even realize that she was following the voice of God, but was just doing what felt right. As her father I knew God was speaking to her in the moment and we needed to follow.

4 things that stood out to me from this event:

God is always speaking to us for our good, but we have to trust and respond in obedience.
God speaks in many different ways , but the key is making sure it lines up with the Bible and we learn to recognize Presence over form, of which in this case it was through my 15 year old daughter. She will never forget this lesson and neither will I.
America is in great need of another great awakening. The moral climate in a nation is always dark before a bright light dawns. The revival that is coming will be much bigger than a nice church service, there is a stir happening in the hearts of people across the land that have been drinking woke Kool-Aid or bitterness and anger that are now seeking hope because the previous season of life has gotten them nowhere but depressed, anxious, and hopeless. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). There is still only 1Hope4America.
God can take a mess like this and turn it around and use it for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). We grieve for Cory Comperatore’s family—an unfathomable loss. He left behind an example of a selfless man who shielded his family with his own body—his first reaction to the sound of gun fire—a true American hero. What happened at the rally was unthinkable on so many levels. I am grateful that former President Trump is ok, and I agree with the doctor who treated him that this was a miracle. A near death experience will change any man, and this was as near as it gets! He must know that every day forward is truly a gift. Let's pray the grace of God would continue to soften President Trump, hearts across our land, and that the vitriol on every side would cease as the goodness of God continues to be on display through tragedy and triumph to turn the heart of America back to Him!

P.S. Check out the latest podcast with Tom and Dr. Van Mol.

Most leaders feel ill-equipped regarding the transgender/gender dysphoria topic. Understanding its complexities, and knowing what to do as pastors, leaders, and parents has been a challenge. Dr. André Van Mol is a leading voice on this topic, he is a part of the American College of Pediatricians and stood with allied groups in Washington, DC at a press conference and released a declaration protecting children that was shared by Elon Musk and Dr. Jordan Peterson getting over 54 million views. This podcast will inform, empower, and fill you with hope for what you can do to cause change.

A Conversation with Dr. Andre Van Mol

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:05:04 GMT

A Conversation with Dr Andre Van Mol

Tom Crandall

André Van Mol, MD is a board-certified family physician in full-time practice in California. He co-chairs the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA) Sexual & Gender Identity Task Force, and is the transgenderism scholar for both the CMDA and the American Academy of Medical Ethics. Dr. Van Mol works with Alliance Defending Freedom in a coalition of professionals advising on policy matters addressing sexual orientation and gender identity. He advises legislators, government agencies, and advocacy organizations internationally on sexuality and gender identity.

A Conversation with Danny Silk

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:13:22 GMT

A Conversation with Danny Silk

Tom Crandall

Danny Silk has been a counselor, pastor, spouse, and parent for decades, and has written many books that have changed countless lives. He is the President and Co-Founder of the ministry Loving On Purpose.

In this podcast, we discuss how healthy, whole family will change the world, and how the breaking down of families is what is harming America.

A Conversation with Che Ahn

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 04:48:50 GMT

A Conversation with Che Ahn

Tom Crandall

Papa Che has been Pastor of Harvest Rock in Pasadena, CA for over 30 years. He recently found himself suing Governor Newsome when Newsome threatened to arrest Che for not closing his church during the COVID lockdowns, and fining his people while allowing strip clubs, and other businesses to remain open and essential, but not the church. After winning a Supreme Court victory in 2021, Papa Che continues to boldly and gracefully speak out against the evil of our day calling the church into revival and reformation.

A Conversation with Rory Helart

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 03:00:29 GMT

A Conversation with Rory Helart

Tom Crandall

Gen Z is on the brink of revival! As the first generation in history that was raised on a screen, they are done with fake, chasing authenticity, desperate for connection, and will do anything to belong somewhere. It’s never been more imperative that people answer the call to lead them. Rory Helart, Youth Pastor of Bethel Church with over 15 years of experience offers great insight with Tom that’s practical and supernatural on reaching kids, and building team in context of the revival.

A Conversation with John Taylor

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 04:43:02 GMT

A Conversation with John Taylor

Tom Crandall

John and Cindi Taylor live to see God’s kingdom come and true worship arise from the “uttermost parts of the earth.” They had the privilege of serving for 15 years among an unreached people group in the Himalayas where they brought God’s kingdom in love, truth, and power. Passionate about missions, the Taylors continue to raise up national leaders in emerging indigenous churches—equipping, empowering, and sending them out as burning ones into the darkness. Out of a deep heart for the oppressed and the poor, they birth and provide mentorship for transformational businesses, which carry the kingdom into all facets of society. As arsons of the heart, the Taylors are mobilizing a fresh, Moravian-like movement of flaming arrows to go to the least-reached peoples and the most Gospel-neglected places on the planet. They long to see the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His sufferings amongst all peoples.

A Conversation with Steve Backlund

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 04:51:57 GMT

A Conversation with Steve Backlund

Tom Crandall

All believers face situations where we have a choice to trust God and be filled with hope, or believe lies and be deflated. America needs leaders to lift up their voices, and declare the word of the Lord that cuts out lies, and demonstrates the Kingdom of God is here. Steve Backlund, founder of Igniting Hope Ministries will encourage you, and give you vision to see 2024 with the hope of heaven.

A Conversation with Jordan Creager

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:34:07 GMT

A Converstion with Jordan Creager

Tom Crandall

Gen Z is raised on a screen, hungry for truth, and exhausted by the lies culture has thrown at them. They need Mothers and Fathers to show them how to navigate the coming world. Jordan Creager gets real talking about his generation and what they need from leaders.

A Conversation with Hayley Braun

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:28:57 GMT

A Converstion with Hayley Braun

Tom Crandall

Hayley Braun has been gripped with a heart of conviction that all believers have an inheritance to carry the same power that raised Christ from the dead. America needs a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to see her come back to God.

1Hope4America

https://www.1hope4america.com/

Tom Crandall

https://www.tomcrandall.com/

Hayley Braun

https://hayleybraun.com/

A Conversation with Richard Gordon

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 21:26:11 GMT

A Converstion with Richard Gordon

Tom Crandall

Richard Gordon lives a life of signs and wonders, with notable verified miracles. He breaks down the Biblical backing and invitation for all believers to walk in the same power. It’s time for the American Church to step into her calling and manifest Christ the Healer!

1Hope4America

https://www.1hope4america.com/

Tom Crandall

https://www.tomcrandall.com/

Richard Gordon

https://www.instagram.com/richardgordon_

A Conversation with Ben Fitzgerald

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 19:24:03 GMT

A Converstion with Ben Fitzgerald

Tom Crandall

Ben Fitzgerald, Founder of Awakening Europe shares the story of finding his Father after he committed suicide, how that destroyed him, and how God rescued him.

Fueled by the love of God, Ben has dedicated his life to seeing people find Jesus, receive deliverance from demons, and walk out the freedom Christ purchased for them.

This conversation will inspire and invigorate you to reach your world!

Uniting a city: The Oroville Story - w/ Pastors Steve Orsillo and Scott Thomson

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:07:54 GMT

Uniting a city: The Oroville Story - w/ Pastors Steve Orsillo and Scott Thomson

Tom Crandall

Uniting a city: The Oroville Story - w/ Pastors Steve Orsillo and Scott Thomson

In April of 2023, 1Hope4America held a crusade in Oroville, CA where over 700 people gathered each night, with over 200 people responding to the gospel with signs and wonders.

This podcast is the backstory of how 22 churches unified for this moment with Pastor Steve Orsillo, and Pastor Scott Thomson.

A Family Transformed Through the Gospel w/ Jeremy Gonzales

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 23:50:40 GMT

A Family Transformed Through the Gospel w/ Jeremy Gonzales

Tom Crandall

A Family Transformed Through the Gospel w/ Jeremy Gonzales

In this episode, Tom Crandall has a conversation with Jeremy Gonzales a pastor from Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (since 2017).

Jeremy Gonzales has powerful story of his family being transformed when someone invited his Dad to church, and an Evangelist preached the gospel with power and they all answered an altar call.

God will do it again in America! Whole families are about to come to Christ if we will go!

They also discuss:

- What God did in Phoenix, AZ (at the 1Hope4America crusade).

- What God is doing in the church in this hour.

- What we believe God will do at 1Hope4America Oroville (April 21-23)

Can a city be saved in a day? The origin and dream of 1Hope4America w/ Dave Harvey & Rory Helart

tom.crandall@bethel.com (Tom Crandall) — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 23:48:11 GMT

Can a city be saved in a day? The origin and dream of 1Hope4America w/ Dave Harvey & Rory Helart

Tom Crandall

Can a city be saved in a day? The origin and dream of 1Hope4America w/ Dave Harvey & Rory Helart

In this episode, Tom Crandall has a conversation with Rory Helart (Young Saints Director - Bethel Church) and Dave Harvey (Director - Bethel Leaders Network).

They discuss:

- the origin and vision of 1Hope4America,

- how 1Hope4America partners with local churches,

- updates on upcoming events in Phoenix, AZ and Oroville, CA,

- the power of the gospel to change a city,

- how to be a witness as a lifestyle ,

- lies of evangelism

The Gospel Will Usher in a Great Awakening in America w/ Mario Murillo

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 23:14:37 GMT

The Gospel Will Usher in a Great Awakening in America w/ Mario Murillo

Tom Crandall

In this episode, Tom Crandall interviews Mario Murillo and they discuss the Gospel bringing a great awakening in America, what is evangelism, and how it applies to the political and cultural climate today.

Mario Murillo rose from poverty in the Mission District of San Francisco. After being revolutionized by Christ, he felt a call to the University of California at Berkeley.

His international ministry was launched after a 4-day conference in San Jose California extended for 6 months with a total attendance of nearly 250,000 people.

Since then Mario’s voice has been heard by millions around the world, bringing a message that zeroes in on the hurts of society. He presents Christ clearly, intelligently and openly declares the power of Jesus to totally transform a life. His simple declaration: Come and see. Christ has the power to end addiction, racism, violence and disease.

Mario Murillo
https://mariomurillo.org/

Revival in America, LGBTQ+, What is the Gospel w/ Dr. Michael Brown

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 22:36:07 GMT

Revival in America, LGBTQ+, What is the Gospel w/ Dr. Michael Brown

Tom Crandall

In this episode, Tom interviews Dr. Michael Brown about the revival in America, the LGBTQ+ movement and the church and what is the Gospel.

Overcoming Fear w/ Dawna De Silva

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 15:30:00 GMT

Overcoming Fear w/ Dawna De Silva

Tom Crandall

In this episode, Tom interviews Dawna De Silva about the detriment of fear and how to overcome it.

Urgency for Revival w/ Sean Smith

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 09:00:00 GMT

Urgency for Revival w/ Sean Smith

Tom Crandall

In this episode, Tom Crandall interviews Sean Smith, a forerunner for equipping the body of Christ in Prophetic Evangelism, about the urgency for revival in America and reaching the next generation.

Phoenix Update & Living from the Overflow of the Gospel

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 20:27:19 GMT

Phoenix Update & Living from the Overflow of the Gospel

Tom Crandall

In this episode of the 1Hope4America podcast, Tom Crandall shares about the overflow of the Gospel and summarizes the very first 1Hope event where 20 people got born again and significant miracles took place.

Finding Hope for the Soul of America w/ Guest Georgian Banov

Wed, 18 May 2022 05:09:27 GMT

Finding Hope for the Soul of America with Guest Georgian Banov

Special Guest: Georgian Banov

In this episode, Tom Crandall interviews Georgian Banov, who grew up underneath communist rule in Bulgaria. Escaping as a young man, he came to America as an atheist, and found Christ.

Pressure Free Evangelism

Thu, 12 May 2022 21:42:02 GMT

Every kid is terrified of the high dive, yet because of peer pressure and other reasons they take the jump. Climbing the ladder, they regret their decision, looking for a way out, but they look back and see the line of kids prodding them along. In shear terror they make the leap, and come up out of the water realizing that it wasn’t that bad and kind of fun, but they don’t want to go through that again.

Sharing your faith can feel similar, but it doesn’t have to.

We’ve all been there. We want to be a witness, we feel the pressure to go for it—we make the jump and reach out, then realize it wasn’t that bad but don’t want to go through that again sealing evangelism's fate of it ever becoming a lifestyle. This is why many believers have a hard time sharing their faith. We put so much pressure on a moment, psyche ourselves up, push through fear of being misunderstood and rejected and we plow through.

Sharing the love of God with another was never meant

to be shared from pressure and performance,

but from rest and the overflow of your life in God.

Here are three keys to Pressure Free Evangelism :

Quit trying, and start overflowing.

Romans 6:5 says that believers have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection. That means we die with Him and are alive in Him. This is more than a theory, but a present reality. It is a work of God’s grace, not to be earned, but what believers receive by faith. The love of God is overwhelming when this beautiful and eternal truth is received, making children of God feel safe and secure to part with anything sinful or destructive.

This reality is the birthplace of an overflowing life in Jesus—shame, guilt, sin and accusation have been nailed to the cross, and we are now alive in Him, and confident to share what He has done in us. Thanksgiving, rejoicing and exuberant praise is the only proper response to this revelation of the Gospel. A thankful, rejoicing life is an overflowing and powerful life.

The next time you want to share Christ with someone, start with authentic praise from your heart to the Lord—then let it overflow to others by sharing what God has done for you!

2. Jesus is the Savior of the world, not you.

Many believers take on the pressure of being the super Christian whose responsibility is to make sure others believe like us, even if it means arguing and becoming a salesman with the Gospel. This belief turns people off and doesn’t reveal Christ to anyone.

Instead, share a testimony of what the Lord has done in your life. Love the person in front of you and treat them like Jesus would.

3. The Holy Spirit is the greatest evangelist.

The Spirit of God knows exactly what each person needs to show He cares about them and is revealing Himself to them. As we learn how to recognize what God is doing in the moment, we will have a better understanding of how to partner with Him. This is called co-laboring with the Holy Spirit which is where the power happens, and evangelism becomes fun and easy, free from pressure.

America Shall Be Saved!

Tue, 10 May 2022 17:29:53 GMT

This is a blog written by Jack Hayford. You can find the original blog that was published on his website here . The publishing date is unknown.

“In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

– Genesis 12:3

God is speaking about America today, as well as to it. And we are wise to listen. There’s reason for hope, and cause to chart a course of faith-filled action. Over the years, my faith has been stirred and my convictions steeled: America shall be saved! Those words have repeatedly come to my ears-and heart-not only in my personal times of prayer, but as one anointed prophet after another has risen to declare them. Without consulting each other, many noted and trusted preachers have sounded this basic message: If the living Church will rise to be the Church God intends, America can be turned around.

Though seriously imperiled, the future of America is salvageable. The Bible reveals that Abraham’s seed can turn the day for nations. Thus, praying believers, led by pastors impassioned by living faith, are the key to this or any nation’s rescue. This isn’t mere nationalistic small talk or patriotic excitement; it’s a prophetic assignment. Our influence by means of prayer holds the potential to determine our nation’s destiny.

So what can we do? We can trust the promises in the eternal Scriptures. There are clear steps to walk in:

Believe the promise

The first step is to be caught in the grip of God’s 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 promise:

“If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.”

Beyond merely quoting this verse in some superstitious or sentimental manner, join with other believers in prayer and make it a point of corporate covenanting. This is an agreement with the Almighty, we’ll do our part in prayer, convinced You’ll do Your part in redemptive grace.

Bless your enemies

Facing certain distressing aspects of America’s behavior has caused some Christians to become “fueled by fury.” While pulpit-thumpers are inciting many believers to anger, Jesus is calling us to be an answer to our nation, not to be angry with it. “But I say to you, love your enemies…and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” – Matthew 5:44.

Let’s make one fact clear: We can never pray effectively for either an individual or a nation that we don’t love, and we can never pray successfully for a society if we are filled with anger toward it.

Value life

Proverbs 31:8 says: “Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die.” Addressing the issues of abortion and euthanasia is not a digression from spiritual concerns. We’re at a crisis point in our national experience about whether future generations will value life, at its inception and at its conclusion.

But here again, any self-righteous moralizing will only distance us from our society. Instead, may our hearts be broken by the realization that the underlying cause of this sinful devaluation of life is the emptiness of a society that has lost hope for tomorrow.

Live in purity

The early Church showed that the way to assert moral superiority in a corrupt culture is by example, not by taking the role of an adversary. Let’s not shoot at society but shine in it.

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blames and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” – Philippians 2:14-15.

Serve the needy

To be in a position to “save” America, the living Church must capture the moment amid social need and crisis in our communities. Winning the trust of those we want to reach with Christ’s life begins with showing them His love, which can only be done through serving. Jesus said good works create a platform for the gospel: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven” – Matthew 5:16.

Preserve liberty

I lament the preoccupation some American Christians have with changing our nation through a political agenda alone. Without first laying a foundation in prayer, love and good works, their otherwise worthy goals often have a clanging sound to them.

However the preservation of America’s liberty does necessitate taking certain action. Our participation in the political privileges of our free society is actually the responsible exercise of our role as disciples of Jesus.

Demonstrate, declare, and dispense the Gospel

Finally, let’s evangelize! The only way a nation can be saved is if souls are saved. To leave this until last is not to diminish its importance, but to accentuate it. It’s also to make clear that our gospel will be more readily received and believed if we’ve done the other things first.

I’m persuaded we’re at a glorious crossroads of possibility. Let’s band together around the promise of a sovereign visitation of Heaven on Earth!

The Power of Hope

Tue, 10 May 2022 17:13:18 GMT

“Every area of our life not glistening with hope

means we are believing a lie and that area

is a stronghold of the devil in our life.”

When I first heard this Francis Frangipane quote, I became discouraged. I realized I had good Biblical doctrine but bad life beliefs. My life was changed when I realized every belief or conclusion not having hope was under the influence of a lie.

Hope is the belief that the future will be better than the present and we have the power to help make it so. Hope is an overall, optimistic attitude about the future based on the goodness and promises of God. I believe that after love, hope is the most powerful leadership and influential quality there is. Our hope level determines our influence level, and he who has the most hope has the most influence. Truly, it is very difficult to influence that which you do not have hope for.

In Ezekiel 37, when God asked Ezekiel, “Can these bones live?”, he was basically asking, “Ezekiel, what do you think about this? What you think will determine what I can do. Do you believe these bones have a good future?” After Ezekiel responded with, “Oh Lord God, you know,” God told Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones and tell them they were going to live. He didn’t say, “Ezekiel, watch me prophesy and change this by myself.” No, the Lord has to partner with someone who has hope to accomplish His will. (By the way, these bones came to life and became a great army.)

God is not afraid to show us how dry things are, as long as we do not get our beliefs out of their dryness. We live in a time where we see dry bones - dry morality bones, dry unity bones, dry leadership bones, dry family bones, dry freedom bones, dry church bones, and more. Yes, we are to do everything God has called us to do to help bones from getting dry, but, ultimately, it does not matter how dry they get. What matters is whether we have renewed our minds enough to believe the bones can live.

We all have at least one area in our lives (a very dry area) that is screaming at us, “This really is hopeless! Things will never change! It is only going to get worse!” You are hearing this and so am I. Recently, I was battling for hope in an area of my life and could not seem to get over the heaviness I was feeling. So, I went to my wife, Wendy, for help.

She asked me a powerful question,

“Steve, what do you need to believe

to have hope in this area of your life?”

Bingo! That is the question. It led me to focus on the promises of God, my biblical identity, and to believe my past prayers were working (even if I did not see them working). As I did, my hope increased.

I want you to consider an area right now where you lack hope.

As you ask God the question,

“What do I need to believe to have hope for this?"

I believe He is going to speak powerful truths to you which will demolish lies creating anxiety, hopelessness, the victim mindset, and discouragement.

As I close, let me say this: Believing what God is saying will always lead to hope. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing” (Romans 15:13). Increasing hope is the evidence I am renewing my mind with truth, while decreasing hope is the evidence I am renewing my mind with lies. Our hope level is the indicator of whether we are believing lies or truth.

I believe that right now as you are reading this, God is revealing truth to you that will bring personal breakthrough and increased influence. You are a modern day Ezekiel who has hope for the world, and you will see dry bones in your life and in your nation come alive in astounding ways.

– Steve Backlund

The Power of the Gospel w/ Guest Todd White

Mon, 02 May 2022 22:27:49 GMT

Episode 3 - The Power of the Gospel

Special Guest: Todd White

In this episode, Tom Crandall interviews Todd White on the power of the Gospel, and the effect it has on our nation. Todd shares his testimony of Jesus coming into his life, and how he received hope through Him. Join us to receive an impartation of hope and vision for America!

The Power and Importance of Hope w/ Guest Steve Backlund

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 17:15:21 GMT

Episode 2 - The Power and Importance of Hope

Special Guest: Steve Backlund

Do you need to be refreshed by the power of hope? In this podcast Tom Crandall interviews Steve Backlund on how hope in Jesus has the power to change America.

Moving with Hope in Unpredictable Times

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 13:58:01 GMT

The last two years have made the future feel unpredictable for a lot of Americans, causing many to lose heart, while strengthening the resolve of others. There is no doubt that we are facing some really serious issues as a nation that are impacting all of us at a local level like never before. We are living in the aftershock of the pandemic and political unrest, media distortion and confusion about what’s true. We are facing inflation and higher gas prices, divisive cultural issues, moral insanity—and the list goes on. Studies show that hope has been shaken for millions.

"Heading into 2022, Americans are experiencing high levels of worry and much more temperate levels of hope. Eighty-four percent of Americans say they are either extremely (55%) or very worried (29%), compared to the 42% of Americans who describe themselves as extremely (18%) or very hopeful (24%)" (Clary, Benjamin. Mood of the Nation: “Majority of Americans are “Extremely Worried” about the Country in 2022,” apmresearchlab.org, January 12, 2022).

Everyone has had hopeless moments—more have lost hope than not, not because God failed, but because our source of hope has been amiss.

“When your intake of the news

is more than the Word of God then

your discouragement is self-inflicted.”

- Bill Johnson

The American people want hope, truth, compassion, stability and leadership. How do leaders, parents and families navigate these choppy waters? Historically, the people of God are no strangers to strenuous times, and the Lord has always been faithful to lead them through if they will yield.

Our history in God is rich and full of encouragement for times like this:

He spared Joseph in the face of injustice, causing him to thrive in terrible circumstances and ultimately using the evil done to him to spare Israel from famine.
He led the children of Israel out of slavery, split the Red Sea and dealt with their enemy in one swift blow.
He delivered Israel from the oppression of the Philistines over and over again, dealing with their giant with a 15-year-old shepherd boy.
He provided His one and only Son to deliver them from an oppression more significant than anything political or national, but internal—from sin, bondage and oppression giving lasting freedom.
He empowered His followers with the same Holy Spirit that was on Him, to be bold before the same men who crucified Jesus. Then they ended up turning the world upside down with the Gospel.

As followers of Christ our reason to hope isn’t based on current events but an internal knowing that His Kingdom reigns above it all.

Jesus Christ is the hope of America.

Here are 3 keys to moving forward with confident hope no matter what you are facing today:

Set your hope in the Lord

God is not shaken by the unpredictable, and if we anchor our beliefs in Him we too will not be shaken.

Romans 15:13 (NKJV) says, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in BELIEVING, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” A life of abounding hope is the result of believing no matter what is going on.

Activation:

Spend a few minutes in silence with God and ask Him this question, “God, have I had my hope set on any wrong sources?”
Take a minute to repent and confess Him as your source of life and hope, receive mercy and allow Him to renew your heart and mind.

Declaration: Declarations are like a battering ram against the lies of the devil. When God uncovers thought that needs renewed, find a declaration in God’s Word and shift the atmosphere in your head with it.

2. Strengthening yourself in the Lord leads to explosive hope

David revealed a key that is imperative in tough times. If we strengthen ourselves in the Lord before attempting to move forward, we will move with explosive hope that leads to action. If there has ever been a time where we need men and women of action it’s now, but if it’s going to be profitable it needs to come from the heavenly realm of strength, not offense and fear.

We have seen strength demonstrated in the moms of America who have been showing up at school board meetings standing against the onslaught of hell that is coming against our children. We see this in legislators fighting to end abortion. We see it in the everyday believer who dares to be a witness for Jesus when it’s not popular.

Activation: Take a minute to acknowledge the Lord as the strength of your life. Where you feel weak, invite Him to be strength for you.

Declaration: Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my Salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

3. Moving with God releases hope

Hope is released from people who make agreements with the Spirit of truth. So how do we find what’s true amongst the confusion? The story of Joshua is a great place to start:

“Joshua was on his way to Jericho when the angel of the Lord appeared to him. Joshua asked, ‘Are you for us or for our enemies?’”

(In other words he was asking, “Which side are you on?”). “He replied, ‘Neither, but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.’” (Joshua 5:13–14, NIV).

The Angel of the Lord wasn’t looking for a side because he came to lead the way and Joshua wisely yielded. If we want to move with bold faith and release hope, then we need to take the same approach as Joshua who said, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” (Joshua 5:15, NIV). As an ambassador of Christ, I am not entitled to my own version of truth, but need to speak what the Lord is saying. Truth is not relative and subjected to popular opinion in culture—it is absolute. The Gospel never changes for culture, culture changes for the Gospel.

The battle we are facing is not light vs darkness, or good vs evil as much as it is truth vs lies.

Jesus’ last command He gave His disciples was to go and preach the Gospel to all creation! The proclamation of the Gospel is what will break the deception and lies of the devil, releasing hope in Jesus. It’s time to stand and speak the truth. It’s time to proclaim the good news—there is only one hope for America, His name is Jesus! We are primed for the next great awakening that will usher in a mighty wave of God and lost souls into the Kingdom of God!

Now is the time! Who will say yes?

Activation: Sit with God's Word for what he is saying today.

Declaration: Tell the Lord, “Yes God, I’ll go anywhere for you!”

Intro: 1Hope4America w/ Tom Crandall

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 13:57:58 GMT

Episode 1 - 1Hope4America

In this episode, Tom Crandall dives into why and how 1 Hope 4 America came to be. He shares his story and heart behind the movement, and activates the Church into being a witness of Jesus. Join us as we launch a movement that will sweep across America!

3 Keys to Receiving What Jesus Paid For

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 14:58:02 GMT

3 Keys to Receiving What Jesus Paid For

Can you imagine receiving a gift on Christmas—adoring the box and beautiful bow, yet never opening the gift?

It’s possible to be in church for a lifetime and not receive the treasures of what’s been paid for.

In the past few months I have found myself in a deep dive in understanding the simple message of the gospel. The Spirit of God has been highlighting different aspects of the cross, the blood of Jesus and the new nature that we have received as a result of it.

I want to share 3 truths with you that have started to revolutionize my life in recent times:

1. Righteousness is a gift from God that can’t be earned—it must be received by faith.

Righteousness means right standing with God—a position that no man can earn. The law reveals God’s holy nature, and man’s sinfulness. The law is good, and gives us the definition of sin, but can’t give life to anyone. Instead, it leaves us in a place of needing forgiveness and grace. It’s like a doctor that is able to diagnose a disease but unable to offer a cure. Jesus is the cure for the disease of sin and sickness that we all need.

Many Christians try to earn their right standing before God with their good deeds and noble offerings, not realizing that Jesus has already paved the way for them. Their efforts are in vain and soon enough they burn out and wonder why they are not sensing God’s approval on their life. Self righteousness just leads to more self and focusing on sin management as the barometer for the righteousness you carry—a religious treadmill that never stops.

We don’t live for righteousness, we live from it!

In case you don’t have a relationship with God yet, you can click HERE to read my blog on “How to start a relationship with God”.

If you are a child of God, you are righteous not because of what you do, but because of what Jesus has done for you on the cross.

Meditate on these verses:

2 Corinthians 5:21

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Romans 5:17

“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”

Romans 5:1

“Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Romans 5:20

“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,”

Peace is the result of trusting that God has made you righteous before you feel it, see it, or do anything to prove it.

Focusing on our shortcomings and failures will never set us free, but only perpetuate more bondage. Looking to Jesus (John 3:14-16) is how we get free and receive the gift of righteousness.

Activation:

Ask yourself: Is there anything you need to surrender to Jesus?
Take a few minutes to let the blood of Jesus wash you from the inside out.
Spend some time meditating on the fact that you are already fully righteous before God, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. If you are righteous in nature, how do you believe God sees you? Good or bad?

Declaration:

“Jesus, you are Lord of my life. Thank you that your blood was enough to make me fully right with you.”
“I am standing pure and righteous before the throne of God right now, not because of what I did but because of what Jesus has done!”
“I receive your peace you paid for in every area of my life.”

2. Faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus has brought us into full union with Christ.

Romans 6:4–5: “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been UNITED together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,”

United means to identify with, to be like, to be one with.

We are in union, oneness with Christ! Our old sinful nature is nailed to the cross, buried in the grave and we are resurrected with Jesus—alive in Him!

Just as a man and a woman getting married die to the single life and become one with their spouse, so we die to our old, sinful life and become one in spirit with Jesus.

Ephesians 2:6 (NLT):

“For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.”

Romans 6:11

“Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Activation:

Become aware of your union with Christ and take time to thank Him for being closer than the skin on your bones.
See all temptation and sin as something outside of you. It is not who you are.
Meditate on the reality that God lives in you on your best and worst day—He promised He would never leave you.

Declaration:

"I am hidden with Christ in God."
"I have the mind of Christ."
"I am one with Christ."
“I am no longer separated from God. Every feeling of loneliness is a mere illusion, because I know that I am one with Christ in my spirit man!”

3. Our identity in Christ becomes a reality as we renew our minds.

Oftentimes life happens and we don’t feel saved, at peace, or free. But God and His Word never change—we can come to Him just as we are at any time, in any situation, and He will receive us and transform us.

It is so important to not interpret God’s word through the lens of our experience, but instead interpret our experiences through the lens of God’s Word. Your perception might be wrong, but His word never changes or fails.

Romans 12:2 (NIV84): “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Ephesians 4:22–24 (NIV): “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Galatians 5:24 (Passion Translation) “Keep in mind that we who belong to Jesus, the Anointed One, have already experienced crucifixion. For everything connected with our self-life was put to death on the cross and crucified with Messiah.”

HERE is a blog called “Receiving Righteousness” that I believe will help you in the process of growing in your identity.

The renewal of the mind happens as our faith aligns with Him by doing the following:

Feasting on His Word
Reviewing testimonies of what God has done
Praise and worship
Prayer
Meditation
Declaration

Activation:

Give God thanks for what He has accomplished on the cross for you.
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to renew your mind with what Jesus has accomplished for you?
Take time to receive the love of God, His grace, and His perception of you.

Declaration:

“My mind is continuously being renewed by the Word of God, and as a result my life is continuously growing to look more like Christ!”
"I am a new creation."
"I am covered by mercy, and empowered by grace to live bold in Christ!"