The Plan – Obey & Overcome

by John Tilton on August 24, 2026

SCRIPTURE:

“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

1 John 5:3-5

 

OBSERVATION:

I love this clear plan that to love God is to 1) obey His commands, to

2) overcome the world, which brings 3) victory, and affirms our 4) faith, which is our love for God. And by our belief in Jesus Christ, we will overcome and be victorious over the world.

APPLICATION:

I also love simplicity and clarity which is why these scriptures resonate with me. I am a planner by nature for my family, my ministry, and my activities. Thus, knowing that God has “a plan” for me and that I just need to follow through with His plan, brings affirmation of who I am called to be and how I will overcome the world. Why? The things of the world tempt me and call out to me every day; boldly at times and subtle at times. My being transparent; it can be a daily contention of my choosing between the temptations and ways of the world, to my obedience, overcoming, victory, and faith by my belief and trust in Jesus.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, I trust in your plan for my life. I trust and believe in Jesus – in what He did on the cross for my life, the freedom I have in Him, the victories won, my daily walk with you in obedience, and life eternal that awaits us all.

About the Author

John Tilton

Senior Pastor John Tilton has served at New Hope Oahu since it’s launch in 1995, and has been on staff in administration and as executive pastor for the past 14 years. The values and heart behind New Hope run deeply through Pastor John’s veins as he has trained, learned, and was mentored closely by Pastor Wayne.

A graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Pastor John holds his Masters in Formational Leadership from Lancaster Bible College & Capital Seminary. He has served in various leadership, mentorship, and advisory roles in ministry and in the marketplace. He currently serves as Vice President of New Hope International and is on the Board of Directors of both Pacific Rim Christian University and New Hope Christian College. 

Pastor John is married to his amazing wife Lanu, is father to his son Ikaika, daughter Malie, son-in-law Noni, is Papa to his grandchildren Justice, Johanna, and Jordynn, all of whom serve in ministry as a family together at New Hope Oahu.

Pastor John’s heart is to love and shepherd the people of New Hope Oahu––both here on Oahu and globally across the world. He will seek to continue to develop leaders, enable people here to dream with vision and purpose for God’s unique call on their lives, and, most importantly, to seek God as He faithfully guides our church so that we can fully become the church, and the people, He has created and called us to be.

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