HOTLCAST

Send us Fan Mail Are you overwhelmed by worry? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the epidemic of anxiety facing our world today and discover how faith, prayer, and gratitude can transform our lives. Through personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical advice, you’ll learn how to cast your cares, break free from the cycle of stress, and experience the true peace that only God can prov...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the HOTLCast, hosts Cyle, Matt, and Mark return after an unexpected summer break. They discuss their productive summer, highlighting 48 baptisms and a growing church community with an impressive attendance of 413 people. They talk about the joy and beauty of summer in Michigan, Matt’s first summer experience in the state, and the excitement for the upcoming fall...

Send us Fan Mail What do you worry about most—your kids, your finances, your future? Worry is part of life, but it doesn’t have to control your life. In this opening message of the Pray More, Worry Less series, we dive into Philippians 4:4–7 , where Paul gives us a radically different approach: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let...

Send us Fan Mail Life has levels—and faith does too. Just like in a video game, every challenge, setback, and new stage is an opportunity to grow stronger. In this message, Pastor Cyle shows how Abraham’s obedience in Genesis 12 and the promises of God call us to “level up” in our own faith. Whether you’re a child, a teen, or an adult, God is inviting you to trust Him more deeply, step into His pr...

Send us Fan Mail Before the world began, God chose you, adopted you, and gave you a purpose. In this message, Jared Code shares from Ephesians 1:4–5 and the film Mufasa to show how God brings misfits into His royal family. Adoption in Christ gives us: A new name — You are no longer defined by failure or shame, but called a child of God (John 1:12). A new home — God sets the lonely in families (Psa...

Send us Fan Mail Ever feel like you don’t fit in? In this message from Heart O’ the Lakes Church, discover how God uses our differences as strengths. Drawing lessons from How to Train Your Dragon and Scripture, this sermon shows how your unique wiring, weaknesses, and gifts are all part of God’s perfect plan. You are fearfully and wonderfully made—designed for a mission that only you can fulfill....

Send us Fan Mail True growth happens when we trust God’s process—even when it doesn’t make sense at first. In this message from Heart O’ the Lakes Church, we explore how spiritual discipline, humility, and obedience lead to transformation. Drawing from The Karate Kid and passages like Hebrews 12:5–11, Pastor Cyle shows how God trains His children, shaping us into people who can live out our faith...

Send us Fan Mail Your greatest disappointment may be the very place God is preparing your greatest calling. In this message from Heart O’ the Lakes Church, we explore Luke 5:1–11 and discover how Jesus transforms failure into purpose. Just as Peter was called from an empty boat to a life of abundance, God can use your brokenness, setbacks, and comfort zones to shape you for His mission. Drawing pa...

Send us Fan Mail What do your motives and behavior say about your faith? In this message from Heart O’ the Lakes Church , Pastor Cyle uses lessons from Minecraft and Titus 2 to challenge us: Are we living truly changed lives, or just wearing the Christian label? Do our actions draw people toward Jesus — or push them away? How can integrity, self-control, and steadfast love silence critics and make...

Send us Fan Mail In this “At the Movies” message from Heart o’ the Lakes Church in Brooklyn, MI, Pastor Cody highlights how Sonic and Shadow’s story reveals a deeper truth: bitterness poisons our hearts, but forgiveness sets us free. Using Scripture (Proverbs 14:29, Hebrews 12:14–15, Ephesians 4:26–32), Cody challenges us to release grudges, seek forgiveness, and live with self-control—just as Jes...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Matt and Jared dive into how worship works within the church — from how songs are chosen to why the theology behind the lyrics really matters. They unpack the role music plays in our spiritual lives and how worship shapes both our Sunday mornings and everyday faith. Whether you’re on the platform or in the pews, this conversation will give you a deeper look at the...

Send us Fan Mail What kind of legacy are we leaving for the next generation? In this powerful message, Pastor Cyle from Heart o’ the Lakes Church dives into the vital role of church community in shaping young lives for Christ. With a focus on Psalm 78:4-7, we’re reminded that it’s not just about teaching the next generation—it’s about showing them what it means to live for God. Whether you serve i...

Send us Fan Mail In this week’s message, Pastor Cyle continues our Miracles series by exploring one of Jesus’ most well-known miracles—feeding the 5,000 with just five loaves and two fish (and the similar miracle where He fed 4,000). But this message is about more than bread and fish—it’s about trusting Jesus as the true bread from heaven. When life gets hard, where do you turn? Jesus sees your ne...

Send us Fan Mail Today’s episode looks at Peter’s wild miracle with Caesar’s tax — a coin pulled from a fish’s mouth — and how it encourages us to speak boldly about what God has done. The pastors discuss how people today respond to miracles with skepticism or awe, and why sharing our own God-stories matters.

Send us Fan Mail In this week’s message from our Miracles series, Pastor Cyle explores the powerful moment when Jesus tells Peter to cast his line and catch a fish with a coin in its mouth. This miracle goes beyond just provision—it’s about recognizing who Jesus truly is and understanding our identity in Him. Pastor Cyle challenges us not to slip back into our old nature or ways of thinking. Just...

Send us Fan Mail This week on the HOTLCast, we continue the conversation on miracles —specifically, the kind that bring healing and reveal God’s glory. Cody shares a personal story of miraculous healing, and the team reflects on how we process these moments through the lens of Scripture. Why don’t we see more miracles in modern America? Is it skepticism, pride, or just distraction? We wrestle with...

Send us Fan Mail In week three of our “Miracles” series at HOTL, Pastor Cyle dives deeper into what the Bible really says about miracles — and how we, as followers of Christ, should respond when we’re praying for one. We’ve all heard stories: someone healed from an incurable condition, a broken relationship restored, a heart finally at peace. But what about when we’re still waiting for our miracle...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the HOTLCast, we reflect on the powerful stories shared this past Sunday—especially Jared’s testimony of miracles witnessed during his time in Pakistan. From blind eyes opened to a mute child speaking for the first time, Jared reminds us that God still moves —sometimes in ways we least expect, and often where hearts are most open. We also check in on the message...

Send us Fan Mail This week at Heart o' the Lakes, Pastor Cyle continues our powerful sermon series, “Miracle,” by exploring a moment in Scripture that often surprises people— Jesus cursing the fig tree in Matthew 21 . What does this unusual miracle mean, and how does it relate to our lives today? Pastor Cyle unpacks the deeper significance behind this act, showing how it points to a central t...

Send us Fan Mail This week on the HOTLCast, we kick things off with some laughs and stories from Lumberjack Weekend at The Pines—Cody may have left with a sore back, but a full heart. Then we dive into the message from Sunday: Miracles. From Cody’s own story of unexplained healing to miracles seen overseas, in camps, and even in everyday church life—this episode is full of personal testimonies tha...

Send us Fan Mail This week, Pastor Cyle kicks off a powerful new series on miracles —what they meant in the Bible and how we should understand them today. Using John 11 and the story of Lazarus, Pastor Cyle explores how Jesus performed miracles with purpose—but also how faith in who Jesus is must come before our desire for what He can do. Sometimes God performs the miracle we’re asking for. Someti...

Send us Fan Mail This week on the HOTLCast, the team shares a heartfelt update and a call for prayer for Pastor Cyle’s mom, Candice, who is currently battling lymphoma. Please keep her and the family in your prayers. ❤️ Then we dive deep into the vision of Heart O’ The Lakes Church—where we are, how far we’ve come, and where we believe God is leading us. From Vision 2020’s major milestones to the...

Send us Fan Mail At Heart O’ the Lakes Church, we believe God has called us to be intentional and visionary in how we grow and serve our community. In this week’s sermon, Pastor Cyle unpacks Vision 2025 —our 5-year plan launched in 2020 to guide our church toward a future that’s not just bigger, but greater. In this message, you’ll hear about: ✅ Why HOTL exists: To be a Christian community that g...

Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode, Pastor Matt, Pastor Cody, Pastor Mark, and Music Director Jared gather around the mic to unpack Sunday’s message about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Pastor Cyle laid out a clear and biblical view of Mary’s role—highly favored, deeply faithful, but not to be worshiped—and we dig deeper into what that means for our faith today. We also talk about the announcemen...

Send us Fan Mail This past Sunday, Pastor Cyle delivered a powerful message on Mary, the mother of Jesus , from a Protestant perspective. He unpacked the biblical understanding of Mary as a woman who was "highly favored"—a recipient of God’s grace. Pastor Cyle addressed the idea of perpetual virginity and how the Bible speaks about Jesus’ brothers , contrasting common misconceptions with...