The Word For The Valley Podcast (iOS)

Jesus calls the twelve disciples and sends them out as apostles, giving them exousia power—kingly authority to carry out His ministry. In this episode, we explore how He commissions them with direct, military-like orders and why their mission was initially limited to the Jews. This pivotal moment reveals the strategy behind Jesus’ ministry and sets the stage for the gospel’s expansion to the world...

Why did Jesus initially limit the disciples' ministry to the Jews, and what does that mean for us today?  In this clip, Pastor Mike unpacks how God's guidance often includes both "yeses" and "nos", and why learning to discern both is essential for following the Holy Spirit. If you’re only ever hearing one or the other, it might be time to ask: am I really listening?

When Jesus looked at the crowds, He didn’t just see numbers—He saw individuals, weary and scattered like sheep without a shepherd. But the truth is, they had shepherds—just the wrong kind. Leaders who fed themselves instead of feeding the flock. Religious authorities who used people instead of serving them.  In part 2 of this episode, we explore the heart of Jesus as He steps into a broken system,...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into something striking about the healings of Jesus: there’s no formula. No pattern. No “Step 1, Step 2, Step 3.” Just people coming to Jesus… and Jesus doing something only He can do. The only common thread? He’s there. And maybe that’s the question we need to ask: Are we coming to Jesus to experience Him—or are we just clinging to a process we think will fix us?...

In part 2 of this episode, we encounter a woman who had every reason to stay hidden—unclean, unwanted, and untouched for 12 long years. Cut off from worship, community, and likely even family, her condition had left her completely alone.  And yet, something in her heart stirred. Not proof. Not an argument. Not logic. Faith. A deep, undeniable conviction that if she could just get close enough to t...

In this episode, we step into one of the most powerful displays of Jesus' compassion and authority.  As He responds to a desperate father and a suffering woman, we see Jesus stop for the broken, restore what seems lost, and bring life where there was only death. These two accounts remind us that no one is too far gone, too unclean, or too overlooked for the healing touch of Christ.

In part 2 of this episode, we’ll explore Jesus’ teaching about new wine and old wineskins. a powerful image that reminds us He didn’t come to patch up old religious systems, but to offer something entirely new. We’ll look at what that means for us today, and why following Him means letting go of the old and embracing a completely transformed life.

In this episode, Jesus adds a powerful new dimension to His ministry—the forgiveness of sins. This is the first time we see this concept in Matthew, and it’s a turning point that sparks serious conflict with the religious leaders. Why? Because they question both the need for forgiveness and Jesus’ authority to offer it.

In part 2 we’ll discover that even the wind and the waves obeyed Jesus. And the disciples were left marveling, "Who can this be?" Though they had followed Him, they didn’t fully know Him.  Could the same be true of us? Sometimes, it's not in the comfort of the crowd, but in the chaos of the storm, that we come to truly know who Jesus is.

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus faced a consistent struggle: crowds gathered not always to know Him, but rather to witness the miracles, the power, the spectacle. Many came for the works, not for the One doing them. In this episode, we explore how Jesus repeatedly peeled back the layers of false motivation, calling people to seek Him, not just His blessings. When we become more enamored wit...

As Jesus begins healing the crowds, word spreads fast—every kind of sickness, every kind of affliction, and He heals them all.. It’s powerful. It’s compassionate. And it’s deeply prophetic. Matthew ties it back to Isaiah: “He took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” But what does that mean for us now? Pastor Mike addresses what some would claim as universal healing for anyone, anytime if we...

In reading the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of narrow gates, impossible standards, and righteousness that must exceed even the most religious. It sounds like the words of a hard man, a strict judge, someone unmoved by human weakness. And yet… turn the page and you meet the same Jesus, touching the leper, healing the servant, welcoming the outsider. Full of grace. Overflowing with compassion. ...

In part 2, Pastor Mike will make the point that coming to faith in Jesus doesn’t make life easier, but makes life meaningful. True Christian living involves purpose and service to others, which will bring stress and difficulty. Equating faith with an easy life is immature thinking. Living life properly for the greatest benefit of others, means embracing the challenges that come with it.

In part 1, Pastor Mike emphasizes the need for discernment when sincerely trying to walk the “narrow path”. Encouraging us to test everything against the Scriptures, and not just accept teachings at face value. Any teaching or teacher that doesn’t point to Christ and reflect His character should be questioned.

In Part 2 Pastor Mike clarifies that God is a good Father who provides for our needs rather than our demands. He goes on to explain that when we continue to "Ask, Seek, Knock" the LORD responds with His knowledge of what is best. And if we surrender to the LORD in this way, we will learn to be content regardless of the circumstances.

In Part 1 Pastor Mike teaches that individuals who value the kingdom of God first, are willing to make decisions that sacrifice the kingdom of men. He goes on to explain that the ability to discern (judge) rightly, according to God's word, and to work with God to remove the obvious issues (planks) in their own lives are two crucial qualities for those of the kingdom of God.

In Part 2 of this section, Jesus tells us not to worry about our life. Because to worry, means to be pulled in many directions. Meaning, worry arises when we are divided between 2 kingdoms. Jesus stated it this way “you cannot serve 2 masters. You will either be loyal to the one and despise the other” Jesus wasn't suggesting that we ignore the ordinary things of life. Instead, He desires that we t...

In this section, Jesus moves on to the topic of personal possessions. He wants us to take good care of the things we own, but He doesn't want us to be consumed by them. It's interesting to note that Jesus discusses money more than any other topic in His teachings. He understands how difficult possessions and money can be for us, and the risk that arises when we start to develop a love for those th...

The Lord's Prayer is a well-known Biblical passage. In Part 2, Jesus offers this as a model for how to pray to our Heavenly Father. Instead of using meaningless words and rote prayers, Jesus was teaching that prayer is more relational than transactional, and more intimate than a performance.

In this part 1, Jesus challenges individuals on their religious practices. Specifically addressing charitable deeds, prayer, and fasting. He commanded that when these things are done, they are with the intention of pleasing your Heavenly Father rather than gaining the approval and praise of people.

Jesus commanded a positive response when something negative happens to us. In Part 2 of this section, Jesus commands us to love our enemies. What would be a loving response to someone who curses, hates, uses, and persecutes me?

In this section, Jesus will say turn the other cheek, when someone slaps you, let him have your cloak, if they want to take your tunic, and go an extra mile, if they compel you to 1 mile. How do I offer wholehearted grace to a person who is treating me like this?

The religious leaders had a whole hierarchy of oaths to emphasize the truth of their word. In part 2, Jesus focused on the character of the person as being the emphasis of their word. Essentially saying, be a person of your word. And having to affirm the truth of your word by adding anything to it, is not motivated by God, but is of the evil one.

In part 1, Jesus addresses the scribes and the pharisees interpretation of God’s command to not commit adultery. He will go on to say that "whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

In Part 2, Pastor Mike teaches that Jesus is responding to the scribes and the pharisees interpretation of the Old Testament Law. He is comparing what the religious teachers say about the Law, and what God actually means. In this section, Jesus addresses their interpretation of God's command "you shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of judgment."