Word of Life

It's HARD. It's DIFFICULT. Our will or our Father's will? Do you grapple with this? The flesh doesn't always want to do what Jesus is telling us to do. It's not what we imagined. It's not easy. Pastor Richard's message today speaks about Gethsemane, a place where Jesus rests. Though this time, God has to work through the wrestling of his heart. In the vehicle of prayer, Jesus learns to bend His wi...

Sometimes you look for things in the wrong places. Like a library book in the fridge. Sounds ridiculous, I know. Do you look at your love for Jesus in the ways you serve, or how many times you attend church? Although those are all good things, Jesus desires a faithful heart, a heart that walks in His Saving Grace. Pastor Richard speaks today about Jesus inviting the disciples into a new relationsh...

Plans. Do you make them? Do you like to know most or all the details? Are you aware that Jesus asks us to TRUST, OBEY, and FOLLOW Him because he planned your life long ago? Today, Pastor Richard lays out the three P's - preparation, prediction, and partaking - that the Lord uses to show everyone that He has things under control. When fear and anxiety grip you, making you believe that there is no p...

Do you think one of the greatest gifts given is the one not asked for? Think about that for a minute...how would you feel if you were lovingly gifted something just because someone wanted to? For me, that would bring such JOY! Today, Pastor Richard continues discussing Mary's gift and how involved she was with Jesus' life. He commends her for this pouring out of what she could do. My friend - put...

Have you ever been in a season that felt like everything was against you? Parenting struggles. Friction at work. Loss of a family member. Uncertain finances. Even though it feels insurmountable, Jesus works through those hard seasons and brings good. Pastor Richard speaks today about a woman who was criticized for her act of love to Jesus. Judged for her worshipful heart. There will always be thos...

We have a lot to look forward to as believers. While the future may be grim for this fallen world, for those who are in Christ we have the joy of looking forward to Heaven and an eternity of intimacy with God. But, as Pastor Richard will point out in today’s message, you need to find a good balance for how much time, energy, and focus you dedicate to studying End Times prophecy. You should definit...

As believers looking forward to Jesus’ second coming, we should feel a sense of urgency and joy. There’s no reason for fear on our part. You may feel a sense of fear for any loved ones who haven’t come to Jesus, but God won’t allow the redeemed to suffer the wrath that’s to come. As Pastor Richard continues our study of the book of Mark in today’s message, we’ll be reminded that God loves us dearl...

Throughout Scripture, you learn about the final days of the earth. You discover the events that will surround the battle between good and evil, and you’ll find the signs you should be looking for. And in today’s passage in the book of Mark, you’ll find that Jesus Himself talked about this monumental time! Pastor Richard will share what Christ had to say about His return, and what you need to know...

Have you ever been to a ski hill or resort? You know those tow lines that pull you to the top? They make an easy, even enjoyable experience out of what would otherwise be an incredibly exhausting trek up the hill. Our salvation is kind of like that. Jesus is the towline, and all we have to do is grab on and trust Him to pull us to the top. As Pastor Richard will remind us in today’s message, you c...

The end of the world is going to come. The Bible tells us a lot about it, but there’s still so much we just don’t know. How exactly will it happen? And when? What will it look like? Plenty of people have speculated on these questions, but Pastor Richard wants to remind you today that we might not know until it actually happens! We still have plenty to learn from what Scripture DOES say, so don’t g...

Think of the strongest, most permanent structures you know of. What if someone came along and told you that it was going to be torn down and rebuilt in three days? Would you believe them? That feeling of disbelief is similar to what the Jews must have felt when Jesus said those exact words regarding the Temple. As Pastor Richard will explain in today’s message, Jesus’ words were both literal and s...

If you’re being honest, you might have to admit that statement makes you at least a little uncomfortable. For most of us, to live as though everything we have is actually God’s would completely upend the way we spend our money and use our resources. How many of your recent financial decisions have been completely centered around yourself or your family? As Pastor Richard will challenge us in today...

It’s not hard to find the showboating we witness in the Pharisees of Jesus’ day in the modern Church. You may put on the persona of humility and modesty, while also putting great pride in how much you’re secretly tithing or how much time you’re investing in the various programs your church puts on. It may look a little different, but as Pastor Richard will challenge us to ask in today’s message, a...

Just as the Israelites were instructed to erect monuments as reminders of the journeys God led them through and the victories He won for them, it’s an important practice for us as believers. When you’ve followed Him for a long time, you can slip into a routine that loses a lot of the passion you felt when you first came to Him. As Pastor Richard will challenge us in today’s message, it’s important...

It’s so easy to see the faults and weaknesses in others. As we hear the accounts of the Pharisees, we often are very harsh critics. Yes, they were a rotten group, with some serious heart issues. But, as Pastor Richard will exhort us in today’s message, don’t be so prideful to think that you aren’t a lot like them. We’re all susceptible to pride in various forms. We easily find ourselves driven by...

Have you ever read a story where the hero shows up but doesn’t conquer the enemy? What kind of hero doesn’t defeat evil? Wouldn’t that make him just another character? Pastor Richard reminds us today that without resurrection…Jesus would just be another character in a story. If you don’t believe in His rebirth, then there’s no way He can be your savior. We all go through different struggles in lif...

No matter how intelligent you are, you have to admit there are things you don’t know and things you can’t comprehend. You may be a genius, but there are some things that you just can’t wrap your brain around. Today, Pastor Richard reminds us that resurrection is one of those things for many people. But without resurrection…Christianity falls apart. You must understand that you can’t understand eve...

Do you ever have a hard time finding balance? There are so many things in life that are good for us, but only in moderation. As Christians, Pastor Richard reminds us that we’re called to be informed on the things of this world. We should know what’s going on, but it should never control us. It’s easy to get angry or caught up in the world of politics, but that’s not God’s desire. Don’t go overboar...

When you were a child, did you ever wonder how your parents always knew when you were lying? It’s like they could read your thoughts. Today, Pastor Richard talks about how Jesus can see right through to our hearts. There’s nothing that you can keep from Him and there’s nothing that He doesn’t already know. There can be no secrets in your relationship with Christ. But even though He sees all your f...

God will judge sin. It’s a fact given in scripture. Yet, it’s not the only thing you must realize. He isn’t anxious for any to perish, but instead longs to save all people. To this end, he’ll give warnings to stubborn people. Today Pastor Richard will explain how God is patient and long-suffering with all people. He offers grace and forgiveness time and again. He won’t simply discard his people, b...

The religious elite leaders questing Jesus felt they’d earned all they had, and deserved their religious position. Yet, as Pastor Richard teaches today, ALL they had was given by God. Their position, power, and provision were a gift from God. God had entrusted to them his people for them to shepherd and lead. Yet, they failed. In pride, they used their power for selfish gain and to oppress God’s p...