Word of Life

The verse that Pastor Richard is referencing today, where Jesus says that those who love Him must “hate” their families, has been a source of confusion and abuse at times, by those who misunderstand the heart of what Jesus was saying. Elsewhere in Scripture, it’s clear that hating anyone is the same as murdering them. We are to love others as Christ has loved us – but Jesus is our first love, and...

Have you come to that place? As Pastor Richard continues our study in the Minor Prophets today, we’ll once again have our attention drawn toward Jesus. Hundreds of years before He would walk the earth in the flesh, these words of prophecy foretold the conditions of His arrival, as well as His second coming. When you submit your heart to Him in repentance and faith, you can find hope for what’s to...

At this moment, and frequently throughout its history, we’ve seen turmoil, violence, and war plague Israel and its surrounding region. Whenever things escalate over there, it can feel a little like approaching the top of a roller coaster. Many of us ask, “Is this it? Are we on the verge of Armageddon?” It can feel frightening, but as Pastor Richard will remind us in today’s message, we can have co...

There’s a story about the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan. It’s said that he was cut from the high school basketball team, so out of anger and determination, he practiced jump shots and free throws until his arms were numb. Jordan would eventually go on to become one of the most well-known players in the NBA. Today, Pastor Richard teaches that when you remain faithful in the small thing...

As we move through this world, there are times when we place our spiritual lives on the back burner. When that happens, our vision grows cloudy, and we begin to desire the wrong things instead of deepening our relationship with Jesus. That’s why today, Pastor Richard encourages you to make Jesus Christ your number one priority in life. When Christ is first, everything else falls into its proper pl...

There are moments in all of our lives when we make plans, only to watch them fall apart. What those moments reveal is a simple truth: there are many things in this world we cannot control. But there is One who sees the whole path ahead. Jesus calls us to follow Him down that road, one that leads to everlasting life. Today, Pastor Richard invites you to trust Christ with your life. When you place y...

There’s a common trend in many open-world video games. As you play, you can veer off the main path to complete some side quests, and you might find some equipment in the process if you’re lucky. But one thing’s certain… as you approach a boss battle on the main quest, the developers will make sure you are well stocked. In today’s message, Pastor Richard teaches that when God calls you to complete...

Have you ever seen those court videos where a family chooses to forgive someone who’s hurt them? I tend to ask the question, how can you do that when clearly, you’ve been wronged, but I think there’s a beauty in their forgiveness because it shows us how God forgave us. Today, Pastor Richard says God forgives you because of Jesus, and you can’t forget that! The enemy will try to lie and accuse you...

Basketball has two different sides, offense and defense. While the offensive player tries to put the ball in the hoop, the defender tries to stop him by guarding him. In today’s message, Pastor Richard says the enemy is always standing in your way, trying to oppose you from following Jesus. But Satan isn’t just opposing you; he’s accusing you of all your wrongs. He wants you to forget the redempti...

When people gather for a concert, they all go for the same goal. To see the person performing! Today, Pastor Richard says we must gather as a church for the same goal. Not just because it’s fun and enjoyable, but to remind ourselves of Christ’s death and resurrection. He loves you and wants you to be reminded of that every day! You must fix your eyes on Him and let Him work in your life. One of th...

Have you ever pulled one of those resistance bands? You know, those things that are like big rubber bands? To use them correctly, you have to keep pulling even when it feels difficult. In today’s message, Pastor Richard says that when you choose to follow Jesus, there will always be resistance, but you must remain strong. When people are pushing back on your faith, remind yourself that God’s worth...

There are moments in all of our lives when we make plans, only to watch them fall apart. What those moments reveal is a simple truth: there are many things in this world we cannot control. But there is One who sees the whole path ahead. Jesus calls us to follow Him down that road, one that leads to everlasting life. Today, Pastor Richard invites you to trust Christ with your life. When you place y...

There comes a time in all our lives when we must make a decision: will we try to keep going on our own, or will we reach out to someone who can do what we can’t? That’s what it comes down to; we can’t spiritually save ourselves. But God loved us so much that He sent His Son to take our place on the cross. He gave us what we couldn’t earn. So today, Pastor Richard invites you to let Jesus into your...

Everyone chooses to worship something. It can be anything from money to even the acceptance of others! Today, Pastor Richard says your worship life matters. You must worship Jesus because He’s worthy of all praise. He loves you and wants a relationship with you, even when you choose other things! God doesn’t change His mind because you don’t want Him. In fact, he runs harder towards you, like a fa...

It can be easy to blame other people, especially if we don’t think we did anything wrong. But how often have you blamed God for your life going awry? In today’s message, Pastor Richard says God is never in the wrong. God is perfect and holy! If you’re in a tough situation, there’s a reason for it, and it may not be what you think. God does everything with a purpose! Even when you don’t know what i...

Everyone has a ranking of the things in their lives. You can rank your family above other things, or your career, or even how much money you have in the bank. Today, Pastor Richard says you must put God above all in your life. If you aren’t following Him wholly, you’re doing God a disservice. He deserves all your praise, and your life must be centered around Him. When you trust Him, you allow Him...

If you put food coloring in water, it becomes impossible to get that color out of the water! You have to fully dump out the cup and pour new water in for it to be clear again! In today’s message, Pastor Richard says everyone is worthy of God’s judgment, but He shows us mercy in sending His Son for you. You’d be nothing without the mercy of the Lord. You’re stained with sin, but God loves you, so H...

Have you ever been confused about the verdict a judge has given to someone? The thing is, Earthly judges may mess up, but God is perfect and has a plan for everything. In today’s message, Pastor Richard says you must remind yourself that God is perfect and is the final judge. When you start to see injustice in the world, remember, there’s a God who will make all that’s wrong right and bring justic...

There comes a time in all our lives when we must make a decision: will we try to keep going on our own, or will we reach out to someone who can do what we can’t? That’s what it comes down to; we can’t spiritually save ourselves. But God loved us so much that He sent His Son to take our place on the cross. He gave us what we couldn’t earn. So today, Pastor Richard invites you to let Jesus into your...

Sometimes, we can feel like we’re all alone. That feeling of not knowing who we could even go to when we feel lost is so relatable. Pastor Richard reminds us that we DO have someone to run to! We have Jesus! He will always be there for us, through His promises, Word, and faithfulness. Pastor Richard is telling YOU that there’s still hope even when you don’t think there is. Let this message today b...

When we read the Bible, it’s easy to focus only on the comforting and encouraging passages, while overlooking the ways God lovingly confronts His people when they drift from Him. In the Bible, God repeatedly calls His people to repentance and restoration. And when we look at our nation today, we see our country straying from that path. That’s why today, Pastor Richard calls for revival. We must le...

Parents, we know that at times our children will act out. And when correction is needed, we step in, because we love them. In the same way, God lovingly corrects His children. When we begin to stray from the path He’s leading us on, He gently works to draw us back to Himself. So today, Pastor Richard encourages you to place your faith in God, even when you’ve wandered, trusting that His correction...

We live in a world where it’s easy to take things for granted: our security, our jobs, our homes, even our freedoms. Yet the reality is that nothing in this life is guaranteed. Scripture reminds us how brief life truly is. So how should we live? Not in fear, or as if every day is our last, but anchored in the promises of God. In today’s message, Pastor Richard reminds us that while everything in t...

As we navigate this world, it’s easy to forget that God truly desires our good. When a door closes, we may respond with frustration and ask, “Why, Lord?” Yet we often cannot see what He may be protecting us from. That’s why in today’s message, Pastor Richard reminds us to thank God for His guidance and loving discipline.  We can trust that even when we think we know better, His wisdom always prove...

As parents, we know that children learn right from wrong through loving correction. In the same way, our heavenly Father corrects His children to teach us what is good and right. That’s why God gave us His Word: to teach us, guide us, and impart wisdom that can spare us from unnecessary pain. Today, Pastor Richard encourages us to learn from Scripture and recognize what God, in His love, is seekin...