Hardwired with Jeff Wickwire

Have you ever caught someone following you or staring at you from a long distance away? It can make you feel uncomfortable, knowing that your actions are being watched by someone else. Pastor Jeff isn't trying to make you nervous today, but he does want you to understand that there are people in your life who are looking at you as an example of Christian living. If you were the only reflection of Jesus that someone ever encountered, would they be left with a good or a bad impression of Him?

It's easy to wonder why God allows false teachers to deceive people for as long as they do. Doesn't He want believers to have an easier time going through life, not having to worry about being deceived by false teachers? But Pastor Jeff reminds you today that you can always recognize a false teacher by the fruit their work produces. It may not be immediately apparent, but a rotten vine will not be able to produce good and Godly fruit. But a teacher that follows the words of Jesus will produce good fruit.

Have you ever worked on a group project, but had one person not be of help at all, and yet still manage to take credit for completing the assignment? As annoying as that situation can be, the truth is that when it comes to our relationship with God, we are that slacking person! Pastor Jeff reminds us today that we cannot achieve anything for ourselves when it comes to life after this world. The only way we can achieve eternal life is by the grace of God; none of us are worthy of Heaven otherwise.

Nothing is more important than deciding who Jesus is to you. Was He just a good man? Another religious prophet? Or is He the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the only way into an eternity filled with God's love? Today, Pastor Jeff wants you to take a moment to reflect on the teachings, sacrifice, and love that God has for you. Allow His truth to penetrate your heart and guide your life, for in Him, you find purpose, fulfillment, and the promise of eternal life. Choose to follow Jesus and experience His grace.

It doesn't matter how far you've drifted from the Lord or where you are. God knows what you've struggled with and wants to help you overcome your circumstances and rise to new heights you never thought possible. In today's message, Pastor Jeff wants you to know that no matter how broken or lost you may feel, God's love and grace are far greater than any obstacle. Trust in His unfailing love, and allow Him to guide you toward restoration. There are no limits to what you can achieve through Jesus. 

What is a behavior that you consider to be “typical” for someone who isn't a believer in Christ? Maybe it's the kind of language they use, the substances they consume, or even the kind of people they hang out with. Well, Pastor Jeff reminds you today that Christians are subjected to the same temptations as anyone else living in this world. But when a self-professed follower of Jesus gives in to those temptations, it can begin to cast doubt on that person's devotion to Jesus and be a cause for correction.

There's an old children's cartoon called Inspector Gadget, featuring a bumbling main character whose robotic body contains all sorts of devices and, well, gadgets, to help him solve any problem he comes across. Now, God's Word isn't a cartoon character, but it is a powerful tool that is useful in all occasions! Pastor Jeff teaches you today that the Word of God is the main way that God communicates with you, and the wisdom contained within its pages is applicable to any situation you face today.

When Adam and Eve fell into sin, the trajectory of the human race was changed forever. We were created to worship and bring glory to God, but we became enslaved by our sin. But Pastor Jeff brings us a message of hope today, because the Holy Spirit wants to remake us into the people we were made to be! The process of renewal that God completes in us restores us to our original purpose and allows us to enter into the presence of God, free from shame, because our sins have been erased!

Did you know that there are professional coffee tasters? These people have developed their palates over years of training to be able to detect flavor notes across different beans from different regions of the world, and to be able to taste defects that will affect the final product. In today's message, Pastor Jeff teaches you about how the Holy Spirit gives you the gift of discernment so that you can tell what is part of God's Will for your life, but it takes time spent in the Word to develop and nurture that gift.

Have you ever watched Extreme Makeover? In this show, a crew of interior designers and contractors shows up at a family's home, and within the span of a few days, does a complete remodel to give the family the home of their dreams. Well, Pastor Jeff teaches you today that that's exactly what the Holy Spirit does inside of you! Before knowing Jesus, your heart was full of sin, and you were led by sinful desires. But when the Holy Spirit inhabits your heart, He remakes you into a brand-new creature!

Have you ever experienced a car breakdown, only for a mechanic to pull up behind you and help you get your car back on the road? It can seem like pure coincidence that the timing lined up, but you should also consider that it was the result of divine intervention! Pastor Jeff shows you today how not every interaction is an accident, and your testimony and experience with the storms of life may be exactly what someone needs to hear in order to further their own walk with God.

What happens when you water and care for a houseplant? Well, it will grow and flourish into something much more beautiful than you had when you started. Pastor Jeff teaches you today that when you take the time to nurture and develop your faith, God will make it grow into something much bigger and greater than you could have imagined! It began as a tiny seed when you first accepted Jesus into your heart, and over time, it will become stronger and more resilient against the world's storms.

We humans are used to things working when we want them to. Our cars start up at the push of a button, we have smart devices that can hold libraries of knowledge in a tiny footprint, and we can order nearly any product imaginable to our doorstep with free shipping. But Pastor Jeff reminds us today that the Holy Spirit isn't a mindless tool at our disposal. He is a person who serves as a guide and a counselor for our lives. We can't tell Him what to do or when to do it. He works on His own schedule.

When you sign over the title to a piece of property, that means you are giving up ownership to someone else! Whether it's a car, a home, or some other property, you surrender your rights to that property the moment you sign that title over. Pastor Jeff reminds you today that by accepting Jesus' gift of salvation, you have signed your life over to Him. But Jesus doesn't want to control your actions. He gives you the power of the Holy Spirit so that you can better serve Him by your own free will!

The God we serve is a master at drawing many positive consequences from one action. In the Bible, we see how the family of Simon of Cyrene came to follow Jesus, beginning with Simon's labor of carrying the cross of Jesus. What might have seemed like an act of random chance at the time set events in motion that led to an entire family following Jesus! Pastor Jeff reminds us today that we could be the catalyst that God uses to transform not just our lives, but the lives of those around us.

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, our entire human race became disconnected from the purpose that God had for us. We were no longer in His presence, and we were left to our own devices in this world that was plunged into darkness. But Pastor Jeff teaches us today that by the power of Jesus, we can be restored to that original design for our lives! All we need to do is approach the cross of Jesus and place our burdens at his feet, so that we can be free to walk with Him.

The world is full of people in fear. They don't even know what's going to happen tomorrow, much less what is going to happen to them when they die. Countless spiritual gurus, influencers, and false teachers have stepped in to provide answers to those questions. But Pastor Jeff reminds you today that Jesus is the only one who can truly offer you life after death. Just like when He raised the little girl from the dead, Jesus will one day return to resurrect everyone who has called on His name!

When you make a small adjustment to the direction of your life in the present, it can have a great impact on your future. Pastor Jeff teaches you today that the time you spend now in the presence of Jesus, instead of dwelling on your challenges, will help you change your attitude regarding your life. If you trust in Jesus to get you through the difficult times you are facing, you will be better prepared to endure those challenges. Are you going to outlast the storm, or will you let the storm outlast you?

You don't become a Christian by following a bunch of religious doctrine and reading the Bible. While these are useful for spiritual growth, the thing that makes you a child of God is having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Living a Christian life without Christ is like getting behind the wheel of a car without an engine. You can do all the right things to make the car move, but the most important piece that makes everything work is missing. Do you know Christ, or do you just know of Him?

Have you ever seen a movie where the main character is sneaking into a heavily guarded facility? Those security guards are convinced they have the place on lockdown, but there is a blind spot that allows the hero to slip in and accomplish their mission. Well, Pastor Jeff isn't telling you that Jesus is an action movie star. But what He does do is answer prayers in ways you don't expect. Jairus (JYE-russ) implored Jesus to heal his daughter, not knowing that death would not be the end of her story.

Trying to use human words to describe God's love is a losing battle. His love is like an unstoppable force, a rush of wind and water that knocks down everything in its path. And Pastor Jeff teaches us today that when we press in towards the love of God, that unstoppable force comes barreling towards us, not to smash into us and destroy us, but to surround us and engulf us in His healing presence. The blood of Jesus is what gives us access to that rushing torrent of unstoppable love.

It doesn't take very long to find something wrong with the world. One of the main drawbacks of this connected age is that we are instantly aware of the evil deeds going on in the far reaches of the planet, and we can feel powerless to do anything about it. But Pastor Jeff reminds us that Jesus came to this world knowing full well what was going on in those times, but also what would be going on today. He sees all of the suffering of the human race, and extends mercy to all who will call on His name.

Some things in this world just can't coexist. Fire can destroy forests, water can drown living things, and heavy winds can wreak havoc on anything that stands in its path. But nothing falls apart as quickly as demonic oppression when the person being oppressed meets Jesus! Pastor Jeff shows us today how the demon-possessed man of Gadara has his life completely transformed after just a few moments with Jesus. The word of God makes all things new, and it restores what the enemy destroyed.

The enemy has one goal for your life, and that is to destroy everything that God has given you, and fill you with misery and bitterness. And without Jesus, that is exactly where our lives would be headed. But Pastor Jeff reminds us today that because we have Jesus, we can live a life in freedom! We have been bought and paid for, redeemed from an eternity of isolation from God by the blood of Jesus, and the enemy has no hold over our souls. We have been set free from the bonds of sin forever!

Walking in the way of Jesus is a very difficult thing to do. So many aspects of living a life that is pleasing to Christ involve putting aside your human nature and human reactions, and instead choosing a different path. And Pastor Jeff teaches today that you just don't have the strength on your own to live that kind of life consistently. Instead, rely on the sources of strength that God has provided for you. Spend time in God's word, seek the Lord in prayer, and build relationships with other believers.

God allowed the enemy to do a number of terrible things to Job, and yet Job remained faithful to God. Despite losing his entire family, and all of his possessions, Job refused to curse the God that had given him everything in the first place. And Pastor Jeff reminds you today that when Job came through the other side of the storm, God blessed him even more than he had been before. When the Lord allows you to face a storm in life, He will be there waiting to lift you up and make the sun shine on you.

Can you imagine if people weren't able to change because of their past mistakes? People like the Apostle Paul, who persecuted Christians, or John Newton, the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace”, made more of an impact after repenting of their sins and following Jesus than they had while following the ways of the world. Just like with the Prodigal Son, God is ready with open arms to welcome you home. All you need to do is repent of your sin, and drink from the living water that Jesus provides.

Something that you learn as you step into adulthood is that life is a lot like juggling. You are constantly having to catch and throw balls up in the air as you keep your different physical needs met. But the juggling doesn't get easier over time, instead, you usually end up with more balls than before! But Pastor Jeff reminds you today that Jesus offers you a drink of living water, a fountain that won't necessarily satisfy your physical needs, but it will nourish your soul for the long term, for all eternity!

Does it ever confuse you when you hear people say that God is a jealous God? After all, isn't jealousy supposed to be a sin? Well, the Bible doesn't say that God is jealous because He is evil or controlling. Instead, Pastor Jeff teaches you today that God doesn't easily let go of things that belong to Him, and that includes you and me. God won't stop us from leaving His presence if that's what we truly want, but He isn't going to bend over and allow us to be led astray if we truly belong to Him.

God's will for your life is like a suspenseful novel. You may have already read the last page to see how the story ends, but the mystery that remains is how the story unfolds to reach that ending. But Pastor Jeff wants you to know today that when you ask God for something in prayer, He will grant it to you as long as it is part of His will for your life. You may not know at the time how He will make it all work out, but you can have faith that He has a plan for you in His Kingdom, even if you can't see it yet.

When you come to meet Jesus, you begin to change into a new creation from the inside out! No longer are you bound by the curse of sin in your life, that leaves you feeling empty and wanting inside. Instead, the Holy Spirit fills in the cracks in your life that you've been trying to repair for so long, and fills you with the hope of eternal life that has been made available to you! Accepting Jesus into your life is just the first step in a lifelong transformation process that makes you more and more like Him.

Many people are tempted to give up on a project after it fails. How many unfinished hot rods are sitting in people's garages, unfinished after a setback? But the key is to not give up just because of a setback. And God knows better than anyone else that growth is a process. When you buckle under the pressure of your storms, don't worry that God is going to give up on you. In fact, He will come alongside you and help you rebuild what was broken. Pastor Jeff wants you to know that God is on your side.

When car manufacturers are designing new models, they need to run safety tests to ensure that their vehicles will protect passengers in the event of a crash. And just like those vehicles, your own life will be subject to tests and trials to refine and develop your faith. Pastor Jeff reminds you today of the parable of the house built on the solid rock, and how having that foundation in Christ will keep you from being blown away by the storms of life. Resisting those storms will help you get stronger.

These days, it's so easy to fake a message from someone! The technology exists to recreate someone's voice or appearance, and make them say or do whatever you want! It's more important than ever to be sure that you are receiving information from authentic sources. But Pastor Jeff teaches you that the ultimate seal of approval of the truth comes from the Holy Spirit. He convicts the hearts of those hearing the Gospel, and gives discernment to those who quiet themselves to listen to His voice.

The forces of the devil are always trying to get in your way, trying to ruin your life just because you are a follower of Jesus!  Pastor Jeff reminds you today that the devil has been given a level of control over this world and that he uses every resource available to him to create stumbling blocks and pitfalls for the community of believers worldwide. But the power that the Holy Spirit gives can help you overcome those roadblocks and live a fulfilling life in spite of the enemy's attacks against you!

In the legal system, laws need to be very specifically written out to avoid problems with their interpretation. Loopholes can be taken advantage of to avoid paying taxes, avoid providing a safe workplace, or even to avoid food safety standards. But Pastor Jeff reminds you that God's system of laws and regulations can be wrapped into one commandment: to love others as God loves you. If you apply that commandment to your entire life, He will bless your life in ways you couldn't dream of!

How often do you hear the phrase, “kill two birds with one stone”? It means that one action can solve multiple problems at once. And God is someone who excels at multitasking! His plans for humanity are like a giant tapestry, with threads weaving and crossing over each other in unexpected ways, but Pastor Jeff teaches you that the overall goal of God's plan is to bring glory to His name! So even the blessings that God has given you in this life serve a bringer purpose, and that is to glorify the Lord!

When you have a well-stocked toolbox, you are ready to handle any kind of problem you may have around the house. The right tool can be the difference between a quick fix and an expensive call to a handyman or repair person. Pastor Jeff teaches you today that the Holy Spirit provides the toolbox that every believer needs to follow Jesus in this broken world. Your exact set of tools may differ from everyone else's; that's because God has a unique plan for your life that isn't exactly like everyone else's.

Jesus set a high bar for Christians when he was confronted with the failure of His disciples to stay awake with Him in the garden of Gethsemane. He could have brought down righteous anger, knowing that there was horrible suffering coming His way, but instead, Jesus prayed for His friends. Pastor Jeff reminds you today that you should always be in prayer, especially in seasons of depression. The enemy may try and tear you down, but the Lord is the one who will bring healing to your mind.

When a boat starts taking on water, the crew has to spring into action to bail the water out of the boat, if they want to have any chance of saving the boat from sinking. And that's exactly what you have to do if you want to prevent your mind from sinking into the pit of depression. Pastor Jeff teaches you today that negative thoughts can accelerate your descent into depression, so the best thing you can do is capture those negative thoughts before they begin to make you sink.

Scientists estimate that only 20% of the world's oceans have been explored. That means that there are millions of square miles of territory that are a complete mystery to human understanding! But the nature of God is a far greater mystery that mankind will never be able to truly comprehend. Pastor Jeff reminds us today that God does not have human characteristics, but what we can understand is that God's love for the human race is so great that He sent His Son to save us from our sins!

Is there a celebrity that you know a lot about? Maybe it's an athlete whose career you've watched for years. Maybe it's your favorite movie star, or the lead singer of your favorite band, and you know some obscure detail about their life! But you don't really know that person; you just know about them. Pastor Jeff reminds you today that just because you know what God's Word says doesn't mean you truly know Him. If you don't have the love of God in your heart, it's like you've never known Him at all.

False teachers don't have to use fancy language to lead people astray! Instead, many of those false teachers use words that are easy to understand, luring people into a false sense of security. Pastor Jeff warns you that your greatest enemy isn't going to present himself with red horns and a pitchfork. Instead, you will be tempted by those who claim to have a different road to Heaven, one that is easier than following the way of Jesus. But those teachers are liars! Jesus is the only way to the Father.

The devil is so dangerous to humanity because he's an excellent liar! Not only is he able to make the path of destruction seem appealing to mankind, but he is also able to pinpoint specific areas of temptation to deceive people on an individual level. But Pastor Jeff reminds you to hold the devil's false promises accountable to the words of God's Word! If God's Word represents absolute truth, the devil is the complete opposite of that. He sits on a throne of lies, and his power fades away in the light of the Word.

God doesn't usually answer your prayer on the first time! When He knocked down the walls of Jericho, He made the Israelites march around the city's walls for seven days! Pastor Jeff encourages you with today's message that praying for something over and over again isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of great faith! It means that even though God hasn't answered you just yet, you still believe that He has the power to grant your request! He is just waiting for the right time to say “yes”.

Sin is like an old man who's lived in the same home his entire life. He never wants to leave it behind, and it may take a lot of effort to get him to completely leave, even if it's what's best for everyone involved. Pastor Jeff teaches you today that sin can be a stubborn thing to get rid of, but the power of Jesus can purge it from your life one piece at a time. But He won't do the work unless you surrender those issues of sin to Him. You need to do the work of recognizing the sin issues within yourself.

Is it a bad thing for you to be hungry? When you break it down, hunger is just your body communicating a desire to eat food. Needing to eat is not a bad thing, but if you commit sin while obtaining the needed food, that becomes a problem. Pastor Jeff doesn't want you to be ashamed of being hungry or of having needs and desires. The problem is when you turn to sinful behavior to meet the needs of the flesh. Trust in the Lord to be your provider, and let Him show you what He can do.

Something that many home cooks tend to overlook in their kitchens is having a working fire extinguisher. It's much better to have one and never need it than to need one and not have it! That fire extinguisher can put out a dangerous fire before it spreads and destroys your entire home. Pastor Jeff reminds you today that when you begin to doubt your way in life, all you need to do is think back to the power of the blood of Jesus in your life! God has brought you this far, and He won't let you down now.

In our fallen human nature, we are prone to behaviors such as jealousy. We crave possessions that others have, instead of being grateful for what we have already been given. Pastor Jeff warns us today that jealousy can turn into hatred, and hatred can lead to some dark and irreversible sins! When we have hatred towards our brother or sister, Jesus says we have committed murder in our hearts. The best way to avoid falling into this dark sin is to take control of jealousy and envy in our lives.

In the book of Acts, we see that followers of Jesus are empowered with the Holy Spirit to do good work in this world. But the Holy Spirit also serves the role of a guard on a watchtower. When you begin to allow sin into your life, the Holy Spirit rings the alarm within your soul! Pastor Jeff teaches you today that that conviction doesn't go away once you have truly accepted Jesus, so even those who stray from Jesus still have someone on their side, reminding them of where they belong.

When we want to make changes in our lives, we usually have to start by building habits that make us a better reflection of the person we want to be. We're starting from the outside and working our way into the core of our being. But salvation flips that formula on its head! Pastor Jeff teaches us today that when we accept Jesus into our lives, the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts and starts changing us from the inside out! We are made into new creations because of the power of Christ within us.