Word of Life is the radio and podcast ministry of Richard Schork. Richard is the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Monrovia in Monrovia California.
Standing on the beach, when that massive tide rolls in, it can send a shiver down your spine, can't it? In a similar vein, encountering certain challenges in life can leave you feeling a bit helpless in your heart. But have you ever thought about the fact that you're serving a God who's got everything under control? Today, Pastor Richard tells you to stand firm in your faith. Embrace your courage because God can flip your challenges into something good!
It's funny how we often fall into the habit of putting off the tasks we're given, isn't it? You know, as someone who believes in Christ, it's interesting how procrastination can sneak in and mess with the amazing plans God has lined up for you. Today, Pastor Richard encourages you to dive right into discovering God's plan for your life. He's looking for your willingness to follow His calling, and there's an incredible plan waiting just for you!
Hezakiah felt a heavy sadness wash over him as he battled illness, pouring out his heart to God in search of comfort and support. A sign from God came to him through Isaiah, bringing the answer to his prayer. There might be times when you're wrestling with something and hoping to hear from God. Today, Pastor Richard encourages you to look for the signs from God. He will always answer your prayer. Just keep looking for those signs from above!
Your journey with Christ isn't always a walk in the park. Life is packed with its fair share of challenges, all tied to the unique path that God has set for you. There are moments when you might notice that your health isn't quite at the level you'd like it to be. Today, Pastor Richard shares a heartfelt reminder to serve God with all your heart. Everything He does in your life is meant to benefit you. Have faith in Him and follow the journey He has laid out for you.
Picture yourself as a kid once more. When you find yourself in a situation where you're completely lost, it's natural to reach out for a little guidance. That's the moment when your parents rush in to lend a hand. Today, Pastor Richard shares how your Abba Father is always there, ready to hear your cries for help. When you reach out to Him in prayer and ask for His guidance, God is there to help you and illuminate your path forward. Isn't that just incredible?
It's so easy to fall into the habit of measuring our worth by looking at what others are doing. But have you ever thought about how this benchmark you hold doesn't mean a thing to God? Today, Pastor Richard shares some thoughts on God's grace and mercy. He'll judge you based on His own sense of what's right. To handle that, He's showered you with plenty of favor and patience. Embrace His grace and start working on your weaknesses!
We all find ourselves grappling with the challenges of falling into sin. The enemy might throw some tempting distractions your way to steer you off the path toward God. So, does that mean there's no chance for you to return to Him? Today, Pastor Richard invites you to come back to God's righteousness, all thanks to His amazing grace. He's always ready to take you back with open arms. All you need to do is repent with a sincere heart!
It's funny how, when everything seems just right in life, we tend to lean away from our faith a little more each day. Have you ever thought about how God helps you confront the tough realities of life? In today's message, Pastor Richard shares how God wants you to lean on Him. He allows challenges into your life to help you see just how much you need Him. Why not shift your focus from just your skills and learn to rely on the incredible power of God instead?
Sometimes, you might find yourself thinking that a church isn't necessary for keeping that connection with God alive. So, how do you figure out if the guidance you're receiving is truly from God and not just your own desires? Today, Pastor Richard shares some thoughts on why fellowship really matters. Joining the church can help you discover and confirm what God has in store for you. You can also support one another in keeping that faith strong!
What makes you think heavy rain is on the way? Look at those clouds! You can almost sense when the rain will start and how heavy it will fall. In a similar vein, the Bible presents us with various signs and markers that hint at the future waiting to unfold. Today, Pastor Richard dives into the world of Bible prophecies and why they matter so much. Jesus is on His way to bring judgment to the world soon. Have you accepted Christ into your life yet?
It's a tough truth to swallow that the world has its share of darkness, illness, heartache, and struggles. But did you know that God has some amazing plans to breathe new life into the world and transform it all over again? Today, Pastor Richard talks about the millennial earth. Once the judgment period wraps up, God will refresh the earth and dwell with you right there. Imagine a world where all the pain and suffering fade away into history!
When you look at the world, do you feel scared? Are you worried about what lies ahead for you and your family in this rapidly changing world? In today's message, Pastor Richard wants you to know that Jesus is always in control. Everything that happens in this world is not changing but rather moving forward, just as the Word of God describes it. Place your faith in Jesus Christ and allow the unfolding of His Will to strengthen your belief that He is always in control.
We all find ourselves grappling with the challenges of falling into sin. The enemy might throw some tempting distractions your way to steer you off the path toward God. So, does that mean there's no chance for you to return to Him? Today, Pastor Richard invites you to come back to God's righteousness, all thanks to His amazing grace. He's always ready to take you back with open arms. All you need to do is repent with a sincere heart!
A motherboard is like the heart of a computer, essential for everything to run smoothly. It monitors every input and output, along with all the processors involved. But have you ever thought about how your life is kind of like a computer? Have you had any thoughts about who's the one making sure your life doesn't spiral into chaos? In today's message, Pastor Richard shares how God is the glue that keeps your life intact, no matter what!
We live in a world filled with sin. Sin is so pervasive that many people are unaware of how much it affects their lives. Most importantly, they do not realize that someone has already paid the price for their sins. Jesus understood that we couldn't overcome this on our own, and out of His immense love, He took on that burden for us. Today, Pastor Richard informs us that all we need to do is choose Jesus. Why? Because He chose us first.
If you're anything like me, you probably grew up hearing that you can achieve anything with effort. While that holds true for many things, your eternal security is different—no amount of work can save you. Because of sin, you cannot save yourself, which is why Jesus died on the cross for you. He loves you so much that He paid the ultimate price. Today, Pastor Richard encourages you to invite Jesus into your life and let Him lead you.
It's safe to say that everyone has made mistakes. No one is perfect; the Bible teaches that "There is no one righteous, not even one.” However, because of what Jesus did on the cross, we are redeemed. He paid the price for our sins, and because of that, we are made brand new. Today, Pastor Richard reminds you that if you've strayed away from Jesus, He will always accept you back. All you need to do is seek Him and allow Him to restore you.
Have you ever been on your way home and missed an exit, causing you to go further off-course? In life, you navigate through various situations one day at a time, but sometimes you can lose your way and stray from the path you should be on. During these times, many may wonder, "Will God take me back?" Today, Pastor Richard offers a message of encouragement, reminding you that with God, it is never too late to return to Him.
In this journey, we often face moments that catch us off guard, leading us to make mistakes. Sometimes, we think the end justifies the means because we are eager for certain outcomes. And this mentality can lead us down a rabbit hole of stumbling. But in today's message, Pastor Richard reminds us to lean not on our own understanding, but instead, to place our faith in Jesus Christ and His teachings, and allow Him to guide us.
A motherboard is like the heart of a computer, essential for everything to run smoothly. It monitors every input and output, along with all the processors involved. But have you ever thought about how your life is kind of like a computer? Have you had any thoughts about who's the one making sure your life doesn't spiral into chaos? In today's message, Pastor Richard shares how God is the glue that keeps your life intact, no matter what!
God understood that sin had left you helpless. He came up with a plan to rescue you by giving up His one and only Son, Jesus, on the cross. His sacrifice has given you new life in Christ and a purpose in this world. Today, Pastor Richard is diving into what God truly wants from you. Once you grasp the incredible truth that God's love has saved you, make it a beautiful opportunity to spread that love to others and help steer them toward salvation too!
Do you remember when you were in school, and if someone had something trendy, you would jump on that bandwagon too? You are a product of your surroundings. The things you look at, the people you associate with, and the media you consume all reflect who you are. So, where does Jesus fit into all of this? Today, Pastor Richard encourages you to let your heart be guided by Jesus and allow Him to influence your way of life.
In our world today, it's often easier to conform than to express a different opinion, and this can happen even within our churches. People may go along with the message, say the right things at the appropriate times, and deceive those around them. But what happens in your heart? Today, Pastor Richard encourages you to invite Jesus into your life and allow Him to transform you from the inside out. Don't just look like you're saved; let Jesus truly save you!
Everyone knows someone who could benefit from having Jesus in their lives. However, many people mistakenly believe they are doing fine without Him. They think they do not need Jesus because of everything they have accomplished on their own. In today's message, Pastor Richard warns us about the dangers of living a life without Jesus and the spiritual and eternal consequences that come from it. Jesus is the only way to salvation.
Have you ever visited an arcade, saving up your tickets for a big prize, only to have your attention caught by something different? Suddenly, the big prize you had your heart set on seems less appealing compared to the smaller trinkets, which honestly aren't worth your effort. That's why, in today's message, Pastor Richard shares a message of hope, encouraging you to keep your eyes on the main prize—Jesus—and to avoid anything that might lead you astray.
Have you ever seen one of those Hollywood movies about the Rapture? While many of them are cheesy, none are completely accurate in portraying how the Bible describes the tribulation. So, how does the Bible depict it, and why would God allow this? Today, Pastor Richard encourages you to see from God's perspective and consider the tribulation not just as a judgment, but as a lifeline for those who are willing to open their eyes.
God understood that sin had left you helpless. He came up with a plan to rescue you by giving up His one and only Son, Jesus, on the cross. His sacrifice has given you new life in Christ and a purpose in this world. Today, Pastor Richard is diving into what God truly wants from you. Once you grasp the incredible truth that God's love has saved you, make it a beautiful opportunity to spread that love to others and help steer them toward salvation too!
Once a criminal finds himself behind bars, he's pretty much out of options to save his own skin. He hangs on until the sentence wraps up, eager to break free and start crafting his life anew. In the same way, sin can keep you from embracing a life of victory. But have you ever thought about who gave you your freedom? Today, Pastor Richard shares how Jesus has set you apart from the world. He's shattered the chains of sin and gifted you a fresh start!
Can you imagine what it would be like to force someone to be your friend? That sounds terrible, right? You would likely distance yourself from them because that's not what a real relationship is. A genuine relationship involves both parties wanting to connect. This is what God had in mind when He created you. Today, Pastor Richard shares that God created you and gave you the freedom to choose. So, what will you decide?
If you look around at the state of the world, it's easy to feel discouraged. With the rumors of wars and the uncertainty about the future, it can be unsettling not knowing what will happen next. But today, Pastor Richard wants you to know that God is in control of everything. God's Word not only predicts but also proclaims what was, what is, and what is to come. If you place your faith in Jesus Christ, you can rest assured that His will shall be done!
We live in a world filled with many voices, and sometimes, the safest voice to listen to is our own. However, this is why Jesus came to Earth. He understood that we could not achieve salvation through our own efforts. It was Jesus who took our place and paid the price for our sins. Today, Pastor Richard wants you to remember that even though this world can be loud, it is essential to focus on the voice of Jesus. Read His Word and allow Jesus to guide you.
What makes a Christian stand out in the world? Is it merely the title or the appearance? What does it truly mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ? Today, Pastor Richard emphasizes that being a Christian is not just a label; it is a new way of life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. When you give your life to Jesus, it is no longer you who lives, but Christ who lives in you. And when you apply His teachings to your life, you become an ambassador of Christ!
Sometimes, when we stray from God's path, He uses others to guide us back to Him. These events can be minor, but when God wants to get our attention or let us know we are going too far, He may send us a storm to remind us who can help us through it. So today, if you feel like you've drifted away from God and are facing a storm in your life, Pastor Richard reminds you that God doesn't want to lose you and will continue to send you warnings.
Once a criminal finds himself behind bars, he's pretty much out of options to save his own skin. He hangs on until the sentence wraps up, eager to break free and start crafting his life anew. In the same way, sin can keep you from embracing a life of victory. But have you ever thought about who gave you your freedom? Today, Pastor Richard shares how Jesus has set you apart from the world. He's shattered the chains of sin and gifted you a fresh start!
Boaz offers us a challenging lesson in character. We tend to romanticize Biblical heroes and imagine that they were superhuman, but that's not the case. Boaz was just a man, but what set him apart was his commitment to follow God and keep his word. As Pastor Richard points out in today's message, Boaz made no delay in carrying out what he said he would do, generously bringing redemption to Ruth and her family line.
Is there someone in your life you long to see come to Christ? If you or someone close to you hasn't yet embraced Jesus, Pastor Richard encourages you to take action. Pray fervently that God empowers you to reach those around you. When you encounter someone who lacks a relationship with Jesus, seize the opportunity and let God work through you. Share the Word, be a light in someone's dark world, and let them see Jesus through your faith.
Isn't it amazing to realize that the Bible is truly timeless? Even in Isaiah's time, people placed their faith in the wrong things and distanced themselves from God. If you look around the world today, wouldn't you agree that the same is still true? Many individuals are putting their faith in humanity or even in artificial intelligence, seeking to worship anything that isn't God. Today, Pastor Richard encourages you to believe in someone everlasting: Jesus Christ.
Everyone stumbles at some point; we all stray from the path of God's light. But what should we do when we fall? In today's message, Pastor Richard reminds us that it's never too late to return to the Lord after falling into sin. When we falter, God doesn't cast us aside; instead, He reaches out to help us rise and find our way back. This is what makes God's love so amazing: even when we fail, He welcomes us back with open arms.
Have you ever had a day when everything seemed to go wrong, leaving you feeling like giving up? It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges that the enemy throws at us. In today's message, Pastor Richard reminds us that the enemy's fate has already been determined. Ultimately, God is victorious and will triumph over evil. So, when it feels like the enemy is gaining the upper hand in your life, remember that Jesus has already won the victory!
When God created us, He made man and woman in the Garden of Eden. However, sin entered the world through our actions after we defied God's only commandment. Despite this, God did not give up on us; He provided a way for our redemption. In today's message, Pastor Richard reminds us that when Jesus returns to this earth, He will come to restore it. Even now, He continues to free all who believe in Him from the bondage of sin.
Boaz offers us a challenging lesson in character. We tend to romanticize Biblical heroes and imagine that they were superhuman, but that's not the case. Boaz was just a man, but what set him apart was his commitment to follow God and keep his word. As Pastor Richard points out in today's message, Boaz made no delay in carrying out what he said he would do, generously bringing redemption to Ruth and her family line.
The story of Ruth is one of redemption, and not just for Ruth, her mother-in-law Naomi, and their family line. It's redemption for the family line that would lead to Jesse, and then David, which of course eventually leads to Jesus and the redemption of mankind. As Pastor Richard examines this passage, we'll be reminded of the grand scale of God's design for humanity and the way He brings blessing and provision to those who honor Him.
When you read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, a consistent theme emerges: Jesus is coming back to restore what was once broken and make it whole. In today's message, Pastor Richard reminds you that despite the heartache and pain you may witness in the world, remember that Jesus is in control and is on His way to restore everything to the way He intended it to be. All you have to do is have faith in Jesus and let Him do the rest.
One area of Christianity that many people find difficult to understand is why God allows certain things to happen in this world. In today's message, Pastor Richard wants you to know that God has the power to make good from evil. This is why He sent His Son into the world. Although sin entered through the mistakes of humanity, God found a way to restore everything through His Son, Jesus Christ, and He paid the price on the cross.
Have you ever tried moving out of your house by yourself? It's one of those many inconveniences of life that, while not impossible to accomplish, requires a great deal of willpower. Many people believe that if they rely solely on themselves, they can overcome any challenge. But today, Pastor Richard reminds you that there are some things in life that you simply cannot do on your own. But when you place your faith in Jesus, you can do all things through Him!
Many of us have faced challenging times in our lives. With the difficulties of this world, it's easy to develop trust issues, and sometimes, we may find ourselves relying more on our own strength than on God. If this resonates with you today, Pastor Richard invites you to turn back to God. Allow Him back into your life and invite Him into your heart. Surrender every heartache to God, and let Him relieve you of the burden of sin.
If you're new to Christianity, you might be wondering, "Who is Jesus?" In today's message, Pastor Richard explains that Jesus is the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. He is God in human form who came to Earth, lived a sinless life, died for your sins, and conquered the grave by rising again three days later. So, what does Jesus want from you? He desires a personal relationship, and all you have to do is invite Him into your heart.
The story of Ruth is one of redemption, and not just for Ruth, her mother-in-law Naomi, and their family line. It's redemption for the family line that would lead to Jesse, and then David, which of course eventually leads to Jesus and the redemption of mankind. As Pastor Richard examines this passage, we'll be reminded of the grand scale of God's design for humanity and the way He brings blessing and provision to those who honor Him.
Following God can be very awkward. Our culture has taken a path towards independence and self-service. None of us really like authority, and we push back when some entity tries to tell us how to do things. As Pastor Richard will point out in today's message, God is the ultimate authority, and He's implemented His design and His laws for our protection and provision. When we submit to Him in faith, we can find wholeness and purpose.
Many believed that Jesus was there to restore the kingdom to Israel. As Pastor Richard explains in today's message, thankfully, Jesus was not coming to just put Israel on the map, but He was coming to save all of humanity. When He died, His followers were disappointed and let down. But... they didn't have the full story. They couldn't see the full picture. When Jesus doesn't do things the way you expect, remember His ways are higher. The story's not finished yet.
What's going on in your heart today? What has you troubled? In today's teaching, Pastor Richard encourages you with the truth that Jesus knows. He sees you. He loves you. He is not a God who is far away. He is nearer to you than your very breath. As you navigate hardships and disappointments, take comfort in knowing that you are never alone. Jesus is with you, and He is for you. You matter to the almighty God of the universe. What an extraordinary truth.