Podcasts about pastor nate

Why do people stay connected to church in a world where belief feels uncertain and worship can sometimes feel ordinary? In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Senior Ministries Co-Coordinator Pastor Jane Ritterson to talk about “thin spaces,” embodied prayer, doubt, death and dying, and why community still matters. This conversation explores the tension between belief and trust—and the quiet hope that God often shows up through other people.What You'll Learn:What “thin spaces” are and how they shape faithWhy embodied prayer can matter more than perfect wordsHow faith and doubt can coexist honestlyWhy church is grounding—even when it isn't excitingHow humility and community sustain us in hard seasonsIf this conversation resonated with you, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who might be asking similar questions about faith, doubt, and community.Connect with Bethany:

Pastor Nate walked us through Romans 9 and Acts 9, showing us the deep heartbreak the Apostle Paul carried for those who had not yet placed their faith in Jesus. His sorrow for the lost wasn't temporary or emotional—it was Spirit-led, rooted in a life that had been radically changed by Christ.We were reminded that:➡️ When Jesus saves us, He transforms us.➡️ God often uses obedient people—like Ananias—to reach others.➡️ Eternity matters. Jesus spoke clearly about salvation, judgment, and His mission to seek and save the lost.➡️ Our Heavenly Father's love is radical and compassionate, just like in the story of the Prodigal Son.If you've never experienced new life in Christ, today is the day to turn to Him, repent, believe, and receive His forgiveness and grace.Let's be a church that carries God's heart for the lost and boldly shares the hope we've been given.

This week, Pastor Nate continued our walk through the Book of Jonah with a message entitled "Down But Not Done." In this message, we are reminded that even when we fail we can call on God and He will hear us.

What if the Book of Jonah isn't really about a fish at all—but about mercy? In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate takes us beyond the familiar children's version of Jonah and invites us to wrestle with the deeper question at the heart of the story: Have we turned God's blessings inward, or are we living as a blessing to others?This isn't a story about being afraid of running from God. It's a story about grace that extends further than we expect—and a calling that sends us toward compassion, not comfort.What You'll Learn:Why Jonah is likely a theological parable, not just historyHow the plant in Jonah 4 reframes the entire storyWhat it means to be “blessed to be a blessing”Why God's mercy toward others can unsettle usHow this story shapes our calling todayScripture:Jonah 1–4Genesis 12 (covenant and blessing)Luke 15 (The Prodigal Son)Matthew 20:15 (“Are you envious because I am generous?”)If this episode helped you see Jonah in a new way, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who might need a fresh word about grace.Connect with Bethany:

Join us this week as Pastor Nate takes us through the first chapter of Nehemiah.

This week on Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi, Associate Professor of Leadership and Formation at Iliff School of Theology and keynote speaker for the upcoming Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly.Together, they explore:Why vocation is more than employmentHow congregations discern their callingThe difference between growth and vitalityWhy numbers don't define faithfulnessAnd how “Life in Christ” is a call to abundance, not scarcityDr. Lizardy-Hajbi shares a powerful story of a rural congregation that responded to the opioid crisis not by trying to fix it — but by doing what the Church uniquely can do: holding sacred space for grief.This episode invites both individuals and congregations to ask:What are our gifts?What does our community need?What has God already placed in our hands?Because life in Christ isn't about becoming something else. It's about living fully into who Christ already created you to be.Chapters:00:00 – Coming Up: Life in Christ & Vocation 01:05 – What “Vida en Christo” Really Means 03:00 – Why Vocation Is Always Communal 06:00 – Congregations Have Vocations Too 08:00 – The 4 Circles of Discernment 11:00 – Scarcity vs. Vitality in the Church 14:30 – A Church Responds to the Opioid Crisis 18:30 – Why Storytelling Matters in Discernment 22:00 – Dr. Kristina's Personal Vocation Story 26:00 – “What Do You Do?” vs. “Who Are You?” 28:00 – Parenting as Vocation 29:30 – Life in Christ Is Abundance 32:00 – Preparing for Synod Assembly

Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower is taking 2026 to read through and preach through the Bible using the "One Story That Leads To Jesus" Bible reading plan (created by "The Bible Project"). To this end, Pastor Nate and Pastor Dan are recording their usual "sermon prep" conversation as a podcast so you can get a bird's eye view of the process, and perhaps grow in your own understanding and faith. This conversation is rough and unfinished, and not everything we talk about will make its way into the final teaching. But it hopefully gives you some additional food for thought. You can find the Bible Project here https://bibleproject.com/  You can find Cornerstone's Bible reading plan on YouVersion at bit/ly/bible2026  If that link doesn't work, try this one: https://bible.com/reading-plans/63058/together/77575397/invitation?token=2fhhVCf64-7PERhIujBwQA&source=share Or you can scan the QR code on the Podcast thumbnail! We have two growgroup Bible study options based on One Story: Tues morning: 9:30am - 11am at Cornerstone (6556 Prince of Wales Drive, North Gower) Wed evening: 7 - 8:30pm at the Manse (next door to Cornerstone)

The prophet Jeremiah warned about putting too much reliance on the heart, saying, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"And yet in today's nomenclature, the heart reigns supreme as the purveyor of truth, that its feelings equate with reality.  But what if the heart is filled with darkness? What if the heart leads you into spiritual depression and anxiety?   On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Pastor Nate Pickowicz talks about his book, "Overcoming The Darkness", and his own battles with anxiety and spiritual darkness, and how the Bible has long offered solutions. This conversation differentiates between a battlefield of the mind and spiritual warfare.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Romans 9:1–5 | Pastor NateIn today's message, Pastor Nate walked us through Romans 9:1–5 and revealed the deep compassion in Paul's heart for those who had not yet come to know Christ.Paul speaks with honesty and sincerity as he shares his great sorrow and continual anguish for his own people. His love is so strong that he would be willing to suffer personally if it meant others could experience salvation. This powerful example reminds us what Christ-like love truly looks like.Paul also points to the many blessings God gave to Israel — adoption, glory, covenants, worship, promises, and even the lineage of Jesus Himself — yet many still missed recognizing the Messiah.Pastor Nate challenged us to reflect on our own hearts. Do we carry that same burden for the lost? Do we pray faithfully, love intentionally, and share boldly?May we grow in compassion, trust God's promises, and remain committed to pointing others to the hope found in Jesus.

Pastor Nate brings the message, "Single, Married, Divorced…To the Glory of God” from 1 Corinthians 7:8-16.  It's amazing how sufficient the Word of God is concerning each area of life.  As we continue in our study of 1 Corinthians 7, Paul shows us how to live for the glory of God no matter what relationship status we find ourselves in.  

This week Pastor Nate begins a series through the book of Jonah, reminding us that we God calls us, sometimes He calls us beyond of comforts, but it is for His glory.

What if the story of Jesus turning water into wine isn't really about wine at all?In this episode of Sunday School Remix, Pastor Nate revisits one of the most talked-about (and most misunderstood) miracles in the Gospels: Jesus at the wedding in Cana. On the surface, it feels like a lighthearted story—Jesus keeps the party going. But when you slow down and look at the cultural, historical, and theological layers, something much deeper is happening.This is Jesus' first miracle in the Gospel of John, and it's not flashy on purpose. It happens quietly, in the background, at a wedding on the “wrong side of town.” And what Jesus is really doing isn't showing off power—it's protecting a family from deep, public shame.In a world shaped by honor and shame, running out of wine at a wedding wasn't embarrassing—it was devastating. And Jesus steps in, not to draw attention to himself, but to restore dignity, preserve relationships, and quietly reveal the heart of God.In this episode, Pastor Nate explores:Why Cana and Galilee matter more than we realizeHow weddings connect to Old Testament messianic promisesWhy shame—not wine—is the real crisis in this storyWhat Jesus reveals about himself by using purification jarsWhy “the best wine saved for last” points to the cross and resurrectionThis story reminds us that Jesus doesn't avoid our most vulnerable moments. He meets us there. He redeems what feels ruined. And he shows us, again and again, that Sunday School was just the beginning.

On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate teaches from Matthew 5:27-30 addressing the things that cause us to sin and slip up.  We must cut it off/delete it!Support the show

Disclaimer: The audio is slightly less than optimal in this episode. Pastor Nate is aware of the issue and working on resolving it. In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Deacon Debra to talk honestly and thoughtfully about immigration, social justice, and why the Bible keeps calling us back to compassion — especially for people on the move.Debra shares stories from Bethany's Social Justice Ministry, reflects on why food and storytelling matter so deeply in faith formation, and introduces two upcoming events designed to help our congregation listen, learn, and engage without fear.This conversation isn't about politics. It's about Scripture, community, and learning how to see our neighbors the way God does.Why immigration shows up everywhere in Scripture — from Abraham to JesusWhat children's faith formation teaches us about repetition, grace, and growthHow reading The God Who Sees reframes biblical stories we think we already knowWhy sharing food lowers defenses and opens deeper conversationsHow Bethany is creating safe spaces for honest dialogue across differences

Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower is taking 2026 to read through and preach through the Bible using the "One Story That Leads To Jesus" Bible reading plan (created by "The Bible Project"). To this end, Pastor Nate and Pastor Dan are recording their usual "sermon prep" conversation as a podcast so you can get a birds eye view of the process, and perhaps grow in your own understanding and faith. This conversation is rough and unfinished, and not everything we talk about will make its way into the final teaching. But it hopefully gives you some additional food for thought. You can find the Bible Project here https://bibleproject.com/  You can find Cornerstone's Bible reading plan on YouVersion at bit/ly/bible2026  If that link doesn't work, try this one: https://bible.com/reading-plans/63058/together/77575397/invitation?token=2fhhVCf64-7PERhIujBwQA&source=share Or you can scan the QR code on the Podcast thumbnail! We have two growgroup Bible study options based on One Story: Tues morning: 9:30am - 11am at Cornerstone (6556 Prince of Wales Drive, North Gower) Wed evening: 7 - 8:30pm at the Manse (next door to Cornerstone)

In this sermon, Pastor Nate digs into Song of Solomon 5 & 6.  We learn that even after one of the most beautiful pictures of marriage and the honeymoon, even they had conflict. At first, in their conflict, they didn't respond well, but then they made it right. We get to watch Solomon lead his wife, by responding in grace and love. Care for your marriage now, and it will not fall apart later, by learning to FIGHT FAIR today!

In this episode, Pastor Nate teaches the final message of The Church Imagined series. He explores Paul's picture of the church in 1 Corinthians 3 as God's field. Speaking to a divided and spiritually immature church, Paul reminds believers that real growth doesn't come from elevating leaders or choosing sides, but from learning to live in Christlike love. We also see that spiritual maturity is not measured by knowledge alone, but by how deeply we love one another.Using the image of a field, the sermon highlights that the church is God's primary place for spiritual growth. Just as crops thrive in good soil, believers grow best in committed community. Every member has a role: planting seeds by sharing God's Word, watering through encouragement and practicing the “one another” commands, and trusting God for the miracle of growth. We are coworkers in God's work, but only He gives life. We are reminded that we don't own the field, and we don't produce the harvest, only God does. Our responsibility is to serve diligently, refuse division, and give Him all the glory as He grows His people.

Pastor Nate brings the message, "The Bible, Sex, and Marriage” from 1 Corinthians 7:1-7. We know that sin has effected everything in creation, including marriage.  But, God has graciously and wisely given us His Word which is sufficient for life and godliness. 

This week Pastor Nate encourages us to Remember that it was the LORD who brought us through. We are reminded not to forget that everything we have is by the grace of God, not our own power.

We continued our "Good News for Today" series today, with Pastor Nate teaching how the Gospel gives us hope and has purpose in God's Kingdom.For more info, go to thebridgebiblechurch.com.

We continued our "Good News for Today" series today, with Pastor Nate teaching how the Gospel gives us hope and has purpose in God's Kingdom.For more info, go to thebridgebiblechurch.com.

Title: How God Forms UsSpeaker: Pastor Nate HoldridgeOverview: Men, we all know the challenges we're up against—pressure from the world, temptations that tug at our hearts, and trials that test our faith. But we weren't meant to walk this road alone. God, in His grace, not only walks with us but surrounds us with brothers who are on the same journey. Together, we're being shaped—FORMED—into the likeness of Christ. This year, at our men's conference, we're diving into what that formation really looks like. Through worship, teaching, and times of fellowship, we'll be encouraged and challenged to become the men God has called us to be—for our families, our churches, and our communities. Make plans to join us. You're not alone, and your story isn't finished. Final session of our Men's Conference with Pastor Nate teaching on how God forms us.

In this Sunday School Remix episode, Pastor Nate revisits one of the most misunderstood disciples in the Bible. The story of Thomas (John 20:19-31) is often used as a warning about doubt—but what if it's actually a story about trauma, fairness, and Jesus meeting people exactly where they are?Through fresh storytelling and historical context, this episode reframes Thomas not as weak in faith, but deeply human. After witnessing the brutal crucifixion of Jesus, Thomas isn't asking for proof out of stubbornness—he's asking for healing.This episode explores:Why Thomas gets an unfair reputationHow trauma shapes faith and beliefWhat it means that Jesus comes back just for one personWhy doubt, questions, and locked doors are not barriers for JesusHow this story speaks to anyone who has ever felt left out, unsure, or behind in their faithIf you've ever thought, “I wish my faith felt easier,” or “Why don't I experience God the way others do?”—this episode is for you.Sunday school was just the beginning. Faith is still unfolding.00:00 – Intro: What If Thomas Was Just Having a Bad Week?01:05 – Why Pastors Always Preach This Text02:10 – Why Thomas Wasn't There03:00 – Roman Crucifixion & Trauma04:45 – Why Doubt Makes Sense06:15 – From “Doubting” to Honest Thomas07:30 – Jesus Comes Back for the One09:00 – Jesus, the God of Locked Doors10:45 – Breaking the Fourth Wall in John's Gospel12:15 – What This Story Asks of Us Today13:30 – Closing: Sunday School Was Just the Beginning

You were never meant to live on autopilot—you were meant to live on mission. In this message, you'll be encouraged to confront unbelief, surrender fully to God, and recognize that your everyday life is filled with divine opportunities to advance the gospel. As you listen, let God reshape how you see your calling, reminding you that being mission minded starts right where you are.

In this message, Pastor Nate encourages us to be ready to follow God when He calls us to move.

Pastor Nate's sermon from James 1:19–25 reminds us that God has graciously given us His living Word, and we experience true freedom and blessing when we learn to hear it with attentive hearts, receive it with humility and repentance, and obey it as faithful doers rather than forgetful listeners.

On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate continues the series of the sermon on the Mount with Matthew 5:17-20.  Jesus didn't come that He may do away with the law, but He came that He would fulfill it.Support the show

In this sermon, Pastor Nate looks into Judges 6 where Gideon is hiding out.  He is doing work in hiding, because he is scared of the enemy, the Midianites, who have enslaved the Israelites.  Then God meets with him, and reminds him who he is.  God wakes Gideon up to accomplish a great feat that he did not see.  Listen through to learn WHO you are, and who you are not!!

In “Prove It,” you'll be reminded that faith works by love, and the strongest way you prove your Christianity is by how you forgive, honor, and treat others—especially when it's not easy. As you listen, you'll learn from Genesis 4, 1 John 3, Matthew 18, and Luke 6 how to let go of offense, refuse gossip, and walk in the love of God so you can live free and stay aligned with God's promises.

This Sunday, as we gathered virtually due to the winter storm, Pastor Nate encouraged our church family with a timely message from Philippians 4:4–9. Even in disrupted circumstances, we were reminded that God's Word remains steady and speaks clearly into our everyday lives.Pastor Nate challenged us to build a pathway to gospel-centered thinking, a deliberate way of shaping our thoughts and responses as we navigate daily rhythms and unexpected trials. From this passage, he highlighted six guiding words that help anchor our hearts and minds in Christ:Joy – Choosing to rejoice in the Lord, not based on circumstances, but on who He is.Trust – Resting in God's faithfulness and sovereignty, even when situations feel uncertain.Prayer – Bringing every concern to God with gratitude, trusting Him to meet us there.Peace – Experiencing the guarding peace of God that surpasses understanding.Focus – Intentionally setting our minds on what is true, honorable, right, pure, and praiseworthy.Practice – Living out what we have learned and received, allowing our faith to be active and visible.This devotional reminded us that gospel-centered thinking does not happen by accident—it is formed through daily choices to rejoice, pray, think rightly, and faithfully walk with the Lord. Even while physically apart, we were encouraged to remain spiritually grounded, trusting God to guide us with His peace as we put these truths into practice.

Pastor Nate brings the message, "For the Glory of God” from 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. What would you say is your purpose in life?  Do you realize that no matter where you are or what you've done, God still gives you purpose to carry out? In a passage that starts with correction concerning sexual immorality, Paul leads us to the important principle that Christ bought us so that we might live for the glory of God.   

In this message, Pastor Nate encourages us to trust God enough take the next step; reminding us that God will Reveal His Intentions, Give Clear Direction, and Provide Confirmation for us to follow him.

Have you ever fallen in love with the place of God but missed the presence of God? In Genesis 28, Jacob encounters the Lord at Bethel, a holy moment that reveals how easy it is to be captivated by the experience rather than transformed by the One who meets us there. In this message, Pastor Nate challenges us to look beyond sacred spaces and familiar moments, and seek the face of God Himself.--Sermon by Pastor Nate Click--New to Heritage? Want to get more involved? Looking for a Group or Ministry Team? Let us know at https://heritage.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/6/responses/new--Stay Connected:Website: http://www.hbcmonroe.orgHeritage Facebook: /heritagebaptistchurchmonroe

Reading the scriptures changes your life. But how do you actually approach reading it? In this message Pastor Nate teaches us how to spend a morning with Jesus through reading His word.

On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate begins a new series with the sermon on the mount where Jesus preached His greatest sermon, but oftentimes the very first statement He made gets overlooked.  "Blessed are the poor in the spirit for they shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven."Support the show

Title: The Upside Down HeartSpeaker: Nate HoldridgeOverview: In this teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Nate Holdridge continues through the Beatitudes by examining Matthew 5:6-8. Jesus describes an "upside down heart" that contradicts the world's values: while the world says to hunger for success, Jesus blesses those who hunger for righteousness; while the world says to get what you deserve, Jesus blesses those who give mercy to others; while the world says to manage your image, Jesus blesses those who purify their hearts. Pastor Nate unpacks each beatitude by exploring what it is, what it isn't, what it looked like in Jesus, and the promised result for those who embody it. This sermon emphasizes that the Beatitudes are not moralistic commands to try harder but descriptions of the fruit Jesus produces in those who follow him—transformation from the inside out.Link to Sermon Notes

Pastor Nate brings the message, "Be Who Christ Saved You to Be” from 1 Corinthians 6:1-11.  Are there ever any disputes between Christians?  Yep!  Disagreements happen.  But, God has a plan that does not include taking your brother to court.  Instead, be who Christ saved you to be: a selfless follower of Him who will humbly get help from those in the church to settle the problem. 

We began our "Goods News for Today" series today, with Pastor Nate teaching out of Romans 5 & 8 to unpack the truth that God loves you. That is the root of the Good News.For more info go to thebridgebiblechurch.com.

We began our "Goods News for Today" series today, with Pastor Nate teaching out of Romans 5 & 8 to unpack the truth that God loves you. That is the root of the Good News.For more info go to thebridgebiblechurch.com.

In this message from Ruth 1:14–18, Pastor Nate explores what it means to walk by faith when life feels uncertain, painful, and unresolved. As Ruth clings to Naomi in the midst of loss and hopelessness, we see that biblical faith is not blind optimism or waiting for clarity, but committed trust in God before outcomes are known. This sermon invites us to examine where God may be calling us to step forward in faith right now—choosing commitment over comfort, trust over fear, and action over hesitation, while grounding that call in the proven character and love of God revealed most fully in Jesus.

Pastor Josh McPherson interviews Texas State Representative and Mercy Culture Pastor Nate Schatzline—fresh off preaching at Grace City Church during Church Camp 2026. Pastor Nate tells the story behind For Liberty & Justice (FL&J), a kingdom organization designed to mobilize churches for civic engagement, train leaders, and build actionable pathways for believers to step into government with humility, conviction, and biblical clarity. Together they explain why the church must stop retreating from the public square—especially in darker, increasingly hostile states. Now is time to take ground for the name of Jesus. Check out Church Camp Night 1 w/ Pastor Russel Johnson: https://www.youtube.com/live/MqIHthlj9rM?si=MSzHJNu9V9uqXWDi&t=1648Check out Church Camp Night 2 w/ Pastor Nate Schatzline: https://www.youtube.com/live/2BJC_WfQ8_E?si=H4VydSyvPBE4Wmd6&t=1516Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

Listen as Pastor Nate and his wife Ashley open up about their 20-year journey navigating divorce, remarriage, and building a thriving blended family. In this deeply personal finale to our Marriage Q&A series, they share the hard-won wisdom that transformed their family from broken pieces into a beautiful testimony of God's redemption.Perfect for your commute or workout—especially if you're wrestling with questions about blended families, co-parenting challenges, or finding hope after divorce.You'll Learn:✅ How Ashley overcame her resistance to counseling and why it changed everything✅ Practical strategies for handling holidays and custody schedules✅ The one thing that protects marriages from emotional affairs✅ What to do when a co-parent becomes toxic✅ Why "bonus family" became their favorite termWhether you're in a blended family, considering remarriage, or supporting someone who is—this episode delivers biblical wisdom you can apply immediately.New episodes drop Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT. Hit follow so you never miss an episode that equips you with truth for real-world battles.

On this weeks episode of BTG, Pastor Nate preaches a message that deals with Matthew 5:13-16 when Jesus was preaching His sermon on the mount about how we are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.Support the show

In this episode, Pastor Nate gives the second teaching from The Church Imagined series. This series explores the various facets of church as it is described through various illustrations in the New Testament. This week, we explore one of those powerful images of the Church: the Temple of the Living God. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3, Ephesians 2, and 1 Peter 2, the sermon reminds us that the holy temple of God is not a building or a place, but a people in whom God's very presence now dwells through the Holy Spirit.By tracing the purpose of the Old Testament temple (God's desire to dwell with His people) we see how Jesus fulfills everything the temple pointed toward. Through the work of Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, God now makes His home in and among His people. Together, we are being built by God himself into a holy dwelling place for His glory.The teaching then calls the church to live out this identity with purpose: holiness, as a people set apart for God; worship, not just through songs but through lives offered as living sacrifices; and hospitality, as a house of prayer for all peoples, welcoming the world without compromising the truth of the gospel.This teaching invites us to see ourselves and one another with fresh eyes as the Holy Temple of the Living God, called to reflect His presence, His purity, and His love to the world.

Pastor Nate brings the message, "Do What's Right, Not What's Easy” from 1 Corinthians 5.  In returning to our study of 1 Corinthians we come to chapter 5 where Paul instructs the church on how to respond to egregious sin from one of its members.  The removal of a church member due to sin is never easy or convenient, but it is necessary in order to pursue purity in the church.

In Week 2 of It's Time To Grow, Pastor Nate walks us through Hebrews 10:19–25 and reminds us that spiritual growth was never meant to happen in isolation. God designed us to grow in faith within the context of community; encouraging one another, stirring one another toward love and good works, and faithfully gathering together as the body of Christ.“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another.”— Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV)This message calls us to examine how we are engaging with the church family and challenges us to move from simply attending to actively belonging. As we draw near to God, hold fast to hope, and walk alongside one another, we experience the kind of growth God intends for His people.Listen to this full message and other past messages on our website and be encouraged to grow—together.https://littleflock.com/messages/

In this First Wednesday message from New Creation Church, Pastor Nate challenges believers to stop waiting for “one day” and start living with purpose today. This practical teaching calls us to grow in spiritual discipline, steward our time and resources well, and run our race with intention. Using 1 Corinthians 9 and the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, this message encourages small, repeatable decisions that produce long-term fruit—whether that's consistency in prayer and the Word, better family rhythms, wisdom with finances, or stronger health and self-control. If you're ready to make 2026 count, this is a timely and motivating word. Recorded during a First Wednesday service at New Creation Church.