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It's easy to find ourselves in the middle of December with a packed calendar and an unprepared spirit, carrying bitterness, comparison, or disappointment into every day. Drawing from Matthew 3:3, Karen talks about what it means to “prepare the way for the Lord” so we don't miss Jesus in the middle of our own expectations. You'll come away with simple, practical ways to prepare your heart for Christmas, no matter what your circumstances are like.Episode Recap:Today we're talking about preparation (2:15)We must prepare our hearts so we don't miss Christ (3:54)We prepare through self-reflection, repentance, readiness (5:06)It's hard to see the condition of your own heart, so pray about it (6:12)This world is full of trouble, but Christ has overcome the world (13:09)We have to take our thoughts captive over and over and over again (14:45)Practically, how do we prepare our hearts? (17:13)Scripture: Matthew 3:3 (NIV) – ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'Discussion Questions: When you look at this Christmas season, where do you see that your heart might be “unprepared”? (Bitterness, comparison, resentment, fear, exhaustion, etc.)What “self-talk” tends to get loud for you during the holidays (i.e.: life isn't fair, I never have enough, no one appreciates me)? Which scriptures could help you renew your mind with truth instead?Karen shared practical ideas for preparing your heart: starting the day with Jesus, lighting a candle, sitting in silence, simplifying your schedule, serving someone in need. Which one could you realistically try this week?Is there one thing you could say no to this December to create more space for peace, presence, and noticing Jesus? What would it look like to trust God with that decision?Resources:Give today to help us reach more moms with Wire Talk in 2026! boaw.mom/givePick up a copy of Karen's Self Talk curriculum today: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/products/six-truths-study-guide?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=ac36e3440&pr_rec_pid=1414191513677&pr_ref_pid=4773089017933&pr_seq=uniformListen to Noel by Tommee Profitt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDyA9W9CaeQ
Advent reveals that love and vulnerability are inseparable, for God entered the world not in power but in the fragile form of a baby laid in a manger. The incarnation isn't distant theology—it is God with us, meeting us in our fear, grief, and limitations with a love strong enough to overcome darkness. True courage mirrors the infant Christ: a willingness to embrace uncertainty, rely on help when we are helpless, and love even when it hurts. In a world afraid of weakness, Advent invites us to begin again with vulnerability, interdependence, and the radical truth that the Father's love is strong enough to save. --- Scripture: Matthew 2:17-24 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18 “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”[a] The Return to Nazareth 19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead.” 21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.
Send us a textIs faith really just a list of rules? For many people, that's the only version of Christianity they've ever known — do this, don't do that, and hope God is pleased. But Jesus offers something completely different.In Week 1 of our new series WITH, Pastor Reid Robinette unpacks what it means to live not under God, but with God — a life rooted in relationship rather than performance.
Advent is like knowing the end of the story first, giving us the courage to live in the chaos of the middle. Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44Worship guide: https://tinyurl.com/fbcjc11-30p
We worship together in-person and stream our service each week. If you would like to watch the entire worship service, it is available to view on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@WPCRICHMOND/streams.This morning, we welcome Pastor Anna C. Gheen.Scripture: Matthew 1:1-17
Speaker: Rev. William Moody. Scripture: Matthew 15 v21-28.
Monthly book review- Urban Christian fiction- Christian culture card- Scripture Matthew 6:33
Scripture: Matthew 11
In this message, we will look at three exhortations Jesus gives to His disciples as they are sent out into a hostile world of persecution. These exhortations are both realities and promises that every Christian must embrace in order to persevere to the end. Scripture: Matthew 10:26-42
by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48 | Download Audio
by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48 | Download Audio
Scripture: Matthew 6:13Sermon Series: The Lord's Prayer #8Sermon Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/43173/note-251465.html
More Than a Meal – Pt. 3 | Look Around“This is my body… this is my blood.” — Jesus (Matthew 26:26–28)Communion isn't just something we think about — it's something we participate in. In Part 3 of our More Than a Meal series, Pastor CJ Witkoe invites us to stop overthinking, slow down, and look around at what Jesus is actually doing in communion.When Jesus said, “This is my body… this is my blood,” He took the familiar symbolism of the Passover meal and radically redefined it. No longer shaped by the lamb of Egypt, the bread and cup now point to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.In this message you'll discover:
by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37 | Download Audio
Generosity, with Rev. Dr. Steven Koski. Series: Love Takes Flight A Spacious Christianity, First Presbyterian Church of Bend, Oregon. Scripture: Matthew 14.13-21.Curious about stories that inspire compassion and generosity? Join us this Sunday, online or in-person, to explore a message of hope, abundance, and community. All are welcome, whether you're seeking, questioning, or just curious. We'd love to see you!Join us each Sunday, 10AM at bendfp.org, or 11AM KTVZ-CW Channel 612/12 in Bend. Subscribe/Follow, and click the bell for alerts.At First Presbyterian, you will meet people at many different places theologically and spiritually. And we love it that way. We want to be a place where our diversity brings us together and where conversation takes us all deeper in our understanding of God.We call this kind of faith “Spacious Christianity.” We don't ask anyone to sign creeds or statements of belief. The life of faith is about a way of being in the world and a faith that shows itself in love.Thank you for your support of the mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Bend. Visit https://bendfp.org/giving/ for more information.Keywords:Jesus, disciples, compassion, leftovers, miracle, bread and fish, Parker Palmer, flight attendant, sharing, scarcity, love, fear, abundance, generosity, faith., presbyterian, church, online worship, bend, oregonFeaturing:Rev. Dr. Steven Koski, Rev. Sharon Edwards, Becca Ellis, Brave of Heart, GuestsSupport the show
by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37 | Download Audio
Scripture: Matthew 6:12, 14-15Sermon Series: The Lord's Prayer #7Sermon Discussion Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S_ZOne4tB_tILKUcJJxf8lmA3EHFe3Fe/view?usp=drive_linkSermon Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/43173/note-250789.htmlSermon Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw3Af4ltMp8
Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24
In this episode, we're diving into one of the most powerful promises in Scripture—Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”Have you ever found yourself chasing direction, or provision and still coming up empty? God doesn't want you to chase what He's already promised to add. Jesus gives us the answer in this one verse: it's not about chasing things—it's about seeking and pursuing Him.We'll look at what “seek” means in the Greek and how “first” reveals God's divine order in our lives. When we align our hearts under His Kingdom, everything is added by Him already!Through personal reflection, scripture personalization, and faith declarations, we'll discover how to live from a place of divine order instead of striving. When God is first, everything else follows. You'll learn how seeking God first isn't just about putting Him at the top of your to-do list, but that every thought and action flows from Him being in the center—a God-centeredness position that opens the flow of divine provision, direction, and peace. When you seek first His Kingdom, you'll never come up empty-handed!Personalize Scripture With Me! Get Your Serenity Journal & Connect: https://www.jaymeelizabeth.com/CONNECT WITH JAYME ON SOCIALS: Instagram l YouTube l Pinterest l Facebook
In this message, we'll look at Jesus' words of caution and comfort, given to His disciples as they are sent into the world. In doing so, we'll consider the various persecutions we will face in our Great Commission, and the resources God has given for us to endure! Scripture: Matthew 10:16-25
When sudden storms show up in life—health scares, betrayal, loss, or unexpected pain—how do we keep our peace long enough for Jesus to show up? In this short message Bishop Gallardo walks through Matthew 8:23–26, showing that Jesus is already in the boat before the storm, and teaching practical spiritual tools for the in-between: pause, ponder, proceed; don't make permanent choices during passing emotions; and steward your feelings so they don't disqualify your future. Using the chrysalis metaphor, we learn how the hard places can produce transformation instead of destruction. Watch, reflect, and share: How will you steward your emotions through today's storm? Scripture: Matthew 8:23–26. For more information about Bishop Gallardo visit www.briangallardo.com or www.lifegatekc.org.
This week, Karen tackles listener questions on navigating everything from over-involved mother-in-laws to family disagreements and unmet expectations. Karen shares wisdom from her 39 years of marriage about when to speak up, when to set boundaries, and how to keep your marriage strong even when extended family drama threatens your peace! Episode Recap:How do we make our relationships with our MILs stronger and better? (2:53)As a MIL, how can I best help my DIL when Baby #3 arrives? (4:25)My MIL doesn't get along well in family situations, should I intervene? (8:35)Boundaries are for you, not the other person (10:17)My SIL never prioritizes our family, should I talk to her? (12:25)My MIL is upset over our parenting choices, (15:18)My husband and I are at odds over how best to honor his family (18:20)Scripture: Matthew 11:28 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”Discussion Questions: When have you found it hardest to set boundaries with family? What helped you hold firm?How can you and your spouse stay unified when you see a family situation differently?What practical ways can you show love to your in-laws while still protecting your family's peace?When conflict rises, what would it look like for you to “take it to the Lord” instead of trying to fix it yourself?Resources:Reach out to https://birdsonawiremoms.com/book-karen-to-speak to have Karen come speak in your community!Join our private FB group, BOAW Moms: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BOAWmoms
Series: Living by Faith as the Church Title: What is the Church? Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18 Message by: David Adams 11.9.25
In this message by Pastor Dobbs, he ministers part 2 from Matthew 24:13 on the importance of enduring to the end so that one can be saved. One lesson that Jesus taught us all is that we must endure to the end if we want to be saved and the ultimate gift is salvation where we will be ultimately delivered, ultimately protected, and ultimately prosper in heaven. Scripture: Matthew 24:13 - But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Hit the notification bell so that you do not miss our most recent video. From your mobile device, to sow a financial seed into the ministry you may visit us at occvr.org and click the menu tab to locate the donate button. The donate button will provide two options for online giving. You may utilize “Text To Give” in which you will text “give” to the phone number 770-692-2225 to setup your monthly gift or one time financial gift. The additional method for online giving is simply click on the paypal “donate” button. Thanks to our generous partners in ministry, we are able to continue spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our local and foreign outreach ministries. For further information on Overcomers Christian Center including address, service times, and other information please visit occvr.org. Also you may visit us at the following: Facebook: @occvr Podcast: The Overcomers
In this message by Pastor Dobbs, he ministers part 2 from Matthew 24:13 on the importance of enduring to the end so that one can be saved. One lesson that Jesus taught us all is that we must endure to the end if we want to be saved and the ultimate gift is salvation where we will be ultimately delivered, ultimately protected, and ultimately prosper in heaven. Scripture: Matthew 24:13 - But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
True generosity isn't measured by the size of our gift, but by the heart behind it. In the midst of rising need and widening gaps in the city, Jesus spotlights the widow who gave all she had—she trusted God fully with her small, sacrificial gift (Mark 12:43–44 NIV). Let's make generosity our rhythm, sharing lovingly even when resources feel limited. Every act of kindness brings light to our city! If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Matthew 6:19-26 // Treasures in Heaven Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! ‘No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Do Not Worry Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Scripture: Matthew 6:11Sermon Series: The Lord's Prayer #6Sermon Discussion Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19_66_Eqm_hNrpuXEWXxxNZRH71PXFF2q/view?usp=drive_linkSermon Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/43173/note-250109.htmlSermon Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjYEjhbHF44
EP #35 | Rewire Your Brain: The Peace & Positivity Podcast: 10 Lessons God Has Taught Me About Persecution/Spiritual Warfare/Testing Seasons Do you ever feel stuck in anxious, looping thoughts—no matter how hard you try to "just think positive"? Today's episode brings scripture and neuroscience together to help you break free. Whether you're battling burnout, depression, stress, or overwhelm, this is your step by step Bible study and devotion time that is rooted in scripture and the science of how God created your brain to heal. Today's Scripture: Matthew 5:10-11 ESV Today's Gratitude Challenge Prompt covers our last verses in the Beautitudes, 10-11. I've been in a hard season of warfare/testing/persecution and even though I am not all the way out of it yet, God is calling me to share 10 lessons He has taught me during this season to help equip you and those you love during the harder seasons. Today's Prayer Request: I would be so grateful for your prayers for my Dad, Tommy Morrow. Lord Jesus, we ask you for a miracle for his healing and a peace that surpasses all understanding. We specifically pray for his lungs to heal and restoration and healing to the other organs of his body. Surround him with the care he needs right now and remind his heart and mind how loved he is Jesus- that his life is worth fighting for. We ask all these things in your Heavenly Name, Lord, Amen.
Send us a textYou don't have to change the whole world, but you can change your corner of it. God takes small acts of faithfulness and multiplies them into something lasting. This week we're challenged to leave our handprint of love and light where God has placed us.Scripture: Matthew 5:14–16; 2 Timothy 1:5–7
by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 5:27-32 | Download Audio
Learning from the Scripture of Nature, with Prof. Richard Groves. Series: Spacious Christianity, Spacious Hearts A Spacious Christianity, First Presbyterian Church of Bend, Oregon. Scripture: Matthew 6:26-29.Discover the sacred wisdom of nature this Sunday! Join us this week online as we explore how the seasons, scriptures, and soul intertwine. Experience a message that will reconnect you with the divine in the world around us.Join us each Sunday, 10AM at bendfp.org, or 11AM KTVZ-CW Channel 612/12 in Bend. Subscribe/Follow, and click the bell for alerts.At First Presbyterian, you will meet people at many different places theologically and spiritually. And we love it that way. We want to be a place where our diversity brings us together and where conversation takes us all deeper in our understanding of God.We call this kind of faith “Spacious Christianity.” We don't ask anyone to sign creeds or statements of belief. The life of faith is about a way of being in the world and a faith that shows itself in love.Thank you for your support of the mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Bend. Visit https://bendfp.org/giving/ for more information.Keywords:Hospice chaplain, Sacred art of living, Nature as scripture, Sermon on the Mount, Spirituality, Celtic tradition, John Philip Newell, Environmental needs, John Muir, Ecological consciousness, Sequoia strength, Soul force, Climate change, Spiritual literature, Pilgrimage., presbyterian, church, online worship, bend, oregonFeaturing:Rev. Dr. Steven Koski, Rev. Sharon Edwards, Becca Ellis, Brave of Heart, Prof. Richard Groves, GuestsSupport the show
by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 5:27-32 | Download Audio
In this message by Pastor Dobbs, he ministers part 1 from Matthew 24:13 on the importance of enduring to the end so that one can be saved. One lesson that Jesus taught us all is that we must endure to the end if we want to be saved and the ultimate gift is salvation. Scripture: Matthew 24:13 - But he who endures to the end shall be saved. Hit the notification bell so that you do not miss our most recent video. From your mobile device, to sow a financial seed into the ministry you may visit us at occvr.org and click the menu tab to locate the donate button. The donate button will provide two options for online giving. You may utilize “Text To Give” in which you will text “give” to the phone number 770-692-2225 to setup your monthly gift or one time financial gift. The additional method for online giving is simply click on the paypal “donate” button. Thanks to our generous partners in ministry, we are able to continue spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our local and foreign outreach ministries. For further information on Overcomers Christian Center including address, service times, and other information please visit occvr.org. Also you may visit us at the following: Facebook: @occvr Podcast: The Overcomers
In this message by Pastor Dobbs, he ministers part 1 from Matthew 24:13 on the importance of enduring to the end so that one can be saved. One lesson that Jesus taught us all is that we must endure to the end if we want to be saved and the ultimate gift is salvation. Scripture: Matthew 24:13 - But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
In this message, we will examine the calling of Jesus' disciples for the Kingdom work appointed to them in their day. In doing so, we will consider our calling as disciples for the Kingdom work in our day as well. Scripture: Matthew 10:1-4
by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 5:20-26 | Download Audio
by Brooks Simpson | From the Series: Walking with Jesus | Scripture: Matthew 5:20-26 | Download Audio
In this passage, Jesus gives the church a vision of how we are called to co-labor with Him for the great harvest He is bringing into His church. Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38
The rich young ruler looked like he had it made. He's characterized by moral excellence and he's financially wealthy. He's got it so together that he even admits he doesn't have it all together—that there's still something he lacks. He isn't sure what it is. He's gotten to the top and realized, “I've almost made it.” So he comes to Jesus and says, “I just need that one more step.” And Jesus gives him an outrageous, strong answer. Jesus tells him he's on a completely wrong road—that he's totally outside the kingdom of God. Unless we understand why the rich young ruler went away from Jesus grieved, we might be in danger of also being sent away. The rich young ruler went away grieving because 1) he talked to the real Jesus, 2) Jesus smashed two of his basic assumptions about how religion works, 3) Jesus got personal, and 4) he didn't understand treasure in heaven. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on March 19, 1995. Series: The Seven Deadly Sins. Scripture: Matthew 19:16-25. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
SCRIPTURE- Matthew 6:12“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”REFLECTION- Sr. KathleenMUSIC- "Perceptive" by Ravndala- "Taste and See" (Ps 34) by St. Francis de Sales Parish Choir, Ajax, ON- "2-Minute Prayer Background" by Harrison Dano- "Kyrie Eleison" by Dan Gibson's SolitudesNOTES-Forgiveness is not a feeling. It's a choice. And one Jesus tells us to do.It does not minimize or reduce the damage done to you. It does not mean you need to be in a relationship with that person.It does not mean there will be no consequences for their actions.Forgiveness does mean you are letting them go to God, and in the Name of Jesus, who died for everyone's sins, you are forgiving them in His Name. All of this is done in the context of prayer:1. Call to mind someone you need to forgive. Or God may bring someone to mind.2. What, specifically, did they do? Specifics is very important, not generalizations. For example, "they hurt me" is a generalization. How exactly they hurt you, is the specific. There may be a long list of behaviors you need to forgive them for, name them one by one, (you may want to write them down) or it may be just one action. You don't want to re-live the offense, just name it 3. Then say aloud, or quietly:Lord Jesus, in YOUR NAME, I forgive Name, for name the offenses, and I bring them to the foot of your cross to deal with as you will. I release them of all my anger, bitterness, expectations, and any other negative feelings that keep me bound, and I ask you to set me free. AMEN. PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.
After he broke his promise to Jesus, Peter wept bitterly. Peter was an absolutely broken man in the profoundest possible way, and yet within weeks he was poised as the leader of a new movement, about to become one of the most influential leaders in the history of the world. What broke Peter like this, and then what restored him so quickly? The answer is the same: promises. Promises are the reason he was broken, and promises are the reason he was restored. And the case of Peter tells us more about the power of commitments than, I think, any other incident in the Scripture. Let's look at what Peter learned: 1) how promises make us, and 2) how we can make promises. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on February 12, 1995. Series: The Seven Deadly Sins. Scripture: Matthew 26:69-75. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.