Is your work accomplishing something beyond earning a paycheck? In this practical Bible message, Pastor Chris Teien shares four ways your work can make a meaningful difference: receive work as God’s gift, offer your best efforts to Christ, use your influence to serve others, and use your income to bless others. Whether you are employed, retired, studying, volunteering, leading others, or caring for your family, discover how your everyday work can honor God, help people, and accomplish purposes that matter for eternity. 

In This Message

1. Acknowledge Work as God’s Gift 

Work existed before sin entered the world. Although sin made labor more difficult, God originally gave Adam meaningful responsibility in the Garden of Eden. Every honest kind of work can contribute to the well-being of others, and we should recognize, enjoy, and celebrate the fruit of our labor. (Genesis 2:15; Proverbs 14:23; Ecclesiastes 3:12–13)

2. Offer Your Best Work to Christ 

Faithful workers care about their employer’s interests and perform their responsibilities with honesty and excellence. Even when a supervisor fails to notice or reward good work, God sees what is being done. Christians should work willingly because Christ is ultimately the Master they are serving. (Proverbs 27:18; Colossians 3:23–24)

3. Use Your Influence to Serve

Authority and influence should be used to help people rather than exploit them. Godly leaders recognize good work, correct without humiliating, take responsibility for their mistakes, protect vulnerable people, and help others reach their potential. Jesus demonstrated that true leadership is expressed through service.  (Proverbs 29:2, 7; Mark 10:43–45)

4. Use Your Income to Bless Others 

Income allows us to provide for our families, support the work of God, and care for people in need. Christian giving should be planned, generous, and cheerful, not motivated by pressure. Scripture does not promise that giving will make someone rich, but it teaches that God sees generosity and faithfully provides what His people need. (Proverbs 3:9; Proverbs 11:24–25; Proverbs 19:17; 1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8)

Main Idea

God does not give us the ability to work and earn merely so we can accumulate more. He provides through our work so we can care for our families, support His church, and become a blessing to others.

Scripture

Genesis 2:15; Proverbs 3:9; Proverbs 11:24–25; Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 27:18; Proverbs 29:2, 7; Ecclesiastes 3:12–13; Ecclesiastes 4:8; Mark 10:43–45; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8; Colossians 3:23–24; 1 Timothy 5:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:10.

Illustrations

• An old lumber mill illustrates the planning, workers, resources, and clear purpose required to produce something useful.

• An Iowa farmer viewed farming and his relationships with workers, vendors, and landowners as his ministry.

• A longtime Virginia choir director and football coach demonstrates the lasting influence of faithful work.

• Walking through a cemetery prompted reflection on how people use their limited time and what they will be remembered for.

• Building a deck provided the satisfaction of seeing and celebrating the tangible fruit of completed work.

• Restaurant employees who know the food they serve illustrate how firsthand knowledge can make someone a better worker.

• Temporary factory work and repetitive tasks illustrate the importance of working for Christ even when a job is monotonous.

• A high-school decision to take easy classes illustrates the long-term value of avoiding shortcuts and continuing to learn.

• Receiving an unexpected $70 settlement check after giving someone $60 illustrates God’s surprising provision.

• Preparing dinner for his wife after she began working nights illustrates how unpaid work can serve and bless a family.

Key Quotes

“Work is a gift from God.”

“Offer your best work to Christ.”

“Even if they don’t see that I’m doing my absolute best, God sees.”

“Use your work to serve others.”

“It’s not that we have to give. It’s that we get to give.”

“What kind of financial seeds are you planting?”

Search Topics

Work beyond a paycheck, making your work matter, Christian work ethic, biblical purpose of work, working for the Lord, honoring God at work, work as worship, Proverbs and work, Ecclesiastes and work, Colossians 3:23, meaningful work, Christian leadership, servant leadership, workplace ministry, purpose in retirement, quiet quitting, serving others through work, Christian giving, biblical generosity, supporting the church, providing for your family, Pastor Chris Teien, Rockwell Church. 

Full Episode and Transcript

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19725615

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Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

What kind of friend do the people in your life need you to be? A true friend does more than enjoy spending time together. Good friends tell the truth with love, listen before giving advice, remain faithful when life becomes difficult, and encourage one another to grow.

Proverbs 27 gives us practical wisdom for becoming the kind of friend people can truly count on. Pastor Chris Teien explains why true friends speak honestly with love, offer wise counsel, remain faithful during difficult seasons, and help one another grow.

This practical Bible message will challenge you to stop thinking only about the kind of friends you want and start asking, “What kind of friend am I?” You will also discover why Jesus is the greatest friend of all, laying down His life so sinners can be forgiven and made right with God.

In this Message:

1. A Friend Who Tells the Truth

A sincere friend cares enough to speak honestly, even when the truth is difficult to hear. Biblical correction should be offered gently, humbly, and lovingly, with the goal of restoration and growth. (Proverbs 27:5–6; Proverbs 12:15; Ephesians 4:15; Galatians 6:1)

2. A Friend Who Gives Wise Counsel

A wise friend listens before speaking, considers the facts, admits when they do not know the answer, prays with you, and points you toward biblical truth. (Proverbs 27:9; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 18:13; Job 2:11–13)

3. A Friend Who Remains Faithful

A loyal friend does not disappear when trouble comes. Faithful friends remain present through crisis, grief, disappointment, and need. (Proverbs 27:10; Proverbs 17:17)

4. A Friend Who Helps You Grow

Godly friends sharpen, encourage, and motivate one another toward greater wisdom, love, good works, and faithfulness to Christ. (Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Jesus said there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for one’s friends. He demonstrated that love by dying for us while we were still sinners. (John 15:12–13; Romans 5:8)

Illustrations and Topics Include

• The humorous warning in Proverbs about greeting your neighbor too loudly in the morning
• Why friendships must be pursued and maintained like plants that need water
• People who pretend to be friends in order to make a sales pitch
• The difference between social-media connections and genuine friendship
• Learning to make new friends after repeatedly changing schools
• Why every person has a limited number of close relational connections
• The difference between loving correction and self-serving flattery
• Why advice from podcasts, YouTube, and artificial intelligence must be tested
• Job’s friends sitting silently with him before offering unhelpful advice
• The importance of having a dependable “2 a.m. friend”
• How friends sharpen one another through shared life and honest encouragement
• Advising a friend about whether to buy an older Jeep Grand Wagoneer
• Jesus Christ as the greatest friend, who gave His life for sinners

Key Scriptures

Proverbs 27:5–6, 9–10, 17; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 18:13; Job 2:11–13; Ephesians 4:15; Galatians 6:1; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; John 15:12–13; Romans 5:8

Key Topics

Christian friendship, biblical friendship, true friends, loyal friends, godly relationships, Proverbs 27, wise counsel, speaking the truth in love, faithful friendship, iron sharpens iron, Christian encouragement, spiritual growth, loneliness, making friends, church friendships, dependable friends, biblical advice, healthy relationships, Jesus as our friend, and becoming a better friend

Are you the kind of friend who tells the truth with love, gives thoughtful counsel, remains faithful, and helps others grow closer to Christ?

Full Episode & Transcript:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19689645

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Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

Money does more than pay bills. It reveals what we value, whom we trust, and whether we see ourselves as owners or stewards. In a world filled with quick-profit promises and endless financial advice, Proverbs offers financial wisdom that has endured for thousands of years.

Pastor Chris Teien explores timeless principles from Proverbs for handling money and possessions wisely, along with New Testament passages that reinforce these truths. Because everything ultimately belongs to God, believers are called to manage every resource for His glory. That means acquiring money honestly, managing it generously, using debt cautiously, and treasuring God above every possession.

Financial faithfulness is not a path to salvation or a guarantee of wealth. It is an expression of worship and trust in Christ, whose righteousness alone delivers us from eternal death.

In This Message:

1. Acquire Honestly

Good planning, hard work, integrity, and growing skill normally lead toward provision, while laziness, empty talk, dishonest gain, and hasty shortcuts lead toward loss. Biblical wisdom also recognizes that injustice can keep diligent people from enjoying the fruit of their work, calling those with means to notice and help. (Proverbs 10:4; 12:11; 13:23; 14:23; 16:8; 20:14; 21:5; 22:29)

2. Manage Generously

God gives resources to be stewarded, not hoarded. Honor Him first, give cheerfully, care for people in need, save patiently, know the condition of what you own, and avoid consuming everything you receive. (Proverbs 3:9; 6:6; 11:24–25; 21:20; 27:23; 28:27; Matthew 6:33; 2 Corinthians 9:6–11)

3. Use Debt Cautiously

Debt may sometimes be necessary, but it should never be approached carelessly. The borrower becomes servant to the lender, and cosigning makes you responsible for another person’s obligation. Work faithfully, spend carefully, borrow cautiously, pay what you owe, and avoid shortcuts that could limit your future freedom. (Proverbs 22:7; 22:26–27)

4. Treasure God Unreservedly

Wealth has limited value and can never secure eternity. A godly reputation, contentment, and dependence on God are better than riches that produce dishonesty or turmoil. At death, every earthly asset stays behind, but through Christ believers receive the lasting riches of grace and righteousness. (Proverbs 11:4; 15:16; 22:1; 30:7–9; 2 Corinthians 8:9)

Takeaway

Review your finances as a steward before God. Ask whether your income is earned honestly, whether your spending reflects wise planning, whether your giving is cheerful and generous, whether debt is limiting your freedom, and whether your heart treasures Christ above money. Choose one concrete act of financial faithfulness, then carry it out with prayer and integrity.

Illustrations

•  The $20-a-Day Difference: Spending $20 more than you earn each day produces roughly $7,000 of debt in a year, while saving $20 each day produces roughly $7,000 in savings. Small daily choices accumulate into significant consequences. 
•  A Retiree Who Keeps Learning: Ken continues learning technology after retirement and uses those skills to serve the church through video and audio ministry. His example shows that faithful people can keep developing useful skills in every season of life. 
•  A Channel of God’s Blessing: A businessman viewed his ability to earn money as a channel through which God could bless others. He enjoyed God’s provision, but he also gave quietly and generously whenever serious needs arose. 

Key Quotes

•  “God entrusts us with resources so we will faithfully manage them for His glory.” 
•  “Work faithfully, spend carefully, save patiently, borrow cautiously, pay what you owe, and avoid shortcuts.” 
•  “Money cannot deliver us from death. Jesus’ righteousness is what delivers us and makes us truly rich.” 

Search Topics

biblical financial wisdom, Christian money management, Proverbs about money, biblical stewardship principles, how Christians should handle money, generosity and giving, Christian teaching on debt, hard work in Proverbs, saving money biblically, contentment and wealth, putting God first in finances, true riches in Christ

Full Episode and Transcript:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19654668

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Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

Eternity may feel distant, but none of us knows what tomorrow will bring. This message offers sober hope and practical wisdom for facing death without fear, using your life faithfully, and making certain your confidence rests in Jesus Christ rather than wealth, plans, or religious effort.

Drawing from Proverbs and the wider testimony of Scripture, this sermon calls us to live wisely because life is brief and eternity is certain. We should face our future honestly, reject the false security of riches, recognize that eternal life is found only in Christ, and continue walking with Jesus in faithful obedience. Salvation is not earned by good works or careful planning. It is received through faith in Jesus, whose righteousness, sanctification, and redemption secure all who belong to Him.

In This Message: 

1. Face Your Future

Life is temporary, tomorrow is not guaranteed, and every person will face death and judgment. Wise believers plan humbly, number their days, and make sure they are ready to meet Christ while using whatever time God gives them for His glory. (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13-15; Psalm 90:12; Proverbs 14:32; Hebrews 9:27; John 11:25-26)

2. Forsake False Security

Money can solve some temporary problems, but it cannot save a soul, prevent every hardship, or endure forever. Instead of exhausting ourselves to accumulate earthly wealth, Jesus calls us to store up treasure in heaven and place our confidence in Him. (Proverbs 11:4; Proverbs 23:4-5; Matthew 6:19-21)

3. Find the Path of Life

Many paths appear right, including paths of morality, religion, and self-improvement, but they cannot give eternal life. Jesus alone is the way to the Father, and in Him believers receive righteousness, sanctification, redemption, and the sure promise of life. (Proverbs 12:28; Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 15:24; John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30; Acts 4:12; 1 John 5:11-12)

4. Follow Jesus Faithfully

The righteous path grows brighter as believers mature in Christ. Keep walking in Him, growing in faith, reflecting His love, sharing your testimony, and trusting God to complete the work He began in you. (Proverbs 4:18, 26-27; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 2:6-7)

Takeaway

Prepare for eternity by asking three honest questions: Am I trusting Jesus Christ alone for salvation? Am I using my time, abilities, and resources for what will matter forever? Am I walking faithfully with Christ on the path He has set before me? Make needed plans, share your testimony with your family, put practical affairs in order, and live each day ready to meet the Lord.

Illustrations

• The memorial service of Elsie, like her husband Dwayne’s, was placed on YouTube as a lasting testimony of faith in Christ, showing how believers can leave behind more than possessions.
• The long-running musical I Do, I Do traced fifty years of marriage but presented life without God or eternal hope, illustrating how a full earthly life can still miss its ultimate purpose.
• Winnebago travelers could drive wherever they wanted to seek specialized medical care, yet even extensive resources and mobility could not provide the security that only Christ gives.

Key Quotes

“The worst thing is not dying. The worst thing is dying without Jesus.”

“Do not live as if tomorrow is guaranteed. Plan wisely, but be ready to meet Christ.”

“The right path is found only in Jesus Christ.”

Search Topics

how to prepare for eternity, Christian view of death, biblical wisdom for life, assurance of salvation in Jesus, living with eternal purpose, what happens after death, storing treasure in heaven, Jesus the only way to salvation, how to number your days, following Jesus faithfully, Proverbs on life and death, preparing spiritually for death

Full Episode & Transcript:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19621781

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Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

What will matter at the end of your life? Careers, possessions, recognition, and experiences may have value, but they cannot provide lasting satisfaction. In this message from Proverbs 27, 28, and 31, Pastor Chris Teien explains how to live a life that counts by pursuing eternal priorities, developing godly character, and faithfully fulfilling the responsibilities God has given you.

Discover why contentment begins when we stop expecting temporary things to do what only God can do. Learn how integrity, repentance, faithful stewardship, and devotion to Christ can produce an influence that lasts far beyond earthly success.

In This Message 

1. Pursue Lasting Priorities

Human desire continually asks for more, but possessions, success, recognition, and experiences cannot satisfy the eternal longing God has placed within us. Contentment grows when we recognize God as enough, receive His gifts gratefully, resist living for human applause, and faithfully care for everything He has entrusted to us. (Proverbs 27:20–23; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Luke 16:10)

2. Build Godly Character

Integrity produces a quiet confidence before God, while hidden sin creates guilt and fear. Biblical wisdom is more than knowing what God has said. It means obeying Him, choosing wise influences, confessing sin, turning from it, receiving God’s mercy, and maintaining a tender heart toward Him. (Proverbs 28:1, 6–7, 13–14; John 14:15; 1 John 1:9)

3. Play Your Part Faithfully

The qualities described in Proverbs 31 extend beyond one particular role. God calls every believer to be trustworthy, diligent, generous, wise, kind, and devoted to Him. Beauty, possessions, and earthly success fade, but godly character and faithful service produce an influence that lasts. (Proverbs 31:10–31; Colossians 3:23)

Takeaway

Ask yourself three honest questions: What am I pursuing? Who am I becoming? Am I faithfully fulfilling the part God has given me? Identify anything temporary that has begun to compete with God, confess any sin that is hindering your walk with Christ, and recommit your time, relationships, abilities, and resources to serving Him faithfully.

Illustrations

• Reading Proverbs is not like opening fortune cookies and keeping only the sayings that immediately sound helpful. Biblical wisdom requires careful thought, understanding, and application.

• An advertisement can take us from not knowing something exists to believing we must have it immediately, illustrating how quickly human desire begins demanding more.

• The Proverbs 31 woman bringing food from afar is humorously compared to buying blueberries from Chile at Walmart, helping listeners distinguish the timeless principles of the passage from its ancient setting.

Key Quotes

“Contentment begins when we stop expecting temporary things to do what only God can do.”

“Integrity gives us the courage to stand for what is right because we know where we stand before God.”

“Beauty does not last, but godly character lasts.”

Search Topics

choosing what lasts in life, how to live a life that counts, biblical wisdom for daily life, Christian contentment, pursuing eternal priorities, developing godly character, living with integrity, confession and repentance, faithful Christian stewardship, lessons from Proverbs 27, wisdom from Proverbs 28, applying Proverbs 31

Full Episode & Transcript:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19588114

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Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

What does it take to remain faithful when the world encourages compromise? Throughout history, God has often used ordinary people to make an extraordinary difference simply because they had the courage to stand firm and the conviction to follow Him. In this message, Pastor Chris Teien teaches from Proverbs 22–24, showing how God's wisdom equips believers to guide the next generation, preserve self-control, persevere after failure, and live intentionally for His glory.

Like a tugboat quietly guiding much larger ships, faithful Christians can influence their families, churches, and communities in powerful ways. God's wisdom teaches that courage is not about being the loudest or strongest person in the room. It is faithfully following Christ every day and trusting Him to use ordinary lives for extraordinary purposes.

In This Message

1. Courage to Guide the Next Generation

Parents, grandparents, and every believer have the opportunity to influence the next generation for Christ. Proverbs teaches us to recognize danger before it comes, train children in God's ways, provide loving and consistent discipline, and model a life of humility and obedience so future generations will faithfully follow the Lord. (Proverbs 22:3–6, 15; Proverbs 23:12–16; Proverbs 29:15)

2. Conviction to Preserve Self-Control

God's wisdom warns that anything controlling our minds or behavior eventually leads us away from Him. Solomon's warnings about alcohol remind believers to exercise self-control, avoid becoming a stumbling block to others, and live under the leadership of the Holy Spirit instead of being mastered by sinful desires. (Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 23:29–35; 1 Corinthians 8:9–13)

3. Courage to Get Back Up

Faithfulness does not mean never failing. God's people sometimes stumble, but His grace enables them to rise again. Through biblical examples and Proverbs' encouragement, this message reminds believers to stand for what is right, trust God's forgiveness, and persevere with courage after setbacks. (Proverbs 24:8–16)

4. Conviction to Live Intentionally

A neglected field becomes a powerful picture of a neglected life. Instead of drifting spiritually, believers are called to pursue diligence, reject complacency, and intentionally invest their time, gifts, and opportunities in what has lasting, eternal value. (Proverbs 24:30–34)

Takeaway

God rarely changes the world through people who appear extraordinary. More often, He works through ordinary believers who faithfully trust His wisdom day after day. Ask God to give you the courage to stand firm, the conviction to follow His truth, and the faithfulness to influence those around you for Jesus Christ.

Illustrations

• The tugboat that quietly guides massive ships illustrates how faithful Christians can have an influence far greater than their size or position.
• Church trailer safety procedures demonstrate the wisdom of recognizing danger before disaster strikes.
• The neglected field reminds us that spiritual decline usually happens gradually through small acts of neglect rather than one major decision.

Quotes

"God's wisdom gives us the courage to stand firm and the conviction to faithfully follow Him.""The goal isn't punishment. The goal is discipleship.""Permissiveness is not love, and harshness is not love. Biblical parenting rejects both extremes."

Search Topics

Proverbs 22, Proverbs 23, Proverbs 24, Living with Courage and Conviction, Pastor Chris Teien, Christian courage, Christian conviction, biblical wisdom, Christian parenting, self-control, overcoming failure, intentional Christian living, Rockwell Church

Full Episode & Transcript:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19552268

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Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

How can you make wise decisions when facing choices about your family, finances, work, relationships, and future? Good planning matters, but decisions you won’t regret require more than trusting your feelings, resources, or understanding.

In this message from Proverbs 16, Pastor Chris Teien shares four biblical principles for making wiser decisions: surrender your plans to God, trust His sovereign purposes, value His wisdom above worldly success, and follow His ways every day. You can plan carefully while trusting God to direct your steps, examine your motives, provide what you need, and accomplish His purposes even when life does not unfold as expected.

You’ll Discover:

•  Why good planning must begin with surrender to God 
•  How prayer and wise counsel can protect you from impulsive decisions 
•  Why the path that seems right is not always the right path 
•  How pride, worldly success, and personal feelings can mislead you 
•  How patience, humility, and self-control lead to wiser choices 
•  How to trust God when your plans unexpectedly change 

In This Message

1. Surrender Your Plans to God

Planning is wise, but every plan should be surrendered to the Lord. Through personal stories about financial decisions, a dangerous damaged tree, and other everyday choices, Pastor Chris demonstrates the importance of seeking God in prayer, examining our motives, and asking for wise counsel instead of relying only on ourselves. (Proverbs 16:1–3; Proverbs 3:5–6; Proverbs 21:5; Nehemiah)

2. Trust God’s Sovereign Purposes

God is working out His purposes even when we cannot understand His timing or see how everything will turn out. Joseph’s life demonstrates how God can use suffering, setbacks, and the sinful actions of others to accomplish something good. We make plans, but the Lord ultimately directs our steps. (Proverbs 16:4–9; Genesis 50:20; Romans 5:8)

3. Value God’s Wisdom Above Worldly Success

The world measures success by wealth, possessions, recognition, and status, but God values wisdom, humility, integrity, and faithful obedience. Wisdom is worth more than gold, pride leads to destruction, and true success comes from pursuing God’s purposes rather than worldly approval. (Proverbs 16:16–20; Daniel 4)

4. Follow God’s Ways Every Day

God’s wisdom should shape our words, relationships, choices, and character. The path that seems right can lead to destruction, so we must trust God’s Word above our feelings. Kind speech, patience, humility, integrity, and self-control help protect us from foolish and harmful decisions. (Proverbs 16:21–33; Colossians 4:6)

Takeaway

Are you trusting God more than yourself? Bring your decisions and plans before the Lord in prayer. Examine your motives, seek wisdom from God’s Word and trusted believers, and move forward in obedience. Plan carefully, but trust God with both the direction and the results.

Illustrations

•  Making a financial decision without prayer after Pastor Chris’s wife was placed on bed rest during pregnancy 
•  Asking a professional arborist for help rather than taking unnecessary risks with a damaged tree 
•  A GPS rerouting around a closed road as a picture of God’s guidance when plans unexpectedly change 
•  Joseph’s life demonstrating how God can work through suffering to accomplish His purposes 
•  Praying as a family before deciding where to attend Bible college 
•  Investing in a quality Bible as an example of valuing eternal wisdom above temporary pleasures 

Key Quotes

“Are you trusting God more than yourself?”

“Planning is good. The Bible is for planning.”

“God examines your motives.”

“How much better to get wisdom than gold.”

“Pride always brings us low, and humility lifts our eyes up to God.”

“Trusting God more than yourself means believing God’s Word over your own feelings.”

Search Topics

Proverbs 16, four biblical ways to avoid bad decisions, how to avoid bad decisions, biblical decision-making, Christian decision-making, trusting God with your decisions, how to seek God’s direction, making wise decisions, commit your plans to the Lord, God’s will, surrendering your plans to God, seeking wise counsel, godly wisdom, humility, pride, patience, self-control, God’s sovereignty, Christian living, faith, obedience, Jesus Christ, Romans 5:8, Joseph, Nehemiah, Daniel 4, Pastor Chris Teien, Rockwell Church

Full Episode & Transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19516417

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Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

Your words can strengthen a relationship or slowly tear it apart. Pride, anger, dishonesty, gossip, and reckless speech cause lasting wounds, while humility, integrity, love, and gracious words build trust and bring healing.

In this message from Proverbs 6 and 10–12, Pastor Chris Teien explains how our attitudes and words shape our relationships. Discover how Christ transforms the heart, enabling us to reject destructive attitudes, cultivate love and trust, and speak words that honor God and bless others.

In This Message: 

1. Wise People REJECT Destructive Attitudes

Pride, dishonesty, sinful motives, and stirring up conflict destroy relationships and grieve the Lord. God calls His people to examine their hearts, reject destructive attitudes, and pursue humility, honesty, and unity. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

2. Wise People CULTIVATE Love and Trust

Healthy relationships require intentional love, integrity, and faithfulness. Christ's love enables believers to forgive others, build trust, and reflect godly character in every relationship. (Proverbs 10:12-21; 11:1-13)

3. Wise People CHOOSE Words Wisely

Words have the power to wound or heal. Proverbs teaches believers to speak with wisdom, encourage others, and use gracious speech that brings life. The message also explains Proverbs 11:30 and why careful study helps us understand difficult Bible passages. (Proverbs 12:13-25; 11:30)

Takeaway

Examine your heart before the Lord. Confess and turn from destructive attitudes, cultivate love and trust, and choose words that bring healing as you seek to follow Christ.

Illustrations

• A delivery driver's angry outburst cost her family an important business contract, demonstrating how destructive attitudes can damage relationships.

• A salesman confidently discussed a fictional "flux capacitor," illustrating how dishonesty quickly destroys credibility and trust.

• Cultivating a garden illustrates that love and trust must be intentionally developed over time.

Key Quotes

"God cares about our attitudes. God cares about our thoughts."

"People appreciate honesty."

"The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

Search Topics

 words that build or break relationships, Proverbs 6, Proverbs 10, Proverbs 11, Proverbs 12, power of words, words that heal, healthy relationships, Christian relationships, biblical communication, controlling your words, destructive attitudes, love and trust, honesty and integrity, forgiveness, gracious speech, godly character, Pastor Chris Teien, Rockwell Church 

Full Episode & Transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19483369

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Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

Freedom is more than the ability to do whatever we want. In this message from Proverbs 2-5, Pastor Chris Teien explains how God's wisdom leads to a life of freedom, integrity, and lasting security through Jesus Christ.

God's wisdom enables us to navigate life's challenges with confidence. By revering God, walking in wisdom, refusing the chains of sin, and living with integrity, believers discover the true freedom found in following Christ.

In This Message: 

1. Freedom BEGINS with Reverence for God

True freedom starts with fearing the Lord and trusting Him above our own understanding. As we honor God and follow His wisdom, He directs our paths and helps us live according to His will. (Proverbs 3:5-8)

2. Freedom WALKS the Path of Wisdom

God's wisdom provides practical guidance for everyday life. Those who listen to His instruction, remain teachable, and continue walking in His ways find stability and confidence even in life's difficulties. (Proverbs 4:10-13)

3. Freedom REFUSES the Chains of Sin

Sin promises pleasure but ultimately leads to bondage and destruction. Proverbs warns believers to reject temptation, pursue purity, and remember that God sees every path we take. (Proverbs 5:3-23)

4. Freedom LIVES with Integrity

God blesses those who walk uprightly and preserve wisdom, sound judgment, and discretion. A life of integrity provides confidence, security, and peace as we trust the Lord through every circumstance. (Proverbs 2:7-9; 3:21-26)

Takeaway

Choose God's wisdom over the world's promises. Trust Him, walk in His ways, refuse the chains of sin, and live with integrity as you experience the true freedom found in Christ.

Illustrations

• Traffic laws illustrate that true freedom is found within God's design rather than in doing whatever we want.

• Practical lessons about electricity demonstrate how wise instruction protects us from unnecessary harm.

• Solomon's own failure later in life reminds us that no one outgrows the need to pursue God's wisdom faithfully.

Key Quotes

"True freedom is the freedom to live in Christ and to work out His will and His ways."

"Wisdom is the skill of living."

"You have to keep coming back to your commitment to wisdom."

Search Topics

Proverbs, God's wisdom, true freedom, biblical wisdom, Christian living, fear of the Lord, integrity, overcoming temptation, walking with God, Pastor Chris Teien

Full Episode & Transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19448870

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Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith 

Life is a journey filled with decisions, opportunities, and unexpected challenges. In this message from Proverbs, Pastor Chris Teien explains how God's wisdom prepares believers to plan wisely, live with integrity, and trust the Lord as He directs their path.

God's wisdom equips us for the future by teaching us to prepare faithfully today. As we seek God's direction, make wise plans, carry the right priorities, and remain spiritually alert, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that the Lord establishes our steps.

In This Message: 

1. Plan Your Route

Wise preparation begins with establishing the right priorities. God's wisdom teaches us to seek His direction, make thoughtful plans, receive wise counsel, and trust Him to guide every step. (Proverbs 24:27; 15:22; 16:9)

2. Prepare for Your Journey

Preparation means thinking ahead, recognizing potential dangers, and using the resources God has provided wisely. Those who prepare faithfully are better equipped to serve God through whatever lies ahead. (Proverbs 14:15; 22:3)

3. Carry What You Need

The greatest preparation is spiritual. Believers are called to carry integrity, faith, God's promises, and a heart free from bitterness, guilt, and unconfessed sin as they follow Christ. (Proverbs 10:9; 10:12; 28:13; Hebrews 12:1-2)

4. Stay Ready

Life can change quickly, but God's people are called to remain spiritually alert and sober-minded. As we depend on the Holy Spirit and trust God's purpose, we can faithfully serve Him whatever tomorrow brings. (Proverbs 20:1; 19:21; 31:4-5; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 5:8)

Takeaway

Seek God's wisdom as you prepare for the future. Trust Him to direct your path, make wise decisions today, and remain faithful wherever He leads.

Illustrations

• Planning a camping trip demonstrates the importance of preparing today for tomorrow's journey.

• A squirrel storing golf balls instead of nuts illustrates the danger of preparing for the future with the wrong priorities.

• Joseph's preparation during Egypt's years of abundance demonstrates how God uses wise planning to accomplish His greater purposes.

Key Quotes

"Wisdom teaches us how the wise normally live in God's world."

"Wise leaders prepare today for the future God may bring tomorrow."

"The goal is not simply to memorize individual proverbs, but to understand the wisdom behind them and apply that wisdom faithfully."

Search Topics

Proverbs, God's wisdom, wise planning, preparing for the future, biblical wisdom, Christian leadership, God's guidance, spiritual growth, Christian living, Pastor Chris Teien

Full Episode & Transcript: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19414561

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Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith