So many times throughout our lives we have lonely seasons or moments. Do you find comfort in your soul when others can sympathize with you? What about when there is no one who can meet you in your weakness? Today, Pastor Richard shares with us the JOY of having a Savior who understands and walks beside us. He meets us where we are at. Check yourself closely though that when you are strengthened by the Lord, that you don't take the credit. What are you apart from Jesus?

It's HARD. It's DIFFICULT. Our will or our Father's will? Do you grapple with this? The flesh doesn't always want to do what Jesus is telling us to do. It's not what we imagined. It's not easy. Pastor Richard's message today speaks about Gethsemane, a place where Jesus rests. Though this time, God has to work through the wrestling of his heart. In the vehicle of prayer, Jesus learns to bend His will to His Father's will. Are you ready? We MUST be in prayer if we are to learn to obey the will of our Lord!

Sometimes you look for things in the wrong places. Like a library book in the fridge. Sounds ridiculous, I know. Do you look at your love for Jesus in the ways you serve, or how many times you attend church? Although those are all good things, Jesus desires a faithful heart, a heart that walks in His Saving Grace. Pastor Richard speaks today about Jesus inviting the disciples into a new relationship with him. To accept His atonement for sin. This is Jesus' plan. Won't you join him too?

Plans. Do you make them? Do you like to know most or all the details? Are you aware that Jesus asks us to TRUST, OBEY, and FOLLOW Him because he planned your life long ago? Today, Pastor Richard lays out the three P's - preparation, prediction, and partaking - that the Lord uses to show everyone that He has things under control. When fear and anxiety grip you, making you believe that there is no plan...PLEASE, remember! You and I can walk by faith, knowing that Jesus has a master plan for our lives!

Do you think one of the greatest gifts given is the one not asked for? Think about that for a minute...how would you feel if you were lovingly gifted something just because someone wanted to? For me, that would bring such JOY! Today, Pastor Richard continues discussing Mary's gift and how involved she was with Jesus' life. He commends her for this pouring out of what she could do. My friend - put Jesus at the top of your priority list! Find ways to be a part of what Jesus is doing! Do what you can!

Have you ever been in a season that felt like everything was against you? Parenting struggles. Friction at work. Loss of a family member. Uncertain finances. Even though it feels insurmountable, Jesus works through those hard seasons and brings good. Pastor Richard speaks today about a woman who was criticized for her act of love to Jesus. Judged for her worshipful heart. There will always be those that don't know your heart or what season you are in. WORSHIP the Lord anyway!

We have a lot to look forward to as believers. While the future may be grim for this fallen world, for those who are in Christ we have the joy of looking forward to Heaven and an eternity of intimacy with God. But, as Pastor Richard will point out in today’s message, you need to find a good balance for how much time, energy, and focus you dedicate to studying End Times prophecy. You should definitely be mindful of it, but when it overtakes all other areas of spiritual study, it can be unhealthy.

As believers looking forward to Jesus’ second coming, we should feel a sense of urgency and joy. There’s no reason for fear on our part. You may feel a sense of fear for any loved ones who haven’t come to Jesus, but God won’t allow the redeemed to suffer the wrath that’s to come. As Pastor Richard continues our study of the book of Mark in today’s message, we’ll be reminded that God loves us dearly, and He is going to bring His Church home before the horrific events described in Revelation.

Throughout Scripture, you learn about the final days of the earth. You discover the events that will surround the battle between good and evil, and you’ll find the signs you should be looking for. And in today’s passage in the book of Mark, you’ll find that Jesus Himself talked about this monumental time! Pastor Richard will share what Christ had to say about His return, and what you need to know as this day draws near. You may not know when it will happen, but you need to be prepared!

Have you ever been to a ski hill or resort? You know those tow lines that pull you to the top? They make an easy, even enjoyable experience out of what would otherwise be an incredibly exhausting trek up the hill. Our salvation is kind of like that. Jesus is the towline, and all we have to do is grab on and trust Him to pull us to the top. As Pastor Richard will remind us in today’s message, you can stop your struggle to climb the hill, it’s spiritually impossible. Just trust in Jesus and rest in His grace.