Category: Riley’s Messages

You open your Bible app and land on the Ten Commandments. Guilt hits like a brick. You think, “If I could just follow the rules better, God would be happier.” Hebrews chapter three steps in and says, “Rules are a mirror. Jesus is the door.” “Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a…

When words seem cheap when pain is loud. Hebrews chapter two steps in and says, “Jesus doesn’t just hear your hurt. He felt it first.” “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of…

I came across an intresting take on the 12 days of Christmas song. Understand this is a culmination of some research and I copied the best of each. In Christian tradition, the “12 Days of Christmas” refer to the period from December 25 (Christmas Day) to January 6 (Epiphany), marking the celebration of Christ’s birth…

Why Worship a Man When Angels Are Cooler? Have you heard someone say they are “Spiritual but not religious.” Hebrews chapter one steps in and says, “Hold on. Let’s talk facts.” The Verse That Changes Everything “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds…

Stepping into the Unknown Uncertainty can be paralyzing: job insecurity, health concerns, or significant life changes, such as moving or retirement, loom large, stirring fear. But faith invites us to trust God even when the path isn’t clear. Abraham stepped out in Genesis 12, leaving his home on God’s promise without knowing the details. Proverbs…

Learning to Love Mary Again: A Journey Through Scripture Do we as protestants purposely disregard Mary? I actually think we reduce Mary to an afterthought (to our detriment) because we dare not agree with the Catholic view. But I do believe we should honor her more than we do while ensuring we do not venerate…

A Christian Tradition (Not a Pagan Holdover) Every December, a familiar accusation circulates on social media and in certain skeptical circles: “Christmas trees are pagan! Jeremiah 10 condemns them! Christians just baptized a winter-solstice ritual from ancient Germany or Rome!” It’s an old claim, but when we look at the actual historical record, rather than…

Bridging the Gaps Church division is painful: doctrinal disagreements, personality conflicts, or outright hypocrisy among members can make you question if unity is possible. It hurts because the church is meant to be a family, but Jesus prayed fervently for oneness in John 17:21, that believers would be one as He and the Father are…

When God Feels Far Away Spiritual dryness is a tough season where God feels distant, prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling, and worship lacks its usual joy. It’s like wandering in a desert, thirsty for connection. But these times are standard, even for biblical giants like David, who cried in Psalm 42, “Why, my…

Faith Meets the World In a world dominated by science, technology, and ever-shifting cultural norms, faith can sometimes feel outdated or incompatible. Questions like “Does evolution contradict the Genesis creation story?” or “How do Christian morals fit with modern views on issues like marriage or ethics?” create real tensions for believers. But these challenges don’t…

Building Lasting Habits Sticking to spiritual disciplines like daily prayer, Bible reading, or regular worship attendance is trickier than it sounds. We often start strong with New Year’s resolutions or after a powerful church service, only for life to interrupt and derail us. However, consistency in these practices is crucial to building intimacy with God,…

Walking Through the Valley Suffering hits us hard and often without warning: a sudden diagnosis, the death of a loved one, or a betrayal that shatters trust. In those moments, the age-old question arises: Why does a good and loving God allow pain in our lives? This struggle can test our faith deeply, but the…