Category: Riley’s Messages

Jesus’ Words Point to Psalm 22 As Christians, we often wonder about Jesus’ final moments on the cross, especially His cry: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). But was Jesus feeling utterly abandoned as the world tells us today? By those words, Jesus was denying that He is…

Have you ever felt the weight of trying to be good enough for God? You resolve to follow every rule, avoid every sin, and measure up perfectly, only to fall short again. That nagging sense of failure can feel like a heavy chain. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul explains exactly why that happens.…

This message has been told many times before and though it is not original to me it is personal to me, so I share it with you. I use a quote to discuss this with everyone I meet. “You are likely the first Bible people will read.” Many people in our world today may never…

Have you ever caught yourself thinking that God loves you more when you perform well? Perhaps you feel closer to Him after a week of consistent Bible reading, prayer, and avoiding certain sins. But on days when you stumble, guilt creeps in, and you wonder if you have disappointed Him enough to lose His favor.…

Imagine carrying a heavy burden every day. It presses on your shoulders, restricts your movement, and reminds you constantly of your failure to measure up. For many people, that burden is the attempt to earn God’s favor through perfect obedience. Rules, rituals, and self-effort become chains rather than paths to peace. The good news of…

Have you ever felt like you need to earn God’s approval? Maybe you try harder to be good, attend church more often, or follow certain rules perfectly, hoping it will make you right with God. If so, you are not alone. Many people throughout history have wrestled with this question: How can a sinful person…

Many people think Proverbs 31 is just for women, a perfect wife checklist that feels impossible. But this passage describes a life of strength, wisdom, and faith that every believer can learn from. It shows what a virtuous life looks like in action, whether you are a man, a woman, single, or married. Proverbs 31:10…

Raising kids is one of the most complex and most important jobs we will ever have. Every parent wants their children to grow up strong, kind, and responsible. The book of Proverbs gives clear, practical guidance on how to guide them with both discipline and love. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the…

Every day we make choices. Some seem small, like what to watch or how to reply to a message. Others feel huge, like a job change or a relationship decision. But all of them add up. They lead us down one of two paths: the path of wisdom or the path of folly. The book…

Money touches every part of life. We need it for food, shelter, family, and even to help others. Yet it can also cause stress, arguments, and wrong choices. The book of Proverbs gives practical, timeless advice about handling money in a way that honors God and brings peace. Proverbs 22:7 lays it out plainly: “The…

We all need people in our lives. Good friends make hard days better and happy days even brighter. But not all relationships are the same. Some drag us down, while others help us grow. The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about choosing friends wisely and seeking good counsel. One powerful verse says,…

Life is full of decisions. Some are small, like what to eat or wear. Others are big, like choosing a career, moving to a new place, or navigating a tough relationship. In those moments, we often lean on our own logic, experience, or friends’ advice. But the book of Proverbs points us to a better…