Category: Riley’s Messages

  • A Biblical Approach to stress management

    Stress is something everyone deals with—it’s just part of being human. In small bursts, it can actually help, like when it pushes you to focus better or get things done. But when stress sticks around too long, it can weigh you down, mess with your health, and even spill over to the people you love.…

  • Trusting God’s Path Over Our Own

    In our walk with God, we often face a choice: chase our own dreams or trust in His plan for us. The Bible is full of stories and teachings that show why lining up with God’s purpose is the better path. Proverbs 3:5-6 puts it plainly: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and…

  • Easter: The Garden of Gethsemane

    As we journey through the events leading up to Easter, one significant moment stands out: Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane. Gethsemane, located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, is where Jesus spent His final hours before His arrest. The name “Gethsemane” means “oil press,” symbolizing the intense pressure Jesus…

  • Jesus or Barabbas

    A Reflection of the Passover Lamb Let’s explore for a connection between two pivotal events in the Bible: the crowd’s choice between Jesus and Barabbas, and the selection of the Passover lamb. These narratives are steeped in symbolism, offering deep reflections on sacrifice, redemption, and deliverance. The Passover lamb is central to the Jewish celebration…

  • Barriers to Christian Growth

    In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become consumed by the hustle and demands of everyday life. We often find ourselves balancing work, family, and social obligations, barely pausing to catch our breath. While being busy can foster productivity, it can also hinder our spiritual growth by pulling our focus away from deepening our relationship…

  • Easter: Monday

    Reflecting on Leviticus 23:36 Leviticus 23:36 states, “For seven days you shall present food offerings to the Lord. On the eighth day, you shall hold a holy convocation and present a food offering to the Lord. It is a solemn assembly; you shall not do any ordinary work.” This verse is part of the instructions…

  • Easter: Sunday

    The Stone Rolled Away for Us Easter is a time of celebration and reflection for Christians around the world. It’s the day we commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a pivotal event that changed the course of history. One of the most profound aspects of the Easter story is the rolling away of the stone…

  • Loving Your Enemies

    A Reflection on Matthew 5:43-48 In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents a radical and transformative teaching that challenges our natural inclinations and societal norms. Matthew 5:43-48 reads: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who…

  • Easter: Good Friday

    Continuing our Easter message, we arrive at Good Friday. This is yet another chance to go beyond familiar church traditions and focus deeply on scripture, ensuring we don’t let rituals overshadow the profound truths within God’s Word. The Day of Ultimate Sacrifice Good Friday, also known as “Holy or Sacred Friday,” is a day of…

  • Easter: Maundy Thursday

    Continuing our Easter message, we arrive at Maundy Thursday. This is a chance to go beyond familiar church traditions and focus deeply on scripture, ensuring we don’t let rituals overshadow the profound truths within God’s Word. Maundy Thursday, or the “Great and Holy Thursday,” comes from a Latin word that means “a new ‘commandment’ I…

  • How can I have Faith

    Our faith is a dynamic part of our lives. It’s not a one-time accomplishment to be set aside but a continuous journey—a deepening relationship with God that unfolds over time. As believers, we are invited to cultivate our faith daily, trusting God more fully and aligning our hearts with His purpose. Yet, in a world…

  • Growing Your Faith

    Is this something you can actually accomplish? Cultivating a Deeper Faith: Practical Steps for Strengthening Your Connection with God Faith is the foundation of the Christian journey, creating a vital connection with God that offers guidance and strength. Like any important relationship, faith grows when we care for it intentionally. In this blog, we’ll explore…