Larger Than Life

How often do we forget to count all our blessings? It’s easy to complain about work, or money, or relationship drama, but do we remember to give thanks for the blessings in our lives? In today’s message, Pastor Ron encourages you to regularly rehearse God’s faithfulness in your life. There’s just something about taking a moment to remember all that God has done that uplifts your spirit. When you take stock of the blessings that God has given you time and time again, you can’t help but give Him praise.

Do you ever feel like you’re on a constant rollercoaster in life? Like, for a little while, you’re doing great, you're killing it at work, your finances are all in order, and you're in the best shape of your life. Then there’s this downward spiral, and you can’t keep up with work, money’s tight, and “who has time to take care of their body?”  In today’s message, Pastor Ron shares with you that even when you struggle in your faithfulness to God, God remains faithful. God’s love for you isn’t dependent on your performance. 

Sometimes we tend to walk around like we’re a bigshot or something. We think that because we’re making big money, or we’ve been putting in overtime at the gym, or because we’re so smart, that we must be something special. Well, in today’s message, Pastor Ron reminds you that from dust you were formed and to dust you will return. No matter who you are, you’re going to die. But, because God is merciful, He offers you eternal life through placing your trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.

It’s true that our society boasts of all its wonderful accomplishments. We take so much pride in our rugged individualism. I’m not saying that hard work and independence are bad in the right context, but sometimes we just think too much of ourselves. In today’s message, Pastor Ron reminds you of what God has done and that all glory belongs to Him. There’s nothing you have that you can take credit for on your own. Your talents, abilities, and even the breath in your lungs are all gifts from God.

There’s a lot of “Fake” going around these days. Between AI-generated videos and images, and people who are just good at Photoshop or video editing, it’s hard to know what’s real. So, if you want to experience reality, then you’ve got to go out into the real world. In today’s message, Pastor Ron contrasts the majesty of the real God, who created all of the universe, against the false gods who were created by man. Which one deserves your worship? Would you rather worship your creator? Or a made-up god?

Let’s face it, everybody goes through challenges in life. Whether it’s financial struggles, family drama, health issues, or anything else, none of us can control what comes our way. The question then becomes, how do we deal with those issues? In today’s message, Pastor Ron tells you that God will take care of His children. It doesn’t mean that you won’t face problems in life; it just means that when you do, God will be with you. Isn’t that comforting, knowing that the creator of the universe is on your side?

Have you ever heard a singer who didn’t sound like they cared about what they were singing? Not only is it obvious when they’re not into it, but it kinda makes it hard for you to get anything out of yourself. After all, if they don’t care, then why should you? In today’s message, Pastor Ron encourages you to sing to the Lord joyfully because of what He’s done in your heart. God is worthy to be praised, so when you sing, do it with all your heart. Put everything you have into lifting up your voice to the Lord.

Have you ever drifted outside of God’s will and felt the distance it created in your heart? In today's message, Pastor Ron encourages you that no matter how far you’ve wandered, the way back is simple. If you draw near to God, He will draw near to you. He will restore you, revive you, and pour out His mercy. God is gracious and ready to bring you close again. But He also doesn’t want you to turn back to the same old foolishness that pulled you away in the first place.

There is something deeply satisfying about being in the place where God meets with His people. Today, Pastor Ron describes the beauty of being within the house of the Lord. While many appreciate coming to church, the real question is whether fellowship with God’s people is truly one of your top priorities. It should be. Nothing else can replace the strengthening, encouragement, and life that come from gathering with other believers and hearing from the Lord together.

In today's message, Pastor Ron highlights a powerful prayer from someone who cried out to God for help. He asked the Lord to place His hand upon the one at His right hand and to come and strengthen His people. The psalmist repeats this cry because he knows that only God’s reviving touch can keep His people from turning back. When God’s favor shines on you, everything changes. This remains a great prayer you can pray over your own life and the lives of those around you.

Does your faith get stronger when you start talking out loud about what God has done in your life? Today, Pastor Ron explains the deliberate choice not only to meditate on God’s works but also to talk about them with others. While meditation in the Word is personal, speaking of God’s deeds to fellow believers builds up faith. When you gather together in God’s house, you encourage one another, strengthen each other’s faith, and remind your own heart of God’s faithfulness.

Have you ever looked at difficult leaders or painful situations in your life and wondered why God wasn’t stepping in to remove them? In today's message, Pastor Ron explains that sometimes when you cry out for God to act against your enemies, He is actually using them in His own way. God can raise up or bring down authorities to accomplish His purposes. No ruler or government exists outside of God’s sovereign plan. What might feel like hardship could actually be what’s needed in a situation.

In today's message, Pastor Ron highlights how David cried out to God for deliverance when enemies pursued him and mocked him. He asked the Lord to turn back those who sought his harm and to disgrace those who desired his downfall. In the middle of the pressure, David humbly admitted his true condition: “I am poor and needy. I need Your help, God.” Bring your own battles, mockers, and deep needs to the Lord, knowing He hears the cry of the poor and needy.

Have you ever prayed for something important and wondered why God was silent? In today's message, Pastor Ron explains that people often assume the problem is on God’s end, but more frequently, the issue starts here. When prayers come from a heart that still holds onto sin, the Bible says the Lord doesn’t hear them. That’s why it is so important to regularly examine yourself before God. You can come to Him honestly and say, “Lord, if there is anything wrong in me, I want to give it to You.

Today, Pastor Ron shows you that God is deeply dedicated in how He sustains His creation. He controls the sun’s rising and setting, waters the earth with perfect care, and enriches the soil so it produces exactly what is needed. Nothing is overlooked. Every small detail receives His personal attention. All of creation responds with joy because it experiences the faithful touch of God. If God can see and know all of these little details, then He couldn’t possibly ignore something as complex as you!

Have you ever looked at the evil and injustice in the world and wondered how long the wicked will seem to get away with it? In today's message, Pastor Ron points out that there is a reward waiting for the righteous, but God is also a Judge who will one day make all things right on the earth. You might feel troubled seeing the wicked prospering. But God sees every malicious act and every injustice. He will not remain silent. He will judge righteously and furiously, and that day is only getting closer.

Every detail of your life is known and recorded by God, but knowing that will have a different effect on you depending on whether you are in a relationship with Him or not. In today's message, Pastor Ron highlights that every word, thought, and action will be judged. But if you walk with Christ, a whole other book is opened for you, the Lamb’s Book of Life. God has personally written your name in that book. The world will stand before God with only a record of guilt, but you stand covered by Christ.

We’ve been told that over and over again to shoot for the moon. That, anything we set our minds to, we can accomplish. And there is a lot to be said for hard work and determination, but as humans, we all have limitations. The Bible tells us that there is none righteous, no not one. In his message today, Pastor Ron wants you to know that the only way you can get right with God is through the work of Jesus on the cross. Salvation is by grace through faith. It’s a gift of God; it’s nothing you can do on your own.

You know, Jesus said that the Old Testament Scriptures all testified of Him. The Psalms are no exception to that. In fact, throughout the Psalms, we can’t help but see Jesus. Not only prophecies of His first coming, but also of His second coming. In today’s message, Pastor Ron will point you to the second coming of Christ directly from the Psalms. Thousands of years before Christ came to suffer and die on the cross, God’s Word declared a time when He would come to rule and reign on the earth.

Don’t you wish that life just worked itself out all the time? But the reality is that it doesn’t. Sometimes you have health issues that come up. Sometimes money’s tight. Sometimes people don’t always treat you with respect. Let’s face it, life can be difficult. In his message today, Pastor Ron encourages you to look at the times in your life when you didn’t know how you were going to get through, and then God provided. It’s in times like that where you can lift up praise and thanksgiving to God for what He’s done.

Many of us take pride in our accomplishments and abilities. Whether it’s a new personal record at the gym, a big promotion on the job, or a diploma on the wall, we like to say, “Look what I achieved.” But when it comes to asking for help, too many of us have a difficult time swallowing our pride. In today’s message, Pastor Ron reminds you that without the Lord, you’re lost in your sin. Without God’s help, there’s nothing you can do to earn your own salvation. You need Jesus to help you out of your sin.

Getting stuck in the mud is no fun. Especially when you're in your car. Your tires spin round and round, flinging mud everywhere. And then the more you try to get out, the deeper you sink in. At that point, the only way to get unstuck is to get out into the mud yourself and put something underneath the wheels. Today, Pastor Ron wants you to consider that Jesus rescued you from the muck and mire of sin that you were once sinking into. He took on the filth of your sin so that you could be set free.

A lot of kids like to make a wishlist for birthdays and Christmas. Now, sometimes kids may know what’s reasonable, but how many times do they put things on that list that are a little far-fetched? Like maybe a live unicorn, or the real Batmobile… Truth be told, sometimes we all have fanciful desires. In today’s message, Pastor Ron teaches you that when you delight yourself in the Lord, He will give you the desires of your heart… Have you delighted yourself in the Lord? Do you desire Him above all else?

Nobody goes through a hard time in life and gets excited about it. It’s not like anyone finds out they have cancer and goes “Yay!” Or when people go bankrupt, they don’t throw a party to celebrate. More often than not, when difficult times come into our lives, our tendency is to fall into anxiety and depression. In his message today, Pastor Ron wants you to know that no matter what you’re going through in life, you can have joy in the Lord. Not because of your trials, but because the Lord is in them with you.

Stubborn as a mule. Maybe you’ve heard that phrase before. Now, even though mules have a certain reputation for being ornery, they can be trained to be a useful animal. As with horses, you can use a bit and bridle to guide a mule where you want it to go. In today’s message, Pastor Ron wants you to know that God doesn’t want to yank you around by a bridle like a stubborn mule; He would rather guide you with His eye. Are your eyes fixed on the Lord, watching which way He’ll lead you?

Before David sat on the throne as king in Jerusalem, he was a hunted man. Saul saw David as a threat to his throne and hunted him for many years. Yet, David knew that God would set Him on the throne according to His Word. And when God finally established David on the throne, David remembered the Word of the Lord and gave Him praise. In today’s message, Pastor Ron shares with you that not only did God deliver David from His enemies, but that through Christ, He can deliver you from sin and death.

Being tested is never fun, but it does come with its benefits. When you are tested, it gives opportunities to grow, learn, and be sharpened. Testing isn’t always something you want, but it is necessary in your walk with the Lord; just ask David! Today, Pastor Ron shares David’s heart in wanting to be stretched, searched, and tested, not because it was fun to do, but because it was something he knew needed to happen to GROW in his walk with the Lord, and just like David, you need the same testing! 

Have you ever had a friend who would wander off? You are out and about, and suddenly they are gone without a trace! This is terrifying. You start looking everywhere for them, and then you spot them way off doing something random! This is like when Jesus finds us wandering and leaving the flock. Jesus cares for us so much that He doesn’t leave us lost but restores us to Him. Today, Pastor Ron shares the great relief you can find in Christ, knowing that He will search for you and restore you to Him! 

There are so many sources of “truth” out there. Everywhere you turn, there is someone trying to sell you on this “new revelation on something. This can become tiring and have you questioning what is true, what is real. Friends, I want you to know that there is a word that is pure and without error; that Word is from God. Today, Pastor Ron shares that God’s Word is perfect and clean. There is no error in His Word, and it is a Word that we can trust! This is good news that we can look to something that is real and trustworthy! 

What do you focus on when things get hard? Most of the time, it's the situation itself. It could be losing a job or losing someone you care about. The situation you are in will take up your focus and have you sitting in a space of self-pity. This is not what the Lord desires for you. Today, Pastor Ron shares how God desires you to look to Him rather than just your situation. He wants you to look beyond your circumstances and look to Him, who will be with you and give you peace and comfort even when you have no idea where to turn. 

Well, have you felt forgotten? Felt like the Lord isn’t listening to your prayers? You are not alone. Today, Pastor Ron shares that David was going through the same thing. He felt forgotten and questioned God as he fled from Saul. He asked, “How long?” You could be asking that very thing now. How long until I find a better job? How long until I find a spouse? How long will I have to suffer? Well,  Ron shares that God has a plan. It might not be what you want it to be, but it will be better than you could have asked or imagined. 

Having a safe space to retreat to is refreshing. What is that space for you? It could be your home, a coffee shop you love to frequent, the beach, or your parents’ couch. This space that you run to when things get out of control or a little chaotic is precious, and you might cherish it dearly. This physical space you run to is good for you, but there is ONE you can run to without ever leaving the physical space you are in and find true safety. Today, Pastor Ron shares that this person is God, and He gives us ultimate safety in Him.   

Having a sense of joy in hard times in life is, in fact, hard! David is a great example of that. He was lamenting and sad, but instead of looking down, he cried out to the Lord and remembered God’s grace and mercy in his life. Today, Pastor Ron shares that joy isn’t found in our circumstances but through a genuine relationship with the Lord. Friends, let’s look to David’s example and seek joy not because of what’s happening in our lives but because of who God is! He is trustworthy, He is loving, He is faithful! 

Having someone to lean on in hard times is so important. Who is that for you? Maybe your best friend, your spouse, or your parents? These people know you and love you, but sometimes they fall short. People aren’t perfect… but God is. God knows you, loves you, and will be by your side, rain or shine! Today, Pastor Ron shares how David was in a low spot, but instead of falling into a self-pity rabbit hole, he cried out to God, the one who would never leave him, no matter the situation he was in.  

The world tells you to be strong and live for yourself because no one is going to look out for you. You have to be self-sufficient and figure things out on your own. Friends, this life is hard to live alone, but I want you to know that you don’t have to. God calls you to be DEPENDENT on Him, and he will give you strength to do so.  Today, Pastor Ron shares that NOTHING will take you out of God's hand when you place your faith in Him. The Lord gives you the strength to live a life that He calls you to live. 

Have you been in situations and felt like someone was trying to reveal something to you? It could be losing a job, losing a close friendship, or having to move away from your community. These moments are hard to go through, but what if God is trying to reveal something to you? What if the moments you go through are there to show you more of Himself? Today, Pastor Ron explains that God speaks to you in different ways: a Christian friend, His Word, through prayer, and even unforeseen circumstances. 

When you think of love, does obedience come to mind? Typically not, right? Usually, when love comes to mind, it is followed by sacrifice, humility, softness, caring, and the list can go on. But obedience isn’t really at the top of that list. Well, today Pastor Ron shares that when it comes to Jesus, love and obedience coexist together. If you say you love Jesus but aren’t willing to follow what He teaches, is there true love? Jesus sacrificed His life so that you could have life, and when you choose Him, you are called to OBEY Him. 

What motivates you matters! The more you care about something, the more you are willing to do whatever it takes to protect it. The care and love a shepherd has for their sheep move them to protect them from all kinds of danger. This is the same care and love you receive from Jesus! Today, Pastor Ron shares the difference between a hired hand and a shepherd. The hired hand is motivated by money, and when danger comes, they flee. On the other hand, the shepherd is motivated by love, and they will do ANYTHING to care for the sheep!  

Being uncertain about a decision you make is difficult. The insecurity about being right or wrong cripples you from even making a choice. This fear can cause you stress. Friends, there is a decision you can make with confidence that it is the best one. Today, Pastor Ron teaches that the most important decision you can make in life is following Jesus! When you make that decision, you CAN and WILL be certain that you are going to spend eternity with the Father, through the fruit that is being produced in your life. 

Have you questioned what is real and true? There are so many voices out there sharing things that feel could be true. We look at social media, the news, or even close friends to help figure this out. It’s become so much that you might have just given up on searching. Friends, I want you to know there is a voice you can always listen to, and it’s the Lord. Today, Pastor Ron warns against the threat of false teachers, whose only goal is to take advantage of you and take you away from the path of listening to the voice of the Lord.

Have you ever lost something very dear to you? Maybe a photo of a close relative, your favorite t-shirt, or a treasured piece of jewelry. This thing that you lost is so significant to you, so much so that you did EVERYTHING in your power to find it. Imagine that same energy that you put towards finding that thing; that is the energy that Jesus has when looking for the one that strayed away. Today, Pastor Ron explains that some will stray from the Lord, but the Lord will seek the lost and bring them back home. 

Being entrusted with something is a great opportunity! It could look like being in charge of a large company, raising children, or caring for your grandparents. Having this trust is a huge responsibility, and how you handle it matters. Today, Pastor Ron shares that the religious leaders took this opportunity for granted. They robbed God’s people and took advantage of them. This was not God's desire when Jesus instructed them to care for His people. Jesus wants His people fed through the Word of God and cared for.   

God blesses us with different gifts and abilities. Are you a talented athlete? Do you have a hefty bank account? Maybe you’re a gifted speaker. These are all blessings and important to cherish. You can easily become self-sufficient, when instead, it’s important to remember where these blessings came from. Today, Pastor Ron encourages you to look to the Lord always! Even if you were stripped of your physical strength, your wealth, and your speaking ability, you would still have everything you need in God! 

If you have kids, you know how they react when they get hurt. Some run to you with open arms, needing a hug and comforting words. Some get angry and just want to be left alone. As a parent, you want to feel needed and help them through their pain, but they suffer alone. In today’s message, Pastor Ron encourages us to run to our Heavenly Father in our times of need. He is a refuge and a fortress; a strong tower, and an everlasting Father. Why would you ever choose to remain alone in your pain?

We’ve all watched kids try to get a game of hide-and-seek going and the negotiations that take place: “Okay, count to 10, but NO peeking.” “When I find you, you’re it.” “No hiding across the street, because I’m not allowed over there.” Generally, they can make their own rules and then enjoy the game. But occasionally, you’ll get that kid who needs to make his own rules, not listen to others, or negotiate the rules until no one wants to play anymore. Today, Pastor Ron implores you, “Don’t be that kid! 

We’re not all called to lead. In fact, if everyone tried to lead in every area of life, nothing would ever get done. But where you are called to lead, you must lead well, with integrity and purpose. Today, Pastor Ron reminds you that leaders wear many hats. If you’re a leader in your workplace and also a mom, you’re still a leader of your children. If you’re a leader in your community, you’re still a Christian, charged by God to be humble and kind. Don’t neglect one aspect of your life to lead in another.  

We often put God in a box. We try to understand His ways logically when He is anything but logical. The Bible tells us His power, plans, and provision are more than we can hope for or imagine. Isn’t it true that we rarely even know what to ask for or what we desire? We don’t even understand our own hearts, so how can we know the ways of God? In today’s message, Pastor Ron encourages us to remain in awe of God. Even when we think we have the “best laid plans,” He’ll be the One to set our paths. 

We’ve all been deceived at one time or another. Maybe you fell for one of those online scams, where they need your credit card information to fix a bank error. Or maybe someone smooth-talked his way into persuading you to buy that extended warranty you didn’t really want. Well, in today’s message, Pastor Ron reminds you that when the Antichrist comes on the scene, the sly deceiver will gain an unprecedented following. Christians need to be grounded in the Word, recognizing a snake in the grass!

Politicians generally get a bad rap in our society. They’re known for their smooth-talking, squeaky-clean presentation, but have a backstory or hidden agenda counter to what we see on the surface. Well, as we know, “there’s nothing new under the sun.” Choosing leaders based on outward appearance and the façade of genuineness has been our way since the beginning. In today’s message, Pastor Ron reminds us to stand up for what we know is right and choose leaders for their character and heart!

We’ve all been in situations where we’ve been caught up in the heat of the moment, where we can look back and see the error of our ways. Isn’t it interesting that God knows our character enough to include lessons in the Bible that will help us in just about every situation?! Today, Pastor Ron reminds us that 1st Corinthians tells us to choose our friends wisely. We’re already constantly bombarded by the enemy and tempted to sin. So, choose a community that will help keep you from wrongdoing.