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Based in Hillsville, Virginia, this is the podcast of ReCreate Church. We are a community of Life and Love.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Unseen but Unstoppable
ReCreate Church | Michael Shockley
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EPISODE SUMMARY
Are you wondering where God is in the midst of life's chaos? In this opening message of the Esther series, Pastor Michael Shockley reveals how God works behind the scenes even when He seems absent. Through Esther Chapter 1, discover how palace intrigue, royal scandals, and seemingly random events become part of God's greater plan for salvation. Learn to trust that even when God appears silent, He is orchestrating circumstances for your good and His glory.
Core Message: God may be unseen, but He is never inactive - even the worst of human behavior can be woven into His redemptive plan.
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KEY TOPICS COVERED
Setting the Historical Scene
- The Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) 500 years before Jesus
- The Jewish diaspora and those who chose to stay in Persia
- God's positioning of Esther's family for future deliverance
The Six-Month Party and Seven-Day Banquet
- King Ahasuerus's display of wealth and power across 127 provinces
- The extravagant celebration open to all social classes
- How rulers used lavish parties to demonstrate unlimited resources
Queen Vashti's Courageous Stand
- The king's inappropriate request while intoxicated
- Vashti's refusal to be objectified before the party guests
- The political and social implications of defying the king
The Counselors' Reactionary Response
- Memucan's exaggerated fears about women's rebellion
- The decree establishing male dominance in households
- The contrast between pagan leadership and biblical leadership
Biblical Leadership vs. Worldly Power
- The difference between forced submission and sacrificial love
- Ephesians 5:25 and Christ's example to husbands
- Leading through integrity rather than intimidation
God's Hidden Hand in Human Events
- How God uses even evil behavior to advance His purposes
- The positioning of circumstances for Esther's future role
- Divine orchestration behind apparent chaos and coincidence
The Bigger Picture of Salvation
- Connecting Esther's story to the preservation of the Jewish people
- How these events ultimately protected the lineage of Jesus
- God's long-term plan spanning centuries
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MEMORABLE QUOTES
"Even when He's not in the spotlight, the Unseen, Unstoppable God is still running the show."
"God may be unseen, but He is never inactive."
"What looks like chaos and coincidence is the opening act of a salvation story."
"God can even take the worst characteristics of humanity and work them out to accomplish His Will in our lives."
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28
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BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
- Primary Text: Esther 1
- Supporting Texts: Ephesians 5:25, Romans 8:28
- Key Theme: God's unseen but active work in human circumstances
- Context: The beginning of events that would lead to Jewish preservation and ultimately the coming of Christ
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PRACTICAL APPLICATION
If You're Struggling to See God's Hand:
- Remember that God often works behind the scenes
- Trust that apparent chaos may be part of His greater plan
- Look for His activity in unexpected places and circumstances
If You're Facing Difficult People or Situations:
- Recognize that God can use even challenging circumstances for good
- Trust that difficult bosses, neighbors, or family members may be part of His plan
- Remember that unexpected setbacks might be divine positioning
If You're in a Leadership Role:
- Follow Christ's example of sacrificial love, not worldly power
- Lead through integrity and service rather than intimidation
- Build up others rather than asserting dominance
If You're Wondering About God's Timing:
- Understand that God's plans often span years or decades
- Trust that He is positioning you for future purposes
- Remember that current circumstances may be preparation for unknown opportunities
To Develop Trust in God's Hidden Work:
- Study stories like Esther where God works behind the scenes
- Practice looking for God's hand in everyday circumstances
- Remember that His ultimate plan is always redemptive and good
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THE ULTIMATE INVITATION
Just as God used palace intrigue in ancient Persia to preserve the Jewish people and ultimately send Jesus as Savior, He can handle whatever you're going through today. Trust Him with the details of your life, knowing that He may be unseen but is never inactive.
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CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH
- Website: recreatechurch.org
- Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes
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Remember: Even when God seems silent, He is working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Sunday Jun 29, 2025
Sunday Jun 29, 2025
Milk vs. Solid Food
ReCreate Church | David Boudreaux
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EPISODE SUMMARY
Are you still drinking spiritual milk when God is calling you to solid food? In this challenging message, David Boudreaux explores what it means to mature in our faith journey. Through Hebrews 5:9-14, discover why some believers remain "dull of hearing" and how we can graduate from basic spiritual principles to deeper understanding and application. Learn the difference between head knowledge and heart transformation, and why God desires every believer to move from being fed to becoming feeders of others.
Core Message: God wants us to graduate from spiritual milk to solid food - from being babes in Christ to mature disciples who can teach others.
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KEY TOPICS COVERED
The Problem of Dull Hearing
- Why the writer of Hebrews couldn't share deeper truths
- Understanding "dull of hearing" as spiritual laziness, not physical impairment
- How believers can become sluggish in their spiritual walk
The Need for Spiritual Milk
- Why new believers need foundational truths (1 Peter 2:1-3)
- The importance of "first principles" in faith development
- How spiritual milk provides necessary foundation for growth
The Call to Spiritual Maturity
- Moving from being taught to becoming teachers
- The danger of remaining perpetually immature
- Why some need to relearn basic principles they've already heard
Head Knowledge vs. Heart Transformation
- The difference between knowing facts and living truth
- How information without application leads to spiritual ineffectiveness
- Moving from "big head" syndrome to heart change
Discerning Good from Evil
- How mature believers develop spiritual discernment
- The role of practice and habit in spiritual growth
- Exercising our spiritual senses through consistent application
False Doctrine and Spiritual Immaturity
- Why immature believers are vulnerable to false teaching
- The example of Jesus dying "once for all" vs. repeated sacrifice
- How solid food equips us to recognize error
The Journey from Introvert to Community
- Personal testimony of reluctant fellowship
- How God challenges our comfort zones for spiritual growth
- The importance of community in maturation process
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MEMORABLE QUOTES
"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn."
"If it never gets from our head to our heart, we haven't gotten it."
"God speaks to us every day. But in order to hear His voice, we must be tuned in to His frequency."
"God doesn't want you to remain a 'babe' in Christ, but to mature, to graduate to solid food."
"For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel."
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BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
- Primary Text: Hebrews 5:9-14
- Supporting Texts: 1 Peter 2:1-3, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Ezra 7:10, Ephesians 4:14
- Key Theme: Spiritual maturation from milk to solid food
- Context: The superiority of Christ's priesthood and the call to spiritual maturity
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PRACTICAL APPLICATION
If You're New in Your Faith:
- Desire the pure milk of God's Word for foundational growth
- Don't rush the process - milk is necessary for new believers
- Focus on basic principles before moving to deeper truths
If You've Been a Believer for Years:
- Assess honestly whether you're still on spiritual milk
- Move from being constantly taught to becoming a teacher
- Practice what you've learned to develop spiritual discernment
If You Struggle with False Teaching:
- Develop skills to discern between good and evil
- Study God's Word consistently to recognize error
- Move beyond surface-level understanding to deeper truth
If You're Reluctant About Fellowship:
- Remember that God uses community for spiritual growth
- Step out of your comfort zone for spiritual development
- Engage with other believers for mutual encouragement
To Develop Spiritual Maturity:
- Make Bible study a daily habit, not just occasional reading
- Practice applying what you learn in real-life situations
- Tune in to God's frequency through consistent communication
- Move from head knowledge to heart transformation
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THE ULTIMATE INVITATION
God doesn't want you to remain spiritually immature forever. He's calling you to graduate from milk to solid food, from being fed to feeding others, from basic principles to deeper understanding. Tune in to His frequency through His Word and consistent fellowship with other believers.
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CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH
- Website: recreatechurch.org
- Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app or offering boxes
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Remember: Spiritual maturity comes through consistent practice and application of God's Word. Where are you in your journey from milk to solid food?
Sunday Jun 22, 2025
Sunday Jun 22, 2025
The Ache & The Answer
ReCreate Church | Pastor Michael Shockley
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EPISODE SUMMARY
Ever feel that unexplainable weight in your chest? That sense that something is missing even when life looks good on paper? In this powerful message, Pastor Michael explores the story of Benjamin, a man who had achieved everything yet still felt empty inside. Through the lens of Ephesians 2:8-9, you'll discover that the ache we all carry isn't just stress or circumstances - it's a soul separated from its source. Learn why grace, not performance, is the answer to life's deepest longing.
Core Message: The ache is real. The answer is grace ... through faith in Jesus.
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KEY TOPICS COVERED
The Universal Ache
- The unexplainable weight we carry in our chest
- Why success and achievements don't fill the void
- The difference between surface-level stress and soul-deep emptiness
Benjamin's Story: A Picture of the Human Condition
- Working with his hands to quiet the noise inside
- The weight of generational expectations and disappointment
- How accomplishments become temporary fixes for permanent problems
The Spiritual Diagnosis
- Why the ache isn't just depression, anger, or burnout
- Understanding sin as separation from God, not just rule-breaking
- The soul crying out for its Maker
Grace Through Faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- Grace as God reaching toward us, not us reaching toward Him
- Faith as surrender, not performance
- Salvation as gift, not achievement
The Futility of Self-Salvation
- Why we can't hammer our way into peace
- The temporary nature of worldly solutions
- Understanding that we can't be our own heart surgeon
The True Source of Modern Anxiety
- Why successive generations experience more anxiety
- The spiritual disconnection behind emotional exhaustion
- Living without water and wondering why we're drying up
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MEMORABLE QUOTES
"The ache is real. The answer is grace ... through faith in Jesus."
"You can't hammer your way into peace. You can't do enough to fix the ache. You can't be your own heart surgeon."
"Grace meets you with blood still on your hands and says, 'I love you anyway. Come home.'"
"Faith is not convincing God you're good enough; it's being convinced Jesus Is Enough."
"Sin isn't just breaking the rules. It's breaking the relationship with The One Who Made you."
"Salvation isn't a prize for the worthy. It's a gift for the willing."
"You don't need better answers. You need The Answer."
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BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
- Primary Text: Ephesians 2:8-9
- Key Theme: Salvation by grace through faith
- Context: Paul's letter explaining the spiritual transformation available in Christ
- Central Truth: Peace comes through receiving God's gift, not earning it
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PRACTICAL APPLICATION
If You're Struggling with That Unexplainable Ache:
- Recognize it may be spiritual disconnection, not just stress
- Stop trying to work, buy, or achieve your way to peace
- Consider that your soul is crying out for its Maker
If You've Been Performing to Prove Your Worth:
- Understand that grace meets you where you are
- Faith is surrender, not trying harder
- Your value comes from God's love, not your achievements
If You're Carrying Guilt and Shame:
- Remember that Jesus came to rescue, not shame
- Grace isn't earned - it's received as a gift
- The work has already been finished by Christ
If You've Never Truly Trusted Jesus:
- Today can be the day you receive the gift of grace
- It's not about being good enough - it's about accepting you're loved
- Lay down the hammer of self-effort and pick up The Word
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THE ULTIMATE INVITATION
Stop trying to fix what only Jesus can heal. The ache in your soul isn't a problem to solve through better performance - it's a longing that only your Creator can fill. Jesus offers the gift of grace. Receive it and live in the freedom it brings.
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CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH
- Website: recreatechurch.org
- Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app
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Remember: Salvation isn't a competition or achievement. It is received as a gift, or not at all. What will you do with the grace that's being offered to you today?
Sunday Jun 15, 2025
Sunday Jun 15, 2025
Dad Tired - ReCreate Church, Sunday Service, June 15, 2025
Overflowing, Part 3: Dad Tired
ReCreate Church | Pastor Michael Shockley | Father's Day
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EPISODE SUMMARY
Feeling like your battery is constantly drained? Whether you're a dad, mom, student, or caregiver, we all know what it's like to run on empty. In this hilarious and encouraging Father's Day message, Pastor Michael explores the reality of being "Dad Tired" and discovers the secret to renewed energy through the powerful promise of Isaiah 40:30-31. From the dangers of "The Dad Chair" to the inspiring story of the prophet Elijah's burnout and recovery, you'll learn that true energy doesn't come from better sleep schedules or energy drinks—it comes from connecting with God's purpose for your life.
Core Message: If you need energy, find purpose.
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KEY TOPICS COVERED
The Reality of Dad Tired
- Different levels of exhaustion: dog tired, dead tired, Dad tired
- The power of "The Dad Chair" and unexpected naps
- How responsibilities drain our batteries
- The surprising ways kids can recharge us
When Even the Strong Get Weary (Isaiah 40:30-31)
- Why even young, athletic people run out of energy
- The danger of exhaustion vs. evil
- How victory can be as draining as defeat
- Elijah's burnout after his greatest triumph
The Meaning of "Waiting on the Lord"
- The Hebrew word "qavah" - to bind or twist together
- Moving from passive waiting to active connection
- Weaving our weakness with God's strength
- Binding our purposelessness to His purpose
Elijah's Journey from Burnout to Purpose
- Running away and wanting to die
- The importance of rest, nutrition, and self-care
- God's assignment: finding purpose in anointing kings
- Discovering he wasn't alone - 7,000 faithful remain
- Training the next generation with Elisha
The Promise of Renewed Strength
- Mount up with wings like eagles
- Run and not be weary
- Walk and not faint
- Living on resurrection power, not battery power
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MEMORABLE QUOTES
"One of the most dangerous pressures we face isn't evil, it's exhaustion."
"To wait upon The Lord means to bind yourself to His Purpose. Nothing will energize you like the purpose of God for your life."
"If you live disconnected from God, you are a single, fragile strand that will snap under pressure."
"Energy flows from purpose."
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BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
- Primary Text: Isaiah 40:30-31
- Supporting Story: Elijah's burnout and restoration (1 Kings 19)
- Key Hebrew Word: Qavah (H6960) - to wait, bind together, twist into rope
- Historical Context: Isaiah's shift from judgment to comfort and hope
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PRACTICAL APPLICATION
For Physical Energy:
- Prioritize rest, nutrition, and self-care ("snack and a nap")
- Maintain healthy sleep schedules and exercise
- Recognize the biblical importance of basic needs
For Spiritual Energy:
- Connect daily with Jesus through prayer and Scripture
- Remember your identity as God's beloved child
- Bind your life to God's purposes through obedience
- Move from passive waiting to active connection with God
For Parents Specifically:
- Find recharging moments in connecting with your children
- Remember that your greatest purpose is following Jesus
- Express that purpose through loving and teaching your kids
- Your identity isn't "Good Dad" or "Bad Dad" but "Beloved child of God"
For Everyone Running on Empty:
- Stop trying to manufacture energy on your own
- Plug into resurrection power instead of battery power
- Weave your small story into God's great story
- Trust that Jesus emptied Himself so you could be filled
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THE GOSPEL CONNECTION
Jesus didn't just come to forgive sin but to give abundant life. When we feel like failures, the Gospel reminds us that our identity is rooted in being God's beloved children through Christ. We don't have to run on our own power—we can live on resurrection power.
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CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH
- Website: recreatechurch.org
- Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app
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Remember: You might be dog tired, dead tired, or Dad tired, but in Christ you are alive. You have purpose. You have energy. Bind your life to His life and you can soar, you can run, you can walk.
Sunday Jun 08, 2025
Sunday Jun 08, 2025
Overflowing, Part 2: A Little is A Lot
ReCreate Church | Pastor Michael Shockley
EPISODE SUMMARY
Ever feel like you don't have enough? Not enough money, time, energy, or resources to make it through? In this encouraging message, Pastor Michael explores the powerful story of a desperate widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7 who discovered that God can do incredible things with whatever little we have. Through humor, practical wisdom, and biblical truth, you'll learn how to shift your focus from scarcity to abundance and trust God with what's already in your hands.
Core Message: A little is a lot when you trust it to God.
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KEY TOPICS COVERED
The Power of "Struggle Meals"
- Why comfort foods often start as necessity meals
- Finding joy and contentment in simple things
- Shifting perspective from what we lack to what we have
The Widow's Desperate Situation (2 Kings 4:1-7)
- A preacher's widow facing financial ruin
- The threat of losing her children to slavery
- Her cry for help to the prophet Elisha
The Life-Changing Question
- "What do you have in the house?"
- Why God focuses on our assets, not our deficits
- Moving from scarcity thinking to abundance preparation
Acting in Faith Before Seeing Results
- Gathering empty vessels while having almost nothing
- The George Mueller orphanage story
- Setting the table before God fills it
The Miracle of Multiplication
- How a small jar of oil filled countless vessels
- God's provision matching our faith preparation
- From survival to total transformation
What Do You Have in Your House?
- Resources (even a few dollars)
- Opportunities (even small open doors)
- Relationships (even a small circle)
- Skills and abilities
- Influence and energy
- Time and health
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MEMORABLE QUOTES
- "The world changes when you stop focusing on what you don't have and see what you can do with what you DO have."
- "Why do we wait until we see the miracle before we prepare for it? We say, 'God, send the rain,' but we don't carry an umbrella."
- "God's provision often comes AFTER we step out in faith, not before."
- "God multiplied her provision in proportion to her faith to prepare.
BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
- Primary Text: 2 Kings 4:1-7
- Historical Context: The ministry of prophets Elijah and Elisha in divided Israel
- Key Characters: The prophet's widow, Elisha, and the "sons of the prophets"
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PRACTICAL APPLICATION
If You're Struggling Financially:
- Start planning a budget and stewarding what you have
- Trust God with even small amounts
If You Need Opportunities:
- Develop skills now for future openings
- Prepare before the door opens
If You Want Better Relationships:
- Invest in growth and connection today
- Take steps toward healing and improvement
If You're Praying for Miracles:
- Set out your "vessels" in faith
- Make room for God's abundance
- Trust Him with whatever you currently have
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THE ULTIMATE INVITATION
Above all, offer Jesus the most important vessel - your heart. Even if it feels empty or broken, Jesus specializes in filling us with His forgiveness, love, presence, and power.
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CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH
- Website: recreatechurch.org
- Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app
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Remember: A little is a lot when you trust it to God. What vessels are you preparing today?
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Tuesday Jun 03, 2025
Running on Empty
“You can't pour out what God hasn't poured in.”
Pastor Michael explores the tension between feeling spiritually empty and God's promise of an overflowing cup in Psalm 23. Through humor, personal stories, and the biblical account of King David's darkest moments, this message addresses why we often feel like we're "running on empty" spiritually and how God wants to fill us to overflowing.
Key Topics Covered
The Fuel Light Challenge
- Opening illustration about internet challenges and the "Fuel Light Challenge"
- How we live spiritually like we drive on empty - pushing through warning signs
- The cycle of telling ourselves "things will slow down after this week"
Understanding Psalm 23:5
- Ancient Near Eastern hospitality customs
- The significance of an overflowing cup as God's generous provision
- David's promise: "My cup runs over" vs. our reality of feeling empty
The Story of The Broken King
- King David's betrayal by his son Absalom
- David's flight from Jerusalem and his moment of despair
- The birth of Psalm 42 in David's wilderness experience
- How David moved from "Why is my soul cast down?" to hope in God\
When Your Cup Runs Dry
- Common areas where we feel empty: money, energy, and timeThe danger of carrying burdens God never asked us to carry
- Understanding God's pruning process in our lives
- Recognizing our human limitations (even Jesus needed rest)
Key Quotes
- "You can't pour out what God hasn't poured in"
- "God does not ask you to pour out what you don't have. He's inviting you to be filled"
- "Instead of being too blessed to be stressed, we are too tired to be inspired"
- "There are no heroes when your cup runs dry. There is only an empty cup and God to fill it"
- "God can work with breadcrumbs of time"
Scripture References
Primary Text:
- Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)
Supporting Passages:
- Psalm 42:1-3, 5
- Ephesians 2:10
- Matthew 11:28
Practical Applications
- Start small: worship in the car, read one verse while coffee brews
- Look for cracks in your day to fill with God
- Be intentional about finding time for spiritual filling
- Ask God what needs to go - what you're carrying that He never asked you to carry
- Bring your empty cup to God instead of trying to shake drops from it
Personal Stories Shared
- Pastor's experience with work stress and finding time for worship during commutes
- Preparing sermons during lunch breaks while eating reheated pasta
- The ongoing struggle with time, energy, and balancing ministry with secular work
Historical Context
- Background on King David as shepherd, warrior, king, and songwriter
- David's authorship of approximately half of the 150 PsalmsThe cultural significance of Psalm 23 over 3,000 years
For Further Reflection
- Where in your life do you feel like you're "running on empty"?
- What burdens might you be carrying that God never asked you to carry?
- How can you create small moments throughout your day to be filled by God?
- What needs to be pruned from your life to make room for what God wants to pour in?
This message is part of the "Overflowing" series at ReCreate Church, exploring how God wants to fill our lives to abundance rather than leaving us running on spiritual fumes.
Sunday May 25, 2025
Sunday May 25, 2025
Disciples Who Make Disciples
Today, Pastor Michael is starting off with an affirmation, a potential sixth love language. What is this extra expression of love? Discipleship.
This message is about discipleship. Disciples who can disciple the next generation.
Michael picks up the story with Jesus picking out the twelve disciples, those who could “preach and drive out demons.” These twelve are listed in three additional lists in the New Testament (Matthew 10: 2-4, Luke 6: 14-16, and Acts 1: 13) with Peter always named first.
Being a disciple always requires intentionality. You are a disciple, you are being discipled, and you disciple others.
What is a disciple?
- Someone who believes in Jesus for salvation.
- Someone who is being transformed by obedience to the teaching of Jesus, with the help of a mentor.
- Should be showing/bearing the fruit of a new life.
- Taking part in the mission of Jesus.
Wrapping up, Pastor Michael offers the following:
- Have you trusted Jesus as your savior?
- Who is helping you grow as a disciple?
- Who are you helping follow Jesus?
Be a disciple that makes disciples!
(CSB Bible Notes) Mark 3:13-15 The mountain here is not identified. Jesus spent the night praying (Lk 6:12). Summoned those he wanted seems to indicate more than just the twelve disciples (cp. Lk 6:13). The number twelve recalls the twelve tribes of Israel.
Today’s verses are found in Mark 3: 13-14.
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
The Rescuers
Today, Pastor Michael is talking about rescue. If you are a Christian, a follower of Christ, then you have been rescued. And Jesus is sending you to rescue others!
The rescued become rescuers is our theme for the day.
We can summarize the mission of the Great Commission in four words:
- Go—intentionally where people are. Intentionally connect with people.
- Reach—share Jesus with people in a way that they can relate to and respond.
- Baptize—not just getting them wet, but making them a part of the community of believers.
- Teach—disciple them.
We cannot ever lose sight of this mission! We must refuse to be inwardly-focused. We must become “rescuers.”
Steps to Rescue
- Pray for the Lord to open your heart to someone who needs Jesus and His hope and light.
- Be aware of your opportunities with that person.
- God has thrown someone a lifeline, and that rescuer is YOU!
Today’s verses are found in Matthew 28: 18-20.
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Monday May 12, 2025
Monday May 12, 2025
A Safe Place to Be Real
Today, Pastor Michael is talking about things that cut us deep. Mistakes and regrets that we have made. Wounds that can poison us.
The only way to help in this is to have a safe place to be real. Recreate Church is exactly that…a safe place to be real. The safest place to be real is in a church family.
Today’s central idea, “In a community of life and love, nobody struggles alone!” We all need someone we can trust, to help us out of the pits of life.
(CSB Bible Notes) 5:16 Pray for one another echoes the prayers of the elders, and these should lead to both physical and spiritual healing (i.e., forgiveness). Prayer is not a magical incantation or a guarantee of healing, but when offered fervently by a righteous person, God will respond in a way that best fits his good purposes.
Today’s verses are found in James 5: 16.
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Sunday May 04, 2025
Sunday May 04, 2025
Simplicity of Faith
Today, Pastor Michael discusses the gospel and its purity, not needing rules and attachments to its core.
The gospel isn’t complicated. There is joy in the simplicity of the gospel message, so don’t complicate what Jesus made simple.
Michael then gives us examples that churches and Christians complicate the message to confound potentially new believers:
- Expecting people to clean up before they meet Jesus. Be patient with folks and allow them to grow!
- Expecting people to be doctrinal pros from the get-go.
- Making an idol out of our preferences and traditions.
- Forgetting that not everybody’s an insider.
(CSB Bible Notes) 15:19 James’s position as the first among equals in the Jerusalem church is seen in his summarizing conclusion to the debate. In his judgment, Jewish believers should not cause difficulties for those turning to God from among the Gentiles.
Today’s verses are found in Acts 15: 19
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.