Word of Life
175 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsWord of Life is the radio and podcast ministry of Richard Schork. Richard is the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Monrovia in Monrovia California.
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Episodes
Hebrews 11:8-10 - Abraham - Part 1
April 23, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhen Abraham encountered God it changed his whole life. He could’ve complained that he was too old to raise a kid, that he didn’t have the energy. But that wasn’t His response. He realized that God’s purpose for His life was more important than his own desires, and as a result of His obedience, he became an integral part of God’s plan. In today’s message, Pastor Richard will teach you how to have faith and obedience like Abraham.
Nehemiah 13 Part 2
April 16, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhen was the last time you truly experienced joy in your life? Even if you consider yourself a happy person, have you ever truly experienced joy in the fullest sense? Today, Pastor Richard explains to us that there is a huge difference between happiness and joy. It’s easy to experience happiness in our lives, but many of us forget what it feels like to experience joy. It’s not just a moment that passes by, but instead, something that we produce inside of us.
Nehemiah 13 Part 1
April 09, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThe most important thing in our walk with Christ is one word—love. In today’s message, Pastor Richard wants you to know that God has always loved you, but in order to get closer to Him, you need to let go of the things that you know He wants you to move on from. To follow Jesus is to experience the purest form of love. While this will always remain true, to encounter Him to the fullest, you need to act on what you know He wants you to do.
Nehemiah 12:27-47 Part 2
April 02, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThrough social media, television, and the radio, there are endless ways for us to quickly hear amazing messages. It’s a wonderful thing to find a pastor that you love to hear, but do you make sure to check through the Bible that the message has sound Biblical truths? Today, Pastor Richard wants you to know that you need to be steeped in God’s Word and hold any messages taught to it’s standard. Don’t compromise on what’s true and surround yourself with Biblically inspired teachings.
Nehemiah 12:27-47 Part 1
March 26, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThere are so many different views on the book of Revelation. Some people choose to center their life around it, while others completely ignore it. In today’s message, Pastor Richard wants you to know that the book of Revelation is very real, and at some point in time, trials and tribulations will come. As Christians, we need to have a mindset like John’s. Instead of worrying about how awful things might be for you on this earth, look to His kingdom.
Nehemiah 11 Part 2
March 19, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBIn our culture, it’s easy to view the Bible as only applicable to the time period that it was written. Today, Pastor Richard wants you to know that God’s word has always remained true even to this day. You can’t just decide to stop putting your trust in Him and only coast on the relationship. When you see the Bible as a fountain of life, just as true as the Lord, you can begin to relate to it and draw closer to Him.
Nehemiah 11 Part 1
March 12, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBDo you have worries that you can never seem to get past? Are there fears that you’ve let consume you because you’ve never been able to overcome them? In today’s message, Pastor Richard wants you to know that if you put your trust in God, you have nothing to fear. He is sovereign over all, the beginning and the end. Don’t keep letting the things of this world get to you and cause panic and fear in your life. Let God save you through His perfect love...
Nehemiah 10 Part 3
March 05, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThe most important thing in our walk with Christ is one word—love. In today’s message, Pastor Richard wants you to know that God has always loved you, but in order to get closer to Him, you need to let go of the things that you know He wants you to move on from. To follow Jesus is to experience the purest form of love. While this will always remain true, to encounter Him to the fullest, you need to act on what you know He wants you to do.
Nehemiah 10 Part 2
February 26, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThere has always been a debate among religions as to who Jesus really is. Many of us view Him differently and it’s easy for the magnitude of who He is to get forgotten. Today, Pastor Richard wants you to know that you need to view Jesus as the Lord overall. He was sent to earth in human form to save you from your sin, but that doesn’t mean that He is any different from God. When you start to live your life viewing Jesus in this way, you’ll experience assurance, peace, and hope.
Nehemiah 9 Part 2
February 12, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBHave you ever been in a situation that felt hopeless? Have you ever felt isolated with nowhere to turn? In today’s message, Pastor Richard wants you to know that if you want to be redeemed from your mistakes and troubles, let God guide your life. It doesn’t matter what your past is or what you’re going through, He has always been there for you and wants to give you deliverance. Give it all God and be set free.
Nehemiah 9 Part 1
February 05, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBAs Christians, we all find ourselves in a rut at one time or another. We go about our routines and can’t help but have moments with the Lord that feel disconnected. In today’s message, Pastor Richard wants you to know that you need to keep your prayer life focused and consistent. He is calling you to worship Him and one of the purest forms of worship is prayer. Even if you don’t know what to say, call upon the Lord and He will answer.
Nehemiah 8 Part 3
January 29, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhen a plant is without water and is in the sun for too long, it gets baked and starts to wither. All the leaves and branches of the plant start to dry up and turn brown. It’s obvious the plant hasn’t had enough water and has had way too much heat. Sometimes this happens with people too! Today, Pastor Richard explains how people get too much “heat,” or pressure from the culture about what’s opposite of the Bible, and they spiritually dry up.
Nehemiah 8 Part 2
January 22, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhen you’re driving and you get off-course, your GPS reroutes you and gets you back on track toward the direction you should be going. Did you realize that God’s Word has the same effect on your life? The Bible is an effective “rerouting tool” to remind you, and convict you of how to get back on track and follow after God. Today, you get to hear from Pastor Richard about a nation that was being rerouted, and it was actually a really good thing!
Nehemiah 8 Part 1
January 15, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhen you’re hungry for food, you can only put off eating for so long, before your body starts to rebel. Your appetite is what drives you to go eat something, to satisfy that hunger your stomach is alerting you to. In today’s teaching, Pastor Richard speaks about having hunger and an appetite for the Word of God that can’t be denied. Your spiritual hunger is something you can satisfy with God’s Word – it’s the perfect recipe!
Nehemiah 7 Part 2
January 08, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhen an army platoon is advancing, there’s a purpose - a mission that they’re on. They’re moving forward, with intention. On the other hand, when a military group sees that they’re outnumbered, they might retreat, and run away. Which camp would you want to be in…one that’s advancing to greater things, or retreating in fear? Today, Pastor Richard touches on what this looks like in a spiritual sense, and how this might look for you!
Nehemiah 7 Part 1
January 01, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBJust because you have a wall of defense doesn’t mean you should let down your guard. Notice how castles and fortresses from times past have a strong wall for protection, but there’s still a need to be on high alert, looking out for the enemy. Pastor Richard reminds you today that you should also be vigilant for those enemy attacks and invasions that are looking to creep into your heart and mind. Be on guard, and keep watch!
Nehemiah 6 Part 2
December 25, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBHas anyone ever accused you of doing something that was blatantly untrue? Jesus has been where you are. As Pastor Richard teaches today, you'll learn how devastating it can be to have others lie about you. Even more than just hurt feelings, it can throw off your ministry impact! Being derailed is a real threat to what God has called you to do. Pastor Richard reminds us that we should seek God to keep us faithful in the face of rumors.
Nehemiah 6 Part 1
December 18, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBAre you good a creating order in your day? Some say it's a talent to be organized and maximize your daily calendar. As Pastor Richard teaches today, you'll learn that prioritizing isn't just a business skill, but one that is spiritual and taught in scripture. We discover how Nehemiah stayed focused through many attempts of being “worn down.” Pastor Richard reminds us that the discipline of maintaining priorities is vital.
Nehemiah 5:14-19 Part 2
December 17, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBGod is the illustration and teacher of all good things. We learn about generosity only because we have been recipients of God's generosity in our lives. As Pastor Richard teaches today, you'll learn you can afford to be generous, whether monetarily or through giving your time and love, because God was first generous to you. Pastor Richard reminds us that sincere giving is anchored in the heart of God – and that's good news!
Nehemiah 5:14-19 Part 1
December 04, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhen you hear the word “generosity,” do you often start thinking of how much money you would love to give away? As Pastor Richard teaches today, you'll learn that money is not the only way you can be generous. Your time, talent, skill, love, and kindness are ways you can give of yourself lavishly. Pastor Richard reminds us to be proactive by walking in the spirit and therefore, you'll “grow” in your generosity!
Nehemiah 5:1-13 Part 2
December 03, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBHow do you deal with conflict? Do you throw up your fists and say, “bring it on!” Or do you run the other way, avoiding it at all costs? Pastor Richard teaches us in today's message, that God cares how we deal with conflict because He cares how we deal with each other. The world's way always says, “I'm right and you're wrong.” God's way say's, “I forgive you.” His way say's, “I love, and I will lay down my rights, to be reconciled with you.”
Nehemiah 5:1-13 Part 1
November 26, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBIn Today's world, we're no strangers to conflict. We see it all around us, whether it's two nations at war with each other, or national politics, or a dispute among your own family. We all know conflict. In today's Message, Pastor Richard teaches us that as Christians, much conflict is avoided when we submit ourselves to the word of God. When we live under the authority of His word, we'll experience the unity, that only He can give us.
Nehemiah 4:16-23 Part 2
November 19, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWell, God may not use your lunch to feed thousands of people, but He will do great things with what you do offer Him, no matter how small it may seem. Nehemiah’s story shows you that God is after your willingness to work. He wants you to give of yourself and your resources for the task He has for you. Pastor Richard urges you to ask the Lord to show you what part you can play in what He’s doing around you. He’ll use you in ways you can’t imagine!
Nehemiah 4:16-23 Part 1
November 12, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBBe on guard. It’s a standard warning throughout the Bible. This a call to be watchful because you have a spiritual enemy who wants to take you out. That’s the connection that Pastor Richard makes in today’s study. Nehemiah and the others stand against those who want to physically tear them down. One hand is rebuilding the wall, while the other holds a sword. You’ll learn the importance of spiritually being on guard while doing His work.
Nehemiah 4:1-15 Part 2
November 05, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThe older you get, the more you realize that most of your life comprises ordinary, everyday moments. It’s the phone calls, doctor’s visits, dishes, and bedtime routines. It’s building relationships and going to work. Today, Pastor Richard encourages you to follow Nehemiah’s example and keep going, even when it’s hard and you’re tired. God is with you; He’ll give you what you need to move forward one step at a time.
Nehemiah 4:1-15 Part 1
October 29, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBI think we can all relate to what Pastor Richard is describing here. Sometimes it does seem like everything blows up as soon as you decide to do what the Lord put on your heart. That’s why today’s passage is so reassuring. It reminds you that you’re not the only one. Through Nehemiah’s story, God is encouraging you to press on. You’ll see how Nehemiah deals with opposition and how he keeps going even though it seems like the world is against him.
Nehemiah 3 Part 2
October 22, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhen Nehemiah got to Jerusalem, he found the walls around the city in disrepair. The people were vulnerable without that protection. So they began repairing what was damaged, working near their homes to shore things up. Today, Pastor Richard shares that you need to be doing the same. When you build up the body of believers that you’re a part of, you’re protecting those you love by investing in the spiritual health of your family and friends.
Nehemiah 3 Part 1
October 15, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBYou’ve heard the saying about taking a village. Well, the truth is that God never intended us to go through life on our own. We’re wired to be part of a community. It’s really how we work best… how we’ll thrive the most. And you’ll see this in today’s passage. Nehemiah can’t do all the repairs on his own. He needs everyone to do their part to make things better. Pastor Richard reminds you that God is calling each of us to join in and work together.
Nehemiah 2:11-20 Part 2
October 08, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBContrary to what Simon and Garfunkel may say, you are not a rock or an island. God created you to be in a community with others, growing and serving alongside each other. And you’ll see this in today’s passage too. Pastor Richard explains that God gave Nehemiah a vision, one he prayed about and pursued by himself. But then, he shared what the Lord had put on his heart with others, inviting them into the work of making that vision into reality.
Nehemiah 2:11-20 Part 1
October 01, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThe stage is set, and the pieces are all in place. Nehemiah has arrived in Jerusalem and is ready to get the lay of the land and check out the work that needs to be done. He’s ready to get started. But, as Pastor Richard shares today, that first step can feel like a huge hurdle. Can you relate to that? Have you put off doing things because you felt overwhelmed or underprepared? You’ll be reminded that God will be with you to do what He’s asked of you.
Nehemiah 2 Part 2
September 24, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBMany of us would probably agree that it seems like the older we get, the list of people we can rely on grows all the smaller. On the other hand, how many of us can confidently say that others would vouch for us to be as reliable as we'd prefer others to be? In today's message, Pastor Richard reflects on the importance of being trustworthy and reliable to others. In his study, you'll learn the importance of selflessly helping others in need.
Nehemiah 2 Part 1
September 17, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBPraise be to God that it's not the efforts of our own works, but by the finished work of the Cross that we are saved from our sin. Rather than spending life in angst wondering if we've done enough, we can have full assurance of the hope of salvation. However, as Pastor Richard discusses in his message today, this salvation is marked by a life transformed by The Spirit of God. Is your life being renewed by The Holy Spirit?
Nehemiah 1 Part 3
September 10, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBAre you mindful of these things that many of us take for granted day in and day out? The Sun, the rain, or even something as simple yet pleasant as a cool breeze to cool the sweat off our brows? In today's message, Pastor Richard will encourage you to align your heart with that of Nehemiah. In his study, you'll learn about the faithful, humble, and yearning heart of Nehemiah, who desired nothing more than a Kingdom-oriented heart.
Nehemiah 1 Part 2
September 03, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBDue to the constant flow of information regarding our own environment, many of us can scarce imagine the problems of other societies. In fact, the concept of being deeply concerned for places we've never visited is absolutely foreign to most. However, as Pastor Richard discusses in his message today, having a heart that carries the burden of The Lord is a worthwhile pursuit. Are you willing to open your heart?
Nehemiah 1 Part 1
August 27, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhile God's desire for us to be saved is a wonder in and of itself, the fact that He wants to include us in His plans is an even bigger wonder. The fact that the maker of the Heavens and the Earth wants to use us at all is truly remarkable. As Pastor Richard discusses in his message today, each and every believer has used it in The Kingdom of God. Are you making yourself available for this amazing opportunity for God's Kingdom?
1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 - Set Apart Part 2
August 20, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBDo you ever feel like throwing in the towel at the end of the day? That you really don't have the ability or will to change your life? Great news! God can and IS working powerfully to bring about the change to live a life set apart from the world around you. As you’ll learn from Pastor Richard today – God's in it for the long haul with you, he's not going to give up on you. Ever. He's more powerful than any situation in your life. Give it to Him, he's got it!
1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 - Set Apart Part 1
August 13, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBDo you know what the word sanctify means? It's not a word we use often in our day-to-day lives and maybe not even a word we'd use to describe ourselves. Today, Pastor Richard will walk us through the last 6 verses of 1 Thessalonians to help us better understand this concept of sanctification; of being set apart for a greater purpose and plan that God has made especially for each one of us! How amazing is it that God has a special plan just for you!
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 - Instructions For a Healthy Church Part 8
August 06, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBDo you regularly hear from God? Is He where you go to find the strength to keep firm in your faith? When you feel a calling from Him to do His work, do you follow? Pastor Richard wants to show you today how important hearing and following God's voice is. It's how His Word gets spread, how people get encouraged, and how His congregations stay focused on Him and remain spiritually healthy in all of their everyday lives.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 - Instructions For a Healthy Church Part 7
July 30, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBA healthy church starts with a healthy congregation. And a healthy congregation starts with spiritually healthy Christians. Today, Pastor Richard is going to show you different ways The Holy Spirit might move in you and speak to you, and how important it is to follow His calling. When you know something is from God, don't ignore it. Let God do His work through you, without hindering the plans He has for you for your life.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 - Instructions For a Healthy Church Part 6
July 23, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBOne way to remind yourself of how faithful God is when you're going through some storms is to remember how He's been faithful to you in the past. Even if you can't think of times, look at His faithfulness to His people in The Bible! Today Pastor Richard wants to encourage you to always look to God in good times and bad, so your relationship with Him can grow in any season. He wants you to experience His joy to the fullest every day.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 - Instructions For a Healthy Church Part 5
July 16, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBThe joy that lasts through all the hard times in your life comes from a healthy relationship with God. Even though the situation might bring pain, you can rejoice in the Lord through it, knowing that you're still growing in Him and that you're going to be stronger when the hard times end. Pastor Richard wants you to remember God's promises today as the storms of life come at you from every side. Where do you find your peace when they do?
1 Thessalonians 5 - Instructions for a healthy church Part 4
July 09, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWe live in a society that is easily offended. We all have this tendency to get upset if we don’t feel like the people around us are treating us just right. Now, as Pastor Richard will explain in today’s message, we shouldn’t be perpetuating that victimhood on purpose. Don’t poke wounds just for the sake of poking wounds. But, in light of the grace we’ve received in Christ, we should be ready to extend that grace to others when they offend us.
1 Thessalonians 5 - Instructions for a healthy church Part 3
July 02, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBIf you’re a Christian, you’ve put your sinful nature to death and allowed God to breathe His life-giving breath into your soul. In turn, you need to share that life with others. There are times when we need to say hard things to people – things that they aren’t going to want to hear – but how you do that matters a lot. As Pastor Richard will encourage us in today’s message, allow the life-giving Words of Christ to flow out of you into those around you.
1 Thessalonians 5 - Instructions for a healthy church Part 2
June 25, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBSome of us seem to be gifted in judging others. We may see our own shortcomings… but compared to those people – whew! We look pretty good… How often do you find yourself doing that with the Church? Whether it’s people in your own congregation or the Church as a whole, if you’ve accepted Christ as Lord – you’re connected. In today’s message, Pastor Richard will encourage us to get out on the field and help our brothers and sisters.
1 Thessalonians 5 - Instructions for a healthy church Part 1
June 18, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBSome of us seem to be gifted in judging others. We may see our own shortcomings… but compared to those people – whew! We look pretty good… How often do you find yourself doing that with the Church? Whether it’s people in your own congregation or the Church as a whole, if you’ve accepted Christ as Lord – you’re connected. In today’s message, Pastor Richard will encourage us to get out on the field and help our brothers and sisters.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 - More Encouragement Part 2
June 11, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhen you see someone on the street corner shouting “the end is near!” you likely are instantly turned off and maybe concerned for their mental health. While their methods may not be effective, their sense of urgency is right on. As Pastor Richard continues our study of 1st Thessalonians in today’s message, he’ll encourage us to take on that sense of urgency. Jesus really could come back any moment, and we need to be living like it.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 - More Encouragement Part 1
June 04, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBA word that has seen a lot more use over the last couple of years is “pivot”. The pandemic and the wide variety of responses to it, along with political and social unrest have led to situations that none of us could have expected. We’ve all had to adjust our expectations and find new ways to function in these times. As Pastor Richard will encourage us in today’s message, now more than ever, we need to anchor our souls in the firm foundation of Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - Hope For Living Part 2
May 28, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhen you face the unknowns of this life – sickness, accidents, needs – whatever you may face, what gives you hope? Is it your own reason and confidence that you can pull yourself out of those bad situations? Is it money or medicine? Maybe it’s in your friends or family? All of those things can be good things, but as Pastor Richard will remind us, they’ll come up short. Only Christ can provide the hope that frees you from fear.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - Hope For Living Part 1
May 21, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBWhen a woman is pregnant, they have a due date, but they can’t really know for sure when the child will come. For those soon-to-be parents, as the estimated time approaches, they know they need to be ready at any moment. As believers, we need to have a similar mindset for Christ’s return. As Pastor Richard will warn in today’s message, we’re already living in the estimated time – we can’t know for sure, but Christ could return at any moment.
Grace Series - Culmination of Grace Part 2
May 14, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBMany of us would be quick to agree that one of the biggest hindrances to our understanding of the goodness of God's glory is our own flesh. Combine that with the attractions of this world and you've got a prime example of why we struggle as believers. However, as Pastor Bryan will teach you in his message today, there's absolutely nothing that can compare to God's glory. In his study, you'll gain a better understanding of what awaits you as a believer.