Living Hope's Podcast

What kind of life are you building—one that lasts for today or for eternity? What if the most extraordinary life is built through ordinary faithfulness? This week in his message, A Blessed Life, Pastor Jess Strickland explores the bedrock, the building, and the blessing of a life transformed through daily surrender to Jesus. As we commit to spiritual practices like sabbath, devotions, generosity, groups, and serving, we become more deeply rooted in Christ and reflect His kingdom wherever we go. A life shaped by these allegiant rhythms doesn't just leave a lasting legacy, it positions us to one day hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

What kind of legacy are you building with your life? In a heartfelt Father’s Day message, Bruce Starr honors the life and legacy of his late father, Charles Starr whose unwavering fidelity and allegiance to Jesus shaped every area of his life. Through a commitment to loving God, staying planted in the local church, cherishing family and serving others, Charles modeled a life of faithfulness and lasting legacy. A reminder our practices have lasting impact. Press play!

Who are you becoming under the pressure? The deadlines, expectations, financial stress, comparison, and staying relevant—it’s all pressure. In her sermon Under Pressure, Pastor Jerushah reminds us through the story of Daniel that God places His people in difficult environments not to break them, but to form them. He is calling us to live with faithful allegiance and walk in humility, remaining steady under the pressure; not  for a moment, but for a lifetime. Will you stay faithful under the pressure and receive the gift of wisdom, favor and endurance? Listen now!

The world tells us to strive, compete, and build our own security—but what if instead, we’re called to reorient that ambition towards Jesus? This week in his sermon, The Work We Are Made For, Pastor Jess Strickland challenges us to rethink our workplace by examining the cities we build, the ambitions we pursue, and the work we are made for. As we become lifelong followers of Jesus, our greatest goal is not success, recognition, or achievement— it is becoming more like Jesus and helping others encounter Him through the work we do. Listen here! 

What if your workplace is one of the primary places God wants to move through you? This week in his sermon, Extra Ordinary Days, Pastor Jess Strickland challenges us to see work not as a secular obligation, but as an opportunity to honor God through excellence, integrity and commitment—even when no one is watching. As we serve coworkers, customers, and those around us with benevolence, our everyday work becomes a reflection of who God is. Discover how ordinary work can become an extraordinary ministry. Press play now!

There’s fire on top of everyone’s head…. This Pentecost Sunday, Pastor Jess Strickland walks us through the narrative of God’s presence—from the garden, to Mount Sinai, to the temple, and finally to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. More than a moment on Sunday, the Lord desires to dwell with us all our days. The same fire that once rested on mountains and filled temples now rests on us, empowering us to carry His presence into the world around us. Press play now!

The temple didn’t disappear—it moved. From the burning bush to tongues of fire, God’s presence has always sought a place to dwell, and what if that place is now within you? This week in his sermon, All Fire, Pastor Jess Strickland speaks to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. More than an atmosphere we step into on Sunday, the Holy Spirit desires to become the atmosphere we live in. Listen here as we pray for a continued awareness of His presence! 

What if the way we finish strong is found in something far simpler than we expect? Not in one powerful moment, but a daily, ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit? It’s not enough to simply receive the rain– we’re called to retain it, continually engaging with Him instead of moving on from a single encounter. This week, guest speaker Pastor Luciano Subira reminds us that being led by the Spirit isn’t reserved for rare, mystical moments, but is found in simple, daily surrender and a life that stays close and responsive to Him. This is how we endure, finish well, and live continually filled and formed by His presence. Listen here!

Could it be that heaven isn't far off, but closer than we've imagined? That believing isn't just agreeing, but entrusting every part of ourselves to Jesus? Hear this: we're not striving for a seat- we've already been given one. Our hurts, our habits, our heaviness all placed in His hands. This week in his sermon Given A Seat, Pastor Jess Strickland shares a powerful truth: through the Holy Spirit, heaven meets earth, and we're no longer bound by law or distance, but welcomed into a transformed life with His Spirit dwelling within us. Press play now!

April 5th, 2026. Easter Sunday by Pastor Jess Strickland

The King of glory didn’t come how we expected – He came with humility, not spectacle. What if God’s glory looks nothing like we imagined? What if true power is wrapped in humility? This week in his sermon, A Glorious Holiness, Pastor Jess Strickland reminds us that Jesus entered in surrender, revealing a Kingdom built on sacrifice, not force. Through the cross, He redefines love, breaks guilt and shame, and invites us to return to an awe-filled devotion. Press play now!

Have you ever found yourself wondering if the grass might be greener on the other side? Maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking, if only this were different… then things would be better. This week, guest Pastor Jake Schmelzer invites us into a deeper understanding of marriage, not as something we perfect, but as something we surrender. That the strength of your marriage isn’t found in perfection, but in the presence of Jesus at the very center of it. How when we try to build a marriage on principles alone– even good, Biblical ones– without truly inviting Jesus in, we find ourselves striving without strength. Press play now! 

Have you ever walked into a room feeling completely unprepared? Maybe you’ve wondered if you truly belong there – or if things will actually work out.  This week in his sermon, Four Women at a Well, Pastor Jess Strickland reminds us of a powerful truth: Jesus goes before us. Long before we step into a conversation, face a challenge, or embrace an opportunity, His presence is already there preparing the way. If you’ve been feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or unqualified, this message is an invitation to rest in the confidence that you never walk alone – He’s already ahead of you. Listen here.

Can you hear God calling your name? When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to run to distractions: Netflix, endless scrolling, noise that promises comfort but leaves us unchanged. This week in her sermon Sounds of God, Pastor Jerushah Tanner leads us through the story of Elijah, reminding us just how vital it is to recognize and respond to the sound of God’s voice. In a world filled with platforms competing for our attention and offering us a voice, we can unknowingly numb the very Voice that matters most. Listen in as we continue in our Always Starving fast; leaning into contemplation, silence and a renewed attentiveness to God’s voice.  

Do you ever feel like you’re in over your head? Maybe you’ve found yourself unqualified for a job, or perhaps unprepared for a sporting event, or maybe even unequipped to have a hard conversation? This week in his sermon From Prayer to Prayerfulness, Pastor Jess Strickland reminds us that our lives should be a constant awareness of needing the mercy of God. That we would be quick to cry out, ‘God, have mercy on me’ and invite Him into those places of need. Listen Here!

January 4th, 2026. Shut the Door by Pastor Jess Strickland 

Family Service December 28th, 2025. Come out, Come out, Wherever You Are by Pastor Tim Mahan

A Thrill of Hope 3 by Pastor Jess Strickland. 

“Lord, can You hear me?” “Are You there?” Have you ever felt like God went quiet right when you needed Him most? This week in his sermon A Thrill of Hope, Pastor Jess Strickland reminds us that when God seems hidden, He isn’t absent— He arrives brightly in our darkness, continuously transforming us until old divisions dissolve. And while this transformation takes place, we’re called to carry this same grace out into our world— to remove the line of division and begin seeing people through God’s redemptive lens.  Even when we don’t feel Him, there is a thrill of hope in knowing God is near.  Listen here!

Have you ever been corrected by a parent, coach, or boss and only later realized it was love shaping you into who you were meant to become? God works the same way. This week, Pastor Jess Strickland shares in his message Christ, the Lamb, how the judgment and wrath of God at work in our lives isn’t punishment, but an act of love—destroying what would eventually cause harm so the Christ within can fully live through our lives. Even when it’s hard to see, His presence is breaking chains, restoring what’s built on Him, and filling even the lowliest places with hope. Press play now!