Message Series:
Explore the nature of God as our Good Shepherd and the power of unwavering prayer. "Do you know who you are?"—a question to reflect on the profound love and purpose God has for each of us. Through personal stories, we are reminded that no one is beyond redemption, even those who seem lost.
Hear a testimony about a friend named Kevin and his daughter, Jordan, that reveals how persistent prayer can bring even the most broken situations to hope. Jordan’s journey from addiction and homelessness to recovery shows us that God, the Good Shepherd, never abandons His lost sheep. Just as Kevin never gave up on his daughter, we are encouraged to continue praying for those who are struggling, trusting that God will bring them back home.
We draw on the biblical examples of shepherds, highlighting figures like Moses and David. Both learned to lead through their time as shepherds, caring for their flocks, which prepared them for greater leadership over people. Jesus, too, calls Himself the Good Shepherd—not just any shepherd, but the Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.
Trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God, who is always watching over us. Even when we face trials and enemies, His rod and staff comfort and guide us, and His goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives.
No matter who you are or where you’ve been, God is calling you. He is a good, good Father and Shepherd, leading you to a place of redemption, healing, and new life. Never give up on prayer—God is always at work, even in the darkest places.
New to Living Water? Click the button to plan a visit for a Sunday Morning!
Find More Messages
Want to watch more messages? Find some more below!
Jesus talked about money more than love or faith - over 2,300 verses! Yet most churches avoid this topic. What if everything you thought you knew about biblical giving was incomplete? Did you know faithful Old Testament Jews actually gave 23⅓% of their income, not just 10%? The real question isn't how much to give, but are you giving your first fruits or just tipping God with your leftovers?
The question of biblical tithing has confused many believers, but understanding Scripture reveals that giving has always been a heart issue, not a legal requirement. From Abel's offering to Abraham's tithe, biblical examples show giving flows from gratitude and blessing, not fear or obligation. The Old Testament tithing system was complex, requiring up to 23⅓% over three years for specific purposes in an agrarian society. Jesus fulfilled the Law, freeing us from Levitical requirements and returning us to Abraham's model of grateful giving. New Testament principles emphasize cheerful, sacrificial, and proportional giving based on how God has blessed us, rather than hiding behind a fixed percentage.
Money is one of the most discussed topics in Scripture, with Jesus dedicating 25% of His teaching to it. The first mention principle shows us that from the beginning, giving has always been a heart issue, not a rule to follow. Cain and Abel's offerings reveal that God cares more about the heart behind our gifts than the gifts themselves. Abraham tithed 500 years before the law was given, showing that generous giving flows from recognizing God's provision. When we receive income, our first response reveals whether we truly trust God as our provider. The question isn't whether to give a specific percentage, but whether we're giving God our first and best or our leftovers.
In times of uncertainty and stress, it's natural for our hearts to become troubled. The disciples experienced this same anxiety when Jesus told them He was leaving. Their dreams of an earthly kingdom seemed crushed, and their future felt uncertain. Yet in this moment of distress, Jesus offered them—and us—profound comfort and hope.
What if everything you thought you knew about religion was backwards? In every other religion, followers serve their leaders. But in Christianity, God serves us. Jesus shocked His disciples by washing their feet - a job for servants. This one act reveals why Christianity is unlike any other faith in the world. Are you serving to be saved, or serving because you've already been saved?
Jesus presents a radically different model of leadership that challenges our natural desire for power and position. As He walked confidently toward His death in Jerusalem, Jesus taught His disciples that true greatness comes through serving others, not dominating them. When James and John requested positions of honor, Jesus explained that kingdom leadership requires drinking the cup of sacrifice and embracing the posture of a servant. He came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. True spiritual posture reflects the condition of our hearts and demonstrates the joy and freedom found in following Christ.
