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In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 28), I look at the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz and the three struggles that can quietly take hold of our lives: sadness, loneliness, and bitterness. Ruth was walking through grief, Boaz was experiencing loneliness, and Naomi had become consumed by bitterness. Yet God did not leave any of them there. Ruth’s story reminds us that we do not have to live forever in the season we are in. Through God and the relationships He places around us, He can lead us into a new season, a new calling, and a new destiny. If you are struggling with grief, loneliness, or bitterness, I believe this message will remind you that God still has purpose for your life. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Series Overview(00:01:33) - The Story of Naomi and Ruth Begins(00:04:08) - Rudolph and the Island of Misfit Toys Analogy(00:08:14) - Ruth's Journey to Bethlehem(00:11:13) - Ruth's Sadness and Grief(00:14:43) - Moving Through Grief Into a New Season(00:17:50) - Boaz and the Gleaning Fields(00:20:31) - Boaz's Loneliness and the Need for Friendship(00:22:10) - The Author's Own Lifelong Friendships(00:25:04) - Finding Friends and Community at Church(00:27:50) - Naomi's Bitterness Returns Home(00:30:11) - Bruce and the Coffee Story(00:33:46) - Love as the Cure for Bitterness(00:35:09) - Naomi's Redemption Through Obed(00:38:44) - Leslie DeRusso's Story of Faith(00:42:49) - Closing Prayer and Invitation

In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 27), I look at the life of Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 13–14 and Joshua 14 to discover what true, biblical courage really looks like. True courage sees with God’s perspective, trusts His protection, and holds on to His promises even when the circumstances seem impossible. Joshua and Caleb saw the same giants, fortified cities, and obstacles as everyone else, but they chose to believe that God was greater than what they could see. At 85 years old, Caleb made a bold request: “Give me this mountain.” What is the mountain standing in front of you today? Instead of waiting for someone else to face it, God may be calling you to step forward in faith and courage. Whatever your mountain may be, the Lord is with you. Give me this mountain. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and National Day of Prayer(00:02:00) - Setting the Scene: Joshua's Name Change(00:03:41) - Opening Prayer(00:03:57) - Stories of Natural Courage(00:06:50) - What True Courage Really Looks Like(00:07:42) - The Spies' Report: Giants and Fortified Cities(00:10:04) - Seeing with God's Perception(00:13:06) - Matthew 13 and Spiritual Sight(00:15:40) - Joshua and Caleb's Response to the People(00:16:50) - True Courage Believes in God's Protection(00:17:35) - The Ghost Dance and Wounded Knee(00:20:33) - Misunderstanding God's Protection(00:24:25) - God's Protection in Suffering and Overcoming(00:27:20) - The People's Rebellion and God's Judgment(00:28:19) - Inheriting God's Promises in His Timing(00:31:30) - 45 Years Later: Caleb's Request(00:35:28) - Give Me This Mountain(00:36:23) - Applying 'Give Me This Mountain' to Our Lives(00:41:00) - Closing Prayer: Claiming Your Mountain(00:42:23) - Closing Remarks and Podcast Sign-off

In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 26), I take us through the life of Barnabas in Acts 4, 9, 13, and 15 and challenge us to become sons and daughters of encouragement. Barnabas saw potential in people others had given up on, including Saul, who would become the Apostle Paul. He was willing to serve without needing the credit, and he showed grace even when he disagreed with others. We all need a Barnabas in our lives, and we are called to be one for the people around us. Somewhere out there is a Saul who needs someone to see what God has placed inside of him, and somewhere there is a John Mark who needs someone to believe that his story isn't over. The world is full of discouragement, but the church should be full of people who speak life, love, grace, and encouragement. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro and Scripture Reading (Acts 4:36)(00:01:31) - The Meaning Behind the Name Travis(00:04:36) - Barnabas: Named for His Character(00:05:52) - Barnabas Introduces Saul to the Disciples(00:07:13) - Encouragers See Potential(00:11:10) - Saul Becomes Paul on Mission(00:13:06) - The Supremes Analogy: Not Caring Who Gets Credit(00:18:58) - Barnabas and John Mark's Falling Out with Paul(00:22:18) - Grace in Disagreement(00:26:08) - Personal Stories of Encouragement(00:29:36) - Call to Be Sons and Daughters of Encouragement(00:31:37) - Closing Prayer and Communion

In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 25), I take us into Daniel 3 and the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. There are seasons when we find ourselves in the fire through no fault of our own, and in those moments, we need to remember that we are not alone. There is a fourth man in the fire. The fire is painful, but God is still sovereign. In the furnace, we can discover freedom from the things that have bound us, encounter Jesus in ways we have never known before, and learn to trust Him even when we cannot see what He is doing. If you're walking through a season of suffering, uncertainty, or tribulation, hold on to the fourth man in the fire. He will sustain you, and He will never leave you or forsake you. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro and Weather Banter(00:01:10) - Series on Name Changes: Introducing Daniel's Friends(00:02:30) - Reading Daniel: The Golden Image and the Furnace Decree(00:04:11) - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego Defy Nebuchadnezzar(00:05:33) - Opening Prayer(00:05:51) - Fire as Blessing and Danger: Life's Pros and Cons(00:07:36) - Clarifying Suffering vs Self-Caused Consequences(00:11:10) - Cast Into the Furnace(00:13:52) - In the Fire We Discover Freedom(00:15:50) - Peter Pan Story: Letting Go in the Fire(00:20:02) - In the Fire We Discover Jesus(00:24:42) - Coming Out: Promotion and Blessing After the Furnace(00:28:43) - Trusting God's Sovereignty: The Hitchhiker Story(00:34:13) - Personal Testimony: The Church Split Furnace(00:38:16) - Finding Psalm 41 in Desperation(00:40:36) - The Fourth Man in the Fire: Closing Appeal(00:43:45) - Closing Prayer and Altar Call(00:45:01) - Outro

In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 24), I look at Genesis 17 and the moment God met Abram and Sarai after years of waiting, failure, and silence. God first reveals Himself as El Shaddai, God Almighty, reminding Abram that his mistakes have not canceled God’s covenant or His promises. Then Abram becomes Abraham and Sarai becomes Sarah, revealing both a renewed promise and a deeply personal relationship with God. What do you need to leave behind to become who God is calling you to be? Through Abraham’s covenant, Sarah’s new identity, and the picture of baptism, we are reminded that God still has a purpose for us. Sometimes we have to die to what is in our present so we can step into the promise and destiny God has prepared for our future. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction and Series Overview(00:02:00) - Abraham and Sarah: Setting the Scene(00:02:52) - Funny Name Changes: Michael Caine and Sting(00:05:26) - Personal Nicknames and Relationships(00:07:41) - Background: Abram, Sarai, and Ishmael(00:10:14) - 13 Years of Silence(00:13:44) - God Reveals Himself as El Shaddai(00:17:09) - The Covenant Renewed Despite Failure(00:18:30) - Abram Becomes Abraham: The Promise(00:23:38) - Sarai Becomes Sarah: The Personal Relationship(00:28:18) - Defined by Relationship, Not Just Context(00:31:08) - Circumcision and the Call to Sacrifice(00:37:25) - Circumcision of the Heart in Romans(00:39:57) - New Names Through Baptism in India(00:42:23) - Altar Call and Baptism Invitation(00:45:12) - Closing Prayer and Podcast Outro

In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 023), I take us to Acts 19 and the journey of the believers in Ephesus. Paul shows us that repentance is necessary, but repentance alone is not the destination. We must believe in Jesus Christ for salvation, and then receive the power of the Holy Spirit to live the life God has called us to live. Salvation is the foundation, but the journey does not end there. As we look at Acts 19, 1 Corinthians 11, and the promise of the Holy Spirit, I challenge us to ask an honest question: Do I have the power of the Holy Spirit operating in my life? God has not called us to remain bound by sin, addiction, fear, or the wounds of our past. There is power, freedom, and life available through the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that our heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. All you have to do is ask. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - Podcast(00:00:42) - Paul's First Journey to Ephesus(00:06:16) - Paul meets Christians in Ephesus(00:11:10) - Paul: Repentance is Incomplete(00:17:24) - What Must I Do to Be Saved?(00:22:29) - Christ's Communion(00:25:59) - Communion(00:28:54) - The Power of the Holy Spirit in Ephesus(00:33:48) - The Journey from the Savion to Ephesus(00:38:49) - Free from bondage(00:43:36) - The Journey to Ephesus

In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 022), I take you to Acts 16 and the journey of Paul and Silas to Macedonia. Even after being beaten, imprisoned, and chained, they chose to pray and worship God at midnight. What happened next reminds us that true worship is always transformational. Worship can transform the atmosphere around us, transform the people we are praying for, and transform us in the middle of our own trials. Maybe you feel like you are in a cave or a difficult season right now. My prayer is that this message will remind you that your circumstances do not have to determine your worship. As we focus on God, He can bring transformation where we need it most. Worship transforms everything. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - PODCAST(00:00:42) - Journey to Macedonia(00:01:54) - The Brain of Apple Fans(00:04:54) - Wonders of the World(00:07:21) - What of Wonders?(00:07:56) - Paul and Silas(00:10:20) - Worship Transforms the Atmosphere(00:15:34) - Wonders of the World(00:16:23) - Wonders of the World(00:21:10) - Worship Transforms Us(00:25:14) - What David Knew in That Cave(00:27:28) - What is True Worship?(00:29:59) - Wonders of the World(00:32:55) - Worship

In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 021), I take us on the journey to Caesarea Philippi in Matthew 16 and ask the most important question we can ever answer: Who do you say Jesus is? The world will try to reshape Jesus into whatever fits our beliefs, desires, or worldview, while legalism tells us that His grace is not enough. But Jesus is not who we make Him to be. He is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and Jesus is Lord. His grace is sufficient, and His blood has redeemed us once and for all. The question is not only whether we have made Jesus Lord for salvation, but whether we have surrendered every part of our lives to Him. Is Jesus Lord of your relationships, your thoughts, your actions, your future, and everything you hold back? As you listen, I pray this message challenges you to lay it all down and experience the freedom that comes through the grace of God. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - Pastor Travis Rutland(00:00:42) - The Journey to Caesarea Philippi(00:02:12) - Who Is Jesus? On the Road Trip(00:05:17) - Jesus on the Plastered Message(00:09:00) - Bart Ehrman: Was Jesus the First Transgender Man?(00:14:36) - What Does the World Say Jesus Is?(00:15:38) - Pharisees(00:20:45) - Setting Free From the Law(00:25:55) - The Grace of God Has Redeemed You(00:26:27) - Legalism(00:29:59) - The Question of Who Is Jesus?(00:31:24) - Who Do You Say Jesus Is?(00:35:23) - Is Jesus Lord of Your Life?(00:41:20) - Jesus is Lord of My Life

In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 020), I take us on a journey with Elijah from Mount Carmel to Jezreel in 1 Kings 18. After the fire falls from heaven and God gives Elijah victory, we see that the story is not over. There are more victories ahead, and the journey teaches us what it takes to walk in them. Victory requires preparation through humility, perseverance through prayer, and faith to move forward when God gives the promise. If you are waiting on God, praying for a breakthrough, or tempted to live in yesterday’s victory, this message is an encouragement to stay humble, keep praying, and believe that God still has more ahead. The same God who sent fire from heaven and broke the drought is still faithful today. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - Pastor Travis Rutland(00:00:43) - Journey to Jezreel(00:05:25) - God's Victories(00:11:17) - Elijah's Preparation for the Victory(00:16:47) - Elijah's Process of Inheriting the Victory(00:22:49) - God's Process of Prayer(00:27:55) - Elijah's Prayer for the Desert(00:33:26) - Elijah the Prophet(00:37:07) - Folk Hero: John Henry(00:42:31) - Perseverance in Prayer

In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 019), I take a look at Moses’ journey to Midian in Exodus 2 and what happens when we get ahead of God’s timing, act impulsively, depend on our own strength, or become more concerned with what others think than what God is saying. Moses made serious mistakes, but his time in Midian was not the end of his story. If you feel like your past mistakes have disqualified you, I want to remind you that setbacks are not failures. God still has purpose, destiny, and a calling for your life. Just as God called Moses from the burning bush in Exodus 3, He can call you forward from whatever season you are in. Through the victory of Christ, we are not defined by our past. We are more than conquerors because of Christ in us. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - Podcast(00:00:42) - Journey to Midian(00:03:36) - The Case for a Large and Impressive Navy(00:09:03) - The Journey to Midian(00:14:29) - We experience setback when we act impulsively(00:21:21) - God's Will to Help You(00:26:13) - We Experience Stoppage When We Refuse to Confess Our(00:32:19) - When You Can't Hide Your Sin(00:34:32) - Never A Failure(00:37:25) - God's plan for Israel(00:41:44) - Crucified at Communion

In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 018), I take us into Genesis 11 and 12 and the journey of Abram toward Canaan. God had called Abram to go, but the journey itself would reveal what God was doing in him. Sometimes the greatest danger is not turning back, but stopping too soon and settling for a place God never intended to be our final destination. As we follow Abram’s journey, we’ll look at what it means to leave the old things behind, refuse to be defined by the world, by other people, or even by our own accusations, and keep moving toward what God has called us to do. But there is one command that must shape the entire journey: “Be a blessing.” Wherever God has us going, we are called to love, encourage, forgive, serve, and bless the people we encounter along the way. Don’t stop in Haran. Keep moving forward, and be a blessing on the journey. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - Pastor Travis Rutland(00:00:42) - Abram the Journey to Canaan(00:01:41) - Thomas Jefferson and the Louisiana Purchase(00:06:33) - God's call to go to the land of Canaan(00:10:22) - We Almost Did Die In Canyonlands National Park(00:14:16) - Don't Stop on Your Journey(00:19:15) - Letting Go of Others(00:23:22) - God's call to Abram in Genesis 12(00:26:31) - Be a Blessing to the People on the Journey(00:28:53) - Journey of Global Servants: The Challenges(00:34:02) - God Bless Every Person on Their Journey

In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 017), I take us on a journey from the Garden of Eden to the promise of eternity. Genesis 3 and 4 show us what sin did to humanity—separating us from the intimate presence of God and sending us “east of Eden.” But the story does not end there. Jesus came to give us life, and life more abundantly. Through John 10:10, Acts 1, and Revelation 22, we see the incredible work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to restore what was lost. Salvation opens the way, the Holy Spirit gives us power to overcome, and the Father has prepared an eternal garden where there will be no more curse. If you feel yourself drifting “east of Eden,” this message is a reminder that victory, freedom, and the presence of God are available to you. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - PODCAST(00:00:44) - Journey to East of Eden(00:02:24) - Road Tripping to Mackinac Island(00:06:54) - The Garden of Eden(00:11:51) - The Garden of Eden(00:16:39) - The Garden of Eden(00:22:38) - The Garden of Eden(00:27:28) - Jesus said, I Have Come to the Garden(00:32:20) - You Will Receive Power Through the Holy Spirit(00:36:22) - The Garden of Eden(00:40:05) - Going Home: The Garden of Eden(00:42:42) - Have You Made Jesus Your Lord and Savior?(00:46:51) - You Shall Receive Power This Morning

In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 016), I conclude our “9 to 5” series by looking at John 18 and the trial of Jesus before Pilate. In this message, we see three visions of kingship on display—Caesar representing earthly supremacy and power, Herod representing sensual desire and self-indulgence, and Jesus standing as the true King of sacrifice who redefines what it means to rule and reign. From the courtroom of Pilate to the cross and ultimately the empty tomb in Mark 16, this sermon proclaims the victory of Christ over sin, death, and the grave. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11) is the Spirit that brings us new life, forgiveness (Colossians 2:13), and lasting victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15). This is the gospel: not occasional breakthrough, but the finished victory of the risen King. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - Pastor Travis Rutland(00:00:42) - 9 to 5: Good Friday and King's Day(00:03:01) - The Oldest Crown in Human History Found(00:05:37) - John 19: Pilate the Cruel(00:07:36) - The King of Supremacy(00:13:42) - Jesus: The King of Kings(00:19:50) - The King of Sensuality(00:24:35) - In the Name of Pleasure(00:25:20) - Jesus Turns the Kingdom Upside Down(00:31:30) - The King of Sacrifice(00:33:28) - The King of Sacrifice and His Resurrection(00:39:39) - The King of Sacrificial Lives(00:42:10) - 1 Corinthians 15: Thanks Be to God, Who Gives us(00:45:21) - Jesus Christ

In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 015), I want to show you that Palm Sunday is about far more than Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem. When you trace the story from Ezekiel's vision of God's glory leaving the temple, through the promises of Haggai, and into Matthew 21, you'll discover that Jesus is the fulfillment of every promise. He is the returning glory of God, entering the temple through the eastern gate exactly as Scripture foretold. We'll also look at why Jesus drove out the money changers, what that means for our lives as the temple of the Holy Spirit, and why His grace opened the door for everyone who had been kept on the outside. No matter your past, your failures, or your struggles, Jesus still answers the cry of "Hosanna"—"Save us now." His glory still transforms lives, His holiness still purifies His people, and His grace is still available to all who will come to Him. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - PODCAST(00:00:42) - Palm Sunday(00:02:23) - Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan(00:07:08) - The Glory of the Lord Has Departed from the Temple(00:12:50) - God's Glory in the Second Temple(00:13:42) - The Ark of the Covenant(00:20:21) - Jesus on the Money Changers(00:25:00) - Isaiah calls the Holy Spirit to drive out the unrighteous from(00:30:27) - Matthew 21, The Blind and the lame(00:31:17) - Leviticus 21:16(00:37:27) - Palm Sunday(00:44:34) - Palm Sunday

In this episode of the Travis Rutland Podcast (Ep. 014), I want to take you to the potter's house in Jeremiah 18-19 and remind you of one life-changing truth: we are not the potter—we are the clay. God is the One who shapes, molds, and forms us according to His purpose. No matter what you've done, your failures, your past, or the mistakes you've made, the marred clay is never beyond the reach of the Master's hands. God is still able to redeem, restore, and use your life for His glory. We'll look at three powerful lessons from the potter's house: why your past does not disqualify you, why God—not you—determines your purpose, and why your heart must remain soft and pliable as He continues His work in you. If you've ever questioned your calling, wondered whether God can still use you, or struggled to surrender your plans to His, this message will encourage you to trust the Potter's hands more than your own. Stay on the wheel, remain humble, and let God shape your future according to His perfect will. – Travis Rutland Chapters (00:00:00) - Podcast(00:00:43) - The Job of Potter(00:01:49) - Samuel Bringle(00:07:18) - lessons from the potter(00:12:25) - Clay doesn't decide what clay becomes(00:15:54) - What I Wish I Knew About Me(00:20:29) - God's Calling on Your Life(00:23:35) - Jeremiah 19: Thus Says the Lord, Go and Get a(00:28:07) - Christians: Remain Pliable in the Potter's Hands(00:34:24) - Stay Pliable in the Potter's Hands