Manna for your Soul: Recent Episodes
Jason Rios
Take a listen to Manna for your soul. Each week, you will hear a word from Pastor Jason, to encourage you in your faith in Christ. So take a listen and we hope you replenish your soul and continue the journey.
Scripture: Exodus 14: 15-16, 21-22
God makes a way for you to walk in faith and continue to serve with hope.
Scripture: Acts 27: 13-26
In the storms of life, our faith is the anchor that will keep us centered in God’s love and help us not to drift away from God’s love and hope.
Scripture: John 15: 9-17
Friends, we continue our Eastertide journey. A 50-day celebration leading towards Pentecost, where we celebrate the good news that in Christ’s death and resurrection, we, and all creation, are continually being made new by God’s love and saving grace.
As we continue to reflect on Chapter 15 of John, we will listen to God’s calling to love one another. How we live and love in this world is the presentation of Christ to those who don’t know him yet. How we share and give does not just reflect on us, but it reflects on Jesus. Through acts of love, we share Christ.
Scripture: Isaiah 43: 18-19
Friends, we continue our Eastertide journey. A 50-day celebration leading towards Pentecost, where we celebrate the good news that in Christ’s death and resurrection, we, and all creation, are continually being made new by God’s love and saving grace.
Today, we continue reflecting on the new God is doing in and through our lives. God can transform the desert areas of your life into fields of blessing and abundance. God can transform a dried-up life into a life of purpose and grace.
Friends, welcome to our Lenten journey through the valley. Just as Jesus wandered in the wilderness for forty days, so too can we feel like we are wandering in the wilderness, as we face hardships, grief, temptations, and injustices.
During our lenten journey, we will discover what it means to wander these parts of life in honesty with God through the practice of lament. We will learn how crying out to God in our need can help us to fully embrace what it means to be human beings held and loved by a God we can trust. We will learn that even through the darkest valleys, Jesus both goes ahead of us and walks with us.
Today, we will focus on lament and surrender. Looking at Jesus’ story at Gethsemane, we will see how Jesus did not always love his options and in the midst of lament, he still freely chose to surrender to God.
Friends, welcome to our Lenten journey through the valley. Just as Jesus wandered in the wilderness for forty days, so too can we feel like we are wandering in the wilderness, as we face hardships, grief, temptations, and injustices.
During our lenten journey, we will discover what it means to wander these parts of life in honesty with God through the practice of lament. We will learn how crying out to God in our need can help us to fully embrace what it means to be human beings held and loved by a God we can trust. We will learn that even through the darkest valleys, Jesus both goes ahead of us and walks with us.
Today, we will focus on lament and honesty. Looking at Job’s story, we will see how Job’s response to his friends ensures us that we can be honest with God in even the most painful situations, trusting God to be God in the process.
Friends, welcome to our Lenten journey through the valley. Just as Jesus wandered in the wilderness for forty days, so can we feel like we are wandering in the wilderness as we face hardships, grief, temptations, and injustices.
During our lenten journey, we will discover what it means to wander these parts of life honestly with God through the practice of lament. We will learn how crying out to God in our need can help us to fully embrace what it means to be human beings held and loved by a God we can trust. We will learn that even through the darkest valleys, Jesus goes ahead of us and walks with us.
Today, we will focus on why Lament? Using Psalm 13 as the scripture lesson, we will see how lament invites us to face our humanity. Lament is a natural part of our faithful, loving response to a world of sin and brokenness.
Scripture: Judges 5: 1-9
Heroes do not just belong in comic books and blockbuster movies. We have them in real life too – people whose courage, strength, and resilience we can look up to as models for our own lives. In this summer series, we will meet three outstanding heroes from our faith story. Their readiness to listen to God’s voice in their lives and act on it inspires us to do the same.
Today we will focus on the story of Deborah. God is at work and calling us into partnership! Are you ready to do your part?
The Bible is full of stories of redemption, change, and hope. Through four of those stories, we will discover how faith in a Risen Jesus can transform our lives for the better here and now. No matter how big or how small we fall, God outstretches God’s hand, ready to raise us up.
Today's story we find in the Gospel of John, chapter 21, verses 15 to 19, is the story of Peter. The love and forgiveness of God is what enables us to rise above our mistakes and become more faithful disciples.
The Bible is full of stories of redemption, change, and hope. Through four of those stories, we will discover how faith in a Risen Jesus can transform our lives for the better here and now. No matter how big or how small we fall, God outstretches God’s hand, ready to raise us up.
Today's story we find in the Gospel of John, chapter 20, verses 24 to 29, is the story of Thomas. The journey from unbelief to belief requires a grace-filled encounter with the Living Christ.
Matthew 6:9-15
Forgiveness frees us from resentment and turmoil. God, who knows us inside out, sees where our mistakes and failings come from. God loves us through it all, offers forgiveness as a gift, and shows us how to extend it to others.
Psalm 137
It is difficult to understand how God could allow the pain and suffering we see in the world and in our own lives. Jesus is Emmanuel, “God with Us”. Jesus reminds us that a better question to ask ourselves is, “What can I do to help those who are suffering and in pain?”
Psalm 100We might be able to believe in God, pray, and even worship alone, but in a community of faith, despite all its imperfections, we can connect, grow, and experience God’s love for us in ways we never could on our own.
Hebrews 4:12-14As Christians, we must always remember the purpose of the Bible is to call us back to God by retelling the story of salvation that culminates in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We cheapen the Bible when we use it to promote our own agendas.
1 John 4:7-19People often wonder who God is or if God even exists. Each time we give, receive, or witness love, we get closer and closer to our answer.
Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 6:1-6
Doubts about faith and life are normal. Unfortunately, Christians are often taught to view doubts as failing God. Isaiah teaches us that by bringing our doubts into the open, we allow God’s grace to fill us with peace and strength.
Scripture: Psalms 51
Our focus today is to prepare our hearts for the approaching season of Lent. We can come and find that God is waiting for us, waiting to receive us back into fellowship, waiting to be reconciled with us yet again.
Scripture: Genesis 37: 3-11
Dreams and hope can lead us to achieve God’s purpose in our lives, even in challenging times.
Luke 19:1-10A bold act of inclusion changed the life of Zacchaeus the tax collector as well as the whole community. How many lives can we transform if we really devote ourselves to inclusion? A fresh start requires being open to Jesus’ invitation to us as well as to those who are not valued in our community – the outcasts or the marginalized.
Luke 17:11-19Jesus has the power to change lives through God’s grace. Our own seemingly intractable flaws can be overcome, and we can change the world in response to the change offered to us. A fresh start begins with living in awe and gratitude of God’s gifts.
Luke 13:31-35Jesus refused to be distracted from his divine mission by dangers or frustrations. We are called to follow his example of steadfast purpose in fulfilling our mission. A fresh start requires steadfast purpose and accepting God’s embrace.
Mark 8:27-38“Taking up our crosses” to be disciples of Jesus means being willing to risk inconvenient demands on our time, lack of certainty, embarrassment, and sometimes even physical danger. But Jesus is the way to life, and he calls us to make fresh starts in faith. A fresh start requires courage, focus, and practice.
Isaiah 35: 1-10God’s deliverance of Israel and of us is cause for joyful celebration, not just human celebration but the celebration of all creation!
This Advent season, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we celebrate how he has made possible what once seemed impossible – peace, hope, joy and love!
Isaiah 11: 1-10Emmanuel, God with us, gives us hope. When we know God through Jesus, we can have hope that one day all will be restored.
This Advent season, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we celebrate how he has made possible what once seemed impossible – peace, hope, joy and love!
Isaiah 2: 1-5Jesus invites us into a change of mindset, to be agents of peace, offering us a new possibility for relating to others, a way of peace.
Laity Sunday is observed on the third Sunday in October (October 16, 2022). Each year The United Methodist Church celebrates the ministry and witness of laypersons everywhere through a special service.
Scripture: Acts 3: 1-10
Equipped | 1 Samuel 17:31-40God gives us the tools we need to fulfill our call. It won’t necessarily look the way we expected or be the way others do it, but God will create our own way for us.
Supported | 1 Samuel 20:1-17Answering a call is rarely easy. But with the support of good friends and a community, we don’t have to face the hardships alone.
Sunday after, we learned a dear friend, a faithful member of Tuckerton UMC passed away.
Scripture: I Samuel 16: 1-13
God has a (different) purpose for everyone, even if it seems unlikely or calls you away from the “norm.”
What are the possibilities when you release the blessings you have been given, and they overflow into the world?
When taking a road trip, the journey matters as much as the arrival at your destination. Every road trip should include a can’t miss stop along the route. It is just as important in our faith journeys not to miss the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Today's Message: Celebrating new life is about embracing how God transforms us to thrive and experience joy.
Today's message: Embrace God’s calling for you, believe that God will do what God promises, and take courageous action in your life.
Today's message: As the body of Christ, we are called to celebrate the diverse ways God is reflected in each and every person.
Scripture: John 20: 19-31
Christ has died and risen, yet the Easter Season continues. These fifty days from Easter to Pentecost are known as Eastertide. During that time, Jesus appeared to his disciples on several occasions, restoring their faith, inviting them to believe, and promising them the Holy Spirit before finally ascending into Heaven.
Today we celebrate that our Lord Jesus lives! In Christ’s resurrection we find hope
We celebrate salvation through Jesus, his sacrifice on the cross, and victory over the grave.
Today we proclaim the Risen Christ!
This Lent, as we remember what it means to be human, we find refreshment from God’s fountain of grace. The different images of cups shown in Scripture will serve as a touchpoint for exploring aspects of our relationship with God.
Today we will focus on the cup of discipleship. Being followers of Jesus involves giving our whole selves to build a community of mutual blessing.
Scripture: Matthew 20: 20-28
This Lent, as we remember what it means to be human, we find refreshment from God’s fountain of grace. The different images of cups shown in Scripture will serve as a touchpoint for exploring aspects of our relationship with God.
Today we will focus on The Cup you choose. Every day we have the opportunity to choose to follow Jesus.
Scripture: Psalms 16
Throughout Scripture and today, God sustains God’s people in the most basic of human ways – physically, with food and drink, and spiritually – with food and drink for our souls. This Lent, as we remember what it means to be human, we find refreshment from God’s fountain of grace. The different images of cups shown in Scripture will serve as a touchpoint for exploring aspects of our relationship with God. What does our brokenness say about us? What does discipleship look like? What does it mean to seek justice? This exploration culminates in the most exciting celebration of all – that Jesus is risen for us and we have new life in him!
Today we will focus on The Cup of Living Water. God affirms all we’ve been through and invites us into healthy relationship, wholeness, and sharing living water with others.
Throughout Scripture and today, God sustains God’s people in the most basic of human ways – physically, with food and drink, and spiritually – with food and drink for our souls. This Lent, as we remember what it means to be human, we find refreshment from God’s fountain of grace. The different images of cups shown in Scripture will serve as a touchpoint for exploring aspects of our relationship with God. What does our brokenness say about us? What does discipleship look like? What does it mean to seek justice? This exploration culminates in the most exciting celebration of all – that Jesus is risen for us and we have new life in him!
Today we will focus on the image of the broken cup. When things break, God can and will bring purpose and beauty out of the brokenness.
Part of the worship series titled: "Restored"
Our relationship with Jesus can heal us, transform us. God knows who we are and offers us new life. In Christ, our lives are restored so we can have victory. Today we will focus on our Journey with Jesus. How we identify him in our life determines how we will grow in our journey with him.
Scripture: Luke 9: 28-36
Part of the worship series titled: "Restored"
Our relationship with Jesus can heal us, transform us. God knows who we are and offers us new life. In Christ, our lives are restored so we can have victory. Today we will focus on how we can be healed. All of us need healing. All of us have a need that is either physical or spiritual. All of us suffer burdens of one kind or another. Every one of us today has a particular need that only Jesus can address.
Scripture: Luke 8: 43-48
Part of the worship series titled: "Restored"
Our relationship with Jesus can heal us, transform us. God knows who we are and offers us new life. In Christ, our lives are restored so we can have victory. Today we will focus on how we can achieve victory. Through the story of the conquest of Jericho we will proclaim what rules can lead us to victory.
Scripture: Joshua 6: 1-20
Part of the worship series titled: "Restored"
Our relationship with Jesus can heal us, transform us. God knows who we are and offers us new life. In Christ, our lives are restored so we can have victory. Today we will focus on how Jesus knows us. Through the story of Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus we will proclaim we are all children of God in need of grace and transformation. Through that grace our actions can impact others.
Scripture: Luke 19: 1-10
We are preparing our hearts to what this new year will bring.
God’s mercies are new every morning!
This New Year we are ready to press the “reset button,” so we can claim the fresh start God makes available to us.
Whether we’ve been in the church for a long time or are exploring the faith, Jesus sometimes calls us to move in a new direction, even when we think we are already heading in the right direction.
Scripture: Acts 9: 1-15
We are preparing our hearts to what this new year will bring.
God’s mercies are new every morning!
This New Year we are ready to press the “reset button,” so we can claim the fresh start God makes available to us.
What does it mean to live by God’s Spirit and not our own, to live according to God’s values and not those of the world?
Scripture: Galatians 5:25 - 6:10
We are preparing our hearts to what this new year will bring.
God’s mercies are new every morning!
This New Year we are ready to press the “reset button,” so we can claim the fresh start God makes available to us.
Spending time with God enables us to start our year with intention. Centered living comes from understanding God’s purpose in this season.
Scripture: Mark 1: 32-39
We are preparing our hearts to what this new year will bring.
God’s mercies are new every morning!
This New Year we are ready to press the “reset button,” so we can claim the fresh start God makes available to us.
Resetting your soul begins with reminding yourself who you are: A child of God.
Scripture: Luke 3: 21-23
We are preparing our hearts to what this new year will bring. God’s mercies are new every morning! But sometimes it is easy for us to get stuck in the same old routine. This New Year let’s hit the “reset button,” so we can claim the fresh start God makes available to us.
Scripture: Matthew 2: 1-12
Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
Christmas shows us that God takes ordinary lives and does extraordinary things with them. The shepherds who were often dismissed play a prominent role in proclaiming the message of Emmanuel, God is with us.
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
God calls us into unknown places that we wouldn’t foresee for ourselves. And even in the midst of uncertainty, God is with us.
Advent Worship Series: God with Us
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25The Christmas story of Jesus’ birth begins with a dilemma. Mary’s pregnancy creates a real issue for Joseph. He is not the father; this situation not only creates personal pain; it also could cause a public scandal. Joseph chooses not to disgrace Mary, but instead he will divorce her, the best that could be hoped for in this situation. However, the Spirit of God moves Joseph from doing good out of a sense of obligation to the revelation of God’s extraordinary plan. When God calls us to move beyond our duty, God is with us.
The scripture reading for this Sunday is Ephesians 4:22-24
This Sunday we end the worship series titled: "All In".
When we face important decisions and opportunities in our lives, we often weigh the pros and cons. We often find reasons to avoid making changes and to keep doing things the same old way. But there comes a time when we must decide… are we going to play it safe or go all in?
John 3:16 tells us that God loved us so much that he gave his only Son for us, “so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” God’s love for us is “all in!” In turn, when we put all our trust in God, our lives can be freed for unimaginable wonder. This series has help us explore what it means to be “all in” for God with all of our being and all that we have.
The scripture reading is Acts 2: 43-47
This Sunday we continue the worship series titled: "All In".
When we face important decisions and opportunities in our lives, we often weigh the pros and cons. We often find reasons to avoid making changes and to keep doing things the same old way. But there comes a time when we must decide… are we going to play it safe or go all in?
John 3:16 tells us that God loved us so much that he gave his only Son for us, “so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” God’s love for us is “all in!” In turn, when we put all our trust in God, our lives can be freed for unimaginable wonder. This series will explore what it means to be “all in” for God with all of our being and all that we have.
Sunday's message is titled: "No Strings Attached"
Gifts given by the Spirit are to bless the wider community.
The scripture reading is 1 Corinthians 12: 4-13
This Sunday we continue the worship series titled: "All In".
When we face important decisions and opportunities in our lives, we often weigh the pros and cons. We often find reasons to avoid making changes and to keep doing things the same old way. But there comes a time when we must decide… are we going to play it safe or go all in?
John 3:16 tells us that God loved us so much that he gave his only Son for us, “so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” God’s love for us is “all in!” In turn, when we put all our trust in God, our lives can be freed for unimaginable wonder. This series will explore what it means to be “all in” for God with all of our being and all that we have.
Sunday's message is titled: "Common Good"
God activates gifts in everyone for the common good.
The scripture reading is Luke 5: 1-11
When we face important decisions and opportunities in our lives, we often weigh the pros and cons. We often find reasons to avoid making changes and to keep doing things the same old way. But there comes a time when we must decide… are we going to play it safe or go all in?
John 3:16 tells us that God loved us so much that he gave his only Son for us, “so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” God’s love for us is “all in!” In turn, when we put all our trust in God, our lives can be freed for unimaginable wonder. This series will explore what it means to be “all in” for God with all of our being and all that we have.
Scripture: 1 Kings 17: 10-16
We are invited to trust, to believe.
As people of faith, we’re called to trust God even when God leads us in directions we wouldn’t otherwise go and calls us to do things we wouldn’t otherwise do.
The scripture reading is James 5:13-20
This Sunday we end the worship series titled: "Living Faith"
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, insisted that Christian faith was more than just a set of beliefs or a feeling. Faith changes our lives and results in faithful action in the world. The New Testament letter of James gives the same message. This series will look at John Wesley’s General Rules in connection with readings from James to show how our faith can come to life in all that we say and do.
Sunday's message is titled: "Stay in Love with God"
Being in love with God isn’t about getting what we want; it’s all about relationship.
The scripture reading is James 3:13-18
We continue the worship series titled: "Living Faith"
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, insisted that Christian faith was more than just a set of beliefs or a feeling. Faith changes our lives and results in faithful action in the world. The New Testament letter of James gives the same message. This series will look at John Wesley’s General Rules in connection with readings from James to show how our faith can come to life in all that we say and do.
Sunday's message is titled: "Do Good"
God’s wisdom is first of all pure, peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.
The scripture reading is James 3: 1-12
We continue the worship series titled: "Living Faith"
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, insisted that Christian faith was more than just a set of beliefs or a feeling. Faith changes our lives and results in faithful action in the world. The New Testament letter of James gives the same message. This series will look at John Wesley’s General Rules in connection with readings from James to show how our faith can come to life in all that we say and do.
Message is titled: "Do no harm"
Words hold the power of life and death. What you say matters: speak life and back up your words with actions.
Scripture: James 2: 1-7, 14-17
In this series, we will explore the three simple rules of Wesley in conversation with the book of James. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, insisted that what we believe must be shown in how we live. He connected personal faith and social holiness and called on Methodists to crawl out of our comfort zones and allow our faith to change the way we live and the whole world.
Scripture: Luke 10: 25-37
This type of mission and service includes efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of others for the purposes of Christ whether or not these people will ever be a part of the community of faith.
Today's message is about one of the practices of fruitful congregations: Passionate Worship.
Scripture is Psalms 84
Scripture: Mark 2: 23-28
We talk about how regularly setting aside time to rest and worship demonstrates our love for God.
Today we continue the worship series titled Summer of Love. A four-week series that will lead us to look at four different ways we can love God and the people around us by following the example and teaching of Jesus.
Today’s story is about Jesus inviting us to appreciate the better parts of life when they are offered.
Scripture: John 6: 1-13
Today’s story is about how we are witness to the love of God when we share our goods and gifts with the community.
Today we begin a new worship series titled Summer of Love. A four week series that will lead us to look at four different ways we can love God and the people around us by following the example and teaching of Jesus.
Today story is about friendships. Jesus considered his disciples, friends. The love of friends carries us through good times and times of trouble. Jesus models for us true friendship even through times of disappointment and hurt. Today’s story is about friendship, reconciliation and how to be a loving friend.
Scripture: John 21: 3-4, 10-17
Scripture: Mark 14: 26-41
As Holy Week starts, let us not forget the journey to the cross. Through the discipline of silence we can connect with God and hear his voice in our hearts.
During these six weeks leading up to Easter we will be exploring different practices, called spiritual disciplines, that can help us do these things as we seek to grab hold of the new life promised to us at Easter through Jesus.
My invitation is for you to consider committing to practice one of the spiritual disciplines we will be exploring over the next several weeks, so lent can be a time that leads you into a deeper relationship with God.
Today we are going to talk about the discipline of worship.
During these six weeks leading up to Easter we will be exploring different practices, called spiritual disciplines, that can help us do these things as we seek to grab hold of the new life promised to us at Easter through Jesus.
My invitation is for you to consider committing to practice one of the spiritual disciplines we will be exploring over the next several weeks, so lent can be a time that leads you into a deeper relationship with God.
Today we are going to talk about the discipline of confession.
During these six weeks leading up to Easter we will be exploring different practices, called spiritual disciplines, that can help us do these things as we seek to grab hold of the new life promised to us at Easter through Jesus.
My invitation is for you to consider committing to practice one of the spiritual disciplines we will be exploring over the next several weeks, so lent can be a time that leads you into a deeper relationship with God.
Today we are going to talk about fasting.
During these six weeks leading up to Easter we will be exploring different practices, called spiritual disciplines, that can help us do these things as we seek to grab hold of the new life promised to us at Easter through Jesus.
My invitation is for you to consider committing to practice one of the spiritual disciplines we will be exploring over the next several weeks, so lent can be a time that leads you into a deeper relationship with God.
Today we are going to talk about studying Scripture.
During these six weeks leading up to Easter we will be exploring different practices, called spiritual disciplines, that can help us do these things as we seek to grab hold of the new life promised to us at Easter through Jesus.
My invitation is for you to consider committing to practice one of the spiritual disciplines we will be exploring over the next several weeks, so lent can be a time that leads you into a deeper relationship with God.
Today we are going to talk about prayer.
This is a six-week course of study. We will explore five essential practices, its New Testament foundation, and what it looks like to pursue this practice daily in our personal life and together in the life of the church. Deepen your walk with Christ as we explore the five essential practices of worship, study, serving, giving, and bearing witness to our faith.
Today's session is about serving.
This is a six-week course of study. We will explore five essential practices, its New Testament foundation, and what it looks like to pursue this practice daily in our personal life and together in the life of the church. Deepen your walk with Christ as we explore the five essential practices of worship, study, serving, giving, and bearing witness to our faith.
This is a six-week course of study. We will explore five essential practices, its New Testament foundation, and what it looks like to pursue this practice daily in our personal life and together in the life of the church. Deepen your walk with Christ as we explore the five essential practices of worship, study, serving, giving, and bearing witness to our faith.
Today we discuss Worship and Prayer.
Scripture: Mark 7:14-19
It’s about your heart. It’s about your thoughts, your actions, the way you live and do things. How you react and how you live the kingdom of God.
Jesus’ words are a reminder to all to see inside our hearts and what is coming out of it. What are our thoughts? Our actions? Are we loving our neighbor? Are we just living by traditions, or are we striving to be more like Jesus?
Sometimes we need to reboot and let his Spirit transform us.
Pastor Jason's message given at Tuckerton UMC on Sunday, September 27, 2020.
Scripture: Jeremiah 8:20-22