Episode Description / Show Notes

As we continue our Advent series Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room, this week’s Bible study centers on a simple but challenging question, are we actually making room for Jesus, or are our hearts just too crowded?

In this episode, we talk about the difference between wanting more of God and creating space for more of God. Using the Christmas story, practical illustrations, and Scripture, we explore how busyness, noise, and even good things can quietly crowd out God’s presence.

You’ll hear encouragement to slow down, clear the clutter, and intentionally open your heart to the Lord again. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about space. A heart that makes room is a heart God loves to fill.

What We Talk About

• Why “no room in the inn” still speaks to our lives today

• How spiritual saturation can block awareness of God’s voice

• The difference between sin and weight, and why both matter

• Clearing emotional, mental, and spiritual clutter

• Why making room invites God to do more within us

• A simple Advent challenge you can practice all week

Key Scriptures

Luke 2.7

Psalm 46.10

Jeremiah 29.13

Psalm 139.23–24

Luke 10.38–42

Isaiah 40.3–4

Hebrews 12.1

Psalm 51.10

Revelation 3.20

This Week’s Challenge

Each day, choose one area of your life to open to God, a habit, a worry, a moment in your schedule. Whisper the prayer, “Jesus, there is room for You here,” and watch how awareness and peace begin to grow.

Stay Connected

Find sermons, Bible studies, giving options, events, and more through our Linktree

https://linktr.ee/ctrfallriver

Thanks for listening.

We’re praying this episode helps you slow down, clear space,

and prepare your heart for what God wants to do in this season.

This week, Pastor Rob and Tim sit down to unpack Week 2 of our Christmas series, Songs of the Season, with a message built around one simple truth, you were made to shine.

If you’ve ever felt like the misfit, the odd one out, or the person who doesn’t quite fit the mold, this episode is for you. We talk Rudolph, real struggles, biblical callings, and why God often uses the very things we try to hide.

Inside this conversation

• Why God never makes mistakes when He creates someone

• How your “red nose” might actually be your calling

• Moses, Jeremiah, Mary, Gideon, David, and what they teach us about feeling unqualified

• How the enemy uses shame and old labels to hold us back

• Trading sorrow for joy and fear for confidence (Psalm 30)

• Why God’s timing is always right, even when it feels slow

• How Robert May’s real-life heartbreak shaped Rudolph and ended up redeeming his story

• Encouragement for anyone who feels overlooked or forgotten

Key Scriptures

Psalm 139:14

Jeremiah 1:5

Ephesians 2:10

2 Corinthians 12:9

Psalm 30

Galatians 4:4

Romans 8:28

Matthew 5:16

Need prayer?

We’d love to stand with you. Use the prayer link on our Linktree to reach out anytime.

Everything CTR in one place

Sermons, prayer requests, giving, food pantry support, tower restoration, events, and more

👉 https://linktr.ee/ctrfallriver

If today’s episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that God created them on purpose and for a purpose.

You were made to shine. ✨

He Came To Be With Us:

Why God’s Presence Changes Everything

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode, Pastor Rob dives deeper into the Thursday night Advent study on Immanuel: God With Us. Whether you were in the room tonight or you’re listening from home, this expanded conversation will strengthen your faith, stretch your perspective, and remind you that God’s presence is personal, constant, and more than enough.

We explore big faith, “hippo-sized” prayers, the power of praise, and how to walk with God during the “not yet” seasons of life.

You’ll also hear updates on outreach, worship highlights from tonight, prayer needs, and what’s coming up this weekend at CTR.

Key Scriptures from Today’s Episode

Matthew 1:23

Isaiah 7:14

John 1:14

John 14:23

Psalm 34:18

Hebrews 13:5

Psalm 139:7–10

Romans 8:26

Isaiah 9:6

Psalm 46:1

Romans 8:32

Psalm 115:1

Episode Highlights

• Why Immanuel isn’t just a Christmas idea; it is a daily reality

• What it means to want MORE of God

• Why silence never means absence

• How to practice awareness of God’s presence

• Why your praise matters and why God deserves the glory for your breakthroughs

• A reminder about hippo-sized faith and daring prayers

• Outreach updates and how God is preparing CTR to serve our city

• Worship recap and prayer for Jonathan’s healing

Upcoming CTR Events

• Men’s Prayer at Spindle City Church Saturday 9am

Carpool available from CTR. Let’s show up strong.

• Cocoa & Carols Sunday Night

Set-up at 4pm, event begins at 6pm

A free night of joy, worship, and Christmas cheer

Bring somebody with you.

• Sunday Morning

Week 2 of “Songs of the Season” continues.

Resources Mentioned

DeGarmo & Key Casual Christian

https://youtu.be/pccjua26Yos?si=qCRNIh6ltkgPYcap

Amy Grant – Emmanuel

https://youtu.be/hUGZ6wMD-oU?si=h_iD4eQn-Y46HKeE

More Love More Power

https://youtu.be/q539OrgDxk0?si=LEosyCDMLTwhlZ_y

CTR Linktree (Give, Connect, Watch)

https://linktr.ee/ctrfallriver