Richard Ellis Talks

We can get so wrapped up in our own struggles and successes that we overlook those who are dying spiritually all around us. But what if we prayed for eyes to see those who need to be cared for, and compassion that moves us to do something about it?

We all have a decision to make when it comes to hearing the truth of the Gospel -- but not everyone who hears it will choose to accept it. Our responsibility as believers is to share the Good News and trust God to open eyes, minds, and hearts.

How do we treat our "friendship" with Jesus? Are we quick to abandon Him in the heat of the moment, or do we stand by Him no matter what? To love and serve God is to identify with Him -- not only in good times, when it suits us, but also in suffering, even when it might cost us everything this world has to offer.

If we ever find ourselves asking the question, "What is God's way?" we only need to look at what the enemy is telling us, because it will always be the opposite of what the Lord has designed for us. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we're in a spiritual battle every single day. We face constant attacks as Satan attempts to steal, kill, and destroy God's plan for our lives -- and the only way to fight is to arm ourselves with Scripture and prayer.

If you've ever fought God when He's pursued you or called you to Himself, then you know what it feels like to have spiritual "bloody knuckles". But through Christ, we're provided a balm of healing for our soul. He's the Savior of the world, and in Him, we find full and complete healing -- if only we're willing to accept it.

In the Old Testament, we read of how people had to sacrifice animals in order for their sins to be covered by the blood. But once Jesus came and died for all mankind, it became His blood that would cover the sins of all who accept His sacrifice. Only through Jesus Himself can we receive forgiveness and be reconciled to God.

Jesus didn't suffer a painful death by accident or chance. It was necessary for the fulfillment of prophecies that were foretold hundreds of years before the birth of Christ. He died in His earthly body so He could offer us hope for eternity -- and we, as believers, now make up the Body of Christ, left to show this world the hope we find in Him.

Have you ever considered that the original "Easter egg" wasn't hardboiled or made of chocolate, but was, in fact, Jesus Himself? Scripture tells us that Mary was a virgin who, through the Holy Spirit, conceived God Himself within her womb. That egg was born as a baby, who would grow up as a human being to take the sins of all human beings with Him to the cross. We're offered redemption, freedom, and eternal salvation if we accept it -- all thanks to a virgin womb and an empty tomb.

Some people hear the Word and get excited -- at first. Others hear the Word and are just plain distracted by the world. Still others hear the Word, but they refuse to accept it. And then there are those who hear the Word and it resonates deep within, causing them to grow and produce spiritual fruit. Ever wonder which category you fall into? All you have to do is observe your life and what it's producing in order to find out the answer.

We can only stay "baby Christians" in spiritual infancy for so long. Sooner or later, we should be growing to the place of being able to help disciple other new believers. A life spent following Jesus is a life in which He'll always be asking us to do new things for His Kingdom's work -- and we'd better be ready to step up and obey when it's our turn.

Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. So why do we still try to dethrone Him time and time again? When we allow Him to rule and reign in our lives, our circumstances might not always turn out the way we wanted, but there will be a heavenly reward awaiting us, and our purpose -- to glorify Him -- will be fulfilled.

Where our treasures are, there our hearts will be, also. The "capital C" Church isn't made up of brick and mortar; it's made up of people, and God's called us to work together to learn how to meet the needs of others. Learning to hear His voice is one key to the mission of generosity -- the other key is to say "yes" when He asks!    

Genesis 2:24 instructs, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." The job of a parent is to train their child in the way they should go -- and then give them the freedom and the blessing to leave when that day comes. Both men and women are called to honor their parents once they're grown, but "honor" isn't always synonymous with "obedience" as adults.

Ever find yourself wrestling with God? If you want to save yourself a lot of time and energy, here's a tip: you'll never win that match-up! Too often we stand in our own way by disobeying God and what He's calling us to do, when He's waiting all along for us to surrender to His will. When we submit to His authority, He gives us His power to do things we could never accomplish on our own.

God is the ultimate Comforter. He knows our every pain and struggle. He comforts us so that we can turn around and comfort others. Instead of finding solace in earthly things, we need to seek our peace and reassurance in Him.