Richard Ellis Talks

We live in a culture where it's considered acceptable and even popular to make fun of people and of their beliefs. But as Christians, we know all too well how it feels to have others look at us like we're crazy when we share the message of the cross with them! Instead of mocking the views of those around us, we need to be open to hearing what they have to say -- because one day, we'll be presented with an opportunity to present the Gospel and we'll want them to be open to hearing what we have to say, too.

Scripture instructs us to flee from certain temptations. But it also commands us to stand firm in the battle against others. Sometimes when the devil wages war against us and our families, we're called not to run, but to put on the armor of God and take a stand against the enemy's schemes.

The world is filled with "what ifs", and if we're not careful, we can spend our whole lives fearing every possible outcome to every possible scenario. But when we give our lives to God, He gives us His peace in return. We can rest in the knowledge that HE holds our lives in His hands -- and that He's already provided for us and seen us through everything we'll experience in this life.

Scripture tells us that God designed us to work diligently. But He also designed us to need rest! Since the beginning of Creation, God has modeled a time of "Sabbath" every seven days. Instead of allowing ourselves to get caught up in the busyness of life and sacrifice this period of restoration, let's obey Jesus's instructions to us to come to Him and let Him replace our weariness with His rest.

A puzzle may be a challenge -- but it's not a dead end. In the same way that Abraham trusted God with one step at a time, even when he couldn't see God's end result for his life, we need to trust that God has a purpose for us beyond what we can see. With each step of obedience that we take, more pieces of life's puzzle fits together -- and one day, we'll be able to see the big picture He had planned for us all along.

 

Would you expect to have a close relationship with someone who you never talk to or spend time with? For most of us, the answer is "no" -- so why do we expect any different for our relationship with God? The truth and hope we so desperately crave can be found in God's ultimate "text message" to us, and the more we devote ourselves to daily time with the Lord in Scripture, the closer we draw to Him.

Each and every one of us can think of a "giant" in our lives: something big, strong, and seemingly impossible for us to defeat. But the God Who provides for all of His creation is bigger than ANY obstacle we face! Just as He fought for His people throughout Scripture, He fights for us today -- and because He promises to take care of our every need, we have nothing to fear in this world.

Sin is a slippery slope. The devil entices us in ways that he knows will get our attention and leave us constantly craving more. The good news is this: when we ask God for help, He's quick to give us discernment to handle the enemy's schemes, and wisdom to seek the freedom that comes from following His righteous path.

Christianity is filled with people who proclaim Jesus with their mouths and deny Him with their actions. We're living, breathing representations of Christ to a world in need of a Savior. If we don't back up the things we say with the things we do, then our faith is dead and makes no difference in our lives -- or the lives of others.

Have you heard the acronym "B.I.B.L.E.": Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth? Scripture is exactly that -- an instruction manual in how we should live. But just like an instruction manual is no good to us if we only read it and don't do what it says, the Bible is meant for us not only to read, but also to obey.