Richard Ellis Talks

When it comes to the emptiness we feel inside, we attempt to fill the void by "stuffing ourselves" with all kinds of earthly pleasures, from food, to fame, to money, to relationships, and more. But the only One who can truly fill us is Jesus. And when we let Him complete us and satisfy the longing we feel, change starts happening from the inside out -- affecting not just us, but the world around us, too!

God's blessed us beyond what we could ever comprehend. And the best way to thank Him for all that He's given us is to turn around and give Him all that we have. The Lord's asking us to give generously, no matter how much or how little we have, because when we do, He always fills us with so much more.

Just as a mother feeds her baby milk, God allows us to feed on "spiritual milk" until we grow mature enough to feed ourselves. But we're not meant to stay dependent forever. As growth takes place in our relationship with the Lord, He begins to reveal certain behaviors we need to be weaned from in order to continue moving forward.

The world is watching Christ-followers to see if we live out the values we claim to believe. People are drawn to authenticity, and when we're authentic in our faith and genuine in our lives, we're better able to pass on to others the mercy that God first extended to us. Then it's up to them whether they'll receive His gift of salvation or say, "Thanks, but no thanks."

When we think about the end of our life here on earth, are we excited for what lies ahead? Jesus said that He's preparing a place for us, and for all those who believe, our true home awaits in Heaven with Him. But instead of wasting time on this earth waiting for that day to come, we've got work to do while we're still here.

God can change even the most mean-spirited person into someone who's full of kindness. All He needs is a repentant heart to work with! The more closely we walk with the Holy Spirit, the more naturally spiritual fruit is produced in our lives -- and when people see that in us, they're drawn to Him.

Would you think or act differently if you knew someone was always watching? Not only does God see everything we do, but He knows every thought that crosses our minds. As Christians, He's in us 24/7. His desire isn't for us to "put on a show" to look good on the outside, but to live out a sanctified life that's truly pleasing to Him.

Fathers are called to be examples to their children of our Heavenly Father. But no dad can do that in his own strength! A father is a kind of "middle man" who teaches his child to lean on the Lord. In the same way, Jesus was a middle man for us -- and it's through Him that we can have a relationship with God the Father for all eternity.

Often, the difficulties we face in life are merely symptoms of a root issue called sin. God gives us tools in Scripture to deal with our struggles, but we have to address our sin first. Not only that, but we can ask others to help us, too.

God's called us to build a legacy of making and raising disciples. And whether or not we had godly parents as an example, there are plenty of Christ-followers who are ready and willing to walk alongside us in that journey. Let's allow others to pour into us so that one day, we can turn around and pour into others.