Richard Ellis Talks

These days, the world often feels "upside-down" more than it feels "right-side-up"! It's easy to allow the storms of fear and anxiety to take over our lives when we're surrounded by constant change. But we can take comfort in knowing that the Lord is always with us, and that He never changes. As children of God, let's trust Him to take care of us -- in this life, and for all eternity.

 

When we listen to the Lord, He guides us to meet the needs of those who cross our path. But Scripture specifically tells us that when we give to others, we should do it in secret so that all the glory is given to God and not to ourselves. Everything we have is a gift from Him, so let's be good stewards of what's already His and distribute it where He leads us!

As Christians, we ought to be waiting on the Spirit to blow some wind in our sails -- and then allow Him to guide us where He wants us to go! Part of maturing in our faith is learning to look for the "tell tale signs" that God's working in someone or something, so that we can join Him in what He's doing. The Holy Spirit wants to use us to do extraordinary things -- so let's wait, listen, watch, and then respond in faith!

Jesus endured excruciating suffering in order for us to be saved. So when He tells us to "take up our cross" and follow Him, we'd better be ready to give our lives for His sake at any moment. Being "cross fit" means that whether we die physically for our faith or not, we still need to die to ourselves and follow His will each and every day.

The Christian life is a race we're running through this temporary world -- but often, it's less of a sprint and more of a marathon! Whether our journey is long or short, the devil is always seeking to do everything he can to try and take us out of the race. That's why we've got to let go of past struggles, current burdens, and anything else that's holding us back, and focus on the prize that's waiting for us at the finish line.

Many people walk through life fearing all the "what ifs" that could happen. But when we put our faith in God, we trade our "what ifs" for "what is" -- and what is certain is that God promises to take care of us, provide for all our needs, and work all things for our good, no matter what negative situations come our way.

Half of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. It's so common in this country, many couples have "pre-nupes" drafted before they even get married to decide how things will be divided when they inevitably split up! In order to have a God-honoring level of love and commitment in our marriages, we have to do things His way. And His way requires building our relationship on the Rock that is Jesus Christ.

Life changes when we adopt the mindset that everything we have belongs to God. Scripture tells us that He loves us and wants to give us good things. When we live with open hands and the understanding that nothing belongs to us anyway, it's easier to give cheerfully as the Spirit leads and to build a heavenly treasure that can never be taken away.

When we as broken people choose to follow Jesus, He inevitably leads us to other broken people who are also in need of a healing Savior. None of us are perfect -- but we have to love each other enough to call out sin for what it is in hopes that it will lead to repentance. Instead of ignoring destructive behavior, let's be willing to sound the trumpet when needed and hold one another accountable as fellow believers.

When it comes to the things we value -- our time, our money, our talents -- we tend to hold back from God because we're afraid He's going to take it away and leave us empty-handed. But when we give Him all we have, He can use it in miraculous ways. Instead of hoarding what He's given to us in the first place, let's offer it freely, knowing He can take whatever we have to give, no matter how small, and multiply it!