Richard Ellis Talks

Jesus was the ultimate example of what it means to put love into action. He humbled Himself to be a servant in the most significant ways, including doing the job of washing dirty feet and serving someone who He knew would betray Him. If we want to follow Christ, then it means serving regardless of who we're called to serve or how messy the job might be.

Whether it's our job, our house, or even the situations we face on a regular basis, it's so easy for us to become discontent with our circumstances. But we're not where we are by random chance -- we're there by God's design. Instead of focusing on our location all the time, let's ask Him how He wants to use us in the very places where He's put us.

Scripture tells us that one day, all of our thoughts and our actions will be judged and rewarded accordingly in eternity. We're saved through faith in Jesus Christ, but that doesn't lessen our responsibility to live obedient lives that glorify God in the process.

There are people around the world who have been persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Some may suffer the loss of a job or a reputation -- others suffer the loss of their own lives. But following Jesus means being prepared to do whatever it takes to proclaim His love, because He was willing to die for us first.

A crucial part of the Christian life is finding a God-honoring church and then committing to it as God leads -- even if it gets hard, or we don't like what's being said all the time! God created us to be connected, and that connection is found in building relationships and being together with our church family.

Sometimes it feels scary to speak up for the Gospel, especially when there's a risk of persecution in some way. But God is the provider of all our needs, and He's bigger than any consequence we might face, whether it's being hated by somebody or losing something. When the Spirit leads us to speak, it's up to us to open our mouths in obedience and trust God to take care of the rest.

When Jesus walked this earth, He healed many people, and He taught His disciples to do the same. God still wants to use us to do His work today. As Christians, we're called to be the hands and feet of Jesus -- but we have to obey when He prompts us instead of fearing what He's asking of us.

The world is full of people striving for self-made success. But true success can only be found in following Jesus. When we submit our lives to Him, we not only are able to experience that true success ourselves, but we grow into a position of leading and discipling others, leaving successors behind when we leave this earth for eternity.

We serve a God Who's capable of doing the impossible! And He wants to do those kinds of "impossible" things in us and through us, but we have to surrender our will and obey His, first. When we yield to Jesus, we experience first-hand His amazing power and miraculous blessings.

It's easy to compare ourselves to others. And when we compare -- whether it's our appearances, our finances, or our circumstances -- we tend to question God. But in the same way that the pot doesn't question the potter, we've got to trust God's plan and purpose for our life and allow Him to use us however He sees fit.