Richard Ellis Talks

Often, God allows pain in our lives in order to bring us back to Him. And just like the father in the story of the prodigal son, He doesn't condemn us -- He welcomes us home with open arms. When we return to Him, it doesn't matter how broken we are; He promises to rebuild and restore us in a way that makes us truly whole.

Have you ever wondered why God would leave believers here on the earth instead of bringing us to heaven right now? It's because there's a whole world of people who don't yet know Him -- and He's charged us with the responsibility of making sure they hear the Gospel before it's too late. Every Christian has a call to tell others about the free gift of salvation offered to them through Jesus Christ.

There are times in our lives when God's grace pours down like rain. But there are also times -- many times -- when it's His "dew" that sustains us on a day-to-day basis. His provision for every area of life demonstrates His immeasurable grace, and His gift of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection is more than enough for our every need.

Contentment isn't a state that's based on circumstances; it's a state that's based on spiritual maturity. In the book of Philippians, Paul writes, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." When we focus on God and His Kingdom, our lives cease to become ours and become His alone -- and no matter how much or how little we have, our contentment is found in Christ alone.

God freely gives His grace to us. He doesn't hold back, even knowing that we'll squander it and continue to struggle with sin. Now, we're called to live sacrificially in service to others, offering everything we have to be used by Him as the Spirit leads.

When Jesus died, He knew something that His followers didn't: He knew that God would raise Him from the dead and bring Him back to life. Because of His sacrifice, we're given the opportunity to be raised from eternal death and given eternal life in heaven, but accepting the salvation He so freely offers us is a choice that each and every person has to make.

The story of David and Goliath is a famous example of God defeating a literal giant. But there are countless stories throughout Scripture, throughout history, and throughout each of our lives where God has been faithful to defeat proverbial giants on our behalf. We're going to face trials and tragedies in this world -- Jesus assured us of that -- but instead of spending our time wrapped up in anxiety and fear, we can believe His Word and trust that He's greater than anything that comes against us.

God promises to supply all of our needs; if we doubt that, we just need to look at the countless examples in Scripture that demonstrate how He's cared for His people all throughout history. But Jesus teaches that we have more than just physical needs, and unless we eat the spiritual food that nourishes our spiritual needs, we will never be filled.

Examine your life as it is right now. Are you holding onto something -- and unwilling to give it to God so that He can bring healing and help you move on? Whether it's our own mistakes from the past, or the hurt caused by someone else's actions towards us, we have to be willing to let go if we want to step into and take hold of the fullness of life that God offers us.

Jesus spent His entire time on earth modeling for us what it looks like to live and love outside of the box. Obedience to God draws us out of our comfort zone by necessity, so that He may be glorified and His name may be made known to others. What "box" are you trapped in that's keeping you from surrendering in full obedience to Him?