Dr. Jim Richards

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com From the beginning, God has shown us that every interaction with Him is rooted in one essential reality: faith. Yet for many believers, faith has been shaped more by religious tradition than by a living relationship with God Himself. We often approach faith as a tool we use to persuade God to give us something. But biblical faith is far more profound. Faith is trusting God to be exactly who He says He is, independent of circumstances, outcomes, or personal desires. In Scripture, faith is relational. It is born from experiencing God, walking with Him, and allowing the Holy Spirit to bring truth alive in our hearts. This is the faith Jesus described; the kind that emerges from knowing the Father, not merely knowing about Him. There is a divine continuum by which real faith grows. It begins with God's Word, moves into understanding by the Spirit, and matures into wisdom. Wisdom is not mystical insight or emotional intensit

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com Fellowship With the Spirit The very first letter of the Hebrew alphabet carries a profound message: it reveals God’s first and highest intention for mankind. From the beginning, God’s deepest desire has been to harmonize Himself with mankind and establish heaven on earth. And within that first letter, we discover not only God’s highest priority but also the path by which His intention is fulfilled. In the block letters of the Hebrew alef-bet, this letter conveys that the life of God flows into us when we become one with the Father through the Lord Jesus. In the New Testament, we find 15 references to our fellowship with God the Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit, and with one another. Through the centuries, this powerful concept has been reduced to little more than social gatherings. Nearly every denominational church in America has a “fellowship hall,” typically furnished with tables and chairs, designed to share m

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com Aligning With The Power We already have all the power of God within us—because the Holy Spirit is in us! Think about that for a moment: the very power that created the heavens, the earth, every living creature, and the entire human race resides in every believer. We never have to beg God for special anointings or plead for His power to come upon us. We have the power! All we need to do is align with the Holy Spirit, i.e., the Spirit of power and might! According to Scripture, when we are born again, the Holy Spirit—with all His power—comes in us. Then, according to Jesus’ promise (Acts 1:5-8), when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, He manifests that power through us to touch the world. The result of the Spirit working in us and through us is that we become witnesses. Most of us first think of witnessing as telling others about Jesus—and that is certainly part of it—but it’s not the whole picture. Biblically, a witness is s

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com Experiencing the Spirit of Grace Over the last fifty years, there has been a remarkable resurgence in preaching and teaching about God’s grace. Sadly, like so many biblical doctrines, grace has often become something people talk about—but seldom experience. I’ve witnessed some of the most irrational arguments over subtle doctrinal points about grace. Ironically, the behavior of those arguing usually reveals that, while they may have the right information about grace, they are not living in the power of grace! Rarely do we hear people talk about how grace is actively transforming their lives—making them more stable in their walk with God, bolder in sharing their faith, more loving, kind, and patient. What’s even more troubling is that, for many, the message of grace has not softened their hearts—it has hardened them. Instead of becoming more compassionate and understanding, they’ve become more critical and less patient w

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com If someone who was already incredibly successful in the very thing you dream of doing offered to mentor you for free, would you accept? Most of us would immediately say, “Of course I would!” But what if they asked you to commit just two hours a day to learning, growing, and applying what they taught? Suddenly, many would hesitate. Excuses would appear: “I’m too tired after work,” “I don’t have time,” “Maybe later…” I once knew a man who came to the United States with nothing. He got a job at a convenience store and, instead of renting an apartment, slept in the restroom to save every penny. His coworkers didn’t understand. Some even laughed. But he wasn’t living for the moment — he was living for a vision. In time, the owner promoted him to manager. Still, he didn’t change his habits. He continued to save. Eventually, he saved enough to buy that store. Then another. Then another. Before long, he owned a chain of stores

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com The Critical Factor of Faith We all know that miracles are a gift—freely given by the Holy Spirit. Yet, if we’re honest, we’ve all faced moments when the miracle we needed didn’t manifest. In those moments, we often turn inward and start judging ourselves or even questioning God. We assume we know why the miracle didn’t happen—and then, based on those assumptions, we try to fix the problem in our own strength. But here’s the truth: when we’re in need, God doesn’t tell us to seek a miracle first—He tells us to seek wisdom. The critical factor in faith is knowing and trusting what God is saying! Wisdom may have many definitions, but one thing is certain: true wisdom always leads to practical application. It shows us how to walk out God’s promises in real life. That’s why Scripture says wisdom is the principal thing—the most essential factor of all. Get wisdom before you attempt to devise your plan! God knows what’s in you

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com Are You Ready to Discover the Way of Wisdom? The Bible reminds us that we don’t always know how to pray when facing life’s challenges. If we don’t know how to pray, it’s no surprise that we often struggle to make the right decisions—decisions that lead to the perfect outcome God desires for us. Two of the many powerful works of the Holy Spirit are these: He leads us in supernatural prayer that surpasses human comprehension, and He gives us wisdom—the kind of wisdom that turns revelation into practical, victorious living. Even when we can’t see the road ahead or understand all the obstacles before us, the Holy Spirit guides us—showing us when to act and when to wait, who to trust and who to avoid, and how to walk in peace and confidence. Join me this week as we explore this incredible dimension called The Way of Wisdom. Discover how the Holy Spirit not only leads us on the right path but also gives us the strength to pre

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com If you were facing a difficult situation today—sickness, financial pressure, a tough business decision, a troubled relationship, or any other challenge—how would you pray? Would you ask God to fix the situation, to work a miracle? Or would you pray for wisdom? Most people would pray for a miracle. They want God to deliver them from the problem. And you can be certain of this: God does want you delivered. We all know we should pray about everything and look for God’s help in our time of need. But what we often forget is that there are many kinds of prayer, and not every type is effective in every situation. Yet God gives us clear instructions for how to pray when we are being tested or tempted. The Greek word translated “tested” means to be tempted to do evil, tested, examined, or made to strain. Unfortunately, many believers have been taught that God orchestrates these hardships to accomplish some mystical agenda. But t

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com Is Doctrine Important? Absolutely! Sound doctrine is vital; it condenses the Bible's many teachings into clear, practical concepts that help us understand truth. However, humanity has a poor track record, often twisting God’s truth into man-made doctrines and rules exalted above His Word. Jesus called these "the traditions of men," warning they make the Word of God "of no effect" (Mark 7:13). When doctrine is elevated, it destroys faith in God’s truth. Sadly, the modern church often repeats this, with believers knowing more about denominational doctrine than the doctrines of God. Instead of seeking God's Spirit-led voice, many substitute doctrine—even using it to justify the life they want. This week, let’s explore the dogmatic ways believers approach the doctrine of Jesus’ second coming. People often develop extreme ideas in fearful times, looking for safety. But Jesus never taught that correct doctrine gives us peace.

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com Understanding the seasons is like receiving a prophetic glimpse into both the world around us and the direction of our own lives. When we properly discern the season, confusion fades and clarity comes. We no longer feel lost or overwhelmed—we recognize the signs, and we understand how to respond. Nothing takes us by surprise! Even more powerful is this truth: when we know the season we are about to enter, we can prepare in advance. Instead of stumbling through pain, disappointment, or frustration, we walk with wisdom, confidence, and peace. Pastors can lead their churches with clarity and vision. Parents can guide their families through transitions with confidence. Couples can better understand and meet one another’s needs when they discern the times. It’s like having a personal roadmap for life’s greatest decisions. Above all, we must know the spiritual season. Jesus urged us to watch and pray, stay awake and alert, so

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com Every day, signs are unfolding right before our eyes. The question is: Why don’t we recognize what they mean? In last week’s message, we discovered that we are responsible for understanding the signs of the times. Proverbs 25:2 tells us, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” The original Hebrew reveals something powerful about the verse: God is not trying to hide His truth from us. On the contrary, He longs to reveal His goodness and deliver us from danger. When truth seems hidden, it is often our own hearts that keep us from seeing what is plainly before us. Take Pharaoh, for example. When the Scriptures say God hardened his heart, the Hebrew indicates that it was Pharaoh’s own pride and fear of losing power that blinded him to God’s message. In the same way, many today close their hearts and miss what God is showing them. But God wants us to see. When He prepar

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com We all long to hear from God. Too often, we become desperate for His direction—and that desperation can lead us down the wrong paths as we search for His voice. Sadly, many in the body of Christ don’t know or trust the ways God speaks, and that confusion breeds discouragement. I often hear from believers who feel abandoned because God isn’t “talking” to them. What I usually discover is that God is speaking—but they aren’t recognizing His voice because it doesn’t come the way they expected. The apostles John and Peter provide us with keys to hearing God that the modern church often overlooks. They describe prophecy differently than we commonly do today, and because of that, we miss personal words God longs to speak into our hearts. In Revelation 19:10, John tells us that the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus. Peter draws a vital connection between prophecy and Scripture in 2 Peter 1:19-21. This seems to be ove

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com Every year when I plant my garden, I don’t know the exact day to sow seeds. Instead, I look to the season and the patterns of weather. In the same way, while awaiting the harvest, I don’t waste energy checking the field every day in frustration—I recognize the season and wait for the fruit to show. Raising children works the same way. We don’t guide them merely by age, but by discerning the season of their lives. Spiritually, this principle is just as vital. When we understand the seasons of our lives, our growth, and even the world around us, we can focus on the right preparation. We know what lessons to embrace and what actions to take. The only way to make sense of what is happening in the world today is to discern the season. When we do, we recognize what the Holy Spirit desires to teach us and equip us for what comes next. This week, join me as we uncover what Jesus taught about times and seasons—so that the events

We are living in a time when truth is being silenced and voices that stand for godly values are being pushed out of the conversation. Leaders like Charlie Kirk, who dared to influence others through reason, respect, and open dialogue, have become targets for those who don’t want truth. The Bible warns us that when a nation abandons God’s morals and values, collapse always follows, and we are watching that happen before our eyes. This isn’t just about Charlie Kirk or any one event. It’s about the bigger battle between God’s truth and the world’s corruption. Extremists and elitists on both sides don’t hate individuals as much as they hate the values that restrain evil. They want a society where everyone does what is right in their own eyes, no matter the cost. But you don’t have to be swept into fear, confusion, or anger. You can anchor your heart in God’s Word and live in His peace when everything else feels unstable. In this message, I want to help you understand what’s happening, why it’s happening, and ho

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com God wants you to know and understand Him. When you do, you will trust Him. You will never draw back. Everything God does flows from His love for His children. Right now, everything we need for life and godliness has already been made available through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. He withholds nothing that Christ has purchased for us. The book of Hebrews reminds us that today is always the day of salvation. In other words, we are not waiting for another day or a unique moment. Now is the moment for you to come to God, knowing that the answer to all of your needs in Christ is a resounding “yes!” Our salvation has been bought, paid for, and is being offered at this very moment! Interestingly, the Greek word translated as “saved” is not limited to the new birth. That word paints a breathtaking picture: born again, healed, delivered, blessed, prospered, protected, made whole, and set apart. Every promise finds it

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com Every serious believer is on a pursuit—a pursuit of truth. Jesus Himself promised that the truth will set us free. But here’s the challenge: discovering the truth is not always as simple as reading a Scripture verse and immediately applying it. When we read Scripture, we interpret it in light of our understanding. And often, our interpretation becomes our version of truth. But that doesn’t always mean it is the truth. Too many times, we end up clinging to our perception of God’s Word, only to discover it doesn’t bring the results He promised. When that happens, discouragement can creep in. We may even feel as though God hasn’t been faithful to His Word—when in reality, we’ve been holding onto an interpretation instead of His reality. In Hebrew, the word translated “truth” is closely tied to “reality.” That means truth is not just information—it’s something we experience. God’s reality is alive, powerful, and transformat

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com We are living in a world where truth has become harder than ever to recognize. With the rise of artificial intelligence, we can no longer trust everything we see or hear. Photos and videos may look real, but many are artificially created. Deception is spreading rapidly, and Jesus warned us that this is one of the signs that the world is moving closer to the most difficult tribulation humanity has ever faced. This isn’t just a battle of information—it’s a supernatural attack against the entire human race. Surviving these times isn’t possible through human strength or wisdom alone. We need the power, wisdom, and guidance of our supernatural God to walk in victory. The good news is this: God foresaw these days and has already provided everything we need not just to survive, but to overcome! Jesus made a powerful promise: “I will not leave you as orphans.” He assured us that the Holy Spirit would be poured out so that every

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com When I first gave my life to the Lord Jesus, I threw everything onto Him. My life was a wreck, and I desperately needed Him— …in every decision, …in every crisis, …and even to help me handle my successes! Needless to say, I had a fervent, consistent prayer life. But when answers seemed slow to come, the “old timers” would say, “Be patient—God will answer in His own time.” I knew they meant well, but something in me felt they were simply repeating what they had heard, without truly understanding what the Bible teaches about times, seasons, and opportunities. Then, God led me through a powerful time of prayer and Bible study that opened my eyes to understand His timing. I realized that many “old saints,” though sincere, didn’t have a clear understanding of these issues. But when I grasped what Scripture really says about God’s timing, my walk with Him changed forever. It made me patient as I stepped into His promises.

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com Walking in faith is all about trust. But this trust is more than simply believing the Scripture in our minds—it’s about persuading our hearts to believe the Word of God and trusting Him enough to follow the Holy Spirit wherever and however He leads! If we neglect either of these, our faith will fall short, and we will miss the consistent, powerful outcomes God has promised. Galatians 6:9 tells us, “In due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Many believers think “due season” is when God finally decides to respond to our faith. But the truth is—God is ready right now to fulfill His promises. The delay is not on His side. Often, it’s the obstacles, distractions, and snares around us—and the doubts within us—that hinder us from receiving. When Galatians speaks of “due season,” it’s not about God’s clock ticking—it’s about our readiness. The word “season” means opportune time. The word “due” means your own time. P

Click here for more on this topic and other free resources - https://www.drjimrichards.com One of the most consistent warnings in the New Testament is to guard against offense. We often think of an offense as something that hurts our feelings, but in reality, it’s something far more dangerous. An offense is anything that causes us to stumble or lose our footing in the faith. That’s why the Apostle Paul urges us to “gird our feet with the Gospel of Peace.” In the ancient world, maintaining your footing was essential to surviving any battle. The same is true today in the spiritual battles we face. If we stumble at the word of God, we will fall! Over the years, I’ve been asked this question by pastors and leaders around the world: “Why are people so easily offended?” Even after more than half a century of active ministry, I remain amazed at how easily believers fall into offense, not just with one another, but even with God. And while it might seem like a mystery, the answer is simple: most 21st-century believer