radiant worship blog >> short devos

BLOG HAS MOVED!

2010-02-04T09:31:00.004-06:00

Check out http://www.radiantnation.wordpress.org for the new team blog or via Radiant Nation website here: http://www.radiantnation.org/page4/blog/page10.html

End of Year Report!

2009-12-05T12:19:00.003-06:00

WE NEED MONTHLY SUPPORTERS FOR 2010! LET US KNOW! VIA EMAIL or WRITE US!

DONATE HERE >>

EMAIL US AT SUPPORT @ RICHY AND JESSICA . COM

Hope

2009-11-29T17:01:00.005-06:00

Without seasons, there would be no rejoicing or celebration. We are not made for constants, but the ebbs and flows of life. I cannot truly be thankful until I've had nothing. The height of my joy is contingent upon the depth of my sorrow. The arrival of spring means nothing to one who has not traversed the winter. .. and so on.

Yet through the cycle of seasons, I am promised hope. A hope constant, that does not move amidst the winds of change. The kind of infectious hope surrounding the news of a new born baby, the "newness of life." For this hope, I am thankful today. - Richy Clark

NOTE: We will be creating a new team blog beginning 1/1/10 with the launch of "Radiant Nation."

Spiritual Core Strength

2009-08-10T10:32:00.007-05:00

Part of my New Year's resolution this year, with millions of other people, was to work out regularly. At my first venture into the gym, I became VERY aware of my general scrawny like features. (there are mirrors everywhere) This doesn’t bother me but does seem humorous amoung much bulkier people. Most people in the room were very intense about what they were doing, and stared at themselves constantly while “improving” their physique . I however, was not sure how to use any of the machines, so spent a considerable amount of time jogging in place on a treadmill, going nowhere. I eventually got some instructions from a relative who is into this sort of thing, and was told I need to focus on my “core strength.” That being my back and internal strength of my physical body. So much of my exercises became focused on such, while other folks pumped iron. The idea was, once my core strength was up, I could then focus on the rest of my body becoming stronger.

A great prayer in my heart recently has been to be freshly rooted in the love of God for me. I (we) need this spiritual “core strength” to truly love others and be motivated to serve properly. I am thankful for the Lords dealings, which in my young age of 31, has trimmed back many false motivations in my heart. However, now I am virtually completely unmotivated without a divine infusion of love. This is a good “problem.”

Romans 8:37 says we are “more than conquers, through Him who loved us.” Vs. 15 says we have “received the spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out ‘abba Father.’” We overcome because we are grounded in the love of the Father for us. We are able to effectively love others and serve consistently because Dad is on the sidelines rooting for us.

I am sometimes amazed by how self motivated and consistent some young people are toward their goals. In most of these cases, there is a parent, or parents that have faithfully encouraged them on their journey. They receive strength to face obstacles and press on from this kind of support. Believers that have not had this kind of support can tend to give up easily, be prone to discouragement, and not finish well. However, all of us have access to this “spirit of adoption” that makes us “more than conquerors.”

Many modern “ministries” are launched purely on an individual possesing a grace gift of some sort. With our media driven society, it’s possible to have a ministry come to the limelight prematurely. With a great focus on the externals, many times these flashpot ministries will run themselves dry, ending in some sort of burn out, or even a scandal.

God is raising up end-time ministries that are in for the long haul. Those who’ll endure “to the end.” These groups or individuals will posses an uncanny spiritual core strength able to face and overcome the greatest obstacles the church has ever seen, all the while prospering and advancing the kingdom of God. Steward the oil in your lamp, meditate and receive the love of God for you. Allow him to trim away all false motivations and “strengths.” Let Him be your strength! - Richy Clark

The Coal Vision

2009-07-31T09:59:00.012-05:00

While currently in a season of crying out for fresh spiritual fire, I have found myself freshly aware of my terrible depravity. Figures. This morning I was praying Psalms 51 (which I do often) asking God to “purge” my iniquity.

As my prayer became very intense and I began to see myself lying prostrate before the throne. As this imagery became stronger in my mind I actually thought, “sweet I’m going into a vision.” I knew there was God on the throne and he was surrounded by creatures, I wasn’t able to look directly at Him or the creatures but was aware of them. Around me was many diamonds, but they were flat and like the diamond shape on a playing card, lying seemingly prostrate before the throne. ( I believe these may be other people ) As I continued praying “purge my iniquity,” I saw myself lying in a blackness. I started getting depressed seeing that I was in darkness, it seemed. I continued crying out “purge my iniquity,” hoping that maybe an angel would come with a coal and cleanse my lips, like Isaiah’s experience. (Isaiah 6) Instead, I noticed I was actually lying in and on black coals. Coals that were no longer burning. I became more depressed realizing that all these coals were past times in which the Lord had come and mercifully cleansed my sin. At this point I wanted the vision to change badly. I kept trying to force the vision to be different, trying to imagine that an angel did come after all and cleanse my lips again, making me clean, and making all the blackness go away, but I could not change the vision. I just lay there in darkness, on top of and surrounded by coals, circled by my past failures.

So I then began to drift out of the vision, becoming more aware of my surroundings in the natural. I was glad that God had cleansed me so many times, but not satisfied with what I was seeing, nor feeling resolved. After a few minutes, I heard a small voice in my mind say, “My work is complete, I’m going to light that coal on fire.” - Richy Clark

The Emphasis on De-Emphasis

2009-07-27T12:02:00.009-05:00

God loves us whether we feel Him or not! He is faithful whether we are aware of His faithfulness or not; but, how healthy is it for a church or ministry to overly emphasize our lack of encounter? This can be similar to making doctrine to justify a lack of healing in our midst. Is it fruitful for a congregation to regularly emphasize and dwell upon our weakness? (albeit somewhat true) To say that we don’t have to shout when we pray, be excited when we worship, or feel emotional about Jesus? Is it healthy to believe we may live our lives without feeling His presence, “as long as we believe we are faithful!”?

If we make it a practice to emphasize what we should not be doing, because certain forms or beliefs are deemed religious or insincere, we risk creating a counter-movement that is equally religious and insincere.

If we make doctrine (written or cultural) based on our lack of spiritual experience or breakthrough, we risk creating an atmosphere of false contentment, where the church is not contending for a greater manifestation of God in their midst.

I have a confession, I want to feel God! I want to be filled continually with His unspeakable joy! I want to weep when He weeps, laugh when he laughs. God is emotional, and so am I. I want to be continually spiritually discontent causing me to cry out for a greater breakthrough for my generation, all the while being completely content in Christ’s sufficiency for me. I will shout in worship, if my heart says shout!

Listen, there truly is a lot of flakey mess in the body of Christ! And I certainly believe churches should be taught to avoid certain practices and excesses. However, we must have an overriding emphasis on who we are in Christ, (the resurrected side of the cross) and help create an atmosphere of faith for greater breakthrough by raising the bar of our spiritual expectancy. As Paul stated, “earnestly desiring spiritual gifts…”

God doesn’t necessarily respond to those who have an excessive amount of self control, but those who have faith!

Yes, He likes us just as we are, and Yes He wants us to contend for more.

- Richy Clark

The Cry for Divine Empowerment

2009-05-27T17:01:00.015-05:00

With all our great media tools and marketing campaigns in the church today, who needs the Holy Spirit? Right? I mean, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to give us POWER to win souls. But when souls are filling our pews and things seem great, why cry out for more? In the last decade or so the “self help” message has been filling our culture, both Christian and secular. A good percentage of Sunday sermons are simply “baptized” versions of a secular message- “positive” messages that make us feel better about ourselves. *

So, it’s easy for these churches and ministers to see no need to seek God for a greater manifestation of His power when there is an appearance of success.** Presently, a cry for divine empowerment may only be heard in the context of seeking strength to continue their programs.

In Acts 4 we read of the story where the apostles (who had previously had an “infilling” of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2) cry out for divine empowerment, and get it by an obvious manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

Why did the Apostles have this cry for divine empowerment in Acts 4?

1. They understood what true disciples were. The results they were seeking were very different than many churches today. They were commissioned to make disciples, not church members. This required the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to speak an anointed truth that “cut to the heart” of the listeners, resulting in repentance.

2. Their strategy was power. That is, they depended on the Holy Spirit’s power to heal people to prove that Jesus was alive! No street dramas, no bands, just power to heal. Their strategy? Display God’s love through His power. Preach the Gospel.

3. They were facing persecution. They needed divine boldness to continue preaching openly in the face of potential death. The guys leading this prayer meeting still felt the wounds of persecution upon their backs. Jesus had commissioned them to preach, and they needed boldness to obey.

So why don’t we have great power manifest in the church at large? Well, I’m not sure we have the same understanding and goals as the first church. May we get a fresh revelation of Jesus, our condition, and His commission to us! This would have us crying out with faith for a true baptism of the Holy Spirit!

“Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”

- Richy Clark

* Does God want us to feel good about ourselves? Well yes, in the context of taking on HIS righteousness through repentance and faith. Does God want to bless us? Yes. Does God want to bless us with a new car, house, job… not biblically guaranteed by any means. In fact quite the opposite is presented in the Gospels! He wants to bless us with HIM!

**By the way, I’m all for being “seeker sensitive” as long as we are leading people to water!

Happy B-day Chuck!

2009-02-08T14:17:00.008-06:00

Well, this month marks the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin, founder of the evolutionary theory. There will be celebrations all across the globe, but interestingly most will be here in the United States. The popularity of Darwinism is not rooted in man’s love for science, but man's love for themselves. Darwin finally gave man a “scientific” reason to ignore God and His moral law written on our hearts. What fuels the spread of Darwinism is a commitment that all of life has its origins in the natural (physically observable) world. AKA “Naturalistic Philosophy.” A philosophy, not a true science.

Unfortunately most evolutionary scientists have committed themselves to a “science” of continually changing and evolving theories to try to answer life’s questions. Because of the many theoretical inconsistencies, complexity of organisms, and plain lack of evidence, many scientists who are willing to think are beginning to search beyond purely natural origins for the cause of life. (while still attempting to eliminate God from the equations) What’s becoming popular over the last few decades is the “seeded” life theory, which includes the possibility that life was seeded from extraterrestrials. (seriously) This theory just pushes the origin questions back further. ( much like the continual expansion of time “answer” given in need to explain life’s complexities. )

Evolution has fueled racism, genocide, slavery, cut-throat capitalism (ahem), the abandonment of moral principles, the suicide rate, and the general decline of society. (to name some of its woes) This is nothing to celebrate.

Creation is not something that we should just learn at a special side room class on Sunday mornings. It’s not extracurricular Christianity, it is absolutely foundational truth. The Bible starts with the creation account for a reason! All vain philosophies stem from the belief that God has nothing to do with our existence. If we are going to truly reach this world with the Gospel we must break-through our culture with anointed truth and revelation of our intentional design by God.

I would challenge you to learn the scientific answers that combat the bad science of evolution! We shouldn’t attempt to argue scripture with science, as scripture carries no authority to those who don’t give it authority. However, we can easily argue bad science with good science. A great resource I’ve come across is http://www.icr.org

Folks, WE WERE CREATED!! Life, the planet, the solar system, the universe was created IN PLACE!! Animals were created each “after their own kind,” with the genetic ability to adapt. ( but not beyond their kind! ) Man was created unique to all creation, in the image of God, from the dirt by the breath of God!! We have a SPIRIT!! ….because God is SPIRIT!! We are SPIRITUAL whether we want to admit it or not!!

Father, raise up prophets to the culture who clearly demonstrate the reality of Creation. Take the blinders off this generation to see Your wonders, that all “are without excuse.” Let this generation come out of our “strong delusion” that life evolved out of nothing. Continually release new scientific discoveries that astound the world, and point to a designer. Amen. – Richy Clark

“Rom. 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse..”

Media Fast: No T.V., Movies, or Internet

2008-12-17T12:35:00.003-06:00

I'm doing a "full" media fast. That looks like no television, no movies, and no… Internet.

What fuels me to do this is not to bring condemnation on anyone or necessarily make a statement. (I LOVE media) I do however, have this real desire for the Presence of God abiding in my life. I know too much. I've experienced too much of Him to not pursue Him in such a way; yet, I continually compromise my fellowship with the Holy Spirit through escapism and false fountains. Media doesn't HAVE to be those things, but for me, it has. I have felt over the years a drawing by God to live this way, set apart for Him. A one year consecration is a start. I hope that my capacity for Him, my love for Him, my dependence on His Presence would so be expanded that I would continue in my consecration for the rest of my life.

A consecration is not a means of intrinsic holiness, but it may lead to holiness. Holiness is a true heart position before God that is set apart (Holy) unto Him. I want my heart to catch up with my actions, lest I just have an outward form of godliness as the Pharisees of Jesus' day. I'm not so much "fleeing" as I am "pursuing." (2 Tim 2:22 )

What about "Grace?"

I believe God will give me grace to take up this minor cross as the Holy Spirit gave Jesus grace to take up His.

What about "Relevance?"

Being well informed of the culture around me doesn't equate effective ministry. Jesus released the Holy Spirit for effective ministry, He's the one I'm after.

What will this look like?
Television?; Not that big a deal for me, I already don't watch it. My main T.V. pattern is occasional episodes of "The Office" and yearly Super Bowls.

Movies: A little more close to home. I watch 2 or more movies a month. I hope to spend more time learning to "escape" into the Holy Spirit. (Gal 6:8) Better yet, abide with Him.

Internet: This is where I felt the ouch. My intention is not to open up a browser window for anything except "business." A good portion of our ministry is through the Internet. So, I'll be updating podcasts, blogs, websites and communicating with ministry hosts. I'll be using email mostly. But this does mean no personal social networking sites, and daily news surfing. So I might just end up happier than everyone else, not reading the news!

Again, I'm not so much "fleeing" as I am "pursuing." If you have any questions, or would like to join me (gulp), let me know. I will be checking email. (and ministry blog posts) Consider some form of consecration. It is truly time to seek the Lord, "while He may be found." - Richy Clark

Unstained Religion

2008-12-02T22:06:00.001-06:00

Last night I was painfully reminded, my love has limitations. As I sat there listening to urgent need to take in foster children and particularly those children who have been rescued from the sex –slave industry in America, I found a hard place in my heart. A newborn adopted baby I can handle, but a child who has been severely sexually abused daily for years? What would this do to the “peace” I have fought so hard for to have in my home? This could greatly disrupt the stable home I’ve longed to have for my children. I myself did not grow up in a functional environment and have observed myself striving to create one for my children, what of this? I have a special needs son who has been a life and death battle for the last 9 years, haven’t I had enough pain? How will I pay for this? We are barely making it right now! Oh the horrid reality of restricted love in my heart. I am pained to find such a place. I don’t mean to sound overly dramatic, but I’m feeling this. I am cornered by God. Is my love real? Is my “religion” real?

James 1:27 Pure, unstained religion, according to God our Father, is to take care of orphans and widows when they suffer and to remain uncorrupted by this world.

Why would James call that “pure” religion? ..Because you can’t fake taking in children in to your home. You can’t fake willfully taking on the burdens of others as your own. Our Christianity in the purest form is “loving God and loving others.” It’s love folks. That’s what you signed up for! And we can only truly love, because He loves us. Real love is unhindered, has no demands, is not restricted in its affections. Oh how I want to love!

I may or may not ever take in the most difficult cases, but I know one thing, I’m pursuing a love with no limitations! I’m pursuing death to any worship of the God of convenience in my life. The cross was inconvenient.

God expand our hearts, break us out of western culture, me centered, self-help, false Christianity. We want the real thing Jesus. May we be Your friends God.

As for me and my house? We will serve the Lord.

A Glimpse of The Father

2008-11-14T17:06:00.001-06:00

It was almost 2 years ago now when I believe the Lord spoke to me (internally) “It’s time to stop looking for a father and start being one.” It’s been a difficult transition. It does however help, that I have the most wonderful natural children in the universe. My special needs son, Richy, has taught me to love unconditionally, and is a continual delight. My 2 year old son, Toby is a constant wonder and joy. My 1 year old daughter, Brynn, has captured my heart, and one day my pocketbook. Though God has done much healing in my heart over the years, I still occasionally get “hit” with a deep ache for personal fathering. This especially surfaces after some wonderful or terrible thing has happened to me. Of recent, I had a wonderful ministry tour this fall, full of so many exciting instances of seeing the power of God impact lives. Even still, at 31 years of age..I have no one to really report to about it in a personal way. This is a strange transition.

My parents divorced when I was 10 years old. My mother later married a man who was occasionally physically abusive and severely abusive.. verbally. It took me a few years of this to start believing that I might be worthless to the world. At 16 years old I had an encounter with God that began to unravel some of these lies. I also left home at 16. During this time I met a wonderful Christian family that seemed to good to be true. When they finally took me in to their home as a refugee, I found out it was indeed true! They had their difficulties, but somehow were always laughing and enjoying one another. The father, Calvin Stanley, was especially impacting in his gentleness toward his wife and children. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t see that same gentleness translated into how I treat my own children. In return for this families kindness, I married their daughter, ha! After just 6 years of watching this man be a father in real time, he suddenly died of a heart attack, at just 52 years old. 4 years is all I had. I think I miss him today.

I am thankful for the glimpse of the father heart of God through this man. All relationships that impact us with true love, stem from God.

So what am I left to do with this ache that has suddenly “hit” me again? How can I truly love my children, natural and spiritual, with out being consumed in love myself? Rom 8:15 says “…you received the spirit of adoption, by who we cry out ‘Abba Father’…” More than a bible verse, this “spirit of adoption” must be an abiding reality in my heart. I must strengthen myself in the love of God for me. I have to believe and receive His love.

Rom 8:37 in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Thanks for letting me counsel myself.. I need to go upstairs, it’s time to start being a father.

PRAYER: God, for those fatherless, I pray you manifest your love as you have to me. May they know to perfect love of God that causes us to overcome any difficulty. May they be encouraged today in your perfect love!
---
SOME ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS:
The ultimate resolve of the ache in all our hearts won’t take place until the “redemption of all things.” However, God does give us a tangible deposit or glimpse of that resolve to those who seek Him. His Holy Spirit.

We are all in the process of joining or rejecting the divine fellowship of the Trinity.

Church Under Construction - Loving the Church to Maturity

2008-09-11T18:26:00.000-05:00

So the other day the Lord (while in prayer) asks me, “Can you love the church like you love your special needs son!?” This floored me. I had been feeling a little anxious about involving myself again in some ministry within the local church, when this question pops in my spirit!

You see my son, Richy (same name), was born in ‘99 while only 6 months in the womb. (4 months early) He was 1lb 8oz! I have pictures of him with my wedding ring around his arm. Most babies who are born this early don’t survive. (As I unfortunately found out later with our twin boys, in ’04) In Richy’s case, he pulled through by a miracle! When R2 (as we affectionately refer to him in writing) came home after 4 months in the NICU at 6lbs! He was totally blind and lifeless. For the first few years of his life, he showed no reciprocal affection. By the time R2 was 2 he had regained vision in one of his eyes, and now can see fairly well. (Legally blind) He had a shunt put in his skull, which helped drain fluid that was causing him to act lifeless. Once that operation was done, he began to show some personality. The first time R2 showed real affection and preference for me was after my twin boys died, and I had returned from the Hospital. We hadn’t seen him in a few weeks throughout the ordeal, and R2 refused to let go of me while trying to leave the house for an errand. He was crying and saying “daddy.” R2 is now 9 years old; he is still in diapers and is mentally about a 3yrs old. (Yet somehow has the sarcasm and memory of a 9year old!) He is a very happy guy, and VERY affectionate! He just had his first day of school last week!

I want Richy healed. But at the same time, I love him just the way he is. Early on, when he was showing no affection, I would just lay with him in his bed, sing him songs, and rub my hands his hair. I was fascinated with him as my first-born son. During that time I learned how the Father (God) loves me, even when I’m unresponsive. Yet, in God’s persistence He eventually won my affection, as I have my sons. The day will come when R2 is perfectly whole!

Now God is asking me (us) to love His church this way. To love her while seeing her weaknesses, unresponsiveness, inabilities, and imperfections; yet, being fascinated with WHO she is, as the bride in preparation for Christ. We are a church under construction. Let us be committed to love her through her failures, knowing that in our persistent love, she will return affection to her bridegroom. She will be holy. She will be pure. She will be Christ’s.

As the Holy Spirit is shaking up the church in this day, let us not be quick to throw out a word of premature accusation or rash judgment, as if that will accomplish anything. This is a day where the church needs real fathers and mothers who will labor for her in love as the Apostle Paul, who groaned in spiritual labor pains while in consistent prayer for her well being. Let’s seek to posses the love that covers, the love that conquers, and the love that abounds in “all knowledge and discernment;” drawing us all to maturity!
We will be holy! We will be His! We will be radiant! – Richy Clark Sr

The Real Jesus

2008-07-15T19:09:00.000-05:00

My heart hurts today for this generation. I’m not going to try to “write” here, just bleed a bit. Every time I get quiet enough, I become aware of an ache in my soul… really. I believe It’s God’s ache for souls. ..for lost sons and daughters. While the church is figuring out who they are, multitudes are in the valley of decision. An entire generation is growing up in our backyard without the knowledge and experience of Jesus. We have an old stale religious (man centered) gospel that is powerless to transform them, or let alone get their attention. At most, church just causes a raised eyebrow or a cynical remark. I am grieved today for this generation. And truly… truly many of them long for the real thing. The real Jesus. The Jesus who heals. The Jesus who loves.

I’m thankful and aware that we as the church go through seasons, I just wonder and marvel at how introverted we (myself) can become in God. ( I have to believe that If I can just touch His heart, that I will explode with unconditional love for others. If I can just get a glimpse of Him, maybe I’ll become like Him. Selfless, unafraid. Bold in love. He is so humble. )

Oh God, please. Please raise up a church just like You. I pray Your prayer Jesus. Oh that we’d be one. Truly one. Oh that we’d reflect the Father, and not our own conception of God. Oh that those who ache for the reality would see it in us. Jesus, don’t let another generation die in the wilderness. OH GOD RAISE UP WARRIORS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, OH GOD NOW. GOD FOR THE HARDCORE KIDS, FOR THE EMO KIDS, FOR THE LOVELESS, FOR THE DESTITUE. OH JESUS, RAISE UP TRUE MISSIONARIES TO AMERICA!

We are not an evangelized nation. America needs the real Jesus.
- Richy Clark

Hello My Name Is ________.

2008-06-24T16:16:00.000-05:00

When most people ask who we are, we naturally respond by telling them what we do. “I’m an architect, teacher, graphic designer etc..” Unless of course you work at McDonalds, then it’s, “Well I’m studying to be an IT professional,” or “I’m doing some things right now.. uh but I really want to go to film school.” Then you may be the guy who lives with his / her parents and burns most of the day with the playstation. “We’ll I’ve always wanted to pursue acting,” he says sheepishly. The point is, most of us get our identity by what we do or aspire to become. Did you know God wants to give you an identity apart from what you do? This may sound absurd, but it’s true!

After having the privilege of traveling the open highway for 4 years or so with our worship and preaching ministry, Radiant Worship, the Lord led me in 2007 to work for a telecom company. Some would call this, “getting a REAL job.” I will insert here that ministry in fact IS a real job, and much more so. However, there is something to be said about doing what you love, and I was no longer doing just that. I learned very quickly that this company didn’t care who I was,(per sey) or that I’ve ran my own business, or that I could probably run THEIR business. (At least in my estimation at the time) They just wanted me to do my job, as assigned, and do it well. The Lord greatly used this “opportunity” to re-arrange who I thought myself to be. I surely didn’t want to think of myself as a telecom guy. (not to say anything against telecom guys, I happen to know a few great people who love it!)

During this season, Radiant would still go out to minister occasionally in the nation. While out with our ministry, I would THEN feel like I was walking in my identity. However, God did not want what I was DOING, however I esteemed it, to be my identity. Some days were especially tough, like when we produced another CD. I would work 9 to 10 hours a day, come home, put on a fresh pot of coffee, go jogging around my block, go into my home studio, and mix until after midnight. It did this straight for 2 months to complete that recording. During this time, the Presence of God became so sweet. That is, when I could just squeeze in an hour here or there to be with Him. I would regularly skip lunches just to pray, sit in His Presence and read my bible. It seemed as if He was just waiting for me some days. I would leave my work desk, and go sit outside and instantly be aware of His Presence. It was amazing to me to learn to encounter God with such a “busy” schedule, while seemingly not DOING what I was made to do.

In the middle of this intense season, my son by the same name, Richy, had a life threatening seizure and was flown by helicopter 40 miles away to Houston, TX. When the nurses called a “code blue,” which is medical language for, “dying person, everybody rush over here, including unnecessary people, and do what you can,” I, for 1 minute or so, believed he was dying. While sitting in my designated chair in the corner of the room, I encountered the same sweet Presence of God I had become increasingly familiar with under pressure. My son came through that ordeal, as did his parents. In the middle of what looked like tragedy, I wanted to be with Jesus. His Presence turned that situation around.

It took me one year at that job to become more concerned with being near God, than what I was DOING. He became (and is still becoming) what I want to be doing. And in this process, the “who I am” is being changed.

Hello my name is Richy. I am a son of God.

Great scriptures on our identity and sufficiency in Christ
Psa. 23:1 "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
1Pet. 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Col. 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Rev. 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’

We Are In An Oil Crisis!

2008-05-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

I’m not talking about gas prices or OPEC. The Church is in an oil crisis. Some of you know the parable in Matthew.

Matt. 25:3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

Oil here is likened to intimacy with Jesus, that which sustains the fire of God in our lives. We can be blessed by other peoples oil, we can benefit from their experience with God, but when Christ returns, what matters is us possessing our own oil! You cannot receive an impartation of oil! Only fire. Fire will burn out without sustained, deep communion with the spirit of God. This coming harvest will be carried out by those who not only have the fire of God (God upon them) but the Oil. (God within them)

We don’t burn out, if God’s fellowship (Presence) is our priority. The only way oil is being developed in my life, has been through extended times of prayer, bible reading and fasting on a regular basis. As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we grow in our capacity for His fellowship. 5 min is no longer enough, 30 min daily bible, is no longer enough…this revelation doesn’t come through a renewed self determination to spend more time with God, but an increased hunger for His fellowship. We must get oil! YOU must get oil! Know Him well and know Him deep. May Christ dwell deep in your inward man, and burn strong for God! – Richy Clark

Free From Lust

2008-04-14T13:12:00.000-05:00

I remember as a teenager, wanting to write a book called "Free From Lust." The problem was, the book kept getting delayed! I'm glad to say (by grace) that I could write that book now, but it's been many years of growing in my relationship with God. As much as I wanted God in my early twenties, it was always a terrible wake up call to the nearness of my carnality, when I'd have a lustful thought or desire. The truth I held on to, was believing that I could actually be free! Meaning, not just coming to grips with my carnality and believing that I would always struggle with lust...thus not pursuing real freedom; but believing I could walk in continual freedom! "who the son sets free ...is FREE." There is much I could say here to encourage you to freedom..(I could write a book about it..) but here are a few truths that God used to bring about my deliverance.

1. Ultimately, freedom comes in pursuing intimacy with God. In the wake of our pursuit of Him, His Holy Spirit guides us into freedom from all that hinders that intimacy.
2. Rather than focus on lust, let the Holy Spirit deal with the greater issue of all sensuality in Your life. That is, all addictions to stimulating the senses.
3. Prayer WITH fasting. Fasting is the Christians "secret" weapon! Fasting is not a means of gaining spiritual "brownie points," but is a self humbling that positions us to receive from God. Fasting is a New Testament practice as well as the old. My greatest victories over sensuality have come through extending seasons of prayer and fasting, where by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, I came into a deliverance of sensual addictions, and developed an INCREASED hunger for the things of God. (His pleasures)
4. A strong revelation of the Fathers love and mercy in receiving us every time we repent of moral failure. It's ultimately this amazing mercy that wins us over in love relationship with Him. When young Christians do not have this revelation of a merciful God, they many times lose faith, because they cannot meet the demands of that come from themselves. Remember, our righteousness comes from Him and through Him. Our voluntary pursuit of God opens the door for His supernatural involvement in transforming our hearts! You are not alone in this battle... there is victory!
5. As our hearts are transformed, pleasure comes to us in new ways. Godly pleasures.. Moses "forsook the passing pleasures of sin, for the greater riches in Christ Jesus." Pursue the greater riches!

I still have to practice self control, ask God to deliver me from temptation etc... but my desires are ever changing.. I find that I'm not abstaining from certain "pleasures" because they "are wrong," but rather seeking out greater pleasures. Pleasures only found in Jesus.

Father I ask that you strengthen the heart of those reading, that need strengthening in these areas. You are ever merciful and able to set a generation free. I thank you for a whole army of young people who have an appetite for the greater pleasures of loving God. Lord You are able. Give our culture a breakthrough, a revelation of Holiness that rocks the nations. Holiness based on intimacy with You. Who the Son sets free is free indeed! Amen

Our continual freedom comes because we do not want to hinder our beautiful communion with God.

Relieve Our Suffering

2008-03-25T12:50:00.000-05:00

2Pet. 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

I watched a National Geographic video yesterday regarding the violence of the earth. I was gripped by the incredible suffering that people have gone through in mass numbers... such as the 2004 Tsunami! When we go through suffering, our human (fallen) response is a hardened heart... not trusting, not believing, not wanting to get hurt again. Jesus however is the healer and hope.

The normal question that most people would ask would be..."If God is so loving, as you say, then how become there is so much suffering." Yes there is great suffering, and there is a loving God who will end all suffering.

1. God IS going to end all suffering... but for Him to do that, He has to wipe out sin, which brought the entrance to suffering in the world. For God to wipe out sin, He has to judge / destroy / renew the earth. God is currently holding back His final judgements because He desires all men to come to repentance.

2. For those in suffering, there must be the light of the revelation that this life is temporal. God IS going to restore all things. And there is hope in the age to come. That must be a tangible reality in their (our) hearts.

Father I thank You that You are faithful, and a VERY present help in time of trouble. I ask for those grieving in some way, that You would be of great comfort to them. Release revelation of the true reality of Your eternity! Be alive in their hearts. Heal, save and deliver. You are perfect God. Amen - Richy Clark

God's Hiding of Us

2008-03-24T07:35:00.000-05:00

Is. 49:2 And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword;
In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me,
And made Me a polished shaft;
In His quiver He has hidden Me.”

Those truly passionate to be used of God in a mighty way, may find themselves in a place of public obscurity for extended seasons. These are times where God is hiding us. Not because of our "greatness," but because of the work He is doing in our lives, preparing us for kingdom influence. Many a zealous new christian, receives a "word" from someone, "Your going to be great and win multitudes," IMMEDIATELY, they buy a website and start trying to make this "word" happen. I actually know of a ministry (no longer exists) that went into thousands and thousands of dollars of debt, purchasing a giant sound system, lighting system...you name it, all to have it fall out from under them in a few years. God wants to prepare us to bring forth fruit that remains! To do that, we must embrace the seasons of the Lord, and recognize HIS timing.

He's not just keeping us "in the shadow of His hand," He is sharpening and polishing us, placing us in His quiver! ...One day to be shot out like an arrow that hits the mark! The Apostle Paul started off strong after his conversion, then went into a place of obscurity for 13 years, before re-emerging to have the most powerful and influential ministry of the new covenant to date! Don't short circuit the dealings of the Lord. The world doesn't need YOUR compassion or ministry! They need broken people who are moving in the power and authority of heaven! Trust God is working a beautiful thing in you! Embrace it! Amen

- Richy Clark

What If You Gave Up Your Ministry?

2008-03-21T20:21:00.000-05:00

What if you gave up your ministry to give all your time to making others successful? No more conferences, books, building projects, CD's, and promotional teams. No more surrounding yourself only with those who can make you more successful. No more constant concern over the next big step. No more seeking alignment with those who can further your agenda. What if you gave up your ministry to give all your time to making others successful? Well, then you'd be doing ministry.

Pleasures Forevermore

2008-03-20T11:26:00.000-05:00

Psa. 16:11 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

I have sought after so many things that have left me empty. I have many blessings in my life, a beautiful family, friends, possessions,...but they all pale in comparison to Him. He is the only fountain that quenches this thirst. He is the only refuge that brings my heart to peace. He is the only one worthy of revolving my life around. I can never have enough of Him. Other pleasures get old in access, but the more I have of Him, the more I want... He is the fountain that makes other fountains undesirable. He is the "greater riches" worth forsaking passing pleasures. He is Jesus, the sum of all my desires. I love You Jesus, today. I am ruined on Your goodness.

Father may we Your people know the pleasures at Your right hand. May our true "Holiness" come because of who we hang out with. Oh thank You for Your grace and mercy in leading us into these true pleasures. Amen.

- Richy Clark

Do You Have Bread Today?

2008-03-19T08:26:00.000-05:00

I feel empty If I don't have some word from scripture bouncing around in my heart. Every morning I try to grasp some phrase or scripture verse to become my meditation. This is not because of religious duty, but because He is good and better than breakfast. ...the best part of waking up. Every morning I feel the renewed need for His presence. ...a developed appetite for the goodness of God. I want to encourage you today, to begin a habit of taking a psalm or another scripture verse and meditating on it thru out the day. Don't leave home with out some truth bouncing around in your heart! It will change your life, and can serve as a starting place in developing a hunger for God! Here is some encouraging truths regarding this....

Psa. 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.

Psa. 119:99 I have more understanding than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.

Psa. 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

Josh. 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Phil. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Perfect Unity

2008-03-17T08:39:00.001-05:00

I was blow away yesterday, while studying John 16 and 17, at the unity of the Godhead. Before you check out from this blog... attempt to read on...

THE PERFECT UNITY OF THE TRINITY as seen in the Gospel of John:

Jesus sent to the world by the Fathers command (17:3)
Jesus said He does nothing without the Father, (8:54,17:8)
Jesus speaks nothing but what the Father speaks, (17:8)
Jesus is in the Father and the Father in Him. (17:21)
Jesus glorifies the Father (16:4)

The Spirit sent to the world from the Father and the command of Jesus, (16:7)
The Spirit speaking only what He receives from Jesus who receives from the Father (16:13-15)
The Spirit taking truth from Jesus and speaking it to us. (16:14)
The Spirit glorifies Jesus. (16:15)

The Father creating the world through the words of Jesus (1:1 ,17:24)
The Father giving all things to Jesus, including us. (17:6,17:24)
The Father gives the Holy Spirit, from Himself to the world, to testify of Jesus. (15:26)
The Father glorifies Jesus (16:5)

So you can see the selfless love of the Trinity, honoring one another, and continually giving to one another...
-Then Jesus drives it home in verse 11 "that they (us) may be one as We (the Trinity) are." That we would have horizontal unity with each other as the Trinity has unity...

-AND EVEN FURTHER... in vs. 22. Jesus says He give US the glory that the Father gave Him, that we might join in perfect fellowship with the Trinity. Our perfect, or true unity comes in our unbroken fellowship with the Trinity.

Father may our love for one another be as Your love. May we be one as You oh God are one! Let us join into the glory of Your fellowship so that....(- and FINALLY) .. THE WORLD MAY KNOW THAT JESUS IS GOD! (17:23)

Take some time to absorb this yourself in John 16 and 17... you could spend years on it! Amen - Richy Clark

Washing of the Water

2008-03-14T08:13:00.000-05:00

God knows how to perfectly deal with the fallen man, He made us. I've had to take great comfort in this fact, while growing up in the Lord. I've come out of so much darkness...and needed the confidence of His perfect leading. Jesus doesn't just forgive us...He sanctifies us... meaning we actually change! Many powerless christians live just like the lost, yet claim forgiveness. Praise God for mercy! It's His kindness in continually forgiving us that ULTIMATELY changes us into HIS image. I love this scripture...

1Th. 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

GOD HIMSELF will sanctify us! He is intimately involved in the sanctification process!

Phil. 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

GOD is the one who is going to complete His perfect work in us! TAKE CONFIDENCE!

Eph. 5:26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word

HE will sanctify and cleanse us.... How? By THE word. Let the scripture wash your mind and heart... be renewed as your soul becomes confirmed to HIS word. We are born in the image of God in a fallen state. Christ died and now LIVES for our total healing!

Father You will perfect that which concerns us. Release HOPE today for those struggling... Hope that YOU are the one working in our lives for our joy and Your glory! Let us fix our eyes upon Him who sanctifies! May Your sons and daughters take confidence today in Your perfect work. AMEN

The Perfect Place

2008-03-12T16:04:00.000-05:00

All of us seek significance. For most humans on earth, our self value comes from what we do, or who we know. I remember the strange responses I received from good friends and family when I chose (twice, now) to leave my vocation (aka. paycheck) to pursue the calling of God on my life. (aka no guaranteed paycheck) I actually had one friend say "oh I'm sorry you have to do that." Ha. What I am slowly learning is the perfect place or vocation is the will of God. There is no salary I would accept to move me from the plans and purposes of God. I told one friend, "I would rather live in a grass hut in the will of God, than in a mansion out of His will." So I'll drive my mini van and eat at cici's yet live like a king in a pure concience before my God.
Matt 5:6 "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things shall be added unto you."
He is the perfect place.

Father I pray grace to those needing to break ties of temporary fullfillment or "security." May they, like Peter, step out of the boat of self comfort and walk on water! God for moms who've not had enough faith to quit their jobs and raise their children, for buisness men whom You are calling to fund kingdom advance, to pastors who've not spoken the truth... God break out. Amen.

How Excellent is Your Name

2008-03-10T08:35:00.000-05:00

Psa. 8:1 O LORD, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!

Greater than the scholars, the pundits, the talking heads, the late night talk show hosts, the news anchors... How EXCELLENT is YOUR name oh Lord. Your wisdom far exceeds the wisdom of this age. Your ways oh God are higher...so much higher than ours. Blessed is the man who puts their trust in You. You knew us from the beginning and You have a perfect plan to redeem all things back to Yourself. How excellent is Your name today our God. How perfect is Your matchless love. You make all things beautiful in Your time.

May we put our hope and trust today in the excellent one! The perfect Son. May we draw upon His excellencies and perfect strength! Amen.