Rick Davidson

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus himself said: “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 NIV. As we walk through our Faith journey with the Lord, we are constantly reminded of the precious gifts that He has lavished on us from the very first day we welcomed Him into our lives.  Even as you read this sentence, I believe that your mind is filling with images of numerous blessings you have exper[...]

Can I admit something to you? Whenever I read a novel or watch a movie, I inevitably identify with one character over all of the rest. I like their style. I like the way they think or act. I will even admit to having been swayed by wardrobes and hairstyles from time to time. Somehow, someway, I just find myself leaning into someone specifically. Being drawn to people can often turn into a response called emulation, which means that we desire to imitate or even rival what we see. When we were much younger, t[...]

Several years ago, I remembered hearing the concept of ‘Standing Firm in Faith’ related through a story concerning American Indigenous people. It was said that when they went out onto the battlefield, the warriors would often take a stake and a length of leather cord with them. They would drive the stake into the ground, at the point of their defensive position, and then proceed to tie themselves to the stake. This would make retreat impossible for them. They would fight their fight exactly from that spot[...]

I truly appreciate a snappy metaphor. Principles and practices are made so crisp and clear through a solid, powerful word "picture."  I cannot count the times where an idea/concept has been helpfully unpacked to me through the sharing of that great comment, “Picture it like this!” One of the single most endearing and deeply educational metaphors for Christian living was contained in Paul’s letter to the early church in Ephesus: “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm ag[...]

Sometimes, I find that there are moments when it is best to simply let the Lord speak. Clear. Clean. Concise. And always filled with truth and love. “So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” Genesis 50:21 NIV. “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22 NIV. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV. �[...]

fear\ ˈfeer \  noun an unpleasant, distressing, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; concern or anxiety; reason for alarm; something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension. I think this combined wording from Webster and Dictionary.com paints a fairly complete picture of the concept of fear. And isn’t that what we need to understand something fully? A thoughtful and thorough dissection. Getting cl[...]

Sooner or later, you are going to come face-to-face with a challenge in your life:  the man in the mirror.  I have personally spent some significant time considering weighty questions while this face was staring back at me.  I hear from other guys that it's very natural for them to have exchanges with this 'guy.' He is a somewhat common experience.  I admit that this makes a certain amount of sense to me, considering the amazing consistency he brings.  Always there, always ready to meet, no matter where[...]

I love the Beatitudes! I picture Jesus on the side of that hill near Capernaum, surrounded by a multitude of people from every demographic in Judea, Galilee, Jerusalem and beyond.  Restless in anticipation, the crowd is poised to grab ahold of the “Great Teacher’s” every word!  And then He begins … “BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT, FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.” I can imagine the faces starting to twist into colorful expressions of perplexed confusion.  If it had been a 21st-century co[...]

The more you push into the question of who you are in Jesus Christ – the more you might start to feel push-back into things that have potentially been contributing to your male “identity.”  The male outlook on life seems to have a very particular slant to it.  Often, the same components keep appearing to try and define us. The ones I have commonly encountered appear to be very straightforward at first glance—provider, Protector, Hero, and Heartthrob.  I think most of us have wanted to fulfill some[...]

Ever been forgotten? Missed birthday cards?  Stood up on a date?  Bus didn’t come?  Your name misplaced by a colleague? Overlooked in a crowd? Somewhere, somehow, it has happened to all of us.  Even if it was completely by accident, can you remember the sting?  It might have only been for a moment - but can you bring to mind the hurt, the frustration, and the sense of aloneness?  These things do happen – more than we’d like to admit.  The world is a busy place.  We are not always the priority.[...]