Rick Warren's Blog, page 185

Jesus Had Team Spirit. How About You?

“Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he’s in trouble. And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 (TLB)

God never meant for you to go through life isolated, trying to do everything by yourself. Success happens when you work alongside others.

One reason Nehemiah succeeded in rebuilding Jerusalem is because he broke the work down into manageable tasks among many different people. In Nehemiah 3, 18 teams helped to make repairs, and you see the phrase “next to him” or “next to them” 21 times.

Nehemiah wanted the people to understand something. He gave them a pep talk that went something like this: “If you get tired and discouraged, just look to your left and look to your right, and you’ll see people working next to you. You’ll realize you’re not alone. You’re part of a team.”

He helped people feel part of something bigger than themselves. He did this by creating a spirit of teamwork among the people.

The New Testament uses the phrase “one another” 58 times. The Bible says we’re to love one another, help one another, serve one another, bear one another’s burdens, and so on. This is how you develop a team spirit.

Why is a team spirit essential to reaching your goals?

The Bible says, “Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he’s in trouble. And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 TLB).

The Apostle Paul understood this principle of developing a team spirit. He never did any of his ministry alone. He always took a team with him. The same is true with Jesus. His entire ministry was done with a group of 12 people. In fact, the first thing Jesus did in his ministry was build a small group.

Maybe you’re struggling to accomplish your goal because you’ve been going at it alone. Remember, you were never meant to live without community. The work God has for you will always be accomplished in partnership with others.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

Look at the people who are working “to your left and to your right.” What is the sense of team spirit like with them by your side?
What consequences have you seen in your life when you tried to accomplish something on your own? If you could go back, what changes would you make?
How does it work better to have three or more people—not just two—working together on a task?

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La Cura Del Conflicto es la Reconciliación

“Antes estaban lejos de Dios. Eran sus enemigos, separados de él por sus malos pensamientos y acciones; pero ahora él los reconcilió consigo mediante la muerte de Cristo en su cuerpo físico. Como resultado, los ha trasladado a su propia presencia, y ahora ustedes son santos, libres de culpa y pueden presentarse delante de él sin ninguna falta”. Colosenses 1:21-22 (NTV)

Así que la causa del conflicto es el egoísmo y el pecado. La cura para el conflicto es la reconciliación. Como dije, “reconciliación” es una gran palabra que significa “hacer la paz”. Es tomar a los antiguos enemigos y convertirlos en amigos.

¿Cómo se hace eso? La reconciliación —restaurar una relación— nunca es fácil. ¿Por qué hacerlo? ¿Por qué no dejar que las relaciones en las que tengo conflictos, sigan adelante y ni siquiera preocuparme por intentar reconciliarme con mi madre o mi padre o mi hermana o mi hermano? Ni siquiera preocuparme por intentarlo. ¿Por qué hacer eso?

Déjenme darles una afirmación: siempre es más gratificante restaurar una relación que resentirla el resto de la vida. Eso no significa que vuelvas con alguien de quien te divorciaste hace diez años. No estoy diciendo eso.

Si no te reconcilias, cada vez que pienses en esa relación, sentirás dolor el resto de tu vida. Eso es una tontería. Puedes ir por la vida teniendo personas que traerán dolor cada vez que pienses en ellos. Cosas que sucedieron hace diez, veinte o más años. Cada vez que piensas en ellos, te causa dolor.

Tienes que aprender a reconciliarte. Para poder seguir con tu vida. La cura del conflicto es la reconciliación.

Reflexiona sobre esto

¿Por qué es necesario buscar la reconciliación en medio de un conflicto?¿Existe alguien en tu vida con quien necesites reconciliarte?¿Estás de acuerdo con la afirmación: siempre es más gratificante restaurar una relación que resentirla el resto de tu vida? ¿Por qué?

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Si todavía no has confiado en Jesús y no te has comprometido a seguirlo, ¿por qué esperar más? Si estás listo para cruzar esa línea y tomar la decisión de creer en Jesucristo y seguirlo; haz esta oración .

The post La Cura Del Conflicto es la Reconciliación appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Wise Words Help Build Community

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

If you want to create change in your home, marriage, school, work, or relationships, the way you talk to others will make all the difference in the world.

When Nehemiah left his position as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes and traveled to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls, he knew he needed to identify with the people there. If he was going to get them on board with his plans, he needed to talk like an insider, not an outsider.

The Bible says, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace” (Nehemiah 2:17 NIV).

Notice Nehemiah said “us,” not “I.” He said “we,” not “me.” What was he doing with his words? He was building community. He didn’t point fingers and say, “I’m here to save the day and fix everything for you because you guys don’t even seem to care that you’re living in a heap of rubble.” No, he said, “This is our problem. And, together, I know that we can succeed because God is with us.”

When great leaders have a dream, they build a team. That’s what leadership is all about. Great leaders don’t show up and start blaming people. They accept part of the responsibility.

At times in your life, you’ll see a problem and have to choose between fixing the blame or fixing the problem. Anytime you blame others, you lower their motivation. Anytime you focus on a solution instead, you increase the motivation.

Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (NIV).

Great things happen when you unite people with your words and offer to help them succeed in something they’ve always wanted to accomplish—together.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

What is a daily interaction you have that would greatly benefit from using more “us” and “we” language?
When has God used “teamwork,” whether at your work, school, community, or home, to make a dream become reality?
Read Psalm 3:3. What kind of encouragement can this verse give you when someone uses words meant to drag you down instead of lift you up as you’re trying to build a team to accomplish a dream?

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Haz las Paces con Dios

“La naturaleza pecaminosa siempre se rebela contra Dios, nunca ha obedecido la ley de Dios y nunca podrá obedecerla”. Romanos 8:7 (NBV)

Hay un mito muy común: “Si pudiera conocer a la persona adecuada, todas mis necesidades estarían cubiertas”. ¿Alguno de los matrimonios quiere dar un testimonio ahora mismo? No hay nadie que pueda satisfacer todas tus necesidades. Somos imperfectos. Dos personas imperfectas no pueden crear una relación perfecta. Así que no deberíamos sorprendernos de eso.

La verdad es que nunca vas a conocer a nadie que pueda satisfacer todas tus necesidades. Pero cuando esperas que otras personas satisfagan necesidades que son irreales hay una pequeña señal de advertencia de que algo está pasando. Se llama ira. La ira es una luz de advertencia.

En lugar de mirar a otras personas, Dios dice: “Quiero que me mires a Mí”. Él dice: “No tienes porque no pides”. Estás mirando a las personas equivocadas para satisfacer tus necesidades.

La verdad es que la Biblia dice que estás en guerra con Dios, cuando no aceptas el gobierno de Dios sobre tu vida, y no aceptas que Dios es Dios y tú no y que Él tiene derecho a decirte lo que tienes que hacer. Puede que no te hayas dado cuenta pero estás en guerra con Dios si no haces las paces con Él.

La Biblia dice en Romanos 8:7, “ porque la naturaleza pecaminosa siempre se rebela contra Dios, nunca ha obedecido la ley de Dios y nunca podrá obedecerla” (NBV). Así que realmente todos los problemas que hay en el mundo empiezan en nuestro interior. Es porque hay caos en nuestros propios corazones, hay caos en el mundo. Es porque hay conflicto entre el bien y el mal, lo correcto y lo incorrecto. Dios dice que hay que empezar en el interior antes de poder trabajar en el exterior. Nunca vamos a tener paz en la tierra, hasta que los corazones de las personas sean cambiados.

Reflexiona sobre esto

¿Has hecho las paces con Dios o has estado queriendo suplir tus necesidades a tu manera?Estás de acuerdo que las guerras comienzan en el corazón del hombre. ¿sí? ¿no? ¿Por qué?¿Has buscado a Dios para suplir tus necesidades?

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Si todavía no has confiado en Jesús y no te has comprometido a seguirlo, ¿por qué esperar más? Si estás listo para cruzar esa línea y tomar la decisión de creer en Jesucristo y seguirlo; haz esta oración .

The post Haz las Paces con Dios appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Why Your Dream Needs the Right Timing

“There is a right time and a right way to do everything.”

Ecclesiastes 8:6 (GNT)

When God puts a dream in your heart, you don’t necessarily have to act on it right away. The Bible says, “There is a right time and a right way to do everything” (Ecclesiastes 8:6 GNT).

Pitchers understand the importance of timing in baseball. Every pitcher throws the same 5 ¼-ounce ball and stands the same 60 feet, 6 inches from home plate. But the difference between a pro pitcher and an amateur is timing. A pitcher’s timing can make or break them.

Another good example of timing is found in Nehemiah 2. Nehemiah knew timing could make or break his dream to rebuild Jerusalem. He could have made a grand entrance into town with trumpets and flags, announcing the reason for his arrival: “I’m here to save the day!”

Instead, Nehemiah stayed quiet for three days after arriving in Jerusalem. What was he doing those first three days? Since he was a man of prayer, there’s no doubt he was praying. He was also a planner, so he likely spent time watching, observing, listening, and learning.

The best example of timing is seen in the life of Jesus. His timing was perfect. He would often say things like, “It’s not my time yet.” He said this to his mother when she looked to him to do a miracle at a wedding. And he said this to his brothers when they wanted him to show himself to the world through the works he was doing.

And God waited thousands of years for just the right time to send his Son. The Bible says, “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children” (Galatians 4:4-5 NLT).

We don’t know why God sent Jesus when he did, but we know it was the right time to do what he wanted to do.

The same is true with the dreams God gives you. Trust in his timing. You may not see or understand his timing right now, but you can trust that his plan is perfect.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

Have you ever seen a good idea ruined because of bad timing? What happened?
In what areas of your life do you act impulsively? In what areas are you more patient?
How does Jesus’ willingness to say, “It’s not my time yet,” encourage you to do things at the right time and in the right way?

Now is the time to put your trust in Jesus

God promised that for those who believe in Jesus, there is no condemnation. He sent Jesus to take away your sin. His death on the cross paid for every wrong you’ve ever done or will do. And by sacrificing himself, Jesus made it possible for you to have a relationship with God the Father.

The good news doesn’t stop there! God also raised Jesus from the dead, proving his power over sin and death. That makes it possible for you to spend eternity with him in heaven.

If you’re ready to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, start by praying this simple prayer: “Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is your Son. I believe that he died for my sin and that you raised him to life. I want to trust him as my Savior and follow him as Lord, from this day forward. Please guide my life and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at Rick@PastorRick.com and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.

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A Note from Pastor Rick

A Note from Pastor Rick

Dear Friend,

The classic song, “My Favorite Things,” always makes me think about my favorite things; I call them “the big four.” And if you know Jesus Christ, you have every reason to thank God for these four things too:

The grace he’s shown meThe plan he has for meThe home he’s prepared for me in heavenThe changes he’s making in me

Keep this list in mind as you celebrate Thanksgiving this month. We can often get so preoccupied with cooking, eating, entertaining, or watching football that the only thanksgiving that happens is a single prayer before the big meal—a prayer usually done by one person.

But I want to challenge you to make this year different. Really spend time on Thanksgiving Day thanking God for all he has done for you—for “the big four” and so much more.

Another “favorite thing” I like to thank God for is the faithful support of my Daily Hope family. You’re impacting millions around the world with the Good News of Jesus, and I am so incredibly thankful for you.

Would you write to me and share how Daily Hope is impacting your life? Your letters always inspire our team and all the people whose prayers and support make this ministry possible. You can write to me at Rick@PastorRick.com.

Thank you for your partnership and prayers. God bless you, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Pastor Rick

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Los Pacificadores Sembrarán Semillas de Paz

“Los que procuran la paz sembrarán semillas de paz y recogerán una cosecha de justicia”. Santiago 3:18 (NTV)

Vivimos en un mundo imperfecto, dividido y fragmentado que necesita desesperadamente aprender las habilidades de la reconciliación, las habilidades para hacer la paz.

Cuando miramos la causa de los conflictos no hay que ir muy lejos en la Biblia y nos dice que todos los conflictos se reducen a dos palabras: egoísmo y pecado.

La Biblia dice en Jeremías 17:9, “Nada hay tan engañoso como el corazón. No tiene remedio. ¿Quién puede comprenderlo?” (NVI). En otras palabras, te mientes a ti mismo todo el tiempo. Y la cosa es que te lo crees. Te dices cosas a ti mismo, no piensas en mí, piensas en ti. Yo no pienso en ti, pienso en mí. ¿Qué es lo mejor para mí? Por eso tenemos conflicto y tenemos división.

Santiago 4:1-2 nos dice muy claramente esto: “¿Saben por qué hay guerras y pleitos entre ustedes? ¡Pues porque no saben dominar su egoísmo y su maldad! Son tan envidiosos que quisieran tenerlo todo, y cuando no lo pueden conseguir, son capaces hasta de pelear, matar y promover la guerra. ¡Pero ni así pueden conseguir lo que quieren! Ustedes no tienen, porque no se lo piden a Dios”.

El conflicto a menudo ocurre entre tú y otra persona porque esperas que ellos suplan una necesidad en tu vida que sólo Dios puede satisfacer.

Cuando esperas que otras personas suplan necesidades en tu vida, que solo Dios puede satisfacer, te vas a decepcionar. Te vas a desanimar. Te vas a amargar. La Biblia dice que cuando tenemos necesidades insatisfechas en nuestro corazón es nuestro egoísmo lo que hace que nos enojemos y resulte el conflicto.

La Biblia dice en Santiago 3:18 “Los que procuran la paz sembrarán semillas de paz y recogerán una cosecha de justicia”. Eso es lo que quiero que ocurra en tu vida. Quiero que tu vida recoja una cosecha de bondad. Quiero que el resultado de tu vida no sea la maldad, no sea una vida desperdiciada sino que cuando miren tu vida puedan decir, “Ese hombre, esa mujer cosechó bondad en su vida”.

Pero para cosechar algo tienes que sembrarlo primero. La Biblia dice que los pacificadores siembran semillas de paz.

Reflexiona sobre esto

¿Has tenido algún conflicto recientemente? ¿Puedes identificar cuál fue la raíz del conflicto?¿Existe alguien en tu vida que puedas identificar como un pacificador?¿Buscarás ser un pacificador en tu hogar o en tu trabajo? ¿Cómo describes una semilla de paz que puedas sembrar?

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Si todavía no has confiado en Jesús y no te has comprometido a seguirlo, ¿por qué esperar más? Si estás listo para cruzar esa línea y tomar la decisión de creer en Jesucristo y seguirlo; haz esta oración .

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Four Steps to Enlist Support for Your Dream

“They replied at once, ‘Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!’ So they began the good work.”

Nehemiah 2:18 (NLT)

Learning how to enlist the support of others is an important part of following your God-given dream.

But how do you get others to help you with your dream? Nehemiah 2 offers four steps for bringing others on board to accomplish your dream.

Step 1: Do your research. Before you announce your dream to your family and friends, make sure you have all the information you need. You don’t want someone to ask a question you can’t answer because you didn’t get all the facts first.

Nehemiah knew this as he arrived in Jerusalem to begin working on his dream. He said, “I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart . . . I went . . . to inspect the broken walls and burned gates” (Nehemiah 2:12-13 NLT). Nehemiah didn’t depend on secondhand knowledge. He conducted his own research.

Step 2: Paint a picture of what needs to change. Before someone can see in their mind how something could be better, you have to create some discontent with the current situation. Why? Because when people live with a problem long enough, they often become apathetic and are okay to settle for less than the best.

When Nehemiah presented his plan to the people, he didn’t minimize their current living conditions. He said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire” (Nehemiah 2:17 NLT). He painted a picture of their current reality.

Step 3: Appeal to people’s hearts. We often assume that people base their choices on logic and reason, but most decisions are based on feelings. That’s why it’s important to use internal motivation when enlisting the support of others.

Nehemiah appealed to the people’s hearts when he said, “Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” (Nehemiah 2:17 NLT). This also appealed to their dignity, reminding them that they were God’s people and that, with God’s help, they didn’t have to live in disgrace and shame any longer. Nehemiah showed he had genuine concern for the people.

Step 4: Share your story to inspire others. People want to know what your dream means to you. They want to know what God is doing in your life. And when you tell people that you’re trusting in God, it motivates them to live by faith also. 

Nehemiah shared a powerful story about how God was working in his life and in the plan he was sharing with them. He told the people “about how the gracious hand of God had been on [him]” (Nehemiah 2:18 NLT). Their response? The Bible says, “They replied at once, ‘Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!’ So they began the good work” (Nehemiah 2:18 NLT).

Open your eyes and see how God’s hand is already at work. Trust him to surround you with the support you need to fulfill your dream as you take these steps of faith.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

You can expect God to do great things in your life when you enlist the help of others. How has this been true in your life?
Has God placed a dream in your life that you need to reach out to others for help with? Which of Nehemiah's four steps do you need to start today?
Think of a time you supported someone’s dream after they shared their story with you. Why were you inspired to help them?

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The Formula for Happiness

The Formula for Happiness

“HAPPINESS FORMULA”

Ungrateful people are always unhappy people. If you want to be happy, find something to be grateful for—everywhere you go, every hour of the day. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is. God wants you to thank him for everything, because “everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory” (Romans 11:37 NLT).

WORRY ABOUT NOTHING

PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING

THANK GOD FOR ANYTHING

THINK ABOUT THE RIGHT THINGS

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done . . . Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” 

Philippians 4:6, 8 (NLT)

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Take Daily Hope Wherever You Go!

Take Daily Hope Wherever You Go!

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