Rick Warren's Blog, page 194

God Cares How You Give, Not What You Give

“By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings”

Hebrews 11:4 (NIV)

It’s interesting that the first person who gets mentioned in Hebrews 11’s “Faith Hall of Fame” is Abel, one of Adam and Eve’s sons.

What did Abel do that caused him to be included alongside Moses and Abraham and other significant biblical heroes in Hebrews 11? As far as we know, Abel never did anything great. He never took any major risks. But he gave an offering in faith, and that pleased God. It’s not what Abel gave; it’s how he gave it. Abel gave with an attitude of faith.

Hebrews 11:4 says, “By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings” (NIV).

Giving and faith go together. God couldn’t care less about the amount you give. God doesn’t need your money. He wants your heart.

In fact, if you’re not giving in faith, don’t give. The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).

There are two ways to give: You can give by reason, or you can give by revelation.

To give by reason is to sit down, look at the numbers, and figure out reasonably what you think it makes sense to give. But that approach doesn’t require any faith at all.

When you give by revelation, on the other hand, you let God reveal to you what he wants you to give in faith. You stop and take time to pray, asking, “God, how much do you want me to trust you for this time?” Then you do whatever he tells you to do. This is the kind of giving that stretches your faith because it’s not necessarily reasonable. It’s giving based on revelation. 

In the Bible, there were a group of early Christians that gave by revelation, not by reason. They lived in Macedonia, the same part of Greece that Alexander the Great came from. The Macedonian church had been through hard times and was extremely impoverished. Yet, when they heard that the church at Jerusalem needed help, they gave a sacrificial gift. Though the Macedonians had very little money themselves, they gave in faith to help their fellow Christians.

Paul says this about them: “They have been tested by great troubles, and they are very poor. But they gave much because of their great joy” (2 Corinthians 8:2 NCV).  

Did you notice why the Macedonians gave? Did they give out of guilt? No, they gave “because of their great joy.”

When you give in faith, you give with joy. And, as a result of your joyous, faithful giving, you grow and ultimately become more like Christ!

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

What has usually motivated your giving in the past?
Why are many people afraid to give in faith?
In what ways do you need to change how your view your money or how you approach your giving?

The post God Cares How You Give, Not What You Give appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Qué se Necesita para Mantenerse Integro

“¿Cómo puede el joven llevar una vida íntegra? Viviendo conforme a tu palabra”. Salmo 119:9 (NVI)

En un mundo que está absolutamente obsesionado con la apariencia e imagen, ¿cómo puedes mantener la realidad cuando todos los demás fingen? Ellos no tienen integridad. Ellos se escabullen y fabrican esquemas y engaños. Ellos no cumplen sus promesas.

¿Cómo lo mantienes real?

Sólo hay una manera. Hay que preocuparse más por la aprobación de Dios que por la aprobación de otras personas. Esa es la única manera de que te conviertas en un hombre o una mujer de integridad. Porque si te preocupas por lo que Dios piensa, entonces tú vas a hacer lo correcto. Si te preocupas más acerca de lo que piensen los demás, tú a menudo estarás haciendo las cosas mal.

Salmo 119:9 dice: “¿Cómo puede el joven llevar una vida íntegra? Viviendo conforme a tu palabra” (NVI).

La única forma en que vas a saber lo que Dios aprueba y lo que piensa de ti es mediante la lectura de la Biblia. ¡Tú debes permanecer en la Palabra de Dios! Si no lo haces, no tendrás la fuerza y ​​la energía para vivir con integridad.

Si yo no tengo un tiempo diario con Dios en la Palabra, si me olvido de ella, incluso por unos pocos días, ¡me doy cuenta de que todo el mundo lo nota! Porque empiezo a estar irritable. Si yo no estoy conectado con Dios por medio de su Palabra, yo no tendría ningún poder espiritual para explicar claramente la Palabra de Dios para ti. Yo no tendría la fuerza para vivir con integridad.

Vivir con integridad toma el poder espiritual, porque lo que es correcto es a menudo impopular. Te vas a cansar tratando de hacer lo correcto y ser real y tener los motivos correctos, y hay que estar equipado y renovado.

Lo haces mediante la lectura y el estudio de la Biblia, la Palabra de Dios.

Reflexiona sobre esto:

¿Cómo vas a leer la Palabra de Dios para que te dé fuerzas?¿Por qué es importante memorizar las Escrituras?¿Cuáles son algunas de las promesas de Dios de la Biblia que pueden animarte cuándo necesitas tomar la decisión correcta, pero poco popular?

Síguenos en Instagram  & Facebook

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 Qué se Necesita para Mantenerse Integro appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Faith and Persistence Go Hand in Hand

“It was by faith that Moses left Egypt and was not afraid of the king’s anger. Moses continued strong as if he could see the God that no one can see.”

Hebrews 11:27 (NCV)

There is a strong belief in our culture that if it feels good, do it. That influences every one of us, whether we want it to or not. But when you allow yourself to be manipulated by your moods, you are living your life according to your feelings.

But God wants you to live a different kind of life—a life of faith, not just a life of feeling. The truth is, I don’t always feel like doing the right thing. I’m sure you don’t either. But God can give you the kind of faith that persists above feelings.

If you look around, you’ll see that successful people do things they don’t feel like doing. They get tired of going through the motions and want to do things differently. They do the things that other people aren’t willing to do.

You can’t be an Olympic athlete unless you spend the extra hours training. You can’t be a master musician unless you spend many hours practicing.

The same principle is true for being a mature, godly Christian. If you want to deepen your relationship with God, you have to spend time with him, even when you don’t feel like it. Do you know people who really enjoy their time with God? That’s because they persisted in spending time with God, even when they didn’t feel like it.

Faith and persistence go hand in hand. Faith means you don’t give up even when you’re tired. Faith means you just won’t quit. When you’re living in faith, you’re persisting.

Moses was a great example of a life lived in faithful persistence. Hebrews 11:27 says, “It was by faith that Moses left Egypt and was not afraid of the king’s anger. Moses continued strong as if he could see the God that no one can see” (NCV).

Moses realized this important truth: You can only accomplish the impossible when you see the invisible.

God will give you strength to persevere. He’ll give you the power to keep working on the marriage that seems hopeless. He will give you the power to pick yourself up when you’ve fallen. He can give you the power to keep going when you’re on the edge of bankruptcy. He’ll give you the power to keep your convictions when all the pressure around you says to give in.

The key to faith is to be persistent. Keep your eyes on God, not on your problem.

God’s power to keep going is always there for you. You just need to ask him for it.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

Is there an area of your life where you’re tempted to give up? Talk about it with people who care about you.
What obstacle tends to limit your determination and persistence? Physical exhaustion? Overcoming frustration? Baggage from your past?
What new habits could help you overcome that obstacle?

Have you placed your faith in Jesus?

The Bible says we can only get to heaven by trusting in God through his Son, Jesus Christ. We cannot earn our way into heaven: “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).

If you’re ready to accept God’s gift and to trust Jesus, start with this prayer:

“Dear God, you have promised that if I believe in Jesus, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

“I confess my sin, and I submit to Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Jesus, I want to follow you and serve you. I humbly commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In your 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.

The post Faith and Persistence Go Hand in Hand appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Cómo te Bendice la Integridad

“Los justos caminan con integridad; benditos son los hijos que siguen sus pasos”. Proverbios 20:7 (NTV)

La Biblia dice que Dios bendice a los que tienen integridad (Mateo 5:8). Entonces ¿cuáles son las bendiciones que puede esperar cuando vives tu vida con autenticidad y un corazón puro?

Confianza Personal

Cuando tienes integridad, te conviertes en el tipo de persona que a los demás les gusta tener cerca porque sabes quién eres y para dónde vas.

Proverbios 10:9 dice: “Las personas con integridad caminan seguras, pero las que toman caminos torcidos serán descubiertas” (NTV).

Cuando no tienes integridad, es como caminar sobre una capa de hielo después de una tormenta de nieve. Estas poniendo toda tu energía en tratar de no caerte. Cuando tienes integridad, te sostienes en un terreno firme.

Un Legado Duradero

Tu mayor legado es tu integridad porque durará de generación en generación. Todo lo demás que hagas se pierde. Cuando te hayas ido, tu dinero será dividido entre los miembros de tu familia y será gastado. Tu trabajo será entregado a otra persona. Todos los trofeos que hayas ganado terminarán en el basurero.

Pero tu carácter se reproducirá en las vidas de las personas que te rodean y luego en la vida de las próximas generaciones. Es un legado duradero.

La Biblia dice en Proverbios 20:7, “Los justos caminan con integridad; benditos son los hijos que siguen sus pasos” (NTV).

Recompensas en la Eternidad

Mateo 25:21 dice: “¡Hiciste bien, siervo bueno y fiel! En lo poco has sido fiel; te pondré a cargo de mucho más” (NVI).

Tendemos a pensar que las recompensas se reciben por los grandes momentos de la vida, donde todo el mundo está mirando. Pero es en los pequeños momentos que muestras una integridad real. Cada pequeña palabra de aliento que des la próxima semana será recompensada eternamente. Cada pequeño acto de bondad será recompensado en la eternidad. Cada vez que rechazas una tentación, te será recompensado en la eternidad.

¡Ese es el poder de la integridad y la diferencia que hace no sólo ahora sino por la eternidad!

Reflexiona sobre esto:

Piensa en un momento en que debiste haber tenido integridad, pero no lo hiciste. ¿Cómo te afectó emocional, espiritual y físicamente?¿Cómo marca tu integridad una diferencia para la próxima generación?¿Qué pequeñas cosas puedes hacer esta semana, que nadie se dará cuenta, pero que demostrará tu integridad a Dios?

Síguenos en Instagram  & Facebook

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 Cómo te Bendice la Integridad appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Trusting God When You Don’t Understand

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.”

Proverbs 3:5 (HCSB)

Many people ask God to guarantee their success before trying what he has asked them to do—but that’s not faith. Faith always requires risk.

Faith means you obey even when you don’t understand. For example, forgiveness never seems like a good idea before you do it, but it’s one of the greatest tests of your faith. When someone hurts you, it may not feel right to forgive that person; it may not appear just. But forgiveness is always the right choice, regardless of whether you understand it.

Remember when you were a kid and your parents told you to do something that didn’t make sense to you? But now you can look back with 20/20 hindsight and understand your parents’ perspective.

That’s how it works with God too.

Faith is doing what’s right even when it seems absurd. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding” (HCSB). You never know the whole picture, but God does. 

The Bible gives a great example of this in the story of Gideon in Judges 7. Gideon took 300 Israelites to battle 135,000 enemy soldiers. The odds were 450 to one. God had the soldiers take torches, trumpets, and clay pots—a command I’m sure Gideon thought was ludicrous.

Then God told Gideon to put the clay pots over the torches so the light couldn’t be seen at night and go surround the enemy’s camp. God’s instructions were something like this: “When I tell you to, blow the trumpets, break the pots, and let torchlight suddenly shine out in the darkness. It will look like a huge army is surrounding the camp. It will cause mass confusion, and the enemy soldiers will end up fighting each other.”

Gideon obeyed, even though it didn’t make any sense. The Israelites blew their trumpets, broke their pots, and revealed the light from their torches. The enemy soldiers woke up in shock and started fighting each other instead of the Israelites. Because Gideon did what God told him to do—even when he didn’t understand it—the Israelites won the battle.

Sometimes God tells you to do something that appears foolish—like going into battle facing overwhelming odds. But when you have faith, you’ll obey God even when you don’t understand what he’s asking you to do.

Like Gideon and his soldiers, you can’t live by faith without risk. But God sees the big picture with 20/20 vision. You can trust what he’s asking you to do.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

What is the most surprising thing God has told you to do? How did that turn out?
The Bible says you shouldn’t trust your own understanding. Are there certain areas of your life where you are particularly tempted to trust your own ideas rather than God’s ideas? Why?
What is your greatest fear when you’re asked to obey something you don’t understand?

The post Trusting God When You Don’t Understand appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Integridad: Lo que Eres Cuando Estás a Solas con Dios

“Dios bendice a los que tienen corazón puro, porque ellos verán a Dios”. Mateo 5:8 (NTV)

La Biblia dice en Mateo 5:8 “Dios bendice a los que tienen el corazón puro, porque ellos verán a Dios” (NTV).

La expresión “verán a Dios” significa experimentar la presencia de Dios. Los creyentes que tienen un corazón puro llegan a sentir el poder de Dios. Llegan a conocer el propósito de Dios para sus vidas, también llegan a vivir en la paz de Dios y experimentan el perdón de Dios.

¿Quieres ser una de esas personas? En estos días no se habla mucho acerca de ser puros de corazón, pero si se usa la palabra “integridad”. El ser una persona con integridad no significa ser perfecto, porque si así fuera, ninguno de nosotros podría ser íntegro.

Entonces, ¿qué significa tener integridad?

Integridad es entereza.

Mucha gente piensa en su vida como un pastel y las diferentes partes de su vida son los pedazos divididos. Una parte del pastel es mi carrera. Otra es mi vida laboral. Otra es mi vida espiritual. Otra esta es mi vida familiar. Otra es mi vida social. Y otra es mi vida secreta —mis compulsiones, adicciones, y las cosas que nadie más conoce.

Si divides tu vida de esa manera, careces de integridad, porque tu vida no es un todo entero. Integridad significa que eres la misma persona con todo el mundo, en tus palabras, acciones y motivos, sin importar con que parte de la vida estás tratando.

Integridad es la autenticidad.

Durante las obras de teatro de la antigua cultura griega, existía un artista que desempeñaba múltiples personajes en el escenario. Él entraba en escena con una máscara y luego iba a los camerinos a ponerse una máscara diferente para interpretar a un personaje distinto. A este artista se llamaba los “hupokrites” y es de donde obtenemos la palabra “hipócrita”.

Cuando usas máscaras para aparentar una forma de ser delante de algunas personas y lucir de manera diferente con otros, es una falta de autenticidad. Dios quiere que seas exactamente la persona que Él quiso que fueras, sin importar quién te está mirando.

Integridad es una motivación genuina.

Esto significa que haces lo correcto, y lo haces por la razón correcta. Tus motivos son puros y no entremezclados. Eres sincero y directo en todos los ámbitos de tu vida y con todas las personas. Oras para hablar con Dios y no para impresionar a otras personas.

Nosotros usualmente estamos interesados ​​en la imagen, pero Dios está interesado en la integridad. Estamos interesados ​​en la reputación, pero Dios está interesado en el carácter. La reputación es lo que otros piensan que eres. La integridad es lo que realmente eres. La reputación es lo que eres en público. La integridad es lo que eres cuando estás a solas con Dios.

Dios bendice a los que tienen integridad. Ellos llegan a ser los amigos de Dios.

“El Señor detesta a los de corazón retorcido, pero se deleita en los que tienen integridad” Proverbios 11:20 (NTV).

Reflexiona sobre esto:

Las personas en cada área de tu vida – tus compañeros de trabajo, compañeros de clase, familiares y amigos – ¿utilizan todos las mismas palabras para describirte? ¿Por qué o por qué no?¿Qué impide que muestres vulnerabilidad en tus relaciones?¿Sienten las personas que pueden bajar la guardia contigo? ¿Cómo muestras a otros que los aceptas tal y como son?

Síguenos en Instagram  & Facebook

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 Integridad: Lo que Eres Cuando Estás a Solas con Dios appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Faith Is Believing What You Can’t See

“Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.”

Hebrews 11:1 (NCV)

The life that God planned for you to live is simple. It’s a life of faith and love.

The Bible explains the principle of love: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind’ . . . ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself’” (Matthew 22:37, 39 NCV).

And Hebrews 11:6 explains what it means to live a life of faith: “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (NIV). 

If you’re a parent, you know how pleased you are when your child trusts you. It’s the same way with God. Your trust in him—your faith—pleases him.

What is faith? Faith is believing when you can’t see it.

People say, “Seeing is believing.” God says the exact opposite: “Believing is seeing.” Some things you’ll never see unless you believe them first.

Hebrews 11:1 says it like this: “Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it” (NCV).   

Every great achievement starts when someone first believes it’s possible. Faith turns dreams into realities. In other words, faith makes reality out of what’s in your imagination. Nothing happens until someone believes it’s possible.

Over 40 years ago, I stood in front of a small group of people for the first service of Saddleback Church. I shared a dream God gave me for a church with 50 acres of land—a church that would minister to 20,000 people every week. People laughed. Frankly, I laughed too. We all knew the high price of land in Orange County, California. It seemed impossible.

But God did it. Everything God has done through Saddleback in the last four decades has seemed impossible before it happened. But we had faith that God would do the impossible.

What about you? What dream do you have today that requires faith? 

Spend some time today asking God, “What do you want me to do?” When you’re tuned in and talking to God, setting goals becomes an act of faith.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

What’s one thing you once thought was impossible that you have seen God accomplish?
What is one dream you’re trusting God to turn into reality?
What is your biggest fear when it comes to the dream or vision God has given you for your life?

Are you ready to receive God’s forgiveness and start a new life with Christ?

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

And the good news doesn’t stop there. God also raised Jesus from the dead, proving his power over sin and death. And 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 sins and that you raised him to life. I want to trust him as my Savior and follow him as Lord, from this day forward. 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. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.

The post Faith Is Believing What You Can’t See appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Siete Maneras de ser Misericordioso – Parte 2

“Bienaventurados los misericordiosos, pues ellos recibirán misericordia”. Mateo 5:7 (NBLA)

Ayer vimos tres maneras de ser misericordioso y las preguntas de aplicación personal, hoy continuamos con las demás:

Haz el bien a aquellos que te han lastimado. Tal vez has sufrido por una herida antigua, que no has podido dejar ir. Necesitas perdonar y luego usarla para bien. ¿Quién es esa persona en tu vida? ¿Harás una llamada telefónica o una visita esta semana?Se amable con aquellos que te ofenden. ¿Quién te ofende? Tal vez es un político o un comediante por quien puedes orar. Tal vez es un amigo en internet que tiene diferentes puntos de vista y dice algunas cosas bastante ofensivas. ¿Cómo puedes mostrar amabilidad a esa persona esta semana de manera intencional?Construye puentes de amor los que no son aceptados. ¿Quién es la primera persona que viene a tu mente cuando piensas en un rechazado? ¿Quién pasa su hora de almuerzo comiendo solo o no lo ves con ningún amigo en los partidos de futbol? ¿Qué cosa específica harás esta semana para unir con amor el espacio entre tú y esa persona?Valora las relaciones personales por encima de las reglas. ¿Quién es un no-creyente que podrías invitar a una cena en las próximas semanas? ¿Darás entonces un paso adelante y lo invitarás a la Iglesia? Este es tu ministerio de misericordia.

¿Aceptas el reto de realizar un acto premeditado de misericordia en cada una de estas categorías?

Haz esta oración hoy: “Padre Celestial, tu Palabra me convence. Quiero tu bendición en mi vida y quiero ser una persona misericordiosa. Cuando miro estas siete maneras de ser misericordioso, pienso en las deficiencias y las debilidades en mi propia vida. Oro que en lugar de solo escuchar tu Palabra, haga algo al respecto. Dame el valor de ser misericordioso. Dame la fuerza esta semana para dar un paso en fe y ser radical, ser premeditado en actos de misericordia que dirijan a otros hacia Ti. En el Nombre de Jesús. Amén”.

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Gratitude: Four Ways to Develop Joy

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”

Philippians 4:4 (NLT)

The Apostle Paul says, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NLT) He doesn’t say you should be joyful only in good times. He says you should be full of joy always. But how can you do that? 

The Bible teaches that—even when times are tough—you can be joyful if you follow these four simple strategies:

Thank God in all things. When you pray, do it with thanksgiving. The healthiest human emotion is gratitude. It actually increases your immunities. It makes you more resistant to stress and less susceptible to illness.

People who are grateful are happy. But people who are ungrateful are miserable because nothing makes them happy. They’re never satisfied. It’s never good enough.

But if you cultivate an attitude of gratitude—of being thankful in every circumstance—your stress will lessen.

Don’t worry about anything. Worrying doesn’t change anything. It’s stewing without doing.

No one is born a worrier. Worry is a learned response. You learned it from your parents. You learned it from your peers. You learned it from experience. That’s good news. The fact that worry is learned means it can also be unlearned.  

How do you unlearn it? Jesus says in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (NIV).

In my culture, we might say it like this: Don’t open your umbrella until it starts raining. Or, in other words, live one day at a time.

Pray about everything. Instead of worrying, use your time to pray. If you prayed as much as you worried, you’d have a lot less to worry about.

Is God interested in your car payments? Yes, he’s interested in every detail of your life. And because of that, you can take any problem to God that you face.

Think about the right things. If you want to reduce the level of stress in your life, you must change the way you think, because the way you think determines how you feel. And the way you feel determines how you act. The Bible teaches that, if you want to change your life, you need to change what you’re thinking about.

This involves a deliberate, conscious choice to think about the right things. You need to choose to think about positive things and focus on God’s Word. 

What is the result of not worrying, praying about everything, giving thanks, and focusing on the right things? 

Paul says, “You will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 NLT).

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

What do you worry about? Talk to God about your worries and honestly tell him why you worry.
If you prayed as much as you worried, how do you think your life would change? God says he has your best interest at heart. Thank him in all things, even if you cannot understand what God is up to in your life.
What do you think about most? What do you think God wants you to think about? Are these two things in alignment? If not, then why?

Are you ready to start a new life with Christ?

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 sins and that you raised him to life. I want to trust him as my Savior and follow him as Lord from this day forward. 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.

The post Gratitude: Four Ways to Develop Joy appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Siete Maneras de ser Misericordioso – Parte 1

“Bienaventurados los misericordiosos, porque ellos serán tratados con misericordia”. Mateo 5:7 (RVC)

En los devocionales anteriores, hablamos sobre las siete características de la misericordia. Hoy y mañana, quiero que consideres algunas preguntas sobre la aplicación personal en cada uno de esos aspectos que describimos. Quiero desafiarte esta semana, a realizar un acto premeditado de misericordia en cada una de las categorías.

¡Alto ahí! ¿No hay una tensión entre la misericordia y la responsabilidad personal? Sí, sí lo hay. Pero personalmente he decidido que si voy a equivocarme, voy a hacerlo por ser demasiado amable, demasiado misericordioso y demasiado indulgente. Puedes desbordarte con misericordia —tan solo mira lo que hizo Jesús en la cruz.

Entonces, hoy veremos las tres primeras preguntas, ¿Cómo puedes ser misericordioso?

Sé paciente con las peculiaridades de las personas. ¿Quién es esa persona en tu vida quien tiene peculiaridades irritantes? ¿Cómo puedes practicar la paciencia con esa persona esta semana?Ayuda a alguien a tu alrededor que está lastimado. ¿Quién a tu alrededor está claramente lastimado que puedas ayudar esta semana? Si no puedes pensar en alguien, entonces no estás poniendo atención. ¡Mira más de cerca!Dale una segunda oportunidad a las personas. ¿Quién necesita que le des una segunda oportunidad? ¿Cómo puedes mostrar a esa persona misericordia y compasión esta semana?

Reflexiona sobre esto:

Pide a Dios en oración que te ayude a ver a esas personas que necesitan tu paciencia, que te muestre esas personas heridas que no habías visto antes y que te ayude a tener compasión con aquellos que lo necesitan. Dios quiere que aprendas a ser misericordioso porque Él es misericordioso.

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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 Siete Maneras de ser Misericordioso – Parte 1 appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.