Rick Warren's Blog, page 202

God’s Goal for You Is Character, Not Comfort

“Take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you."

Ephesians 4:22-24 (The Message)

Many religions and philosophies promote the old lie that people are divine or can become gods. Let me be absolutely clear: You will never become God or even a god.

That prideful lie is Satan’s oldest temptation. Satan wanted Adam and Eve to follow his advice and promised them this if they would: “You will be like God . . .” (Genesis 3:5 NIV).

This desire to be a god shows up every time you try to control your circumstances, your future, or people around you. But you’re a creature; you will never be the Creator. God doesn’t want you to become a god; he wants you to become godly, taking on his values, attitudes, and character.

You are meant to “take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you” (Ephesians 4:22-24 The Message).

God’s ultimate goal for your life on Earth is not comfort but character development. He wants you to grow up spiritually and become like Christ.

Becoming like Christ does not mean losing your personality or becoming a mindless clone. God created your uniqueness, so he certainly doesn’t want to destroy it. Christlikeness is all about transforming your character, not your personality.

Every time you forget that character is one of God’s purposes for your life, you will become frustrated by your circumstances. You’ll wonder, “Why is this happening to me? Why am I having such a difficult time?” One answer is that life is supposed to be difficult! Difficulty enables you to grow. Remember, Earth is not heaven.

In John 10:10, Jesus promises: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (KJV). Many Christians misinterpret this promise of abundant life to mean perfect health, a comfortable lifestyle, constant happiness, full realization of your dreams, and instant relief from problems through faith and prayer.

In a word, they expect the Christian life to be easy. They expect heaven on Earth.

But God is not your genie or your servant. If you fall for the idea that life is supposed to be easy, you will become severely disillusioned and live in denial of reality.

Life is not about you! You exist for God’s purposes, not vice versa. Why would God provide heaven on Earth when he’s planned the real thing for you in eternity?  

God gives you your time on Earth to build and strengthen your character—so you’ll be ready for an eternity in heaven.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

When do you find yourself trying to control your circumstances, your future, and the people around you?
God is most interested in your character development, not your comfort. How does that give you perspective on difficulties you’ve faced?
In what ways have you seen God give you a truly abundant life, even if it’s not an easy life?

The post God’s Goal for You Is Character, Not Comfort appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Jesús vino por los Quebrantados de Corazón

“Me ha enviado para sanar a los quebrantados de corazón”. Lucas 4:18b (RVA)

¿Alguna idea de dónde viene la frase “quebrantados de corazón”?

Viene de la Biblia y tiene miles de años. En el Salmo 69:20, David dice: “Sus insultos me han quebrantado el corazón; y estoy desesperado” (NBV).

David escribió sobre eso hace siglos, pero los médicos dicen que es una realidad médica. Cuando atraviesas un evento traumático, tu cerebro libera sustancias químicas para tratar con él, y algunas de esas sustancias realmente debilitan el tejido del corazón. Se llama síndrome del corazón roto.

¿Qué causa un corazón roto? Estas son algunas de las formas más comunes en que nuestros corazones se rompen:

Nos decepcionamos porque las cosas no salen como hemos planeado.Somos rechazados por alguien que amamos o alguien que creemos que nos ama.Nos resentimos con los demás al aferrarnos a las heridas pasadas.

Pero aquí hay una noticia increíble. No importa cómo llames a un corazón roto o cómo lo obtuviste; Jesús puede ayudarte. De hecho, en el primer sermón de Jesús, Él dice que es una de las razones por las que vino.

Si estás deprimido por la decepción, el rechazo o el resentimiento, Jesús vino a sanar tu corazón.

Jesús dijo acerca del Padre, “Me ha enviado para sanar a los quebrantados de corazón” Lucas 4:18b (RVA).

Si has sido herido, Dios quiere ayudarte. La Biblia dice en el Salmo 147:3, Él sana a los de corazón quebrantado y les venda las heridas” (NTV).

Nunca estás más cerca de Dios que cuando estás sufriendo. Él está aquí para ayudarte.

¿Lo dejarás?

Reflexiona sobre esto :

Cuando consideras las tres causas de un corazón quebrantado mencionado en el devocional de hoy, ¿a qué te encuentras más susceptible y por qué?¿Cómo has visto a Dios sanar corazones quebrantados?¿Cuáles son algunas maneras en que Dios puede usarte para ayudar a otros a sanar de un corazón quebrantado?Recibe un versículo de inspiración cada día por WhatsApp 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 Jesús vino por los Quebrantados de Corazón appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

How to Become like Christ

“We shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature."

Ephesians 4:13 (GNT)

Discipleship is the process of becoming like Christ. It’s a journey that will last a lifetime!

This is how it works: Every day God wants you to become a little more like him. As the Bible says, “You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you” (Colossians 3:10 NCV).

Today people are obsessed with speed. But God is more interested in strength and stability than swiftness. You might want the quick fix, the shortcut, the on-the-spot solution. Maybe you’re looking for a sermon, a seminar, or an experience that will instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation, and release you from all growing pains.

But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving. Growth is gradual. The Bible says, “Our lives gradually [become] brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him” (2 Corinthians 3:18 The Message).

People often build their identity around their defects. You might even tell yourself you can’t change, saying, “It’s just the way I am.” 

The unconscious worry is that if you let go of your habit, your hurt, or your hang-up, you won’t know who you are anymore. This fear can slow, or even stop, your growth.

So how do you let go of those old habits and grow to be more like Christ? How do you conform your character to his? By developing Christ-like habits to replace those old habits.

Your character is the sum total of your habits—and habits take time to develop. You can’t claim to be kind unless you are habitually kind, showing kindness without even thinking about it. You can’t claim to have integrity unless it is your habit to always be honest. A husband who is faithful to his wife most of the time is not faithful at all! Your habits define your character.

There’s just one way to develop the habits of Christ-like character: You have to practice them, over and over, until they become part of your identity. And that takes time!

But over time, you—and the people around you—will see the difference. As Paul urged Timothy, “Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15 GW).

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

What old habit have you been hanging on to? How can you begin to replace it with a Christ-like habit today?
What is one character trait that you want to be known for?
Who in your life can help and encourage you as you work to develop that habit of Christ-like character?

The post How to Become like Christ appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Cinco Verdades acerca de Dios que te Recargan

“¡El fiel amor del Señor nunca se acaba! Sus misericordias jamás terminan. Grande es su fidelidad; sus misericordias son nuevas cada mañana. Me digo: «El Señor es mi herencia, por lo tanto, ¡esperaré en él!»”. Lamentaciones 3:22-24 (NTV)

El agotamiento emocional no es nuevo. Tampoco es algo extraño a la Biblia. Sólo lee el libro de Lamentaciones.

Cuando Jeremías escribió el libro, Jerusalén había sido capturada. Los israelitas estaban en el exilio. Todo lo que Jeremías consideraba sagrado había sido destruido.

Estaba emocionalmente agotado, y durante un libro completo de la Biblia, Jeremías libera sus frustraciones y expresa sus emociones a Dios.

En medio de estas quejas, se enfoca en Dios. Él escribe, “No obstante, aún me atrevo a tener esperanza cuando recuerdo lo siguiente:” Lamentaciones 3:21 (NTV).

¿Qué le trajo esperanza a Jeremías durante este tiempo tan difícil? Él contesta de inmediato:

“¡El fiel amor del Señor nunca se acaba! Sus misericordias jamás terminan. Grande es su fidelidad; sus misericordias son nuevas cada mañana. Me digo: «El Señor es mi herencia, por lo tanto, ¡esperaré en él!»” Lamentaciones 3:22-24 (NTV).

Jeremías vuelve a centrarse en cinco verdades sobre Dios que le ayudaron a reponerse en medio del agotamiento.

Jeremías recuerda:

El amor incondicional de DiosLa misericordia inagotable de DiosLa gran fidelidad de DiosDios es siempre bondadosoDios es mi verdadera esperanza

Cuando la vida te agobie, no te centres en tus problemas. No te hundas en la desesperación.

Enfoca tu atención en Dios.

Construye tu vida alrededor de los cincos rasgos del carácter de Dios que hemos mencionado, y estarás listo para cualquier contratiempo que se te presente.

Reflexiona sobre esto :

¿Cómo crees que podrías haber respondido a un desastre como el que enfrentó Jeremías, donde su ciudad natal fue destruida y su gente exiliada?Cuando te sientes emocionalmente agotado, ¿qué verdad sobre el carácter de Dios del devocional de hoy tiene el mayor impacto en tu bienestar? ¿Por qué?La próxima vez que te sientas agotado, ¿cuáles son algunas de las maneras en que puedes recordar enfocar tu atención en quién es Dios?Recibe un versículo de inspiración cada día por WhatsApp 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 Cinco Verdades acerca de Dios que te Recargan appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Why Having a Church Family Matters

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

John 13:35 (NLT)

The Bible says a Christian without a church home is like an organ without a body, a sheep without a flock, or a child without a family. It is an unnatural state. Ephesians 2:19 says, “You belong in God’s household with every other Christian” (TLB).

Today’s culture of independent individualism has created many spiritual orphans—“bunny believers” who hop around from one church to another without any identity, accountability, or commitment. Many believe it is possible to be a “good Christian” without joining (or even attending) a local church. But God strongly disagrees.

The church is so significant that Jesus died on the cross for it: “Christ loved the church and gave his life for it” (Ephesians 5:25 GW).

Except for a few important exceptions referring to all believers throughout history, almost every time the word “church” is used in the Bible, it refers to a local, visible congregation. The New Testament assumes every Christian will be a member of a local church.

If you follow Christ, it’s important to be committed to a specific group of disciples. A church family identifies you as a genuine believer. Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35 NLT).

Your commitment to a church identifies you as a believer—but it also strengthens you as a believer. When you meet with your church, you gain motivation and encouragement from other believers, and you provide motivation and encouragement to them.

Maybe you’ve had a great week and feel like you don’t need to go to church. But if you aren’t at church, who will miss out on the encouragement you could provide? For someone on the edge of hopelessness, your warm smile or encouraging word might make all the difference. That’s what it means to be the church.

Here’s the truth: Christians need each other to grow. Many people think spiritual growth is a private matter, but God calls believers to live out their faith in community. You can’t develop a deep faith in isolation.

And when people come together in love as a church family from different backgrounds, races, and social statuses, it’s a witness to the world. As Galatians 3:28 says, “You are all the same in Christ Jesus” (GW).

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

Why is it important to belong to a local church?
How would you respond to a believer who does not attend church because of some hurt or disappointment from the past?
How can you get your heart ready for church this week?

The post Why Having a Church Family Matters appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

God’s True View of You

DOWNLOAD HERE

Knowing what God thinks and says about you is essential for living a fulfilled life. That’s why it’s so important to understand that your true identity is found only in Christ.

In this free download, Pastor Rick shares the five things you need to know about who you truly are in Christ.

The post God’s True View of You appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

El Remedio de Dios para tu Agotamiento Emocional

“En verdes pastos me hace descansar”. Salmo 23:2 (NVI)

Ayer compartí contigo diez señales de que puedes estar agotado emocionalmente. Todas vienen de la experiencia de Elías, uno de los grandes profetas del Antiguo Testamento.

Así que, ¿Qué haces si te das cuenta de que estás agotado emocionalmente?

Cuando Elías se enfrentó a esa experiencia, Dios le dirigió a hacer tres cosas que le ayudaron a recuperarse —y son cosas que pueden ayudarte a ti también a recuperarte cuando te encuentres sin fuerzas.

Descansa tu cuerpo. En el Salmo más famoso del mundo, la Biblia dice de Dios: “En verdes pastos me hace descansar” Salmo 23:2 (NVI). A veces, Dios debe hacer que descanses porque no estás dispuesto a hacerlo por ti mismo. No podrás estar espiritualmente y emocionalmente fortalecido mientras estés físicamente agotado.Eso es lo que le sucedió a Elías. Dios no regaño a Elías. Dios tampoco le dijo, “¿qué te pasa? Solo estás teniendo lástima de ti mismo”. Él simplemente dejó dormir a Elías. La Biblia dice sobre Elías en 1 Reyes 19:5 “Luego se acostó debajo del arbusto y se quedó dormido” (NVI).

Algunas veces lo más espiritual que puedes hacer cuando estás agotado emocionalmente es, tomar una siesta.

Libera tus frustraciones. Revelar tus sentimientos es el principio de la sanidad.En 1 Reyes 19:10, Elías le dijo esto a Dios: “—Me consume mi amor por ti, Señor Dios Todopoderoso —respondió él—. Los israelitas han rechazado tu pacto, han derribado tus altares, y a tus profetas los han matado a filo de espada. Yo soy el único que ha quedado con vida, ¡y ahora quieren matarme a mí también!” (NVI).

Elías no se guardó nada. Él no puso filtro a sus sentimientos. Él le dijo a Dios sus frustraciones.

Este es el punto que no debes perderte en este versículo. Dios no se sorprende cuando te quejas con Él. Dios te escuchará hasta que te quedes sin palabras. Déjalas salir. Dios puede manejar cualquier cosa que le lances.

Recuerda y reenfócate en Dios. Cuando estás exhausto emocionalmente y extremamente agotado, necesitas recordar lo que Dios dice; también necesitas recordar quien es Él. Cuando hacemos eso, cambiamos nuestros ojos de nuestro problema hacia nuestro Jesús. Se refresca nuestra conciencia del poder, presencia y personalidad de Dios. Es necesario que veamos eso mucho más que los problemas que tenemos.En 1 Reyes 19:11-13, Dios demostró su poder de primera mano a Elías. El Señor le mostró quién estaba en control. Cuando estás batallando con el desgaste, a menudo es porque estás intentando jugar el papel de Dios y controlar todo. Cuando te vuelves a enfocar en Dios, te das cuenta de que Él está en control. Puedes dejar de ejercer tu propio control.

Si te sientes agotado y exhausto emocionalmente, Dios no te ha olvidado. Al igual que Dios hizo con Elías, Dios está listo y dispuesto a ayudarte.

Reflexiona sobre esto :

Cuando recuerdas tiempos de agotamiento emocional en tu vida, ¿Cómo lograste superarlos?¿Por qué puede ser difícil descansar lo necesario cuando estás batallando con agotamiento emocional?Cuando estás sufriendo agotamiento emocional, no solo debes demostrar tus sentimientos a Dios. También necesitas expresarlos a otras personas. ¿A quién en tu vida puedes de forma segura expresar tus sentimientos?Recibe un versículo de inspiración cada día por WhatsApp 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 El Remedio de Dios para tu Agotamiento Emocional appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

God Made You, and You Belong to Him

 

“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’"

Luke 1:46-47 (NIV)

When it comes to planning, many Christians act like atheists. They realize Jesus saved them, but they don’t really trust him. They think they can plan their life any way they want to. But the reality is God created everyone, and he made each person for a unique purpose. He has a specific destiny for each individual. 

About two thousand years ago, God had a plan for a young woman named Mary. He had created her and chosen her to become the mother of the Son of God.

What was Mary’s response when an angel told her about God’s plan? She didn’t say, “I’ve got my own plans for my life. I’m too busy. I have to do what’s best for me.” No, she realized God had a purpose for her life, and she was willing to do whatever he wanted.

Her response was a song of praise: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47 NIV). Mary recognized that God was her Lord and Savior, and she was eager to do his will. She trusted him with her life, even though she knew no one would believe her when she told them what the angel said.

Do you trust that God has made you for a specific destiny? The Bible says, “Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep he tends” (Psalm 100:3 NCV).

Many people will miss God’s plan for their lives by about 18 inches—the distance between their head and their heart. They intellectually believe the Gospel, but they don’t let it change their hearts.

The truth is that you were not made for your own sake. You were made by God, and you were made for God.

You might know quantum physics. You might understand chaos theory. You may even know how to build a rocket ship. But if you don’t know God, you’ve missed the purpose of life.

At the end of your life, God won’t care how well you did in your career or ask to see your bank account balance. Instead, he’ll ask you this: “Did you get to know me? Did you build a relationship with my Son, whom I sent to Earth to die on the cross for you?”

The most important thing in life is to know God—not to know about him, but to know
him personally.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

What are the plans you’ve been making for yourself? How do they reflect your trust in God and his will?
If you really trusted God for your destiny, what would change about your prayer life? What would change about your relationships? Your perspective on world events?
Take a few moments, and write your own song of praise to God that shows him that you want to do his will and fulfill his purpose for your life.

The post God Made You, and You Belong to Him appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Diez Señales que Indican que Estás Agotado Emocionalmente

“Elías tuvo miedo y huyó para salvar su vida. Se fue a Beerseba, una ciudad de Judá, y dejó allí a su sirviente. Luego siguió solo todo el día hasta llegar al desierto. Se sentó bajo un solitario árbol de retama y pidió morirse: «Basta ya, Señor; quítame la vida, porque no soy mejor que mis antepasados que ya murieron»”. 1 Reyes 19:3-4 (NTV)

Todos pasamos por momentos en que nuestros tanques emocionales están vacíos, incluso los grandes héroes de la Biblia.

Considera la experiencia de Elías, uno de los profetas más importantes en la historia de Israel. Después de un momento destacado de su ministerio, se enfrentó a un profeta pagano y ganó —recibió una amenaza de muerte de la reina y comenzó a descender en un espiral de agotamiento emocional.

1 de Reyes 19:3-4 describe lo que Elías hizo a continuación.

“Elías tuvo miedo y huyó para salvar su vida. Se fue a Beerseba, una ciudad de Judá, y dejó allí a su sirviente. Luego siguió solo todo el día hasta llegar al desierto. Se sentó bajo un solitario árbol de retama y pidió morirse: «Basta ya, Señor; quítame la vida, porque no soy mejor que mis antepasados que ya murieron»” (NTV).

La experiencia de Elías nos da 10 indicaciones de agotamiento emocional. Mantén los ojos bien abiertos para detectar estos problemas en tu propia vida y en la de las personas que te rodean.

Aquí hay 10 señales de agotamiento emocional durante esta etapa de la vida de Elías.

El temor se filtra en tu vida.Te encuentras huyendo de las cosas.Te alejas de las relaciones.Tomas decisiones tontas de forma impulsiva.Te esfuerzas más allá de tus límites físicos.Tu trabajo parece no tener sentido.Te quejas de que quieres abandonar y rendirte.Te sientes aislado y atacado.Te comparas con los demás y te sientes mal contigo mismo.Piensas que la muerte podría aliviarte.

Si ves algunas de estas características en tu vida en este momento, es probable que estés emocionalmente exhausto o que experimentes el agotamiento. Incluso puedes estar deprimido.

Pero hay esperanza, y mañana, compartiré contigo lo que la Biblia dice que puedes hacer cuando tu tanque emocional está vacío.

Reflexiona sobre esto:

Describe algunos momentos de tu vida en los que te encontraste emocionalmente agotado. ¿Cómo trataste de resolver el problema?Al mirar las señales de advertencia enumeradas en el devocional de hoy, ¿con cuáles luchas con regularidad?¿Qué persona en tu vida puede necesitar leer este devocional? ¿Cómo puedes conseguirles una copia de esto esta semana?Recibe un versículo de inspiración cada día por WhatsApp 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 Diez Señales que Indican que Estás Agotado Emocionalmente appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Where Can You Find True Freedom?

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

John 8:36 (NIV)

The world defines freedom as a life without any restraint. It’s an attitude that says, “I can do anything I want to do and say anything I want to say, without anybody telling me what to do.”

With that kind of mindset, everybody else may get burned by you, but you get to do it your own way. That’s the world’s kind of freedom—you get your freedom, but only by being totally selfish.

But the Bible says the only way to true freedom is through Jesus: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NIV).

God sent Jesus to proclaim and deliver freedom from the sin that keeps you trapped in a cycle of anger, envy, greed, sexual immorality, broken relationships, unforgiveness, and selfishness.

With true freedom, you’re set free from fear, guilt, worry, bitterness, and death. You’re free to quit pretending, because you’re free to be yourself.

How do you get rid of fear and find real freedom in Jesus? By letting God love you! The Apostle John teaches this: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18 NIV).

When you realize how much God loves you, you’ll begin to live and rest in that love. And when you live in God’s love, you’re free—free to see life from his point of view and live the way he meant you to live. You learn that freedom isn’t something you demand or earn; it’s a gift from God. 

In fact, living in God’s love is an act of worship. When you agree that God is loving, caring, and generous and begin to trust in that love, you worship him. As 1 John 4:16 says, “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love” (NLT).

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

Where have you looked for freedom outside of God’s love? What has the result been?
When have you lived in the freedom of God’s love? What difference has that made in your life?
How can you intentionally let God love you today?

Are you ready to find freedom in Christ?

God promised that for those who believe in Jesus, there is no condemnation. He sent Jesus to save you from your sin. His 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.

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.

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