Rick Warren's Blog, page 273

Al Dar, te Vuelves Más como Jesús

“No se ocupen solo de sus propios intereses, sino también procuren interesarse en los demás. Tengan la misma actitud que tuvo Cristo Jesús”. Filipenses 2:4-5 (NTV)

Dios quiere que aprendas a poder dar sin amar, pero no puedes amar sin dar.

Tú dices: “¡Realmente amo a mis hijos!” ¿Les das tu tiempo? “Realmente amo a mi esposa”. ¿Le prestas atención? De esto se trata el amor. Te vuelves más amoroso cuando te vuelves más generoso.

Cada vez que eres generoso, se produce un cambio en ti. Cada vez que das, tu corazón se inclina más hacia Dios. Te vuelves más amoroso cada vez que das. Te vuelves más como Jesús.

Filipenses 1:11 dice: “Que estén siempre llenos del fruto de la salvación —es decir, el carácter justo que Jesucristo produce en su vida— porque esto traerá mucha gloria y alabanza a Dios” (NTV).

De lo que estamos hablando aquí es extremadamente contracultural, porque nuestra sociedad no te dice que des. Nuestra cultura nos dice constantemente que debemos recibir y acumular. Todo es acerca de mí. Yo, mis cosas, mis necesidades, mí, mío. ¡Tenemos un problema de “yo”!

Cuando eres generoso, quitas el enfoque de ti mismo y comienzas a pensar en los demás. Filipenses 2:4-5 dice: “No se ocupen solo de sus propios intereses, sino también procuren interesarse en los demás. Tengan la misma actitud que tuvo Cristo Jesús” (NTV).

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Reflexiona sobre esto :

¿Qué has aprendido de Dios a medida que te vuelves más generoso?¿De qué maneras puedes contrarrestar la cultura y ser más generoso?¿Cómo la generosidad de otra persona te ha acercado más a Jesús?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 . .fb-background-color { background: #ffffff !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The post Al Dar, te Vuelves Más como Jesús appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Christianity: Adopted into the Family

“You will all be joined together, and you will give glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which will bring glory to God."

Romans 15:6-7 (NCV)

Most people think Christianity is a belief system. It’s true that Christianity includes beliefs—but it’s so much more than that. It’s about belonging and connection. When you’re a Christian, you belong to the family of God and are connected to the body of Christ.

There are only two ways to get into a family: You can be born into it or adopted into it. Both phrases are used in the Bible to explain what it means to be brought into the family of God. You are “born again” into the family of God, and you are “adopted” into the family of God.

Once you’re born, you can’t be unborn. Your relationship with your parents may be broken, but you are still their child. In the same way, once you are born again into the family of God, you can’t be unborn. You remain in the family of God!

God also says you’re adopted into his family. According to New Testament-era Roman law, people could disown children they birthed. But if they adopted children, they were forbidden to ever disown them. God says you are not only born again into his family, but he has adopted you—and there is no way he will ever disown you. That’s good news!

You may ask, “Really? No matter what I do, God won’t let me go?” Yes, no matter what you do!

When you become part of the family of God, you become part of his church. Church isn’t something you go to; it’s something you belong to. The Bible says, “I want you to know how people who are members of God’s family must live. God’s family is the church” (1 Timothy 3:15 GW).

Romans 15:6-7 says, “You will all be joined together, and you will give glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which will bring glory to God” (NCV).

Just like you are God’s child forever, you are part of his bigger family—the church—forever. That has been God’s plan all along—to make you part of his forever family!

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Talk It Over

What are the benefits to belonging to the family of God?
What is the evidence in your life that you belong to the family of God?
How can you use your gifts and abilities to serve the body of Christ and show the world what it means to belong to God’s family?

No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, you’ve got a place in God’s forever family ready and waiting for you. The invitation is wide open. Just believe and receive.

Are you ready? Here’s a prayer you can start with: “Dear God, I know when I die, I’m going to give an account of my life to you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins and toward you.

“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all that I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord. I could never be good enough to get into a perfect place.

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me and make me part of your family forever. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe you will keep your promise to save me instantly, certainly, completely, and eternally. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

If you prayed the prayer above, please write and tell me at Rick@PastorRick.com. I’d like to send you some materials as you begin your journey with Jesus.

The post Christianity: Adopted into the Family appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

La Forma en que Das Revela tu Corazón

“Antes creía que esas cosas eran valiosas, pero ahora considero que no tienen ningún valor debido a lo que Cristo ha hecho”. Filipenses 3:7 (NTV)

Cada vez que das, revelas lo que te importa. Dime como gastas tu dinero y tu tiempo, y te diré lo que es más importante para ti. Tu agenda podría revelar que tus hijos son lo más importante para ti. Tus gastos pueden revelar que, lo que más te importa es tu pasatiempo.

La vida no es sobre las cosas. Es sobre aprender a amar. Si al final de tu vida acumulaste una pila gigante de cosas, pero te has distanciado de tu familia, ¡te has perdido de algo muy importante!

Cuando eres generoso con tu tiempo, dinero, esfuerzo y energía, estás diciendo que Dios y las personas son lo que más te importan. Dicho de otra manera, lo que más importa es el amor.

En Filipenses 3:7, Pablo nos dijo, “Antes creía que esas cosas eran valiosas, pero ahora considero que no tienen ningún valor debido a lo que Cristo ha hecho” (NTV).

¿Cómo rompes la atadura del materialismo? Solo hay una manera. El antídoto para obtener es dar. Así que cada vez que seas generoso y des a otros o a Dios, entonces estás realmente rompiendo la atadura del materialismo en tu vida.

“Nosotros somos ciudadanos del cielo, donde vive el Señor Jesucristo” Filipenses 3:20 (NTV). Tu propósito no es vivir para el aquí y el ahora. ¡Tú estás almacenando para la eternidad! No construiste una pila de cosas en este lado de la eternidad. Estás construyendo en las personas y en las relaciones que importarán del otro lado de la eternidad. Estás viviendo en la luz del Cielo.

Síguenos en nuestra cuenta de Instagram: @esperanzadiariadelpastorrick

Reflexiona sobre esto :

Si alguien mira tú agenda, ¿Qué dirían que es lo más importante para ti y por qué?Si alguien mira a donde o a quién le das tu dinero, ¿Qué diría que es lo más importante para ti? Y ¿por qué?¿Cada vez que das, te preguntas, “Cual es mi motivación”?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 . .fb-background-color { background: #ffffff !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The post La Forma en que Das Revela tu Corazón appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

To Bear Fruit, Get Connected

“Live in me, and I will live in you. A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit unless you live in me."

John 15:4 (GW)

On the night before his death, Jesus instructed his followers: “Live in me, and I will live in you. A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit unless you live in me” (John 15:4 GW).

Jesus says that being spiritually connected is like being attached to a vine. You’re not going to have any fruitfulness or productivity in your life if you’re out there on your own. You’ve got to stay connected to the body of Christ.

In plants, a disconnected branch can’t bear fruit. It’s the same for you. When you’re not spiritually connected, you not only start to whither and die, but you also don’t have any productivity in your life.

Every spring I grow a lot of vegetables and fruit. But if I cut off a branch, those branches don’t produce tomatoes or anything else. They’ve got to be connected in order to produce fruit.

What kind of fruit should you produce when you are connected to the body of Christ? “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).

I don’t know about you, but I’d like to be more loving. I’d like to be more joyful. I’d like to be more at peace, no matter what happens to the economy. I’d like to be more kind to people who are mean to me. I’d like to be a good person. I want to be faithful and keep my promises. I’d like to be gentle with people who are not very gentle. And I’d like to have more self-control.

That’s called the fruit of the Spirit, and it’s the evidence that you are spiritually connected. If you are not seeing yourself grow in all these things, guess what? It means you’re not spiritually connected.

God says spiritual connection is essential. In fact, you’re not going to have any fruitfulness or productivity in your life if you’re out there on your own. I’ve got to be connected to the body of Christ. You’ve got to be connected to the body of Christ. We’re simply better together.

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Talk It Over

What is the evidence in your life that you are bearing fruit?
In what “fruits” do you need to grow? How are you going to do that?
What benefits have you witnessed in your life from being connected to the body of Christ?

The post To Bear Fruit, Get Connected appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Las Personas Felices son Generosas

“Por el momento, tengo todo lo que necesito, ¡y aún más! Estoy bien abastecido con las ofrendas que ustedes me enviaron. . .  Son un sacrificio de olor fragante aceptable y agradable a Dios”. Filipenses 4:18 (NTV)

Te ganas la vida por lo que haces, pero te ganas el respeto y gratitud de otros por lo que das.

Si haces una lista de personas en tu vida por las que estás más agradecido, la mayoría de los nombres serían personas quienes han invertido tiempo, dinero, energía, y paciencia en ti.

Pablo nos da un ejemplo de esto: “¡Cuánto alabo al Señor de que hayan vuelto a preocuparse por mí! Sé que siempre se han preocupado por mí, pero no tenían la oportunidad de ayudarme… De todos modos, han hecho bien al compartir conmigo en la dificultad por la que ahora atravieso. Como saben, filipenses, ustedes fueron los únicos que me ayudaron económicamente cuando les llevé la Buena Noticia… Ninguna otra iglesia hizo lo mismo… Por el momento, tengo todo lo que necesito, ¡y aún más! Estoy bien abastecido con las ofrendas que ustedes me enviaron… Son un sacrificio de olor fragante aceptable y agradable a Dios” Filipenses 4:10, 14-15, 18 (NTV).

¿Cuántas personas puedes pensar que dirían de ti, “Esa persona es muy amable y gentil; ha sido generosa conmigo”?

No hay un mejor día que hoy para agradecerle a las personas que han sido generosas contigo. Puedes agradecerles al llamarlos o escribirles una nota y permitirles saber cómo han invertido en ti y lo que ha significado en tu vida. Entonces, usa esas personas como tu modelo de como servir y ser generoso con otros.

Síguenos en nuestra cuenta de Instagram: @esperanzadiariadelpastorrick

Reflexiona sobre esto :

¿Por cuales personas en tu vida estás más agradecido y por qué?¿Cómo puedes mostrar tu aprecio a esas personas ahora?¿cómo estás invirtiendo en las vidas de otras personas? ¿Qué más puedes hacer?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 . .fb-background-color { background: #ffffff !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The post Las Personas Felices son Generosas appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Right Thinking Leads to Happiness

“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."

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

God’s recipe for happiness isn’t a one-shot formula. It’s something you need to follow every day: Worry about nothing, pray about everything, thank God for anything—and, lastly, keep your mind on the right things.

If you want to be happy, don’t fill your mind with lies. Don’t fill it with garbage. Instead, fill it with things that inspire you and make you a better person. The Bible says, “I will not put anything wicked in front of my eyes (Psalm 101:3 GW). Does that mean God doesn’t want you to have fun? No, of course not. He says it for your own good, because he knows what will truly make you happy.

What do you think about the most in your spare time? The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your thoughts.

One practical way to keep your mind on the right things is to not be critical—to avoid putting people down. Instead, think good things about others. If you can’t think good things, just don’t think about them.

The Bible says, “Whatever things are of good report . . . meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8 NKJV). I’d like to build a church where people are always giving a “good report” about each other. You’re at the grocery store and someone asks you, “You know so and so?” And you say, “Yes, they’re a fine person.” That’s giving a good report.

God’s formula for happiness is this: Worry about nothing, pray about everything, thank God for anything, and keep your mind on the right things. If you follow it, the Bible promises, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 NKJV).

Who’s the main ingredient of this formula? It’s Jesus Christ. Without him, the happiness formula will just flop. True happiness is the result of having a right relationship with Jesus.

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Talk It Over

What do you naturally think about throughout the day?
Think of a current relationship struggle. How might that relationship change if you focus on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report?
Do you speak kindly about people when they aren’t around? Describe the feeling you get when you know others are speaking kindly about you.

How to have a right relationship with Jesus

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus and committed to following him, why wait any longer? Your sins separate you from God. And it is only God’s grace that can get you back into right relationship with him and set you on the path toward true happiness.

The Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is 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 make peace with your Creator, then pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, I don’t want my sin to separate me from you any longer. You have promised that if I believe in you, 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 believe you are my Savior. You have promised that if I confess my sin and trust you, I will be saved. I trust you when you say salvation comes by grace, through faith, and not by anything I do. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today, I’m turning over every part of my life to your management.

“I want to live the way you created me to live. I want to experience true happiness and use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I commit my life to you and ask you to save me and accept me into your family. 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 Right Thinking Leads to Happiness appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

El Manejo del Estrés comienza en la Mente

“Piensen en todo lo que es verdadero, noble, correcto, puro, hermoso y admirable. También piensen en lo que tiene alguna virtud, en lo que es digno de reconocimiento. Mantengan su mente ocupada en eso”. Filipenses 4:8 (PDT)

La lucha con el estrés en tu vida comienza en tus oídos. Con lo que llenes tu mente, determinará el nivel de estrés en tu vida.

La Biblia dice que “Piensen en todo lo que es verdadero, noble, correcto, puro, hermoso y admirable. También piensen en lo que tiene alguna virtud, en lo que es digno de reconocimiento. Mantengan su mente ocupada en eso” Filipenses 4:8 (PDT).

Para reducir tu estrés, cambia lo que piensas. En este versículo, la Biblia nos da ocho pruebas para decidir si debemos permitir algo en nuestra mente. Pregúntate, “¿es bueno? ¿digno de alabar? ¿verdadero? ¿honorable? ¿es correcto? ¿es puro? ¿es hermoso? ¿es respetable?”

Cuando pienses sobre las cosas que son buenas, dignas de alabar, verdaderas, honorables, correctas, puras, hermosas, y respetables, vas a tener una idea de Dios.

Isaías 26:3 dice “¡Tú guardarás en perfecta paz a todos los que confían en ti; a todos los que concentran en ti sus pensamientos!” (NTV).

Lo que pienses, determinará cuán estresado y preocupado estarás. Si fijas tus pensamientos en Dios, Él te mantendrá en perfecta paz.

Síguenos en nuestra cuenta de Instagram: @esperanzadiariadelpastorrick

Reflexiona sobre esto:

¿Cómo estás llevando la batalla contra el estrés en tu vida?Si haces las ocho preguntas de tus pasatiempos favoritos, ¿Pasarán o reprobarán la prueba? ¿La respuesta cambia algo para ti?¿Cómo puedes dirigir tus pensamientos hacia Dios más a menudo durante el día?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 . .fb-background-color { background: #ffffff !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The post El Manejo del Estrés comienza en la Mente appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Thank God for All He Has Done

“Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."

Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

Many people have one goal in life: to be happy. But they often go about it the wrong way. There’s good news, though. God has a four-part formula for happiness that will help you be more joyful—if you practice and apply it to your life.

We’ve already looked at the first two parts of the happiness formula: Worry about nothing and pray about everything. The third part focuses on the importance of gratitude: Thank God for anything.  

God wants you to talk to him about anything and everything. But you should pray more than just “give me” prayers: “God, give me this. God, give me that.”

Imagine if every time you talked to your parents, you said, “Dad, give me 50 bucks. Mom, give me a car.” What kind of relationship would you have? Parents want their kids sometimes just to stop and say, “Thank you for what you’ve already given me.”

God is the same way. He also wants you to stop and say, “Heavenly Father, thanks! Thanks for what you have given me.” This is the kind of prayer that leads to happiness. No matter how bleak your situation gets, you can always find something to be thankful for.

The Bible says, “Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT).

The story of Jesus healing 10 people with leprosy is a good example of how thanking God “for all he has done” affects happiness.

In the Bible, people who had leprosy were social outcasts. Nobody wanted to get close to them for fear that they might get leprosy. But Jesus treated all 10 with compassion, healing each one of them. Yet the Bible says that, after being healed, only one turned back: “And he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]” (Luke 17:16 AMP).

Like the leper who turned back, are you grateful for what Jesus has done for you? Then turn to God in prayer, and happily thank him “over and over.”

.fb-background-color { background: #ffffff !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; } PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

What has God done for you that you haven’t thanked him for yet?
In what area of your life are you not trusting God?
What would your day look like if you prayed more and worried less? How would your happiness be affected?

The post Thank God for All He Has Done appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Dios siempre Provee. Todo lo que tienes que hacer es Pedirle

“Si Dios no se guardó ni a su propio Hijo, sino que lo entregó por todos nosotros, ¿no nos dará también todo lo demás?”. Romanos 8:32 (NTV)

Cuando era niño, en el momento que necesitaba algo, hablaba con mi papá. Algunas veces necesitaba algo costoso, pero nunca como niño me preocupé de como mi padre proveería de lo que yo necesitaba. ¡Ese no era mi trabajo! Era trabajo de mi papá buscar de dónde venía el dinero. Como niño, mi trabajo era simplemente pedir.

No es tu trabajo darte cuenta como proveerá Dios. Tu trabajo es pedirlo.

La Biblia dice en Santiago 4:2, “… No tienen, porque no piden” (NVI).

Preocúpate menos, y pide más. En lugar de preocuparte, pide por todo.

Romanos 8:32 dice, “Si Dios no se guardó ni a su propio Hijo, sino que lo entregó por todos nosotros, ¿no nos dará también todo lo demás?” (NTV).

Si Dios ha resuelto tu problema más grande, todo lo demás es pequeño en comparación. Si Dios te amó tanto para enviar a Jesús a morir por tus pecados, ¿No crees que Él te ama lo suficiente para ayudarte con tus finanzas? ¿No crees que Él te ama lo suficiente para ayudarte con tu salud? ¿Con tus relaciones? ¿Con decisiones profesionales? ¿Para cerrar negocios?

No hay área de tu vida que no le interese a Dios. Él siempre sabe lo que necesitas, pero Él todavía quiere que le pidas. En vez de preocuparte, pide por todo.

Síguenos en nuestra cuenta de Instagram: @esperanzadiariadelpastorrick

Reflexiona sobre esto :

¿Qué Evita que le pidas a Dios las cosas que necesitas?Si Dios ya conoce todas tus necesidades, ¿Por qué crees que Dios quiere que le pidas para satisfacer esas necesidades?¿Cómo una respuesta de oración te anima a seguir orando por otras necesidades en tu vida?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 . .fb-background-color { background: #ffffff !important; } .fb_iframe_widget_fluid_desktop iframe { width: 100% !important; }

The post Dios siempre Provee. Todo lo que tienes que hacer es Pedirle appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.

Pray About Everything

“Pray about everything. Tell God what you need."

Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

I’ve traveled all over the world, and I’ve never met a person with a strong prayer life who is habitually unhappy. People who have strong prayer lives take everything to the Lord—their problems, concerns, needs, and desires—and they leave them with him.

It’s hard to be happy without prayer—without trusting that God is in control.

We’ve been looking at God’s formula for happiness. Yesterday, we learned the first part: Worry about nothing. Today we’ll look at the second part: Pray about everything.

Philippians 4:6 says, “Pray about everything. Tell God what you need” (NLT).

Notice this verse doesn’t say, “Pray only about big things” or “Pray only about things you think are spiritual.” It also doesn’t say, “Pray about everything except your career and things that are fun.” It says to pray about everything, not just about some things!

Some people have a logic that says, “God has things on his mind beyond my little problems. He’s a busy God. He’s out there creating universes. So how can I pray about my ingrown toenail?” They even think God would be insulted by their little requests.

If that’s the way you think today, you are wrong. You may get too busy for God and too busy to pray, but God is never too busy for your problems. An infinite God can be interested in an infinite number of things—all at the same time. That means you can talk to him about everything in your life: relationships, school, health, work, and play.

It’s been said, “You can’t stumble if you’re on your knees.” If you want to be happy, pray about everything!

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Talk It Over

On a scale of one to 10, how would you rate your prayer life? If it’s not a 10, what one change can you make to increase that number?
What things are you hesitant to bring to God in prayer? Why?
What kind of connection do you see between happiness and prayer? Think about how you feel after you pray.

The post Pray About Everything appeared first on Pastor Rick's Daily Hope.