Rick Warren's Blog, page 608

Seven Ways to Be Merciful

In yesterday���s devotional, we talked about seven facets of mercy. Today, I want you to consider some personal application questions for each of the aspects. I want to challenge you to commit an act of premeditated mercy in each of these categories this week.

Seven Characteristics of Mercy

Mercy is like a diamond; it is multi-faceted. Today we���re going to look at seven facets of mercy, because I guarantee if you���ll learn how to be an agent of mercy, it will transform your relationships.

Four Reasons God Expects You to Be Merciful

Jesus says in Matthew 5:7, ���God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy��� (NLT, second edition).

In other words, what you give, you���re going to get. You���ve got to learn to be a minister of mercy if you want God���s blessing on your life.

But why does God expect you to show mercy to others? Why should you be merciful?

How���s Your Spiritual Appetite?

Are you hungry for God?

It is possible to maintain a spiritual hunger for God for the rest of your life. Here are five ways to keep a spiritual appetite.

���How Can I Make It Right With God?���

The Bible says in Romans 1:17, ���The Good News shows how God makes people right with himself��� (NCV).

How does God make us right with himself? This is called the Gospel, and there are three points.

How to Pray Effectively

Here are four secrets to answered prayer from the life of Nehemiah:

1. Base your request on God���s character. Pray like you know God will answer you: ���I���m expecting you to answer this prayer because of who you are. You are a faithful God. You are a great God. You are a loving God. You are a wonderful God. You can handle this problem, God!"

God Is Always Present, Regardless of How You Feel

When you are a baby Christian, God gives you a lot of confirming emotions and often answers the most immature, self-centered prayers so you���ll know he exists. But as you grow in faith, he will wean you of these dependencies.

Why Should We Care About Being Right With God?

Righteousness is a big word in the Bible. It���s used hundreds of times. The Bible says that God loves righteousness and that God is righteous. It says that one day God is going to judge the world in righteousness. Psalm 23 says that God leads us in the paths of righteousness.

Gentleness Is an ���Inside��� Job

Gentleness is an important quality for you to practice. It diffuses conflict. It disarms critics. It���s persuasive. It���s attractive. It communicates love.

If People Like You, They Will Listen to You

Gentleness is a witness to unbelievers. They���re watching you all the time to see if you are any different when you���re under stress. When you respond to pressure with gentleness, it is an incredible testimony to the world.