Rick Warren's Blog, page 649

Don’t Waste Your Pain

“He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives.” (2 Corinthians 1:4-5 CEV)

Your greatest ministry will flow out of your pain — not out of your strengths or your talents but out of the painful experiences of your life. It is your weaknesses that help other people in their need, not your strengths.

Don’t Fight Temptation. Flee It!

“Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13 NCV)

Many people are intimidated by the fact that they are tempted, like they shouldn’t even be in that situation or that they should be able to control it. But you shouldn’t feel guilty about temptation. It’s not a sin to be tempted. It’s a sin to give in to temptation. The Bible says that Jesus experienced every temptation known to man, but he didn’t sin. Temptation is not a sin. It’s how you respond to it that matters.

Make It Right by Confessing Right Away

“He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.” (Psalm 103:3-4 NLT)

You’re going to stumble in life. It’s a fact! But the key is not trying to live a perfect life. The key is to face and let go of your failures quickly. Don’t cover them up, don’t blame others, and don’t excuse yourself. Own up to it.

How to Set a FAITH Goal

“I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.” (Philippians 3:13-14 NCV)

I believe in setting goals. I’ve set them all my life, because goals are simply statements of faith. The Bible says, “The just shall live by faith” and “Without faith it’s impossible to please God” and “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin” and “According to your faith it will be done unto you.”

If You’re Too Busy for God, Then You’re Too Busy

“Now dear children, continue to live in fellowship with Christ.” (1 John 2:28 NLT)

I grow several kinds of grapes at my home. If those grapes are disconnected from the vine, they’re not going to grow or bear fruit. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV). You cannot bear fruit in your life if you’re not connected to Jesus on a regular basis.

Forget the Past and Focus on Your Goals Instead

“I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.” (Philippians 3:13-14 NCV)

Your past is past. You are not your past. Your past influences you, but your past does not define you. What matters today is not your past. I don’t care what you’ve done, who you did it with, or how long you did it. That’s not you. Satan will tell you it’s you, but that’s not the truth. What matters today is what direction your feet are headed right now.

You Need to Fill Up on Soul Food

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 NIV)

Have you noticed that if you go without food for a stretch of time, you start feeling a little weak? If you go a bit longer, your mind starts getting a little groggy. Go a little longer, and you start feeling cranky. If you go even longer without food, you start feeling lethargic.

God Loves You in Your Brokenness

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NIV)

In Genesis 32, Jacob had wrestled all night with a man, who was actually God. Genesis 32:27 says, “The man asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ‘Jacob,’ he answered” (NIV).

Don’t Give Up on Your Growth

“Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.” (Romans 6:13 NLT)

Have you ever wondered why doesn’t God answer your prayers immediately? There are a couple of reasons.

God Is Ready to Take It to the Mat

“God blesses those who ... realize their need for him.” (Matthew 5:3a NLT)

God doesn’t mind having a wrestling match with you, because wrestling is a contact sport. It means you’re up close, and God would rather have you up close wrestling with him than have you distant and apathetic.