Rick Warren's Blog, page 650

Jesus Christ: Your GPS for Life

“We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete.” (Hebrews 12:2 CEV)

When I’m driving, I tend to get distracted easily. My wife constantly says, “Rick, keep your eyes on the road!” One time I got so distracted I actually missed a flight to a speaking engagement because I missed the turnoff to LAX. By the time I drove to Canada, I figured I had missed a turn at some point.

Let God Take the Driver’s Seat

“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.” (Matthew 16:24 MSG)

The best way I can define “meekness” for you is this: Let go, and let God. How do you let go and let God? First, you have to make Jesus the manager of your life.

Following God’s Laws Restores Your Health

“I will never lay aside your laws, for you have used them to restore my joy and health.” (Psalm 119:93 TLB)

God’s Word is full of commands that are meant to protect you and give you life. If God says to do something, he means for you to do it, and if he says not to do something, you shouldn’t do it. So why should you follow God’s Word? Why should you make this book your standard?

God’s Word: Your Signpost for Life

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT)

One night after teaching at a pastor’s conference, my family decided to go to the beach at about 9 p.m. — that’s typical for the Warrens. So there we were at Capistrano Beach, frolicking in the ocean, and having fun. Then someone in our family saw this little sign that was posted in the sand that said, “Contaminated water. Stay out.” That sign represented an authority and very clearly told us, “Don’t you dare put even a toe in this water!”

Meekness Does Not Equal Weakness

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5 NIV)

If you want to make healthy choices to be well and whole again, you have to learn to be meek. Matthew 5:5 says, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (NIV).

There Is Hope in Admitting You Are Broken

“But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.” (Luke 12:2 NASB)

If you want to get to a place of hope, first you have to see who God really is. But that’s not all. You also have to be honest and admit the truth about yourself.

God’s Rod and Staff Comfort, Not Condemn

“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15 NIV)

God is a God of compassion. Psalm 86:15 says, “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (NIV). The Bible also says, “God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3b NCV).

Let’s Deal with Your Fear of Honesty

“Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16 LB)

If you want relief and release from the hurts, habits, and hang-ups in your life, you’re going to have to deal with the fear of honesty that you’ve got in your life. There are three common fears that Satan uses to keep you stuck in your rut and afraid to face the truth.

If You Want to Be Healed, Tell Other People

“Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16 LB)

You know that problem you’d like to get rid of in your life? That temptation, defect, fault, fear, worry, loneliness — whatever is in your life that messes you up? You’re never going to get rid of it on your own. If you could, you would, but you can’t, so you won’t. You’re only going to get well when you’re honest with God — and with other people.

For Lasting Change, Off with the Old and On with the New

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2 NIV)

If you want to have lasting change in your life, you need to refocus your mind.