Tomorrow is the National Day Of Prayer.
I hope that you will take the next couple of days to reflect on awesome privilege we have to be able to come before the presence of the almighty God to express our concerns, desires, heart aches, dreams, etc.
I believe that prayer is truly the most powerful force in the universe.
I believe that through prayer we move the hand of God to change our lives, situations, and those around us.
So I encourage you to join us tomorrow at www.Interceders.com to post a Prayer Request or to say a prayer for some one else.
Be Blessed,
Richard
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
What Are You Doing Here...? Part 3
1 Kings 19
On this installment we will look at God’s question to Elijah – “What are you doing here…?
In the first two installments we learned the need to restore/refresh ourselves by having some alone time with God. We also learned the need to restore our mental faculties which might mean having to resign from certain positions or obligations.
Now we will look at answering the question – What Are You Doing Here…?
On two separate occasions God asks Elijah the same question and Elijah responds the same way. His responses are based on his feelings, his perception of Israel’s condition, and his situation.
I find Elijah’s response interesting and quite comical…"I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away."
Interesting enough, this has nothing to do with what God was asking him. We’ve probably heard many a message about Elijah’s response to the gentle wind or the still small voice. Today we will concentrate on God’s question - What Are You Doing Here?
Let me give you an example of what I think God was trying to get Elijah to react to.
Let’s say that you have to pick some one up at the Airport tomorrow at 9am. It’s very important that you do not miss this appointment. But after making the arrangements something has come up and you will not be able to make it. So you ask me if I can do you the favor to which I agree.
The day comes and in running your errands you decide to stop off for a quick coffee at your local Starbuck’s. It’s around 9:00 am and when you enter the location you see what seems to be my face in the crowd. But this can’t be so. After all I’m supposed to be at the Airport. I promised that I would do you the favor and assured you that you could trust me.
As you get closer you can’t believe your eyes, It is me! Now let me ask you this, what would be one of the first questions that you would probably ask me? Yeap, you guessed it - What Are You Doing Here, Richard?
You see, I believe that this is what God was asking Elijah. God knew what he was doing there but He was trying to get Elijah to react, to get out of himself, and to change his focus away from his situation.
Let’s learn our final lesson:
Elijah was so focused on his own problems and situation that he could care less for anything else. God’s questions were meant to snap him out of this state so that he could realize that he was no longer walking in the will of God. He was no longer where God wanted and had commanded him to be.
So, God’s question to you today is - What Are You Doing Here...?
Are you walking in God’s will? Are you in the place where God wants you to be? Are you being disobedient to God’s call? Are you running away from God’s purpose for your life? Have you given up on yourself and your ministry because you’ve had opposition? Are all the doors that were once opened suddenly closing? Have you lost the desire and will to minister to God? Are you so focused on your problems or the situation around you that nothing else matters?
If yes, then you need to react, step away, and ask yourself – WHAT AM I DOING HERE?
Focus on the truth of God and His word and not what you have made the truth to be through your own thoughts and imagination.
God is faithful and His promises are true and endure forever. And just as Elijah was restored and taken up to glory trust and believe that you too shall be restored, your strength renewed, and soon you will find yourself able to walk in His way again to do His will.
So in closing I ask you to reflect on this - WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?
Be Blessed,
Your Brother In Christ
Richard Rios
On this installment we will look at God’s question to Elijah – “What are you doing here…?
In the first two installments we learned the need to restore/refresh ourselves by having some alone time with God. We also learned the need to restore our mental faculties which might mean having to resign from certain positions or obligations.
Now we will look at answering the question – What Are You Doing Here…?
On two separate occasions God asks Elijah the same question and Elijah responds the same way. His responses are based on his feelings, his perception of Israel’s condition, and his situation.
I find Elijah’s response interesting and quite comical…"I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away."
Interesting enough, this has nothing to do with what God was asking him. We’ve probably heard many a message about Elijah’s response to the gentle wind or the still small voice. Today we will concentrate on God’s question - What Are You Doing Here?
Let me give you an example of what I think God was trying to get Elijah to react to.
Let’s say that you have to pick some one up at the Airport tomorrow at 9am. It’s very important that you do not miss this appointment. But after making the arrangements something has come up and you will not be able to make it. So you ask me if I can do you the favor to which I agree.
The day comes and in running your errands you decide to stop off for a quick coffee at your local Starbuck’s. It’s around 9:00 am and when you enter the location you see what seems to be my face in the crowd. But this can’t be so. After all I’m supposed to be at the Airport. I promised that I would do you the favor and assured you that you could trust me.
As you get closer you can’t believe your eyes, It is me! Now let me ask you this, what would be one of the first questions that you would probably ask me? Yeap, you guessed it - What Are You Doing Here, Richard?
You see, I believe that this is what God was asking Elijah. God knew what he was doing there but He was trying to get Elijah to react, to get out of himself, and to change his focus away from his situation.
Let’s learn our final lesson:
Elijah was so focused on his own problems and situation that he could care less for anything else. God’s questions were meant to snap him out of this state so that he could realize that he was no longer walking in the will of God. He was no longer where God wanted and had commanded him to be.
So, God’s question to you today is - What Are You Doing Here...?
Are you walking in God’s will? Are you in the place where God wants you to be? Are you being disobedient to God’s call? Are you running away from God’s purpose for your life? Have you given up on yourself and your ministry because you’ve had opposition? Are all the doors that were once opened suddenly closing? Have you lost the desire and will to minister to God? Are you so focused on your problems or the situation around you that nothing else matters?
If yes, then you need to react, step away, and ask yourself – WHAT AM I DOING HERE?
Focus on the truth of God and His word and not what you have made the truth to be through your own thoughts and imagination.
God is faithful and His promises are true and endure forever. And just as Elijah was restored and taken up to glory trust and believe that you too shall be restored, your strength renewed, and soon you will find yourself able to walk in His way again to do His will.
So in closing I ask you to reflect on this - WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?
Be Blessed,
Your Brother In Christ
Richard Rios
Monday, April 28, 2008
What Are You Doing Here...? Part 2
1 Kings 19
As we continue with this story…we find Elijah sitting under a Juniper tree requesting that he might die and so he says, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” Then he laid down and slept.
Loosing sight of God’s vision and purpose for his life Elijah runs away from the issues at hand and falls into a state of depression.
What are the signs?:
1. He’s constantly sleeping;
2. He wants to die instead of facing the realities of life;
3. He runs away and wallows in his self pity desiring death as oppose to facing the issues at hand; and
4. He doesn’t even care for his physical needs and so an Angel needs to bring him food on two different occasions.
Let’s learn another lesson or two:
Ask yourself this: do you find yourself sleeping a lot? Are you always tired? Do you find yourself wishing or desiring that you could just crawl in a cave and get away from life instead of facing the reality of the situations in your life? Are you moving further and further away from God’s purpose for you?
If your answers are yes – BEWARE! You are might be battling with depression and don’t even know it.
Victories are sometimes followed by times of depression. Why? For several reasons:
1. After the victory we no longer see a purpose for our lives. We loose sight of the vision of God’s purpose…and without a vision God’s people perish;
2. Next, because of the time and effort invested in the task we tend to deplete our physical as well as mental strengths; and
3. Finally, great victories are usually accompanied with great opposition so we begin to doubt ourselves and the will of God for our lives because of the ensuing conflicts.
So what are we to do?
You need to restore yourself not only physically but mentally. In restoring your mental health you might need to let go of certain obligations to free up time for yourself. God did not call you to do every thing.
Beware - You might be so involved in the work of the Lord that you forget the Lord of the work.
Also, when oppositions arise trust God to fight your battles. Since you are doing His will whoever rises against you is fighting against God. Remember, it is not by power nor by might that you will win your battles but by the Spirit of the Lord.
So, What Are You Doing Here...? We'll learn more on our next installment.
Be Blessed
Your Brother In Christ,
Richard Rios
As we continue with this story…we find Elijah sitting under a Juniper tree requesting that he might die and so he says, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” Then he laid down and slept.
Loosing sight of God’s vision and purpose for his life Elijah runs away from the issues at hand and falls into a state of depression.
What are the signs?:
1. He’s constantly sleeping;
2. He wants to die instead of facing the realities of life;
3. He runs away and wallows in his self pity desiring death as oppose to facing the issues at hand; and
4. He doesn’t even care for his physical needs and so an Angel needs to bring him food on two different occasions.
Let’s learn another lesson or two:
Ask yourself this: do you find yourself sleeping a lot? Are you always tired? Do you find yourself wishing or desiring that you could just crawl in a cave and get away from life instead of facing the reality of the situations in your life? Are you moving further and further away from God’s purpose for you?
If your answers are yes – BEWARE! You are might be battling with depression and don’t even know it.
Victories are sometimes followed by times of depression. Why? For several reasons:
1. After the victory we no longer see a purpose for our lives. We loose sight of the vision of God’s purpose…and without a vision God’s people perish;
2. Next, because of the time and effort invested in the task we tend to deplete our physical as well as mental strengths; and
3. Finally, great victories are usually accompanied with great opposition so we begin to doubt ourselves and the will of God for our lives because of the ensuing conflicts.
So what are we to do?
You need to restore yourself not only physically but mentally. In restoring your mental health you might need to let go of certain obligations to free up time for yourself. God did not call you to do every thing.
Beware - You might be so involved in the work of the Lord that you forget the Lord of the work.
Also, when oppositions arise trust God to fight your battles. Since you are doing His will whoever rises against you is fighting against God. Remember, it is not by power nor by might that you will win your battles but by the Spirit of the Lord.
So, What Are You Doing Here...? We'll learn more on our next installment.
Be Blessed
Your Brother In Christ,
Richard Rios
Friday, April 25, 2008
What Are You Doing Here...? Part 1
1 Kings 19
Over the next couple of days we will be reviewing the story of the flight of Elijah to learn some valuable lessons...
As the story goes, Elijah had experienced a great victory over the prophets of Baal. But no sooner is he enjoying the victory that he hears word that the queen Jezebel sends a message to Elijah saying: "So may the gods do to me and even more, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about the same time."
And so Elijah flees out of fear for his life.
Lessons to remember:
Be watchful after you have obtained a victory. It is in this time that we are most vulnerable to the enemies attack.
Some times while in victory we have a false sense of security and forget that the enemy does not sleep and is always on the attack.
Some times while in victory we are so elated and basking in the joy of our accomplishments that we let our guard down and open ourselves to our enemy. Often enough we stop doing the things that we used to do because we feel that we deserve a break (like praying, bible study, fellowship with God and the body of Christ, etc.)
Often times while in victory we forget the amount of energy exerted to obtain it and we forget to take a time to refresh. And as such, our strength is depleted and we are not able to confront the attack.
So are we not to enjoy our victory? Not at all. But don't let yourselves be so involved in yourself, your accomplishments, and what's going on around you that you forget to be mindful that you are still at war with the enemy and that he does not share your joy. That he is always on the prowl looking for the opportune moment to attack.
Many great victories come at a great cost. And that cost usually comes at a great emotional demand. Take time for yourself to go before the Lord to be refreshed, restored, and your strength renewed. Even Jesus took his time to be alone with the disciples walking along the beach side or going into the mountains to have some alone time.
Allow God to restore you today. This might mean taking so time for yourself just to be alone with God and your family away from any and all responsibilities or demands on your time. This will allow you to renew your strength and come back ready to battle again.
I can tell you from personal experience how much we need time for ourselves and family.
Many years ago as a young man (not that I'm old now but I was younger then) I took upon myself every position available at my church. On top of this I was also a full time student and working part-time.
Within a couple of years I had completely burnt out and walked away from every thing. Physically and emotionally I just didn't have the strength to do it any more. And I learned the valuable lesson of ME AND GOD ALONE TIME. Time away from every thing and if need be away from everyone. Time to just relax and enjoy the gift of life that God has given us.
So, What Are You Doing Here...? We'll learn more on our next installment.
Be Blessed
Your Brother In Christ,
Richard Rios
Over the next couple of days we will be reviewing the story of the flight of Elijah to learn some valuable lessons...
As the story goes, Elijah had experienced a great victory over the prophets of Baal. But no sooner is he enjoying the victory that he hears word that the queen Jezebel sends a message to Elijah saying: "So may the gods do to me and even more, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about the same time."
And so Elijah flees out of fear for his life.
Lessons to remember:
Be watchful after you have obtained a victory. It is in this time that we are most vulnerable to the enemies attack.
Some times while in victory we have a false sense of security and forget that the enemy does not sleep and is always on the attack.
Some times while in victory we are so elated and basking in the joy of our accomplishments that we let our guard down and open ourselves to our enemy. Often enough we stop doing the things that we used to do because we feel that we deserve a break (like praying, bible study, fellowship with God and the body of Christ, etc.)
Often times while in victory we forget the amount of energy exerted to obtain it and we forget to take a time to refresh. And as such, our strength is depleted and we are not able to confront the attack.
So are we not to enjoy our victory? Not at all. But don't let yourselves be so involved in yourself, your accomplishments, and what's going on around you that you forget to be mindful that you are still at war with the enemy and that he does not share your joy. That he is always on the prowl looking for the opportune moment to attack.
Many great victories come at a great cost. And that cost usually comes at a great emotional demand. Take time for yourself to go before the Lord to be refreshed, restored, and your strength renewed. Even Jesus took his time to be alone with the disciples walking along the beach side or going into the mountains to have some alone time.
Allow God to restore you today. This might mean taking so time for yourself just to be alone with God and your family away from any and all responsibilities or demands on your time. This will allow you to renew your strength and come back ready to battle again.
I can tell you from personal experience how much we need time for ourselves and family.
Many years ago as a young man (not that I'm old now but I was younger then) I took upon myself every position available at my church. On top of this I was also a full time student and working part-time.
Within a couple of years I had completely burnt out and walked away from every thing. Physically and emotionally I just didn't have the strength to do it any more. And I learned the valuable lesson of ME AND GOD ALONE TIME. Time away from every thing and if need be away from everyone. Time to just relax and enjoy the gift of life that God has given us.
So, What Are You Doing Here...? We'll learn more on our next installment.
Be Blessed
Your Brother In Christ,
Richard Rios
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
50 Promises For A Marriage
Anonymous
(1) Start each day with a kiss (2) Wear your wedding ring. (3)Date at least once a week. (4) Accept your differences. (5) Be polite. (6) Be gentle. (7) Give gifts. (8) Smile often. (9) Touch. (10) Talk about your dreams. (11) Select a song and make it “our song.” (12) Give back rubs. (13) Laugh together. (14) Send a card for no reason. (15)Do what they other person wants before they as. (16)Listen carefully. (17) Encourage each other. (18) Do it their way. (19) Know their needs. (20) Fix breakfast. (21) Compliment at least twice a day. (22)Call during the day. (23) Slow down. Hold hands. (24)Cuddle. (25) Asks for the other’s opinion. (26) Show respect. (27) Show respect. (28) Welcome each other home. (29) Try to look your best. (30) Wink at each other. (31) Celebrate birthdays in a big way. (32) Apologize. (33) Forgive quickly. (34) Set up a romantic get-away. (35)Ask, “What can I do to make you happier?” (36) Be Positive. (37) Be kind. (38) Be vulnerable. (39) Respond quickly to the other person’s request. (40) Talk about your love. (41) Reminisce about your favorite times together. (42) Treat each other’s friends and relative with courtesy. (43) Send flowers every Valentine’s Day, anniversary, and for no reason at all. (44) Admit when you’re wrong. (45) Be sensitive to each other’s sexual desires. (46) Seek outside help when needed. (47) Watch sunsets together. (48) Say, “I love you,” frequently. (49) End the day with a hug. (50) Pray for each other daily.
(1) Start each day with a kiss (2) Wear your wedding ring. (3)Date at least once a week. (4) Accept your differences. (5) Be polite. (6) Be gentle. (7) Give gifts. (8) Smile often. (9) Touch. (10) Talk about your dreams. (11) Select a song and make it “our song.” (12) Give back rubs. (13) Laugh together. (14) Send a card for no reason. (15)Do what they other person wants before they as. (16)Listen carefully. (17) Encourage each other. (18) Do it their way. (19) Know their needs. (20) Fix breakfast. (21) Compliment at least twice a day. (22)Call during the day. (23) Slow down. Hold hands. (24)Cuddle. (25) Asks for the other’s opinion. (26) Show respect. (27) Show respect. (28) Welcome each other home. (29) Try to look your best. (30) Wink at each other. (31) Celebrate birthdays in a big way. (32) Apologize. (33) Forgive quickly. (34) Set up a romantic get-away. (35)Ask, “What can I do to make you happier?” (36) Be Positive. (37) Be kind. (38) Be vulnerable. (39) Respond quickly to the other person’s request. (40) Talk about your love. (41) Reminisce about your favorite times together. (42) Treat each other’s friends and relative with courtesy. (43) Send flowers every Valentine’s Day, anniversary, and for no reason at all. (44) Admit when you’re wrong. (45) Be sensitive to each other’s sexual desires. (46) Seek outside help when needed. (47) Watch sunsets together. (48) Say, “I love you,” frequently. (49) End the day with a hug. (50) Pray for each other daily.
Monday, April 21, 2008
The Healing Comes Before The Sickness - Gn. 48
Author: Yehuda Berg
There is a powerful lesson in the story of Jacob and his two grandsons.
The older grandson is named Menashe, whose root meaning is forgetting, or lack. The younger grandson is named Ephriam, whose root meaning is sustenance, or abundance.
On his deathbed, Jacob gives his blessings on the heads of his grandsons. Tradition would dictate he give precedence to age, or Menashe. So the older grandson would get his right hand, and the younger one his left hand. But Jacob reverses it. He puts his right hand on the head of the younger, Ephraim, and his left on the older Menashe.
It’s clear. Ephraim precedes Menashe. Abundance precedes lack. The solution precedes the problem.
This reveals a way of looking at difficult times in our lives. We can view difficulties not as problems to be solved, but as the solutions to a problem that’s already there.
Here’s the meaning.
Sometimes we are ready for a greater abundance of Light, but our vessel is too small to hold it, so we need a bigger vessel.
Sometimes, we can build a greater vessel pro-actively. But other times we need some assistance in breaking our smaller vessel in order to build a larger one.
In those instances, how we break our smaller vessel is through difficult situations.
It’s not about having difficult times and hoping they’ll stop. Its understanding that difficult situations serve a purpose allowing us a greater abundance of Light and blessings, by assisting us in building a vessel big enough to hold them.
By allowing us to break a smaller vessel in exchange for a bigger one, difficult times are like a healing that comes before the sickness. The Light is already there awaiting you and the difficult times are a tool for getting it.
There is another term for breaking a smaller vessel in order to build a bigger one. It’s called becoming like God.
Be Blessed.
There is a powerful lesson in the story of Jacob and his two grandsons.
The older grandson is named Menashe, whose root meaning is forgetting, or lack. The younger grandson is named Ephriam, whose root meaning is sustenance, or abundance.
On his deathbed, Jacob gives his blessings on the heads of his grandsons. Tradition would dictate he give precedence to age, or Menashe. So the older grandson would get his right hand, and the younger one his left hand. But Jacob reverses it. He puts his right hand on the head of the younger, Ephraim, and his left on the older Menashe.
It’s clear. Ephraim precedes Menashe. Abundance precedes lack. The solution precedes the problem.
This reveals a way of looking at difficult times in our lives. We can view difficulties not as problems to be solved, but as the solutions to a problem that’s already there.
Here’s the meaning.
Sometimes we are ready for a greater abundance of Light, but our vessel is too small to hold it, so we need a bigger vessel.
Sometimes, we can build a greater vessel pro-actively. But other times we need some assistance in breaking our smaller vessel in order to build a larger one.
In those instances, how we break our smaller vessel is through difficult situations.
It’s not about having difficult times and hoping they’ll stop. Its understanding that difficult situations serve a purpose allowing us a greater abundance of Light and blessings, by assisting us in building a vessel big enough to hold them.
By allowing us to break a smaller vessel in exchange for a bigger one, difficult times are like a healing that comes before the sickness. The Light is already there awaiting you and the difficult times are a tool for getting it.
There is another term for breaking a smaller vessel in order to build a bigger one. It’s called becoming like God.
Be Blessed.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Reflect On This - Rebuilding The Spiritual Walls
Nehemiah Chapter 1
There are some valuable lessons we can learn from this chapter when we come to a point in our Christian walk that we feel like if we need to rebuild the spiritual walls in our lives.
So let's learn.
Let's take a look at some of the Negatives as well as Positives In Their Situation:
1. They had no King or leader to govern over them and lead them
1. They had a promise from God
2. Many of their brothers were dispersed or foreigners in other lands
2. They had a wiling spirit to work hard and if necessary to fight to defend themselves and their work
3. At the beginning of their labor they had many oppositions
3. God brought them Leaders who were equipped for the work at hand and who were given the wisdom to deal with the oppositions
4. The morale and the spirits of the people were low
4. They had a vision of what they once had and what they could do to regain what they had lost
5. They were not sure of their future or their existence even though they had received promises from God
5. They had a People, A Family, and a Nation for which to fight
6. They had been treated unjustly by their own Israelite brothers
6. They had the God of gods and Lord of lords on their side and fighting on their behalf
Keys To Their Victory
1. There was a man who prayed intensely for the needs of his people. He told God specifically what he thought the problems of his people were and he reminded God of His promises to them
1. Have you prayed intensely for the needs and problems of your people (family, church, friends)?
2. There was a man who had a burden for the people of God and to rebuild the city and their temple of worship
2. Do you have a burden for God’s people? Do you desire to be a temple which worships God?
3. The people had a sole vision
3. What is the vision that God has given you and are you willing to follow it no matter what?
4. The leaders discerned what was the need and what was the best course of action
4. Have you discerned what your needs are and what is the best course of action to remedy it?
5. After discerning what needed to be done they took action. They didn’t wait to receive a special revelation from God.
5. If you’ve done every thing that has been asked in the previous four items then it’s time to take action.
6. Every family did their part
6. You have to do your part to build up the kingdom of God
7. They accepted help from whoever was willing to give it to them even if the giver had once been considered their enemies
7. Swallow your pride. Accept the help from who ever God sends to give it to you even if you once considered them your enemy
8. They sought out construction material
8. Seek out the materials or resources needed to rebuild your walls
9. They clearly communicated to the people the vision, the need, and the work that awaited them
9. To accomplish the task entrusted to you by God – 1) Have a clear understanding of His vision for your life; 2) Have a clear understanding of the work to be done; and 3) Have a clear understanding of what awaits you
10. They did not pay attention to the negative comments their enemies were making about them
10. Don’t pay attention or listen to the negative comments the enemy makes about you regardless of who he uses to make them
11. The people determined to Arise and Work
11. If you want to rebuild your walls and accomplish the will of God in your life then determine within yourself that you too will Arise and do God's Work
Be Blessed.
Richard Rios
President
Dunamos
There are some valuable lessons we can learn from this chapter when we come to a point in our Christian walk that we feel like if we need to rebuild the spiritual walls in our lives.
So let's learn.
Let's take a look at some of the Negatives as well as Positives In Their Situation:
1. They had no King or leader to govern over them and lead them
1. They had a promise from God
2. Many of their brothers were dispersed or foreigners in other lands
2. They had a wiling spirit to work hard and if necessary to fight to defend themselves and their work
3. At the beginning of their labor they had many oppositions
3. God brought them Leaders who were equipped for the work at hand and who were given the wisdom to deal with the oppositions
4. The morale and the spirits of the people were low
4. They had a vision of what they once had and what they could do to regain what they had lost
5. They were not sure of their future or their existence even though they had received promises from God
5. They had a People, A Family, and a Nation for which to fight
6. They had been treated unjustly by their own Israelite brothers
6. They had the God of gods and Lord of lords on their side and fighting on their behalf
Keys To Their Victory
1. There was a man who prayed intensely for the needs of his people. He told God specifically what he thought the problems of his people were and he reminded God of His promises to them
1. Have you prayed intensely for the needs and problems of your people (family, church, friends)?
2. There was a man who had a burden for the people of God and to rebuild the city and their temple of worship
2. Do you have a burden for God’s people? Do you desire to be a temple which worships God?
3. The people had a sole vision
3. What is the vision that God has given you and are you willing to follow it no matter what?
4. The leaders discerned what was the need and what was the best course of action
4. Have you discerned what your needs are and what is the best course of action to remedy it?
5. After discerning what needed to be done they took action. They didn’t wait to receive a special revelation from God.
5. If you’ve done every thing that has been asked in the previous four items then it’s time to take action.
6. Every family did their part
6. You have to do your part to build up the kingdom of God
7. They accepted help from whoever was willing to give it to them even if the giver had once been considered their enemies
7. Swallow your pride. Accept the help from who ever God sends to give it to you even if you once considered them your enemy
8. They sought out construction material
8. Seek out the materials or resources needed to rebuild your walls
9. They clearly communicated to the people the vision, the need, and the work that awaited them
9. To accomplish the task entrusted to you by God – 1) Have a clear understanding of His vision for your life; 2) Have a clear understanding of the work to be done; and 3) Have a clear understanding of what awaits you
10. They did not pay attention to the negative comments their enemies were making about them
10. Don’t pay attention or listen to the negative comments the enemy makes about you regardless of who he uses to make them
11. The people determined to Arise and Work
11. If you want to rebuild your walls and accomplish the will of God in your life then determine within yourself that you too will Arise and do God's Work
Be Blessed.
Richard Rios
President
Dunamos
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Reflect On This - Does God Hear Your Prayer?
Many times we as Christians find ourselves asking this question because of the situation we find ourselves in. First comes the thought of our condition before God’s presence and for many we fall short of the mark.
We forget that when we first came to Christ it was by His grace and not our merit. We forget as Christians we are called to grow in the Lord, yet we don’t like adversities. We forget to see the spirit realm as real as we perceive this natural world to be.
You see Jesus said – “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt 24:35). Remember God is Faithful – “God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (I Cor 1:9).
To understand or to know that we are in fellowship with Christ while you’re going through difficult times builds your spirit character. Ps 37:5 tells us to – “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass”. Those of us who neglect this part will constantly find themselves at the bottom from their point of view not God’s.
You see God has confidence in you to overcome your adversities. He has entrusted you with spiritual attributes, weapons and His desire through the working of the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus conquered death and the grave He received all power in heaven and earth and in the earth. He had total dominion. Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Jesus immediately turns all His power over to the church through the Holy Spirit. And when He had called unto [Him] His twelve disciples, He gave them power [against] unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen
And so you ask. Does the creator of Heaven and Earth hear my prayer? I think when we forget the promises of God and the authority we posses in Christ Jesus, many will fail to see. However if you remember who you are in Christ and the authority that has been given to you along with the power to execute that authority in Christ Jesus you will see Him answering your prayers one by one.
My Thought
Eladio Alameda
We forget that when we first came to Christ it was by His grace and not our merit. We forget as Christians we are called to grow in the Lord, yet we don’t like adversities. We forget to see the spirit realm as real as we perceive this natural world to be.
You see Jesus said – “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt 24:35). Remember God is Faithful – “God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (I Cor 1:9).
To understand or to know that we are in fellowship with Christ while you’re going through difficult times builds your spirit character. Ps 37:5 tells us to – “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass”. Those of us who neglect this part will constantly find themselves at the bottom from their point of view not God’s.
You see God has confidence in you to overcome your adversities. He has entrusted you with spiritual attributes, weapons and His desire through the working of the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus conquered death and the grave He received all power in heaven and earth and in the earth. He had total dominion. Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Jesus immediately turns all His power over to the church through the Holy Spirit. And when He had called unto [Him] His twelve disciples, He gave them power [against] unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen
And so you ask. Does the creator of Heaven and Earth hear my prayer? I think when we forget the promises of God and the authority we posses in Christ Jesus, many will fail to see. However if you remember who you are in Christ and the authority that has been given to you along with the power to execute that authority in Christ Jesus you will see Him answering your prayers one by one.
My Thought
Eladio Alameda
Reflect On This - People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
as adapted by an anonymous writer:
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.
When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But...only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life. May God hold you in the palm of His hand and Angels watch over you.
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.
When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But...only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life. May God hold you in the palm of His hand and Angels watch over you.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
There Are No Coincidences In Our Christian Walk
How many of you understand that in God there are no such things as coincidences? God has a divine purpose for us and is constantly at work to see it through. Let me share a quick story of how God has a way of working out His perfect will for our blessing.
I took a last minute trip to Alabama a couple of weeks ago to see some family and to take care of some business. A couple of days after arriving my cousin - Pastor Albert Alameda - asked me to minister that coming Sunday. We had a great time of fellowship that Sunday evening and the Spirit moved mightily.
After the service two ladies came to speak with me. The first thanked me for speaking so freely about the grief, depression, and the inward struggle I had to keep my faith after my brother was murdered several years ago and about how God in His love and kindness brought me through that time. You see, some years earlier her son had also been murdered and she was still struggling with her emotions. That Sunday night through the message the Holy Spirit healed her and she was able to let go of that immense pain and grief that had consumed her for so many years. Praise God!
The other lady was a Missionary from Alaska who was visiting some friends there in Alabama. Earlier in the week while at a store passing out tracts she met one of the brothers from the church who invited her to visit their congregation. And it just so happens (or does it) that the day she chose was that Sunday. She shared with me that 2007 had been a very tough year for her, her family, and her ministry. But she thanked God that He had brought her that Sunday evening to the service. For through the message her spirit was refreshed and her strength was renewed. She mentioned that she felt like the whole message was specifically for her. Amen.
God is good and He never shows up late. He's always on time to meet our every need since He cares for us. I was indecisive as to whether or not I was going to go to Alabama because I didn't want to deal with the cold weather. But God had plan and a purpose not only for my life but for all thos who were ministered to through the message.
So remember, there is no such thing as coincidences in our Christian walk. Rather, God orchestrates divine encounters (which we call coincidences) for His glory and our Blessing. Amen.
I took a last minute trip to Alabama a couple of weeks ago to see some family and to take care of some business. A couple of days after arriving my cousin - Pastor Albert Alameda - asked me to minister that coming Sunday. We had a great time of fellowship that Sunday evening and the Spirit moved mightily.
After the service two ladies came to speak with me. The first thanked me for speaking so freely about the grief, depression, and the inward struggle I had to keep my faith after my brother was murdered several years ago and about how God in His love and kindness brought me through that time. You see, some years earlier her son had also been murdered and she was still struggling with her emotions. That Sunday night through the message the Holy Spirit healed her and she was able to let go of that immense pain and grief that had consumed her for so many years. Praise God!
The other lady was a Missionary from Alaska who was visiting some friends there in Alabama. Earlier in the week while at a store passing out tracts she met one of the brothers from the church who invited her to visit their congregation. And it just so happens (or does it) that the day she chose was that Sunday. She shared with me that 2007 had been a very tough year for her, her family, and her ministry. But she thanked God that He had brought her that Sunday evening to the service. For through the message her spirit was refreshed and her strength was renewed. She mentioned that she felt like the whole message was specifically for her. Amen.
God is good and He never shows up late. He's always on time to meet our every need since He cares for us. I was indecisive as to whether or not I was going to go to Alabama because I didn't want to deal with the cold weather. But God had plan and a purpose not only for my life but for all thos who were ministered to through the message.
So remember, there is no such thing as coincidences in our Christian walk. Rather, God orchestrates divine encounters (which we call coincidences) for His glory and our Blessing. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)