♥ I Pray

Integrity: What You Are When You’re Alone With God

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES The Keys to a Blessed Life   Integrity: What You Are When You’re Alone With God By Rick Warren — Oct 30, 2015 “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8 NLT, second edition) The Bible says in Matthew 5:8, “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God” (NLT, second edition). To “see God” means to experience the presence of God. Believers who have a pure heart get to feel the power of God. They get to know the purpose of God for their lives. They get to live in the peace of God. They experience the pardon of God. Do you want to be one of those people? We don’t talk a lot these days about being pure in heart, but we do use the word “integrity.” To have integrity does not mean you are perfect, because if it did, none of us would have it! So what does it mean to have integrity? Integrity is wholeness. A lot of people think of their life like a pie, and the different parts of their life are the pieces of the pie. This slice of the pie is my career. This is my work life. This is my spiritual life. Then this is my family life. That one is my social life. Then over here is my secret life — my compulsions, addictions, and the things nobody else knows about. If you segment your life like that, you lack integrity, because your life is not a whole. Integrity means you’re the same person with everybody, in your speech, actions, and motives, no matter which part of life you’re dealing with. Integrity is authenticity. During plays in ancient Greek culture, there was one guy who would play multiple roles. He would come onstage wearing a mask and then go backstage to put on a different mask to play another role. This person was called the “hupokrites,” and it’s where we get the word “hypocrite.” When you wear masks so that you appear one way in front of some people and another way for others, it shows a lack of authenticity. God wants you to be exactly who he made you to be, no matter who is watching. Integrity is unmixed motivation. It means you do the right thing, and you do it for the right reason. You have unmixed motivation and pure motives. You’re sincere and straightforward in every area of your life and with all people. You pray to talk to God and not to impress other people. We’re interested in image, but God is interested in integrity. We’re interested in reputation, but God is interested in character. Reputation is what everybody thinks you are. Integrity is what you really are. Reputation is what you are in public. Integrity is what you are when you’re all alone with God. God blesses those who have integrity. They get to be the friends of God. “The LORD detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity” (Proverbs 11:20). PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over Would the people in each area of your life — your coworkers, classmates, family members, and friends — all use the same words to describe you? Why or why not? What keeps you from showing vulnerability in your relationships? Do people feel like they can let down their guard with you? How do you show others that you accept them just as they are?

Today’s Scripture “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8, ESV) SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS He Teaches the Way Do you need to know which way to go? Maybe you are facing an important decision in your job, at home or in your relationships. Know this: God Himself will teach you what you should do. He promises to show you the path you should take. He’s watching over you and giving you advice every step of the way. God’s not just concerned with the goal, or end result. It’s not just about getting you from point “A” to point “B.” He is with you every step of the way during the entire process. He wants to see your character develop and mature. Most times, our growth in life happens when circumstances seem to be the most uncertain. Those uncertain times cause us to rely more on God. No matter how uncertain things may seem, God still has His eye on you. He’s making sure that you make the right choices. He’s working with you to shape your character and attitude. Remember, He’s promised to never leave you nor forsake you. You may not always know the answer right away, but He’s always teaching you and leading you into blessing all the days of your life! A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You for giving me the direction I need for my life. I receive Your counsel today and trust that You are at work. I surrender all to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Seven Ways to Be Merciful

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES The Keys to a Blessed Life

Seven Ways to Be Merciful By Rick Warren — Oct 29, 2015 “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 NLT, second edition) 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. Wait. Isn’t there a tension between mercy and personal responsibility? Yes, there is. But I have personally decided that if I’m going to err, I’m going to err on the side of being too gracious, too merciful, and too forgiving. You can go overboard on mercy — just look at what Jesus did on the cross. So, how will you be merciful? Be patient with people’s quirks. Who is that person in your life who has irritating quirks? How can you practice patience with that person this week? Help anyone around you who is hurting. Who around you is obviously hurting that you can help this week? If you can’t think of anybody, then you’re not paying attention. Look closer! Give people a second chance. Who do you need to give a second chance to? How can you show that person mercy and compassion this week? Do good to those who hurt you. Maybe you’re suffering from an old wound that you have not been able to let go of. You need to forgive and then turn it around for good. Who is that person in your life? Will you make a phone call or a visit this week? Be kind to those who offend you. Who offends you? Maybe it’s a politician or a comedian that you can pray for. Maybe it’s a Facebook friend who has different views and says some pretty offensive things. How can you be intentional about showing kindness to that person this week? Build bridges of love to the unpopular. Who is the first person who comes to mind when you think of an outcast? Who spends their lunch breaks eating alone or doesn’t seem to have any friends at soccer games? What specific thing will you do this week to bridge the gap between you and that person with love? Value relationships over rules. Who is an unbeliever you could invite over for dinner in the next few weeks? Will you then step up and invite that person to church? This is your ministry of mercy. Pray this prayer today: “Heavenly Father, your Word convicts me. I want your blessing in my life, and I want to be a merciful person. As I look at these seven things, I think of shortcomings and weaknesses in my own life. I pray that rather than just hearing the Word, I would do something about it. Give me the courage to be merciful. Give me the strength this week to step out in faith and do radical, premeditated acts of mercy that point others to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Today’s Scripture “...I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” (John 10:10, AMP) SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS Thriving Every Day God doesn’t want you to live stressed and with a “barely-get-by” attitude. He has new seasons of increase in front of you. He wants you to thrive, to live an abundant, overflowing life! Sometimes when things seem difficult, it’s easy to slip into “survival mode.” When times get tough, it’s tempting to just “hunker down” and settle. If you’re not careful, you’ll develop a survival mentality that will keep you from growing and embracing what God has for your future. You’ll be happy to just “break even.” But as God’s children, we’re not supposed to just break even; we’re supposed to break through to a new level! We’re supposed to believe for more of God’s favor, increase and promotion no matter what is happening in the world around us. Make up your mind today that no matter how difficult things seem, you are going to thrive every day! Take hold of God’s promises and declare that you are rising higher. Expect His favor and increase and see His hand of blessing in every area of your life! A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You for giving me life. I agree with Your Word which says I can thrive and enjoy my life to the full. Help me to see Your hand at work in me more and more each day in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Seven Characteristics of Mercy

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES The Keys to a Blessed Life

Seven Characteristics of Mercy By Rick Warren — Oct 28, 2015 “The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy.” (James 3:17a NLT, second edition) 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. Mercy means being patient with people’s quirks. How do you get more patience for your kids, spouse, or friends? The Bible says in James 3:17, “The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy” (NLT, second edition). The wiser you become, the more patient and merciful you become. Mercy means helping anyone around you who is hurting. You cannot love your neighbor as yourself without being merciful. Proverbs 3:27 says, “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it” (TEV). But God is not simply watching what you do. He’s watching your attitude: “[When you] show mercy, do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:8 NIV). Mercy means giving people a second chance. When somebody hurts us, we normally want to get even or write that person off. But the Bible says, “Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ” (Ephesians 4:31-32 CEV). Mercy means doing good to those who hurt you. Mercy is giving people what they need, not what they deserve. Why should we do it? Because that’s what God does with you: “Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because [God] is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:35-36 NIV). Mercy means being kind to those who offend you. You’ve got to be more interested in winning people to Christ than in winning the argument. Jude 1:22-23 says, “Show mercy to those who have doubts. Save others by snatching them from the fire of hell. Show mercy to others, even though you are afraid that you might be stained by their sinful lives” (GW). Mercy means building bridges of love to the unpopular. This is what I call premeditated mercy, because you intentionally build friendships with people who don’t have friends or who are not accepted at work or in society. When the Pharisees questioned why Jesus ate with tax collectors and other unpopular people, Jesus said, “‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners” (Matthew 9:13b NLT, second edition). Mercy means valuing relationships over rules. Romans 13:10 says, “Love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.” If you want to show mercy, put people before policies. Put their needs before procedures. Put relationships before regulations. Choose love over law. PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over In today’s cultural climate, why is it often easier to be more interested in winning the argument than in winning people to Christ? If mercy means valuing relationships over rules, what do you need to change about the way you interact with your coworkers? What about with your children? How can you be intentional this week about showing mercy to people around you who are hurting? Today’s Scripture “It is an honor for a man to cease from strife...” (Proverbs 20:3, KJV) SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS Avoid Strife Strife is a very destructive force. It can creep into relationships by starting small, maybe through a comment or a wrong look from someone, and can then escalate into something much bigger. But when you choose to cease from strife and overlook an offense, you are acting honorably and honoring God. How do you avoid strife? The Bible tells us that love covers over many offenses. Love stops strife. It means that you give people the benefit of the doubt. You consider what they may be going through instead of focusing on how they reacted to you. Maybe someone was short with you at the office, but they may have a loved one in the hospital. Instead of getting upset, walk in love—be patient and kind to them. Look for ways to walk in peace with the people in your life and put an end to strife! A Prayer for Today “Father, today I choose Your ways. I choose peace and love, and I choose to avoid strife. Let everything I say and do bring honor to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Four Reasons God Expects You to Be Merciful

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES The Keys to a Blessed Life

Four Reasons God Expects You to Be Merciful By Rick Warren — Oct 27, 2015 “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 NLT, second edition) 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? Because God has shown you mercy. Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “God’s mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God’s grace that you have been saved” (TEV). God wants you to pass on the mercy that you’ve received from him. Because God commands you to be merciful. Do you want a summary of what life’s all about? Here it is: “The LORD has told you what is good. This is what the LORD requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 GW). Because you’re going to need more mercy in the future. You’re going to make a lot of mistakes between now and when you get to Heaven, and you’re going to need God’s mercy when you do. But you cannot receive what you are unwilling to give. James 2:13 says, “You must show mercy to others, or God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the judgment” (NCV).  Because showing mercy brings or causes happiness. Matthew 5:7 says that God blesses those who are merciful. The word “blessed” also means “happy,” so the more you learn and demonstrate this quality, the more blessed and happier you’re going to be. PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over What does it mean to “love mercy”? How have you seen God bless you when you made the sometimes difficult but right decision to show mercy to someone? Think of some ways that you could have shown mercy to others in the last week. How do you think it might have changed the outcome of the situation? Today’s Scripture “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV) SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS Cast Your Cares God cares so much about you today. Not only does He love and care about you, He cares about the things that concern you as well. If you have concerns, worry or anxiety about something in your life today—finances, relationships, your job or anything else—know that your heavenly Father already has a plan to take care of those things for you. It’s a good plan, and He wants to show Himself strong on your behalf. Scripture reminds us that the lilies of the field and the birds of the air are cared for, how much more will your heavenly Father take care of you? Today, cast your anxiety on Him and trust that He is going to take care of you. Refuse to dwell on your problems and don’t allow them to steal your peace and joy any longer. Instead, meditate on His Word and confess His promises over your life. Cast your cares on Him and experience His peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life! A Prayer for Today “Father, thank You for loving me and caring for me. I cast my cares on You and trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I set my mind on You and look for Your goodness in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

How’s Your Spiritual Appetite?

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES The Keys to a Blessed Life

How’s Your Spiritual Appetite? By Rick Warren — Oct 26, 2015 “You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment.” (1 Peter 2:2 NLT, second edition) 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. Remind yourself how much God loves you. The more you understand how much God loves you, the more you’re going to love him. The Bible says in Ephesians 3:18-19, “May you have the power to understand … how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God” (NLT, second edition). Stop filling up on junk food. You are a spiritual being with a God-shaped hole in your heart that only God can fill. When you try to fill it with salary, status, success, passion, possessions, power, prestige, or anything other than God, it’s not going to be fulfilling. Proverbs 15:14 says,“A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.” Make knowing God your number one goal. Happiness is a byproduct of knowing God. Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well” (NCV). Get into God’s Word every day. The Bible is food for your soul. Eating a meal once a week won’t keep you healthy. In the same way, you need to feed on God’s Word every day. “You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment” (1 Peter 2:2 NLT, second edition). Appetite is influenced by association. If you hang out with people who only care about politics, that’s all you’re going to care about. If you hang out with people who only care about sports, that’s what you’re going to care about. Join a small group for support, because whatever you talk about when you’re with others is what you’re going to be hungry for. Proverbs 2:20 says, “Join the company of good men and women, and stay on the paths of the righteous” (MSG/NLT, second edition).     PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over What does it mean to be hungry for God? How can you remind yourself throughout the day of God’s love? What are the things that you talk about most with your friends? With your spouse? How is your conversation feeding your spiritual appetite? Today’s Scripture “I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who abides in me while I abide in him produces much fruit...” (John 15:5, ISV) SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS Abide in Him Did you know that God wants you to live in Him? He wants to be your source of life. He wants you to abide in Him and rely on Him for everything. He wants to be your source for strength, provision, hope and joy. Like the air you breathe, He wants you to rely on Him for your very existence. Abiding in God begins by communing with Him and meditating on His Word all day long. When you abide in Him, you talk to Him before you go to sleep at night. You think about Him when you first wake up. You dwell on His promises all throughout the day and continually fellowship with Him in prayer. You make Him your number one priority and stay connected with other believers at church. Notice what this verse says will happen when you abide in Him—you will produce much fruit! When you are connected to God, everything you set your hand to will be fruitful and blessed. Just like a branch thrives when it is connected to the vine, you will thrive and be prosperous when you are abide in Him! A Prayer for Today “Father, today I choose to abide in You. Like the air I breathe, I know I am totally dependent on You. Thank You for Your promise of blessing on me and help me to always be a blessing to others in Jesus’ name. Amen.”