Pastor Leo Colon's Blog

Author: Leo Colon

  • Day Eighteen of our Twenty-One Day Journey : Clarity

    Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our LORD.

    Today we are on day number Eighteen (18) of our twenty-one day fast. Beloved, as our late Bishop use to say, you don’t have three (3) days left, you have two (2) days and a wake up. You are to be commended. You are counting down. There is less time ahead of you than there is behind you. I want to encourage you, drink as much water as possible, and least 10 to 12 glasses of water today. Have your bowl of soup and remember to pray from your prayer list. You want to be specific about what you would like God to do for you.

    Today, I want to encourage you by letting you know that one of the goals of this fast is to get direction from God. Do you need direction? I do. I need to hear from God as to what is the right direction for me, my vision and my plans. All these things are very important to me. So I want to get the benefit of seeking God and getting a reply. Let’s look briefly at the word of God.

    New International Version

    Acts 13:1 ¶         Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.

    Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

    Acts 13:3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

    In this passage, leaders of the church were praying, worshiping and fasting. The leaders were prophets and teachers. Prophets and teachers are revered for being intelligent people. They are not the type to not have a clue as to what to do. So understand, you are not seeking direction because you have no idea what life is about. The issue is there are many things one could do and you would not be wrong, but there maybe one thing that God wants you to do that will be right. Because that is an issue, you do not want to flap in the wind, so to speak. I know I want clarity. Clarity in my vision, clarity in direction and clarity as to where my life should be going. So as you fast and seek the LORD to the 2 days and a wake up, you have left, expect God to inform you of his plan. Now be aware, this is God’s plan for your life and it may not be what you expected. Don’t reject it because it is not what you thought it might be. Don’t imagine it either. You will know it’s God because he will confirm his word. I believe God will speak to us during this fast. I believe we will come out of this fast victoriously and we will get direction and clarity from God.

    Again beloved, I want to encourage you at the mid-week point, to make plans to bring someone to church with you. Bring someone to church with you. Think about someone you would like to share the Gospel of Christ with and bring them with you to church. Remember, no matter what church you belong to, evangelism is a vital part of every believer’s faith. Don’t come to church by your self. Bring a guest and share the Gospel. Why? Because Christ commands us.

    Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

    God wants his house filled. Do your part. Be a part of God’s plan to fill his church. Think of 10 people you want to come to church with you this week. Write their names in your prayer list and make the sacrifice to get them to church. God commands it. Stay encouraged.

    Live Life on Purpose and not By Mistake,
    Yours Because I am His,
    Leo Colon
    pastor@ihpfwc.org
    www.ihpfwc.org

  • Day Seventeen of our Twenty-One Day Journey : Fast as unto the LORD.

    Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our LORD.

    Today we are on day number Seventeen (17) of our twenty-one day fast. Beloved, as our late Bishop use to say, you don’t have four (4) days left, you have three (3) days and a wake up. You are to be commended. You are counting down. There is less time ahead of you than there is behind you. I want to encourage you, drink as much water as possible, and least 10 to 12 glasses of water today. Have your bowl of soup and remember to pray from your prayer list. You want to be specific about what you would like God to do for you.

    Today again, I felt lead just allow the scripture to speak to us. Jesus reminds me that fasting is not an exercise to impress men with. This fast is unto to God and our behavior determines where our reward comes from. It is hypocritical to say you doing this unto God and behaving in a manner that assures you the approbation of men. Let God be your rewarder. Do the Fast as unto the LORD. Let’s look at the word of God.

    New Living Translation:

    Matt. 6:16 ¶ “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.

    Matt. 6:17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.

    Matt. 6:18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

    Matt. 6:19 ¶ “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.

    Matt. 6:20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

    Matt. 6:21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

    Again beloved, I want to encourage you at the mid-week point, to make plans to bring someone to church with you. For IHP, tonight is bible study. Bring someone to church with you. Think about someone you would like to share the Gospel of Christ with and bring them with you to church. Remember, no matter what church you belong to, evangelism is a vital part of every believer’s faith. Don’t come to church by your self. Bring a guest and share the Gospel. Why? Because Christ commands us.

    Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

    God wants his house filled. Do your part. Be a part of God’s plan to fill his church. Think of 10 people you want to come to church with you this week. Write their names in your prayer list and make the sacrifice to get them to church. God commands it. Stay encouraged.

    Live Life on Purpose and not By Mistake,
    Yours Because I am His,
    Leo Colon
    pastor@ihpfwc.org
    www.ihpfwc.org

  • Day Sixteen of our Twenty-One Day Journey : Isaiah 58

    Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our LORD.

    Today we are on day number Sixteen (16) of our twenty-one day fast. Beloved, as our late Bishop use to say, you don’t have six (6) days left, you have four (4) days and a wake up. You are to be commended. You are counting down. There is less time ahead of you than there is behind you. I want to encourage you, drink as much water as possible, and least 10 to 12 glasses of water today. Have your bowl of soup and remember to pray from your prayer list. You want to be specific about what you would like God to do for you.

    Today, I felt lead just allow the scripture to speak to us. This scripture reminds me that my attitude, even while fasting, needs to be kept in check. I cannot allow my fasting to be an exercise in futility. I cannot allow my fasting to be just a diet. I want to be pleasing to God and I must maintain the privilege of being the kind of Christian God calls me to be. How about you? Let’s look at the word of God.

    Is. 58:1 ¶ “Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don’t be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins!

    Is. 58:2 Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about me. They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God. They ask me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near me.

    Is. 58:3‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.‘Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!’“I will tell you why!” I respond. “It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers.

    Is. 58:4          What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me.

    Is. 58:5 You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD?

    Is. 58:6 ¶ “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.

    Is. 58:7 Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

    Is. 58:8 ¶ “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind.

    Is. 58:9 Then when you call, the LORD will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply. “Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!

    Is. 58:10 Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.

    Is. 58:11 The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.

    Is. 58:12 Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.

    Again beloved, I want to encourage you at the mid-week point, to make plans to bring someone to church with you. Think about someone you would like to share the Gospel of Christ with and bring them with you to church. I said this on Saturday, no matter what church you belong to, evangelism is a vital part of every believer’s faith. Don’t come to church by your self. Bring a guest and share the Gospel. Why? Because Christ commands us.

    Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

    God wants his house filled. Do your part. Be a part of God’s plan to fill his church. Think of 10 people you want to come to church with you this week. Write their names in your prayer list and make the sacrifice to get them to church. God commands it. Stay encouraged.

    Live Life on Purpose and not By Mistake,
    Yours Because I am His,
    Leo Colon
    pastor@ihpfwc.org
    www.ihpfwc.org

  • Day Fifteen of our Twenty-One day Journey: God is Never Wrong!

    Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our LORD.

    Today we are on day number Fifteen (15) of our twenty-one day fast. Beloved, as our late Bishop use to say, you don’t have six (6) days left, you have five (5) days and a wake up. You are to be commended. You are counting down. There is less time ahead of you than there is behind you. I want to encourage you, drink as much water as possible, and least 10 to 12 glasses of water today. Have your bowl of soup and remember to pray from your prayer list. You want to be specific about what you would like God to do for you.

    Today, I want to encourage you as you continue on your fast by sharing with an email sent to me by one of my good friends and colleagues, and one of the stalwarts of IHP, Michael Faulkner. Here is the issue that I hope encourages you. God does not make mistakes. Even the fact that God has called you to this fast, and he has, is no mistake. You may not realize what God is doing, but trust God. He knows what is best for you. Please read this blog, enjoy it and share it with you friends. I am looking forward to hear your reactions and to know if this is a blessing to you.

    “God Is Never Wrong”

    A king who did not believe in the goodness of God, had a slave who, in all circumstances, said: My king, do not be discouraged, because everything God does is perfect, no mistakes!

    One day they went hunting and along the way a wild animal attacked the king. His slave managed to kill the animal, but could not prevent his majesty from losing a finger.

    Furious and without showing his gratitude for being saved, the nobleman said “Is God good? If He was good, I would not have been attacked and lost my finger.”

    The slave replied: “My king, despite all these things, I can only tell you that God is good, and he knows “why” of all these things. What God does is perfect. He is never wrong!”

    Outraged by the response, the king ordered the arrest of his slave.

    Later, he left for another hunt and was captured by savages who made human sacrifices.

    In the altar, ready to sacrifice the nobleman, the savages found that the victim had not one of his fingers, so he was released. According to them, it was not so complete to be offered to the gods.

    Upon his return to the palace, he authorized the release of his slave that he received very affectionately.

    “My dear, God was really good to me! I was almost killed by the wild men, but for lack of a single finger, I was let go! But I have a question: if God is so good, why did he allow me to put you in jail?”

    “My King, if I had gone with you in this hunt, I would have been sacrificed for you, because I have no missing finger, therefore, remember everything God does is perfect. He is never wrong.”

    Often we complain about life, and negative things that happen to us, forgetting that nothing is random and that everything has a purpose.

    Every morning, offer your day to God, don’t be in a rush.

    Ask God to inspire your thoughts, guide your actions, and ease your feelings. And do not be afraid. God is never wrong!

    You know why this message is for you? I do not know, but God knows, because he never makes mistakes…….

    The path of God and his word is perfect, without impurities. He is the way of all those who trust in Him, as he says in 2 Samuel  22: 31

    What you do with this message is up to you. May God put in your heart the desire to send it to someone. God knows why He chose you to receive this message. Please bless someone with it.

    God is never wrong !!

    Melba Clement.

    Again beloved, I want to encourage you early in the week to make plans to bring someone to church with you. Think about someone you would like to share the Gospel of Christ with and bring them with you to church. I said this on Saturday, no matter what church you belong to, evangelism is a vital part of every believer’s faith. Don’t come to church by your self. Bring a guest and share the Gospel. Why? Because Christ commands us.

    Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

    God wants his house filled. Do your part. Be a part of God’s plan to fill his church. Think of 10 people you want to come to church with you this week. Write their names in your prayer list and make the sacrifice to get them to church. God commands it. Stay encouraged.

    Live Life on Purpose and not By Mistake,
    Yours Because I am His,
    Leo Colon
    pastor@ihpfwc.org
    www.ihpfwc.org

  • Day Thirteen of our Twenty-One Day Journey: Which way are you going home?

    Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ our LORD.

    Beloved to is day number Thirteen (13) and you are closing out your second week. You are doing a great job, congratulations. Some of you didn’t think you would make it this far. Remember just do today. Tomorrow will handle itself. Drink as much water as you can, at least 10 to 12 glasses of water and make sure you doing what you need to do to get the toxins out of your body. Either take a strong laxative or schedule some colon therapy at least once a week if possible. You are doing great and I for one am proud of the job you are doing.

    Today, my beloved wife Pastor Dorothy is our guest blogger. She thought to resubmit a past blog. So enjoy the word of the LORD to us as submitted by Pastor Dot to encourage us today. Join me in thanking her and don’t forget to leave a comment on the blog to let her know that God has bless you through this effort.

    Tomorrow, make a point to bring someone to church with you. No matter what church you belong to, evangelism is a vital part of every believer’s faith. Don’t come to church by your self. Bring a guest and share the Gospel. Why? Because Christ commands us.

    Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

    God wants his house filled. Do your part.

    Live Life on Purpose and not By Mistake,
    Yours Because I am His,
    Leo Colon
    pastor@ihpfwc.org
    www.ihpfwc.org

    Grace and Peace to the hungry people of God and to our fearless leader Pastor Leo. Your sacrifices have reached heaven and are duly noted. Let me take this time to prophesy to you….I see you in your future and a table is spread before you and….I see a feast. It is easy to give you a word when you have a history or familiarity of the circumstances. That’s why in my Bible reading time this morning the Lord led me to 2 Samuel 5- 17-22.

    In this passage of scripture David had just been anointed King over Israel, which was the promise of God to David and Israel. David’s enemies, whom he defeated as a Shepard boy, heard about it and decided to attack him. Clearly they forgot who was backing David. God, the Father! Don’t forget who has your back! Clearly this was personal, because heretofore, the Philistines were not interested in war with Israel. You must understand that because you are fasting and you are growing in the Lord, the enemy of your soul has launched a personal attack against you. Just because you are being blessed and you are growing in the Lord. But when David heard of this, he inquired of the Lord. When he was a Shepard boy he went up against them because they defied the armies of the living God, there was no question about fighting, he need not inquire, he felt it was his duty. But this was against David himself.

    As you have been seeking God’s face and inquiring of the Lord on this fast the Word of the Lord to you is “I will certainly hand your enemies over to you. God is going to “Burst out against those problems, situations and circumstances in your life!” Hallelujah! Your mind is going to be blown! When there is a bursting, it is uncontrollable, it cannot be contained by you or your enemy, it is all God! At the end of this exercise, your enemies will abandon their idols, weapons. Things that had power over you, will have power no more! Grace to you,

    Pastor Dot

  • Day Twelve of our Twenty-One Day Journey:Are You Still Hungry?

    Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our LORD.

    Today we are on day number Twelve (12) of our twenty-one day fast. Beloved, you are now over the half-way point and are well on your way to achieving what God has called you to. You are to be commended. You are doing very well. I want to encourage you, drink as much water as possible, and least 10 to 12 glasses of water today. Have your bowl of soup and remember to pray from your prayer list. You want to be specific about what you would like God to do for you.

    Today, Pastor Maurice Johnson has submitted his entry for our blog for today. Please welcome, my colleague, friend and brother, Pastor Maurice Johnson, our guest blogger for today. He has submitted a word from the LORD to encourage us today. Join me in thanking him and don’t forget to leave a comment on the blog to let him know that God has bless you through this effort.

    Tomorrow, we are looking forward to an entry from our own Pastor Dorothy Colon.

    Again beloved, I want to encourage you early in the week to make plans to bring someone to church with you. Think about someone you would like to share the Gospel of Christ with and bring them with you to church. I said this on Saturday, no matter what church you belong to, evangelism is a vital part of every believer’s faith. Don’t come to church by your self. Bring a guest and share the Gospel. Why? Because Christ commands us.

    Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

    God wants his house filled. Do your part. Be a part of God’s plan to fill his church. Think of 10 people you want to come to church with you this week. Write their names in your prayer list and make the sacrifice to get them to church. God commands it. Stay encouraged.

    Live Life on Purpose and not By Mistake,
    Yours Because I am His,
    Leo Colon
    pastor@ihpfwc.org
    www.ihpfwc.or

    Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

    It is an interesting thought that something as simple as fasting can call into question your walk and relationship with the Lord. For example, did the Lord really call this fast or is this something that the pastor is trying to impose upon us, or, am I going to make it through these 21 days. Hunger has a way of testing more than your faith, it will test both your physical fortitude and your mental ambiguity, that is to say, you may question yourself as to how clear your commitment is to spiritual things. All of this stems not only from the fact that you have not eaten but that you are hungry as well, my question to you is, what are you hungry for or what would you like to eat.

    The Greek word “Peinao” means to hunger, be hungry, to suffer want, to be needy, metaphorically speaking it is to crave passionately, to seek with eager desire. I am pretty sure that by this time we have all thought or spoken about our physical hunger, but have you addressed your spiritual hunger. Let’s put this into some sort of perspective, if your yearly fast only consist of the first fruits of this 21 days consecration, you would have given a sacrifice of 5.75% of your year in the pursuit of spiritual things through abstinence of you daily cuisine. However, you are not one dimensional; you have a soul, which also needs to be given a balanced diet, I mean let’s think about it, how often do you stuff the soul with the food it craves.

    Psalms 42: 1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. NIV

    The example given here by David seems to suggest that the true believer has within their soul an appetite for sustenance just as our temporal frame has an appetite. In one of the most profound, if not the most profound messages found in the scriptures, Jesus declares in the sermon on the mount this phrase.

    Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

    Again the scriptures indicate a hungry of the soul, so I wish to congratulate and encourage you for feeding the other side of you. You have seated your soul at the table of consecration, you are praying (eat), you are studying the scriptures (eat) and you are detoxifying your mind, body and soul from worldly things (EAT). Note the promise of Jesus given to the righteous in the passage, “you shall be filled,” and I pray all the goodly things of God be upon you as you persevere. As Pastor Leo has admonished us time and time again, “drink lots of water,” but do not forget to feed your soul, it too is hungry. You can make it, you must make it, you will make it, let the words posted by Pastors Leo, Dorothy, Paul and yours truly be food for your soul.

    According to the wisest man in Biblical history, Solomon, the commandments of the Lord “It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” – Proverbs 3:8

    Bon Appetite!

    Pastor Johnson

  • Day Eleven of our Twenty-One Journey:The Naked Tree

    Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ our LORD.

    Beloved to is day number eleven and you are well on your way to conquering your second week. You are doing a great job, congratulations. Some of you didn’t think you would make it this far. Remember just do today. Tomorrow will handle itself. Drink as much water as you can, at least 10 to 12 glasses of water and make sure you doing what you need to do to get the toxins out of your body. Either take a strong laxative or schedule some colon therapy at least once a week if possible. You are doing great and I for one am proud of the job you are doing.

    Today, once again, my colleague, friend and brother, Pastor Paul Dean is our guest blogger. He has submitted a word from the LORD to encourage us today. Join me in thanking him and don’t forget to leave a comment on the blog to let him that God has bless you through this effort.

    Again beloved, I want to encourage you at the mid-week point, to make plans to bring someone to church with you. Think about someone you would like to share the Gospel of Christ with and bring them with you to church. I said this on Saturday, no matter what church you belong to, evangelism is a vital part of every believer’s faith. Don’t come to church by your self. Bring a guest and share the Gospel. Why? Because Christ commands us.

    Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

    God wants his house filled. Do your part. Be a part of God’s plan to fill his church. Think of 10 people you want to come to church with you this week. Write their names in your prayer list and make the sacrifice to get them to church. God commands it. Stay encouraged.

    Live Life on Purpose and not By Mistake,

    Yours Because I am His,

    Leo Colon

    pastor@ihpfwc.org

    www.ihpfwc.org

    The Naked Tree

    Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
    5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
    6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

    The Naked Tree
    This morning after coming home from the gym, I took my dog out and as he was walking around I sat down and looked up and seen two trees. One tree had leaves on it (although some leaves were falling) the other one was naked (no leaves at all), yet they was both very much alive.
    As I gazed at the tree with leaves, I began to also notice that many birds landed on this tree, while none of them went to the naked tree. The naked tree had no leaves.  It did not provide shade; neither did it look very pretty, yet it was strong and still standing. It was stripped of its beauty; all leaves fell, no bird to land.  Yet it was still rooted and grounded, waiting for its new season.
    It reminded me of times when God has to strip us naked, where we don’t look so beautiful, where our leaves have fallen off and no one wants to land upon us, so to speak or be around us only because of what we look like. Not knowing that we are still connected to Him! Still rooted, still grounded in Christ. When we go through this, it’s called the “Stripping Season”, where God removes the outer layers to humble the inner man, to prepare you for your next season. It will seem like everything is gone, and everyone around you is leaving (falling off). Money starts to deplete, and somewhere in all of this, it feels like God is nowhere to be found, yet you stand there naked and not ashamed because you know this is not your end.
    The enemy is laughing and your friends and family are wondering what you did to deserve such turmoil. Your mind begins to doubt God, but He whispers in a small voice and says “I’m still with you”. He says “I’m just prepping you for your next season”. I know it doesn’t feel like it, and it’s a little chilly in the financial dept, but remember God is the thermometer! He controls the temperature of your life. And although the house is cold and He won’t turn up the heat, He will give you a blanket to keep you warm. Don’t fret in these times, don’t worry in the blizzards. It’s not how you look above ground, but it’s knowing that you are still connected to the root of your God! Soon your leaves will spring forth, nests will be made, and the whistling of a bird will be heard from the tree of your spirit.
    So if your life tree is naked, hold on, He will soon give you a blanket blessing to keep you warm until your new season…
    Until then keep Smiling…
    God bless you, heaven smile upon you, go in peace and may your peace be multiplied.
    Endure to the End!

    Pastor P

  • Day Ten of our Twenty-One Journey: Wisdom is the Principal Thing. Even in Fasting.

    Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our LORD.

    Today we are on day number ten (10) of our twenty-one day fast. Beloved, you are now in the double digits mark and are well on your way to achieving what God has called you to. You are to be commended. You are doing very well. I want to encourage you, drink as much water as possible, and least 10 to 12 glasses of water today. Have your bowl of soup and remember to pray from your prayer list. You want to be specific about what you would like God to do for you.

    Beloved, get everything you can out of this fast. God gives us direction regarding the principle thing. Let’s look at the word of God.

    King James Version

    Prov. 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

    God has a way of making some things simple. It does not make sense to waste time. In every capacity, there ought to be a goal, a reason one does a thing. God tells us in this passage that as a believer, there is a principal focus we should attain to. There is a principal thing we ought to focus on in every thing we experience. What is the focal point? What should we be looking for in every experience God allows us to go through? Wisdom. Beloved, even in fasting, there is wisdom. How can we be wise in fasting? Let’s look at the scriptures.

    New Living Translation-Second Edition

    Is. 58:1 ¶ “Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don’t be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins!

    Is. 58:2 Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about me. They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God. They ask me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near me.

    Is. 58:3 ‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.‘Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!’ “I will tell you why!” I respond. “It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers.

    Is. 58:4 What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me.

    Is. 58:5 You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD?

    Is. 58:6 ¶ “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.

    Is. 58:7 Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

    Is. 58:8 ¶ “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind.

    Is. 58:9 Then when you call, the LORD will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!

    Is. 58:10 Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.

    Is. 58:11          The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.

    Is. 58:12         Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.

    Again beloved, I want to encourage you at the mid-week point, to make plans to bring someone to church with you. Think about someone you would like to share the Gospel of Christ with and bring them with you to church. I said this on Saturday, no matter what church you belong to, evangelism is a vital part of every believer’s faith. Don’t come to church by your self. Bring a guest and share the Gospel. Why? Because Christ commands us.

    Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

    God wants his house filled. Do your part. Be a part of God’s plan to fill his church. Think of 10 people you want to come to church with you this week. Write their names in your prayer list and make the sacrifice to get them to church. God commands it. Stay encouraged.

    Live Life on Purpose and not By Mistake,
    Yours Because I am His,
    Leo Colon
    pastor@ihpfwc.org
    www.ihpfwc.or

  • Day Nine of our Twenty-One Day Journey: You Cannot Receive from God without Sacrifice.

    Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our LORD.

    Today we are on day number nine (9) of our twenty-one day fast. Beloved, you are a day away from the double digits mark and are well on your way to achieving what God has called you to. You are to be commended. You are doing very well. I want to encourage you, drink as much water as possible, and least 10 to 12 glasses of water today. Have your bowl of soup and remember to pray from your prayer list. You want to be specific about what you would like God to do for you.

    Beloved, today I would like to continue to look at Ezra and point out some observations that were important during his journey. Remember, when we looked at his situation in chapter eight we found that Ezra was on his way to doing what he knew to be the will of God for his life. He was leading the exiled people of Israel back to Jerusalem, back to the land that God gave them. He knew his purpose and called a fast to ask God for a strategy. Let’s look at something else he discovered on his way to the will of God.

    King James Version

    Ezra 8:15 And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.

    Ezra looked at the company of people with him and noticed a problem. There were no descendants of Levi among the group. Now this sounds trivial, but in actuality this was a major problem that needed to be corrected. The scriptures tell us that Ezra was a descendant of Levi, but he was not enough. Why is this so important? God, when he set up the priesthood arranged that only the tribe of Levi could function in the temple and only the direct descendants of Levi could function as priests. The priests were important for several reasons, but one critical thing was no sacrifice could be made, before God in the house of the Lord, without them. They were given the authority of ratifying the sacrifice of the people of God. So without them, your sacrifice was problematic.

    Ezra understood something, you cannot receive what you need from God without sacrifice. If you want something from God, your sacrifice has got to be appropriate, meaning the way that God has instructed for us to sacrifice. You endanger the validity of the sacrifice by assuming whatever you give God is good enough. Frankly, this does not work for you. Imagine going to a restaurant, and the restaurant wants money from you and when you ask for something to eat, they serve you what they want you to have. They would not receive anything from you. Then Beloved, why should God just receive anything from us? It is vital that we give God the proper sacrifice. The choice is yours. Do you want something from God, or should God have to put up with things done your way. How important are the things on your prayer list?

    So specifically, what sacrifice was Ezra speaking of? In the text, he was concerned about the offerings.

    New Living Translation:

    Ezra 8:24 ¶ I appointed twelve leaders of the priests—Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten other priests—

    Ezra 8:25 to be in charge of transporting the silver, the gold, the gold bowls, and the other items that the king, his council, his officials, and all the people of Israel had presented for the Temple of God.

    Ezra 8:26 I weighed the treasure as I gave it to them and found the totals to be as follows:

             24 tons of silver,

             7,500 pounds of silver articles,

             7,500 pounds of gold,

            

    Ezra 8:27 20 gold bowls, equal in value to 1,000 gold coins,

             2 fine articles of polished bronze, as precious as gold.

    Ezra 8:28 ¶ And I said to these priests, “You and these treasures have been set apart as holy to the LORD. This silver and gold is a voluntary offering to the LORD, the God of our ancestors.

    So when you go to church this week, and in general, know that your sacrifice is vital. Are you paying your tithes at your church? Are you giving to God sacrificially? No matter what church you belong to, it is right to give to God sacrificially. Also this fast is a sacrifice. I know I am sacrificing food and afflicting my body for twenty-one (21) days. I do not want my sacrifice to be invalid because I did not do it God’s way. I need to receive something from God, and I for one, will allow my need to give me focus concerning my sacrifice. What about you? Is what you want from God important enough for you, to make sure your sacrifice is done God’s way? I believe it is.

    Again beloved, I want to encourage you early in the week to make plans to bring someone to church with you. Think about someone you would like to share the Gospel of Christ with and bring them with you to church. I said this on Saturday, no matter what church you belong to, evangelism is a vital part of every believer’s faith. Don’t come to church by your self. Bring a guest and share the Gospel. Why? Because Christ commands us.

    Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

    God wants his house filled. Do your part. Be a part of God’s plan to fill his church. Think of 10 people you want to come to church with you this week. Write their names in your prayer list and make the sacrifice to get them to church. God commands it. Stay encouraged.

    Live Life on Purpose and not By Mistake,
    Yours Because I am His,
    Leo Colon
    pastor@ihpfwc.org
    www.ihpfwc.or

  • Day Eight of our Twenty-One Day Journey: Ask God for a Strategy.

    Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our LORD.

    Today we are on day number eight (8) of our twenty-one day fast. Beloved, you have conquered one week and are well on your way to achieving what God has called you to. You are to be commended. You are doing very well. I want to encourage you, drink as much water as possible, and least 10 to 12 glasses of water today. Have your bowl of soup and remember to pray from your prayer list. You want to be specific about what you would like God to do for you.

    Beloved, during this fast you have written your prayer list. You have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve this year. I have often found that many times my purpose is not the problem. I have often made a mess of things in the way I tried to achieve a goal. You can do the right thing the wrong way and still not achieve the goal. Well, I am resolved to live life on purpose and not by mistake. Let’s take a look at the word of God.

    King James Version

    Ezra 8:21 ¶ Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

    Ezra, the main character of this text, a priest and a leader of God’s people, proclaimed a fast. He proclaimed a fast and like us, had specific goals and intended to do some spectacular things. There was no ambiguity as to what he should do. His goal was clear. He wanted to lead his people back to Israel and teach the law of God. So what he had to do was not what he was praying for, not what he was afflicting his body (fasting) for. What he asked of God was for the right way for him to achieve his goal. Many of you know what you want to do, but how to get there is not clear. So what we are asking for is not our purpose, it is for the right strategy. Ezra prayed for strategy. I believe in 2012 this is a relevant prayer. I need to seek from God the proper strategy to reach every goal on my list. I want to draw closer to God. Well I do not want to fumble around for half a year experimenting on how to get closer to him. I will simply ask God for the “right way” to get closer to him. If I want that management position on my job, I really need to ask God to show me the “right way” to achieve this goal. As you pray to God during this fast, ask God for a strategy.

    New Living Translation

    Psa. 69:32 The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.

    We want the right path. Seek God’s help and be encouraged.

    Remember to take the time to pray today and communicate with God. Pray from your list. Drink as much water as you can.

    Also beloved, I want to encourage you early in the week to make plans to bring someone to church with you. Think about someone you would like to share the Gospel of Christ with and bring them with you to church. I said this on Saturday, no matter what church you belong to, evangelism is a vital part of every believer’s faith. Don’t come to church by your self. Bring a guest and share the Gospel. Why? Because Christ commands us.

    Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

    God wants his house filled. Do your part. Be a part of God’s plan to fill his church. Think of 10 people you want to come to church with you this week. Write their names in your prayer list and ask God for a strategy to get them to church. Then work the plan. God commands it. Stay encouraged.

    Live Life on Purpose and not By Mistake,
    Yours Because I am His,
    Leo Colon
    pastor@ihpfwc.org
    www.ihpfwc.org