Pastor Leo Colon's Blog

Category: Devotional

  • The Year of Refreshing 2013.

    20110106-120344.jpgGrace and Peace be unto you, from God our Father, and from the LORD Jesus Christ. Happy New Year to you all. I am so glad to be writing again. This is a year that I am expecting to see changes and miracles. Our Bishop (Bishop H. Curtis Douglas) has declared this the year of “Unfair Harvest”. This was the declaration of our Bishop for Dabar Bethlehem Cathedral and for the church under his care. So I personally receive that word and I would encourage you to receive it in Jesus’ name.

    Beloved, I would like to develop the word of the LORD that was given to In His Presence Family Worship Center (IHP) for this year. The LORD has encouraged us to go back to the beginning. Many people when hearing the name of our church assume that the scripture that our church is based on is Psa. 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. It is actually based on Acts 3:19. Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;. This is what the LORD had me to come back to. Now I will not re-preach this here but if you allow me, I would like to bring out some points from this text.

    There is a tension between verses two (2) and Seven (7) of this third chapter of Acts that we should be encouraged by in the beginning of this year. The passage speaks of a man that was brought daily to the Gate called Beautiful. This was the temple in Jerusalem where he would be brought daily by his friends so that he could get his hustle on. The text tells us that he would be left there daily so that he could beg from those that are going to in the temple to worship God. I want to encourage you beloved to question the love of those so-called friends that will bring to the place so that you can get your hustle on, but not bring you inside to get healed so that you would not have to beg. Many of our friends are comfortable helping us to get just enough, and will help you get to the place where begging is your norm, but what would happen if you started the year out believing that you need friends that would encourage you to be better. Encourage you to get into the presence of him who could heal you. Some friends are not ready for you to succeed. Just a thought.

    The tension between verses 2 and 7 is this. Verse two tells us that this man was born with the malady that prevents him from walking. Born not able to stand. Many things were denied him because he could not stand. Think about it. He never as a boy ran a race with the other boys. He never danced with a girl at his high school prom. He could never serve his country in the military. These are all things he watched his friends do, but he could not because he was born without the ability. Verse seven on the other hands tells me God changed all of this with a word. As we go into 2013, I need you to know that God can change anything that prevents you from doing what you want, even if you are born without the capability to do a thing. Some people had you convince that the problem is that you were born not good enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough. I don’t know what the issue is, but even if it is true, God can change your actuality with a word. Notice, he did not just believe he was lame. He was actually lame and he was lame from his mother’s womb. He was born lame, without the ability to walk. This was not a mind set, but God can change you physically with a word. He can and will change your actuality with a word. Your situations are not bigger than God. Jesus is able to do anything but fail.

    So in this year of refreshing, I am looking forward to seeing a change in my circumstance. God will do it with a word. Live life on purpose beloved. A change belongs to you and you can have it. Silver and Gold have I none but such as I have, give I thee, In the name of Jesus I declare 2013 a year of change, a year of possibility, a year of wisdom, a year of returning to that first love, a year of prosperity, a year of being what God intended me and you to be.

    We will as a body begin our fast at IHP on this Friday the 11th of January, 2013. The LORD has instructed us as a body to fast for 10 days. I want to encourage you join us on this journey.

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

  • This week’s blog: Ask for Whatsoever, but Don’t Ask Amiss.

    Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ.

    Beloved I am encouraged that we are all looking forward to a miraculous year in 2012. I believe that as you decree things in this year, you will see and have tremendous testimonies concerning how awesome God will be to us all this year. I believe that many of us will find that the scripture that says to us that whatsoever we ask in Jesus name, that he will do it. I believe that if we do what God requires us to do and patiently await every miracle; I believe we should see them come to pass.

    I feel led of the LORD to caution you beloved through the word of God. We need to make sure our motives are right. Let’s look at the text.

    KJV
    James 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war; yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
    James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
    James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

    In the New Living Translation it is rendered thusly:
    James 4:2 You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.
    James 4:3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
    James 4:4 ¶ You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

    Why do we as believers ask God for things and look in vain for what we asks for? Do you want to be successful in your Christian walk? Well first, we certainly do not need to be fighting and waging wars, killing in order to get what we want. James says to us that these desires come from, the “evil desires at war within us” verse 1.

    We should be asking God, instead of waging wars. Although when we ask God with a wrong attitude, or a proud attitude, God resists us. James says that our problem is that when we ask God for what we want, we ask amiss. (King James Version) In the NLT verse 3 says: And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.

    I do not want to be guilty of asking amiss, or with the wrong attitude. I want to ask God for what I need with the right motives. OK, that is settled. What is the right attitude? What is the right motive? Let’s look at the text.

    John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

    Jesus tells us that He will do what we ask for, that the Father may be glorified. That word glorified means to give esteem, or to give credit to. I want God to get the credit for my life. I want him to receive glory from all of my accomplishments. So when I ask for something, it is with the intent that God receive from me the glory, the esteem, and the credit that he deserves. So is it then OK for us to ask for wealth, a good marriage, and provisions for our family. Absolutely, of course when God gives you what you have been praying for, make sure that God and God alone receives the glory for those mighty acts. And remember to be bold enough to ask for whatsoever, and not just the mundane. Have the courage to step out on God.

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

  • This week’s blog: Today is that Tomorrow.

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

    VICTORY! Beloved, congratulations to you all. You have the victory. Today, you can look back on a great achievement. You planned to fast for Twenty-One days, to seek the LORD for a better way, Seek the LORD for a strategy, Seek the LORD for protection for you, your loved ones and your possessions. You made a plan to fast before the LORD and you did it. Congratulation on this magnificent achievement. You are to be commended.

    Allow me to thank all of our guest bloggers, Pastor Dorothy Colon, Pastor Paul Dean and of course Pastor Maurice Johnson. Join me in thanking God for them, praying for them and for wishing them much success in their ministry. All of you have been a blessing, personally to me and a source of encouragement for the body. I think I can speak for all of us who went through this fast when I say a heart felt Thank You, to you all.

    So what now? Well as I sit at my desk, having just drank the first cup of coffee in three (3) weeks, Selah. I am in awe of the God we serve, who is faithful to answer prayer. Let’s look at the word of God for an answer.

    NLT:
    2Chr. 20:15 ¶ He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
    2Chr. 20:16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel.

    The text tells us that Jehoshaphat, having been made aware of the threat before him, call a fast and prayed to God to get a strategy. God answered and told him and the people of God, the battle is not yours, but God’s. This is awesome news for all of us. Hear the word of the LORD for you for 2012 and all the things on your prayer list, 2012 is not yours to fight, but God’s. With that bit of information, God now gives this blessed people instruction.

    Tomorrow, march out against them. March out against the people who are your enemy. March out against that coalition that is trying to stop you. Beloved, March out on 2012. The word of the LORD to you, don’t back up, do not be afraid, walk right up to the problem. Yes the very problem that caused you fears, before the fast. Nothing has changed in their resolve. They have not been weakened. The difference is you now have a word to rely on. March out tomorrow. Beloved, today is that tomorrow. The word of the LORD came to them as they were fasting, that tomorrow was going to be the day they watch God deliver them. Today is that tomorrow. This week, march out and attack the week. Do not give in to no. Don’t accept the maybe later; people will try to convince you are the only option. You are a child of God, with a word. March out, without fear, and take hold of what God has provided for you to possess. Remember, in the King James Version the word of the LORD is recorded thusly:1Cor. 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

    Beloved I am praying for you. I believe God will show himself strong in your week and blow your mind. Be encouraged, you have done a great thing, in seeking God. Continue in the statutes of God and look for results.

    From this point on, I will endeavor to issue blogs on a weekly basis. Would you pray for me and for IHP? We solicit your prayers. Remember, plan now to bring someone to church with you. You need to fulfill God’s mandate. Remember, your master wants his house filled. You can make that happen. Conquer your week, and march out against the enemy of mediocrity.

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

  • Day Twenty of our Twenty-One Day Journey : It Is What It Is

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

    Today we are on day number Twenty (20) of our twenty-one day fast. Beloved, as our late Bishop use to say, you don’t have one (1) days left, you have 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, once again, my colleague, friend and brother, Pastor Maurice Johnson 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. 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

    It Is What It Is

    Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, you are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
    To Pastor Leo, Pastor Dorothy and Pastor Paul; you are all certainly an answer to my prayers, I love you guys!

    The message of this post may seem a bit out of place, but whether it is spoken before or after the fast it is relevant all the same. Fasting is one of those covenantal acts which people have often misunderstood, misused or abused. Biblical fasting is not hypocrisy, nor is it a manipulative tool or a physical discipline. Please let me explain, we have not committed ourselves to this fast to be seen as a spiritual wonder of sorts.

    Luke 18: 9-14
    9  And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
    10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
    11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
    12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
    13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
    14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

    Please note in verse 12 that Jesus said the Pharisee fasted twice a week, the Talmud tells us that this was on the 2nd and 5th day (Monday and Thursday). Why on Monday and Thursday? (Baba Kama 82a) Moses went up Mount Sinai to receive the Torah on a Thursday and came back down on a Monday. This should be an acceptable day according to the Talmud, so why the condemnation. The Talmud also says Ezra the Scribe declared that Jews should not go three days without Torah. Hence, the Torah is read every Monday, Thursday and Sabbath. Mondays and Thursdays were also market days on which Jews from all over Palestine came to Jerusalem. Ezra the Scribe decided that Torah should be read on these days to the crowds. Many believe that the Pharisee in Jesus parable simply fasted on those days to appear to be holy and just, what hypocrisy.

    Second, we tend to believe that we can somehow bend or twist the Lord’s hand to perform for us as we wish him to perform.

    II Samuel 12:16- 18
    16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. 
17 And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. 
18 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?

    Even David’s fast could not manipulate the Lord into performing as he wished or desired.

    Third, a biblical fast is not a physical discipline for the purposes of dieting to decrease one’s weight. Many believers may loose weight on the fast but the Lord does not commission a fast for these purposes. The Lord gives us the purposes of fasting in Isaiah chapter 58.

    Isaiah 58
    6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

    I pray that you would be encouraged to persevere to the end so that chains of injustice are loosened, yokes are untied and the oppressed would be freed and that every yoke in your life would be broken. I pray that the promises found in verses 8 through 12 would be yours as well, for upholding your vow. May your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing quickly appear; may your righteousness go before you, and the glory of the LORD be your rear guard. May the Lord answer you when you call, may he say “Here I am” when you cry. May your light rise in the darkness, and your night become like the noonday. The LORD guide you always, the Lord satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. May you be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. May your people rebuild the ruin places and the Lord raise up the age-old foundations. May you be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

    Know that your labor is not in vain.

    See you on Victory’s side

    Pastor Johnson

  • Day Nineteen of our Twenty-One Day Journey : God’s Poetry of Love

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

    Today we are on day number Nineteen (19) of our twenty-one day fast. Beloved, as our late Bishop use to say, you don’t have three (3) days left, you have one (1) day 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, 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. 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

    Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ
    Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)
    10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

    God loves you, my brother and sister, constantly, completely, irrevocably. He loves you in spite of your past, in light of your future, and without regards for your social or economic status. God’s love is free to all who choose to reach out and take it. Have you opened your heart to the Lover of your soul? Have you felt the glory of being immersed in His Love? We do not know why He chooses to love us; only that He does. Praise His Name!
    No matter what your past has been, trust God to understand. And no matter what your problem is, just place it in His hands. For in all of our unloveliness, this great God love us still. He loved us since the world began. And what’s more, He always will.
    God’s love is like an island; in life’s ocean vast and wide, a peaceful, quiet shelter from the restless, rising tide…God’s love is like a fortress, and we seek protection there when the waves of tribulation seem to drown us in despair… God’s love is like a beacon. Burning bright with faith and prayer, and through the changing scenes of life, we can find a haven there!
    We are all God’s children and He loves us, everyone. He freely and completely forgives all that we have done, asking only if we’re ready to follow where He leads, content that in His wisdom He will answer all our needs. (I John 1:9)
    What is Love? No words can define it – It’s something so great, only God could design it. For love means much more than small words can express for what we call love is very much less than the beauty and depth and the true richness of God’s gift to mankind – His compassionate love.
    Somebody loves you more than you know, Somebody goes with you wherever you go, Somebody really and truly cares and lovingly listens to all of your prayers. And if you walk in His footsteps and have faith to believe, there’s nothing you ask for that you will not receive.
    God’s love is like a sanctuary where our souls can find sweet rest, from the struggle and the tension of life’s fast and futile quest.

    Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)
    28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

    The sky and the stars, the waves and the sea, the dew on the grass, the leaves on the tree, are constant reminders of God and His nearness, proclaiming His presence with crystal – like clearness. So how could I think God was far, far away when I feel Him beside me every hour of the day? And I’ve plenty of reasons to know God’s my friend and this is one friendship that time cannot end!
    I love you, but God loves you more!
    God bless you, heaven smile upon you, go in peace and may your God bless you, heaven smile upon you, go in peace and may your peace be multiplied.

    Share the Amor
    Pastor P

  • 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