Category: Devotional

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

Beloved, today is January 2nd, 2012. Happy New Year and welcome to this journey with God that we are embarking on. Starting today at 6:00 AM, we are engaging in a spiritual journey with the LORD. We will be fasting and praying for Twenty-one (21) Days. By fasting I mean will be eating one bowl of soup per day and drinking all the water we can drink daily. At the very least we expect to drink ten to twelve glasses of water per day. We are assembling our prayer list and committing to at least one hour of prayer daily. For more instructions on the fast, feel free to email me at pastor@ihpfwc.org. I am expecting to witness the miraculous among our ranks. I am expecting God to do incredible things, even though I cannot prove it, or see it. I want to encourage you to look out for not only the obvious and the mundane, but look for the miraculous with me. Let’s look at what the word of God says to us today.

NRSV

Heb. 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Beloved, the word of God tells us that the worlds, including this world we are living on today was prepared by the word of God. This world that we build our homes on, rely on for food and vegetation. This world where we take advantage of the air we breathe, the water we drink. The word of God says that all these things that we often take for granted, was prepared for us and is available to us, not because God was lucky, or had an awesome bank account, but by the “word of God”.

Your miracle does not need to be backed by a ready investor, nor by some philanthropist. We could not facilitate it if we tried. We need to go into this journey understanding that what we want and need from God has been prepared already by the “word of God”. Expect what you cannot see to become visible from the word of God. And that’s what the writer of Hebrews is telling us. “What is seen” meaning that which we determine is real, like your house, the plane I flew on yesterday, the car you’re driving, all of these things come from that which was not seen. Even things in nature, came from something we cannot point to in the natural.

So, if that is true, (and it is) why do you talk yourself into a depression because you cannot see what you need? Why talk yourself into unwise behavior because what you are praying for has not happened yet and you cannot see it? Why would you even make any decision because you or your good friends cannot see where the miracle is going to come from? Nothing that we enjoy today came from what we can see, but we still take advantage of it.

As we go through this journey, go through it expecting God to do miracles. Expect God to blow your mind. Expect what you cannot see now, to be visible this year. I am looking forward to this fast. I expect to see miracles during this fast.

Remember, Beloved, Drink as much water as you can, and don’t worry about tomorrow. Just do today.

Live Life on Purpose and not By Mistake,

Yours Because I am His,

Leo Colon

pastor@ihpfwc.org

http://www.ihpfwc.org

Beloved, Grace and Peace be unto you, from God our Father and from the LORD Jesus Christ. Today is Saturday, day number twenty (20). All you have to do to obtain victory is hold on just one more day. Today you can see victory. So I would like to encourage you with the word of God. This text is awesome because it encourages us to praise the LORD for the victory he has brought us to. Let’s look at the text.

NLT
Psa. 98:1 ¶ Sing a new song to the LORD,
for he has done wonderful deeds.
His right hand has won a mighty victory;
his holy arm has shown his saving power!
Psa. 98:2 The LORD has announced his victory
and has revealed his righteousness to every nation!
Psa. 98:3 He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel.
The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
Psa. 98:4 ¶ Shout to the LORD, all the earth;
break out in praise and sing for joy!
Psa. 98:5 Sing your praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song,
Psa. 98:6 with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn.
Make a joyful symphony before the LORD, the King!
Psa. 98:7 ¶ Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
Let the earth and all living things join in.
Psa. 98:8 Let the rivers clap their hands in glee!
Let the hills sing out their songs of joy
Psa. 98:9 before the LORD.
For the LORD is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice,
and the nations with fairness.

Beloved, this text is encouraging us to sing and new song, shout to the LORD, break out in praise and sing for joy. We should sing our praises with the harp, with trumpets, and make a joyful symphony before the LORD. Nothing about our worship should be subdued.
Rejoice beloved because VICTORY belongs to you. Drink all the water you can and hang in there.

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

Beloved, Grace and Peace be unto you, from God our Father and from the LORD Jesus Christ. Today is Thursday, day number eighteen (18). You are seeing the finish line. Today our daily blog is coming to us from Pastor Dorothy. We are so glad that she has given us our word today. Remember drink all the water you can and you hang in there.

Live Life on Purpose and Not By Mistake,
Yours Because I am His,

Leo Colon

www.ihpfwc.org

leocolon.wordpress.com

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

Beloved, Grace and Peace be unto you, from God our Father and from the LORD Jesus Christ. Today is Wednesday, day number seventeen (17). You are seeing the finish line. Our late Archbishop used to tell us that in the military they would not say to us that we have four days left. They would tell us we have three days and a wake up. This is when the enemy tries to suggest that you have proven your point, and try to convince you there is no viable reason to continue. Allow me to encourage you, people want you to fail. You can win if you stay committed to God’s commandments. Let’s look at the text:

NLT

Psa. 119:85 These arrogant people who hate your law have dug deep pits for me to fall into.

Psa. 119:86 All your commands are trustworthy. Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.

Psa. 119:87 They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments.
Beloved, our success will not happen because our adversary decides to back off. We should not expect our enemies to give us a pass. They will not do it. As a matter of fact, what we can count on is that fact that our enemies in Christendom always make our lives harder when success is in our sights. Thank God, because God’s word tells us that we can win, even when it looks like we are through. Sometimes when we look at our own situation, winning does not look possible, even to us. Our way to win according to the word of God is to make up our own mind not to abandon God’s commandment. The word of God is encouraging us to know that seeing the way we are going to win is not necessary. Our victory is tied to our resolve. Actually it is tied to faith. Evidence says that losing is inevitable, but what you believe can negate the certainty of the evidence of our life. Do not give up on the word of God. You can win if you refuse to abandon God’s commandments. What do you believe? What does your faith say about your ability to finish what God has started? Hang in there. You are a winner now. Do not give up. Not only the 21-day journey, but this also goes for your dreams. If you refuse to believe that God can fail, you can win. If you refuse to believe that God can lie, you can win. I am in agreement with you. With God everything is possible.
NLT

Matt. 19:26 ¶ Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.’
Remember drink all the water you can. Hang in there. Do not worry about tomorrow just do today. You have made it this far with the help of God, and you WILL win.

Live Life on Purpose and Not By Mistake,

Yours Because I am His,

Leo Colon

pastor@ihpfwc.org

www.ihpfwc.org

Beloved, Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ. Today is day number sixteen (16)! You are really doing so well. Really Congratulations!! I want you to be encouraged today. There is a reward. You are not doing this for nothing. I have praise reports coming in from many of you. Some of you have forgotten to tell me, and when you do I am always blown away. Make a point of commenting to this blog and share some of the miracles God has done for you on this fast. If they are not to personal, lets share and brag on God. It is still January and already I am excited about what God is going to do. Let’s look at the text.

King James Version.
Matt. 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Jesus in this passage is talking about reward. The way you approach this life in Christ does avail you to a reward from God, but not by selfish intentions. The way for us to please God is by denying oneself. If I, in the name of Christian pursuits, seek my own reward, even where my life is involve, I have engaged in a futile endeavor. Jesus said this: Matt. 16:24 ¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Your motives in this practice of fasting determines your reward. Deny yourself, what does that mean? Does it mean that we should not love ourselves? Not at all, we are commanded to love ourselves. It means that we ought not to miss the opportunity to think of others. You are not the only consideration in this life that God has given you. Do something today for someone else, without needing a reward. Do something that might even cost you. Beloved, even this practice of fasting, is a practice of you denying yourselves not only to seek God for your needs, but for the needs of your family and your loved ones.
So Jesus ends this thought with an assurance. God will come and scrutinize your works. The word works, in the greek means your deeds, or practices. God will scrutinize your practices. As a result of your works, your practices, you will receive a reward. Are you only in this for yourselves? Be concerned with others, pray for someone today. Do something just because it would be good for someone else. Do this with the right mind set and God, who is faithful will reward you. That’s a promise, from God. There is a reward.

Remember, drink all the water you can. At the very least 8-10 glasses of water a day. It should be closer to a gallon if you can. I will be praying for you.

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

Beloved, Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ. Today is day number fifteen (15)! You are really doing so well. The finish line is in sight and you can see victory from here. Our Late Archbishop McKinley use to say, “from here you have five (5) days and a wake up”. There are six days left. You are doing it, and you can make it. Hang in there. Do just today. Today I wanted to continue our look at the benefits of fasting. Let’s look at the text.

Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

One of the benefits of fasting is that God speaks. God will make some things clear and give direction. The direction may not be what we want to hear, but it is clear and it is the will of God. In this text leaders are praying for the growth and stability of the work. They are the new leadership of this church. They have hopes of rolling their sleeves up and getting to the business of the kingdom. In the midst of this they receive a word from God. We have no proof from the text at how they received the word. I could imagine there was some consternation with regard to the mandate for separation. What is evident, is that what they received was clear direction. One of the benefits of fasting is that you will receive clear direction. It may be what you were expecting. It may not. It will be clear. Beloved, fasting allows you to function with a clear understanding of what your purpose is. Think of it. You will not have to function wondering if you are doing what God wants you to do. Look for a word from God. Look for clarity. Seek it, and you will find it.

Remember, drink all the water you can. At the very least 8-10 glasses of water a day. It should be closer to a gallon if you can. I will be praying for you.

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

Beloved, Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ. Today is day number thirteen (13)! You are really doing this. Some of you thought there was no way you would get that far. God is amazing and he has kept you this far. Congratulations, you are doing very well. You hang in there. Your prayers are being heard. Today I want to encourage you that as you are fasting, there are benefits and privileges on this journey. Let’s look at the text.

Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

The church is at this point, in it’s infancy. The church in Antioch had new leaders and is the first place people were called Christians. Lots of pressure to say the least. Now according to the text once the leadership was settled, they ministered and they fasted. The word minister is :3008. leitourgeo, li-toorg-eh´-o; from 3011; to be a public servant, i.e. (by analogy) to perform religious or charitable functions (worship, obey, relieve): — minister. So they worshiped. Your worship is a key component and privilege to this warfare of fasting. Worship allows you to rehearse to God who he is. I make this distinction to showcase the difference between worship and praise. Praise is thanking God for what he has done for you. Worship is irrespective of what you have received from God, and announcing that he is God. In our relationships it work somewhat the same way. When my wife makes me some food, I will thank her for the food and let her know I really appreciated it. Suppose when she made me some food and serve me the food, I said to her “you are the only woman for me”. My comment was not based on what I received but on who and what she is. Worship takes the focus off of me and places my adoration on God. This is a benefit to me because it give me an opportunity to tell God that if I never understood all the benefits I receive from him, I still know that he is God. Take the time to get all the benefits of worship. Why? Because God pays attention to worship. There are benefits when you take the focus off of you and bestow your worship on God.

Next week we will talk about what one of those benefits are from this passage. Remember, just do today. Drink all the water you can. At the very least 8-10 glasses of water. It should closer to a gallon if you can. I will be praying for you, See you all tomorrow at church, and bring someone with you.

Live Life on Purpose and Not By Mistake,
Your Because I am His,
Leo Colon
pastor@ihpfwc.org
http://www.ihpfwc.org

Beloved, Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ. Please allow me to apologize for missing a day. Pastor Dorothy and I attended the funeral of her Aunt and the demands of family was overwhelming. We certainly solicit your prayers.
Today is day number twelve (12). You are a giant. You are doing so well. Now think of it, there are less days in front of you than there are behind. You have gone pass the midpoint of this journey and the end is in sight. You are doing very well. Today, I just want to encourage you with the Word of God. You are seeking the LORD in prayer and fasting. Prayer is an essential part this journey and sometimes we feel that God may not hear us. Well, hear are some assurances. So many have asked the LORD to hear their prayer. Let’s look at some examples.

Psa. 4:1 ¶ Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
Psa. 5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Psa. 17:1 ¶ Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
Psa. 39:12 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
Psa. 54:2 Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.
Psa. 61:1 ¶ Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
Psa. 64:1 ¶ Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
Psa. 69:13 ¶ But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.
Psa. 84:8 ¶ O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
Psa. 102:1 ¶ Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.
Psa. 143:1 ¶ Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
Is. 37:4 It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.

Some times we doubt. We don’t know if God hears us. We don’t see God’s answer from our questions. We don’t see God’s plan from our need. We don’t see God’s provision in our lack, but hear the Word of God. He hears you beloved. We must always hang in there to see his provisions, his plan and his answers for our lives. Listen to Holy Writ.

1Kings 9:3 And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.
2Kings 19:4 It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.
2Kings 20:5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.
2Chr. 7:12 ¶ And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.
2Chr. 30:27 Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.
Psa. 6:9 The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
Psa. 66:19 But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
Is. 38:5 Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.
Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
Acts 10:31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

Beloved, know this, God has heard your prayers and he will answer every supplication. You are not doing this in vain. God will answer your prayers and you will be what God has said you will be.

Remember, drink all the water you can. At least 8-10 glass of water a day. You are doing incredibly well. I will see you at church on Sunday. Remember bring someone with you.

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

Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ. Beloved, today you have moved into a new phase in your 21 day journey. Today is day number 10. You have moved into double digit days on your journey. Congratulations to each and every one of you. That is awesome. Remember this is a process. You don’t have to be perfect, but you want to be committed.

Today let us revisit the text we looked at yesterday. Yesterday we talked briefly about the point that we do not want to be hypocrites. We want to behave in a way that Christ says is appropriate, for those of us who seek him. We are believers. Today let’s take another look at another part of this text.

NLT
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.

Hypocrites short change themselves by receiving the reward of men whom they are trying to impress. This reward, I assure you, at best, lacks the luster of any reward God can give to us. Here is the assurance the we receive from the word of God. Fasting produces rewards. There is the reward from Man, that is the result of showing man how pious you are. Which is nothing more than their assent that you are a pious person. This for me is worthless. Then there is the reward from our heavenly Father. Which reward do you want? I know I have made up my mind. I would much rather have the assurance of Holy Writ, which tells me he will never forsake those who seek him.

King James Version
Psa. 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

I would much rather have the reward of knowing that God who answers prayer, will hear my request and grant them.

King James Version
Job 6:8 ¶ Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!

Beloved this is a goal worth reaching for. Who cares what man decides about me. I want to obtain the ear of God, and the assurance that he hears me, and can grant my request. Again I ask, which reward do you want? What is more important to you? If the reward of God is more important, then you are on your way to receiving your reward.

Hang in there. Just do today. Drink all the water you can. At the very least drink 8-10 glasses today. You are doing so well.

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

Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ. Beloved, congratulations you are in day number 9. Wow!!!! You are doing what some thought you would never do, and God is keeping you through this whole thing. Praise the LORD for his keeping power. Remember, drink as much water as possible and make a point of making your request known to God. Also do not forget that it is important to get the toxins out of your body. Do a colonic, enema or take a laxative at least once a week if possible while doing this fast. It will help. Today I wanted to just share a quick word with you. It is a reminder for us all. Let’s look at the text.

NLT
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.

Beloved, You are not a hypocrite, you are a believer. Don’t brag, you want your reward from God. Now let’s apply balance to this text. Jesus is not telling us to lie. If someone asks why you are not eating, tell them you are participating in a spiritual exercise. Who knows if God will not use that conversation as an opportunity for evangelism. The issue is for us not to walk around bragging or feigning sickness so that we would get notice for how Holy we are.

Remember, you are not a hypocrite, you are a believer.

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