Pastor Leo Colon's Blog

Tag: Devotional

  • The Power of Encouragement

    The Power of Encouragement

    Some years ago a little girl in the sixth grade was making poor grades. She was very tired and often came to school with incomplete homework. The teacher, looked at the little girl and brought her to her desk. She took out a Hebrew necklace  with  symbols that meant “life”. She explained to the little girl that sometimes what we want to do and what we are up against doesn’t line up. “ I know you are really an A student”. The young lady went on to become valedictorian of her class and grew up to become a teacher never forgetting those powerful words. Today , she remembers to encourage her students in the same manner.

    Never under estimate  the power and effect of an encouraging word. The words that we use towards ourselves and other have a direct correlation to what we are able to accomplish in the earth. The bible says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit” (provebs 18:21). Encouragement is the act of speaking life into a situation or person in the act of a particular task. The bible warns us to guard our tongues because of the biblical principle that has been handed to us by God. God established that man’s word would have power in the earth and that power through man’s word would be translated by God himself in the heavenly realm. 

    For the believer Jesus said this. “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:18-20).

    So we as believers must exercise this power each day in what we say to ourselves and others.

    Encourage one another and encourage your self by speaking positively about who you are and what you will produce on earth, knowing all of heaven is backing you up!

    Yours in Christ,

    Sandra Huff

  • Give me Barabbas

    Give me Barabbas

    Beloved, grace and Peace be multiplied to you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our LORD. Today, on Monday, our new weekly fast day, Evangelist Sandra Huff has written an encouraging word and I am privileged to share it with you today. Thank you, Sandra Huff for the offering.

    Luke 23:18 “And they cried out all at once saying away with this man and release onto us Barabbas.”

    Accept Responsibility

    At the Time Jesus was being offered up to be crucified, Pontius Pilate was a bit concerned. He knew that Jesus was innocent, and he sensed that there was something special about him. However, Pontius Pilate had already taken an oath that he would crucify a criminal today. Rather than accept the responsibility himself, Pilate puts the question to the people. He decides he would spare someone today. He asked the people should I spare Jesus or spare Barabbas, a known thief throughout the community. The people chanted with great enthusiasm, “Give us Barabbas.”

    Familiarity

    When you look at the situation, you realize that the people would prefer to have a thief among them rather than a savior. Why would they desire to have a known thief instead of Jesus, who was healing the sick, raising the dead, and giving words of wisdom directly from the father? The answer is they were comfortable with Barabbas.

    They were familiar with the sinful life and the wicked deeds that he did. Jesus made them uncomfortable with their sin. He made them feel that they needed to make changes.

    Fear of Change

    Sometimes God offers us a better way, a better solution, a higher level of thinking, a higher level of existence. Still, we may choose rather than take what God has for us or keep what is comfortable and familiar. This is why some people hang onto the past, remain in volatile relationships, and continue with habits that are causing the destruction. The same people will reject the good people that God puts in their lives. They leave the great opportunities the new chances that God gives them because they are too afraid to let go of what they are used to.

    Let Go

    Examine yourself today. What are the Barabbas is in your life? What people and habits are you afraid to let go of? Although you know it’s not good for you and that there is something better offered to you, why do you continue to hold onto that which is causing your demise? Accept Jesus today, experience the better way, the answer, a new fresh way of thinking in Christ Jesus’s eternal life promise.

    My prayer for you is that you receive Christ into your life and find the courage to let go of people and things that take you away from God’s desire for your life.

    Yours in Christ,

    Sandra Huff

  • Do Not Weaken Your Faith

    Do Not Weaken Your Faith

    Grace and Peace be multiplied to you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus, our LORD. I pray this missive finds you well.

    Allow me to say, I have been over whelm with school work and as a result, I have been unable to post, but I am will do my level best to keep to my regular schedule. I love our interactions and they are important to me. Please subscribe to this blog and share it. I believe it will bless you. Today’s word:

    Rom. 4:19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. NRSV

    Faith is not and has never been easy. When you deal with God is not unusual to find yourself dealing with the fear that you either heard God wrong or that God may let you down. We know that God can and will tell us no, but what do you do when God has given you a word or scripture that causes you to wait on God’s promise.

    This is how we Abraham in this text. Paul is teaching us how faith works, causes us to examine and reexamine Abraham’s faith. God had promised to make him the “father of many nations.” The tension is that Abraham was one hundred years old and had no child. Especially daunting was that he had no child through Sarai, whom God had promised he would have a child.

    What do you do when your promise does not match actuality? How do I synthesize the problem of my inability and God’s promise? Sometimes our issue is God made me a promise that was absolutely plausible when we were young, but now it’s too late.

    This was the case for Abraham. He was indeed a bit old for believing his body could respond to God’s promise, but here is what the Bible says. “He did not weaken in faith when he considered his body.” Can you avoid weakening your faith when your present circumstance does not match your expected word? You may have received this word when it seemed plausible, but sometimes God makes us wait till it is impossible for us, then he does what no one else could do.

    Beloved, don’t weaken your faith because of what the world calls proof of our inability, or even what we may call our failure. God’s word is more powerful than our now. What you see now is not the possibility of God’s word. We see obstacles, facts, truth, and they all add up to impossibility. None of these things limit God. The reality is you did just get fired, but God does not need your job to keep his promise. He does not need your approval to come through. Here is a word from the Prophet Isaiah to you.

    Is. 14:24 ¶ The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand: KJV

  • Put on the whole armor of God

    Put on the whole armor of God

    Grace and Peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ. I pray that your week has gone well. This week I would like to encourage you from the book of Ephesians again. In the sixth chapter, he begins to close the letter by pressing this group of outlaws to stand their ground. Allow me to contextualize that statement. We understand that the Christian testament was written to Christian believers while Christianity as a faith was illegal. This growing church was unlawful. The exciting thing is he was encouraging the church to stand. As an illegal church, they were absolutely going to face challenges. They were going to face a society that will devise schemes and plans to secure their ruin, and in this, God has sent the Apostle Paul to encourage you. Let’s look at the text:

    Eph. 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. NRSV

    Your armor is essential. Your armor says and speaks volumes about you and what you are expecting. A simple correlation: a football player wears a particular armor. The football player wears the armor that announces what his/her intentions are. Let’s examine it.

    When I wear football armor and uniform, my intention is being broadcasted. I understand that, first of all, I don’t put on this armor to sit in the bleachers and watch the game. If I were to walk into the bleachers to watch the game and not play, why would I need to put on armor? I put on armor to get on the field. If I put on armor, I intend to get on the field. I know that I am going on to the field, which means that there are people who have plans to hit me. They plan to tackle me. They plan to knock me down. This is why I have on the armor. The armor is not put on, so I can determine I will not be hit. It does not mean I should try to be hit because even with the armor, it is possible to I can be hurt.

    As a Christian, I plan to get on this field called life. I did not put this armor on to stay off the field. Being a Christian means some people have designs to hit me and cause me harm. With this armor, I will continue to move forward. Continue to fight, continue to stand, and I stand ready to fight.

    You are well equipped to achieve your purpose. You are well able to succeed. Before you go on to the field, put on the full armor of God.

    I pray this blog was an encouragement to you. Plan now to bring someone to church with you this week, even virtually. This is part of what we are called to do. This, too, is wisdom. If you are not a member of a church, you need a place to run to as if every step matters. Be a part of In His Presence Family Worship Center at 1673 Dean Street, Brooklyn, NY, every Sunday at 8 AM and every Wednesday at 7:30 PM. Some of the best people in the world are there, and we would love to have you as our guest. During the pandemic, join us for our weekly services at http://ihpfwc.org/livestreaming-and-video.html. 

    If you would like to sow into this word, please obey what God is saying and give. Go to this link, http://ihpfwc.org/online-giving.html. You can give by downloading our ‘Givelify’ app and going to In His Presence Worship Center. This gives you a one-step option. Also, you can give using Zelle @ pastor@ihpfwc.org. Honor the LORD with your substance. Proverbs 3:9 

    Also, new this year, download the IHP app. Go to where you obtain your apps, Google Play for Androids or the App Store for iPhones, and look for In His Presence FWC. Download the app and stay connected. 

    Yours Because I am His, 

    Leo Colon

    www.ihpfwc.org

    pastor@ihpfwc.org

    888.640.5550

  • Like those who are wise

    Like those who are wise

    Grace and Peace be multiplied to you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus, our LORD. I pray this missive finds you well. Today the 18th of January, 2021, we are at the precipice of history. We have the first woman, first Cushite American, first South Asian American, being inaugurated as Vice-President. While historical, we should make a point to be wise, as the scriptures demands. Meaning, we should not sit on the sideline and trust that everything will be what we hope. Even the Vice-President-elect would say we need to hold all our politicians accountable. We need to live as wise people. We need to behave as wise people. This would mean to me; we should know what the scriptures say about wisdom.
    Let’s look at one of the scriptures guiding us in our pursuit this year:

    Eph. 5:15 ¶ So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. NLT

    Jesus was seen as wise.

    Mark 6:2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? NIV

    Jesus tells his disciples that when they are persecuted for their belief, that he will give them wisdom and not one will be able to withstand them.

    Luke 21:15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. NRSV

    Wisdom is yours for the asking:

    James 1:5 If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.

    James continues to encourage us about our lives:

    James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom.
    James 3:14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth.
    James 3:15 Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish.
    James 3:16 For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind.
    James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. NRSV

    More scriptures about the value of wisdom. NRSV

    Prov. 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

    Prov. 16:16         How much better to get wisdom than gold!
                    To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
    Prov. 16:17         The highway of the upright avoids evil;
                    those who guard their way preserve their lives.
    Prov. 16:18         Pride goes before destruction,
                    and a haughty spirit before a fall.
    Prov. 16:19         It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor
                    than to divide the spoil with the proud.
    Prov. 16:20         Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper,
                    and happy are those who trust in the LORD.
    Prov. 16:21         The wise of heart is called perceptive,
                    and pleasant speech increases persuasiveness.
    Prov. 16:22         Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it,
                    but folly is the punishment of fools.
    Prov. 16:23         The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious,
                    and adds persuasiveness to their lips.

    Prov. 4:7         The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
                    and whatever else you get, get insight.
    Prov. 4:8         Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
                    she will honor you if you embrace her.

    Prov. 2:2         making your ear attentive to wisdom
                    and inclining your heart to understanding;
    Prov. 2:3         if you indeed cry out for insight,
                    and raise your voice for understanding;
    Prov. 2:4         if you seek it like silver,
                    and search for it as for hidden treasures—
    Prov. 2:5         then you will understand the fear of the LORD
                    and find the knowledge of God.
    Prov. 2:6         For the LORD gives wisdom;
                    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

    Prov. 3:35         The wise will inherit honor,
                    but stubborn fools, disgrace.

    Prov. 15:7         The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
                    not so the minds of fools.

    Prov. 13:20         Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
                    but the companion of fools suffers harm.

  • Don’t live like fools. Eph 5:15

    Don’t live like fools. Eph 5:15

    Grace and peace be multiplied to you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our LORD. We are blessed to see 2021, and we have completed our fast for the beginning of the year. Now what? I would say it is appropriate to celebrate now what God is going to do. Shout now, for the victory is yours. Beloved, Our God is awesome, and we need to stay focused on what God says is right.
    Allow me to draw your attention, once again, to some of the texts in Ephesians that I intend to focus on in the coming year. Ephesians 5:15 is rendered this way in the New Living Translation: 

    Eph. 5:15 ¶ So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.

    Don’t live like fools. This is an explicit biblical prohibition. This would mean we need to know what a fool is. Well, here is one chapter in the bible about fools. (New Living Translation)

    Prov. 26:1 ¶ Honor is no more associated with fools
    than snow with summer or rain with harvest.

    Prov. 26:2 ¶ Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
    an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.

    Prov. 26:3 ¶ Guide a horse with a whip, a donkey with a bridle,
    and a fool with a rod to his back!

    Prov. 26:4 ¶ Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools,
    or you will become as foolish as they are.

    Prov. 26:5 ¶ Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools,
    or they will become wise in their own estimation.

    Prov. 26:6 ¶ Trusting a fool to convey a message
    is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison!

    Prov. 26:7 ¶ A proverb in the mouth of a fool
    is as useless as a paralyzed leg.

    Prov. 26:8 ¶ Honoring a fool
    is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot.

    Prov. 26:9 ¶ A proverb in the mouth of a fool
    is like a thorny branch brandished by a drunk.

    Prov. 26:10 ¶ An employer who hires a fool or a bystander
    is like an archer who shoots at random.

    Prov. 26:11 ¶ As a dog returns to its vomit,
    so a fool repeats his foolishness.

    Prov. 26:12 ¶ There is more hope for fools
    than for people who think they are wise.

    Prov. 26:13 ¶ The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion on the road!
    Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!”

    Prov. 26:14 ¶ As a door swings back and forth on its hinges,
    so the lazy person turns over in bed.

    Prov. 26:15 ¶ Lazy people take food in their hand
    but don’t even lift it to their mouth.

    Prov. 26:16 ¶ Lazy people consider themselves smarter
    than seven wise counselors.

    Prov. 26:17 ¶ Interfering in someone else’s argument
    is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.

    Prov. 26:18 ¶ Just as damaging
    as a madman shooting a deadly weapon
    Prov. 26:19  is someone who lies to a friend
    and then says, “I was only joking.”

    Prov. 26:20 ¶ Fire goes out without wood,
    and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

    Prov. 26:21 ¶ A quarrelsome person starts fights
    as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.

    Prov. 26:22 ¶ Rumors are dainty morsels
    that sink deep into one’s heart.

    Prov. 26:23 ¶ Smooth words may hide a wicked heart,
    just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.

    Prov. 26:24 ¶ People may cover their hatred with pleasant words,
    but they’re deceiving you.
    Prov. 26:25  They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them.
    Their hearts are full of many evil.
    Prov. 26:26  While their hatred may be concealed by trickery,
    their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.

    Prov. 26:27 ¶ If you set a trap for others,
    you will get caught in it yourself.
    If you roll a boulder down on others,
    it will crush you instead.

    Prov. 26:28 ¶ A lying tongue hates its victims,
    and flattering words cause ruin.

    Also consider, Eccl 10:2, Prov 18:2, 10:23, 12:16, 15:5, 14:1, Psalms 14:1, 53:1. What should we do when we encounter a fool? Prov 14:7, 13:20. This represents an abbreviated list. 

    I pray this blog was an encouragement to you. Please, plan now to bring someone to church with you this week, even virtually. This is part of what we are called to do. This, too, is wisdom. If you are not a member of a church, you need a place to run as if every step matters, be a part of In His Presence Family Worship Center at 1673 Dean Street, Brooklyn NY, every Sunday at 8 AM and every Wednesday at 7:30 PM. Some of the best people in the world are there, and we would love to have you as our guest. Join us for our weekly services at http://ihpfwc.org/livestreaming-and-video.html. 

    If you would like to sow into this word, please obey what God is saying and give. Go to this link, http://ihpfwc.org/online-giving.html. You can give by downloading our ‘Givelify’ app and going to In His Presence Worship Center. This gives you a one-step option. Also, you can give using Zelle @ pastor@ihpfwc.org Honor the LORD with your substance. Proverbs 3:9
    Also, new this year, download the IHP app. Go to where you obtain your apps, Google Play for Androids or the App Store for iPhones, and look for In His Presence FWC. Download the app and stay connected. 

    Yours Because I am His,
    Leo Colon
    www.ihpfwc.org
    pastor@ihpfwc.org
    888.640.5550

  • Day Five: Prosperity in Hard Times

    Day Five: Prosperity in Hard Times

    Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ. Today is day number FIVE! Congratulations! You are well on your way to victory. Just think, at the end of today, all you have on this journey is a day and a wake up. Well Done. Remember, do one day at a time.

    Today, our guest blogger is Evangelist Sandra Huff. We are thrilled to have her submit her blog to us today. I know that her submission will encourage you. Thank you Sandra.

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

    We often think that when we experience difficulties, that we have veered away from the will of God. Or perhaps we have fallen from grace and somehow have lost our direction and made a mistake. This is often contrary to the will of God concerning us. In hard times we learn to see God, we grow stronger, and we are not easily discouraged by things we have conquered in past trials. (James 1:2-4)

    Our faith is built-in challenges.

    God Uses Our Suffering:

    We learn to experience God’s grace; we learn about our own weaknesses. We learn how to lean on the strength of others, and if we are wise, we use this time to seek God’s face through his word. In the book of Jeremiah 28 KJV, Hananiah, the prophet, wanted to impress the people of God with a great prophecy. But his prophecy was false. He prophesied that the people of God were about to fall on good times and possess the land, and their enemies would be subdued.

    God Has a Plan for prosperity in Our Suffering.

    But God spoke to the true prophet Jeremiah and told him that Hananiah was a false prophet. God told Jeremiah that the people of God were going to suffer for several years, but during that time in captivity, he was going to prosper them and bless them, and they would come out of that situation better than when they went in.

    Jeremiah 29:11

    “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

    We know that God is able to deliver us from evil and from difficulty, but he is also able to bring us through it and to strengthen us during it. So keep your focus on God when times are good and when times are difficult. Perhaps God is showing you how he can be your strength. Know this, our prosperity and success is not contingent upon our circumstances but is wholly dependent upon God’s grace, mercy, and power.

    Three things to remember in difficulty,

    Stay the Course.

    God is Faithful.

    God has a plan.

    Yours in Christ,

    Sandra K Huff

  • Day Four: Benefits of Fasting

    Day Four: Benefits of Fasting

    Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our LORD. Today is day Four. You are doing great. Congratulations! Remember, do one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself. This morning, Pastor Alva T. Allen is our guest blogger. I pray that this blog encourages you, the way it did me. Thank you Pastor Kwania for this submission.


     

    Grace and Peace Saints of God! How is everyone holding up so far?

    As I pen this on the evening of the second day of the fast, I believe I am in sync with most of you when I say, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
    This morning, I was reminded of that.

    Usually, God and I have coffee together (obviously, God drinks Starbucks too) when I spend time with Him in prayer and Bible study. God said to me this morning,” Don’t drink this today.”
    Of course, he was referring to the coffee I was planning to drink during our time together; especially, in an attempt to avoid the monumental, two-day headache that comes with caffeine withdrawal during the fast. I stood at the counter for a couple of minutes thinking, “This must be God talking to me because I would NEVER tell myself not to drink a cup of coffee.”  

    I share this story with you because sometimes, I have difficulty discerning the voice of God. After ONE day of fasting, praying, and focusing on Him, my spiritual ears were opened a bit wider. What was even more amazing, I did not have the horrific headache that I normally suffer when I stop drinking coffee for a couple of days. The prayer about not having a headache was quickly answered!

    We all know that it is only by the grace of God that we make it from one day to the next on this journey, but focus on God and be encouraged. Here are a few reminders for those who have traveled this road before and some tips for any newcomers:

     

    1. 1.Jesus commands us to fast and pray; it is not a suggestion.  
    1. 2. Fast with a purpose. What expectations do you have? What would you like Jesus to do for you?  
    1. 3.Do not casually enter this discipline and be determined to complete the fast. Expect resistance; the enemy is busy. Due to COVID 19, you might have an easier time because of a lack of exposure to jobs and people. If you falter, no worries. Don’t quit; just continue.  
    1. 4.Sometimes it is easier to fast with friends. This is a corporate fast, so reach out to a sister or brother if you need to talk.
    1. 5.Write down your prayers and/or concerns and put a date on it. Leave room to go back and write the answers/blessings God provides in response to the prayers and/or concerns. You will have awesome testimonies!
    1. 6.When you are hungry, focus on God and drink water.
    1. 7.When the fast is over, consider a personal fast on a regular basis. 

    Benefits of Fasting:

     

    1. Creates greater intimacy with God (that is the most important benefit);
    1. 2. Gives us a keener awareness of God’s presence (if he were here physically, we would not need to fast);
    1. 3.Is the suppression of our physical senses so that our spiritual senses are heightened;
    1. 4.Is a spiritual emptying of self whereby God gets more of you;
    1. 5. It puts us in a spiritual position to get a fresh anointing from the Holy Spirit to empower any area of life;
    1. 6. Allows God to see that we recognize our dependence on Him;
    1. 7. Shows God our sincerity;
    1. 8. Builds character;
    1. 9. Allows us to get God’s attention more quickly;
    1. 10. Creates discipline in the inner man;
    1. 11. It gives us a greater desire to know God;
    1. 12. Provides a Sabbath for the body; and
    1. 13. Allows your prayers to be answered more quickly.

    Saints be encouraged! Be blessed!

    Pastor Alva

  • Day Three: Are you a Disciplined Believer?

    Grace and Peace be unto you, from God our Father and from the LORD Jesus Christ. Beloved, I wish you all Shalom. I am writing to you from Nazareth on my way back to Jerusalem by way of Jericho. Today, January 9th, 2019, we are on day three of our journey of fasting and praying. Congratulations, you are doing well! This is a year that God has anointed you to live. You are anointed to do this. Let’s look at the text for this week:

    Prov. 1:1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
    Prov. 1:2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise.
    Prov. 1:3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
    Prov. 1:4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.

    In the New Living Translation, the verse is rendered “Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,” this is the first clause of verse two (2). In the King James Authorized it is rendered as:
    Prov. 1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

    The word instruction in the King James version, instruction is translated as discipline in the New Living Translation. The word used in the Hebrew is the word מוֹסֵר   mosēr, it actually means; chains, shackles, fetters. Instruction will allow one to self impose shackles based on what they have learned. When I was a child I was instructed to cross the street when there was a green light because that helped me to understand when it might be safe to cross the street. I was also instructed not to allow the green light to be my only gage for safety. I was instructed to look both ways when I cross the street. Not to do so could mean life-threatening injuries that I could avoid if I followed instruction. As a result, I restrain myself when crossing the street to make sure I am safe. This is what the New Living Translation calls discipline.
    Discipline keeps us safe and it is self-imposed. What chains do we put on ourselves to prevent ourselves from preventable harm? Eating well and working out is a discipline. Studying is a discipline that allows us to obtain and retain information that helps us to make our future better. God is calling us to discipline and instruction that informs that discipline. Again, the two should go together. What I mean is that uninformed discipline, discipline without instruction is just a bad habit or bad behavior. I want to be disciplined in my walk with God. I will place shackles on my own behavior if it means a better life in Christ.
    What’s the alternative?

    Prov. 20:13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!

    An undisciplined life is a life not worth living. It leads to poverty and poverty is not what we are called to be as believers. Are you a disciplined believer? What can you do, Today to be disciplined, the way God wants you to be disciplined? Could you start your day with set-aside time for prayer? Do you have a devotional you could start reading today as a disciplined believer? How about in your family? Do you get to work on time so that you are not threatening your job and by extension, threatening your family’s well being? Are you a disciplined churchgoer? Do you take the Bible seriously enough to do what it says?
    I want to be a disciplined believer, how about you?

    Please, take the time to subscribe to this blog. This way, you can receive notice of this blog when posted. It is my intention this year to post weekly. Consider subscribing, I believe it will bless you.

    Remember beloved, drink all the water you can drink and take one bowl of Soup after 3PM. I pray this blog was an encouragement to you. Please, plan now to bring someone to church with you this week. This is part of what we are called to do. This too is wisdom. If you are not a member of a church, you need a place to run as if every step matters, come to In His Presence Family Worship Center at 1673 Dean Street, Brooklyn NY, every Sunday at 8 AM and every Wednesday at 7:30 PM. Some of the best people in the world are there and we would love to have you as our guest.
    If you would like to sow into this word, please obey what God is saying and give. Go to this link, http://ihpfwc.org/online-giving.html you can give by downloading our ‘Givelify’ app and going to In His Presence Worship Center. This gives you a one-step option. Honor the LORD with your substance. Proverbs 3:9
    Also, new this year, download the IHP app. Go to where you obtain your apps, Google Play for Androids or the App store for iPhones and look for In His Presence FWC. Download the app and stay connected.

    Yours Because I am His,
    Leo Colon
    www.ihpfwc.org
    pastor@ihpfwc.org
    888.640.5550

  • Day One: Know what is Right and Do It!

    Grace and Peace be unto you, from God our Father and from the LORD Jesus Christ. Beloved, I wish you all Shalom. I am in Israel as I write to you and I am learning so much. I must tell you, I miss my church, IHP, and like the Apostle Paul wrote, “I long to see you”. (Rom 1:11) I am writing to you from Nazareth and I pray I can get this to you, the internet is not the best here. Today, January 7th, 2019, we begin our journey of fasting and praying. This is a year that God has anointed you to live. You are anointed to do this. This will be my declaration to you when I get back to IHP, this Sunday the 13th of January. Let’s look at the text for the week:

    Prov. 1:1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
    Prov. 1:2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise.
    Prov. 1:3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
    Prov. 1:4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.

    This morning, I want to encourage you from the scriptures. We at IHP are currently, studying the book of Proverbs and I felt led to share a small passage with those that are joining us today on our fast. As believers we should be a people of discipline and we should be informed. One of the things we learned here about Judaism is that the studying of God’s word is a mitzvah. It is a command from God. It is for us as Christians as well.

    2Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. KJV

    As we begin this fast and ask God for the ability to live this year better than we ever have, we should be focused on improving ourselves by studying the word of God. Here are some benefits we should look for. One goal I should expect by studying the word of God is gaining wisdom and discipline. Wisdom and discipline are two things I want to procure more of this year. One of the best definitions of wisdom I ever heard is, wisdom is the “application” of knowledge. Having knowledge is never enough for the believer. If I have knowledge and do not apply it, how can it benefit me or my community? If I know prayer works and never pray, do I have the right to question the efficacy of prayer? I need to apply the wisdom found in the word of God.

    Today, I want to apply wisdom. Know what is right and do it. There is no guarantee it will be easy, nor was there ever a promise that it would be, but it will be beneficial. Know what is right and do it! The benefit will come. You may not see it immediately, but it will manifest itself in due time. Learn what is right and apply it. Watch God come through and move mightily in your life.

    Remember beloved, drink all the water you can drink and take one bowl of Soup after 3PM. I pray this blog was an encouragement to you. Please, plan now to bring someone to church with you this week. This is part of what we are called to do. This too is wisdom. If you are not a member of a church, you need a place to run as if every step matters, come to In His Presence Family Worship Center at 1673 Dean Street, Brooklyn NY, every Sunday at 8 AM and every Wednesday at 7:30 PM. Some of the best people in the world are there and we would love to have you as our guest.
    If you would like to sow into this word, please obey what God is saying and give. Go to this link, http://ihpfwc.org/online-giving.html you can give by downloading our ‘Givelify’ app and going to In His Presence Worship Center. This gives you a one-step option. Honor the LORD with your substance. Proverbs 3:9
    Also, new this year, download the IHP app. Go to where you obtain your apps, Google Play for Androids or the App store for iPhones and look for In His Presence FWC. Download the app and stay connected.

    Yours Because I am His,
    Leo Colon
    www.ihpfwc.org
    pastor@ihpfwc.org
    888.640.5550