Pastor Leo Colon's Blog

Tag: In His Presence

  • And so it begins.

    Beloved, Grace and Peace be multiplied to you, through the knowledge of God and of20110106-120344.jpg Jesus Christ. Happy New Year and welcome to 2014. I trust you have enjoyed bringing in the New Year and are ready to tackle the challenges of this year. This year at In His Presence Family Worship Center (IHP), 2014 is the year of Transformation (Romans 12:2). We as a people and as a church will transform into what God has called us to be. Let me invite you to come to IHP on Sunday, January 5th at 4PM and start the New Year with the goal of becoming what God called us to be. Does this mean that we have been wasting time as Christians until now? No, what it does mean is that as Christians we are constantly striving to become. We strive to become new creatures, (2 Cor 5:17), become “a living sacrifice”, (Rom 12:2) to become “pleasing to God”, (Rom 12:1, HCSB) as we are called to do.

    On Monday January 6th, we will embark on our Twenty-One (21) Day Fast. This fast will not be a diet. This will not only mean we will deny ourselves food, but also we will actively seek God, and seek a better way to transform 2014 into a year of Godly success. Join us this year. I will be blogging every day with the exception of Sunday, to be an encouragement to you as you embark on this journey with us. As usual, my wife, Pastor Dorothy, and my friends Pastors Paul Dean, and Maurice Johnson will be guest bloggers this year.

    Remember, the book of Romans was written to believers, just like you, so transforming your life is not advise for beginners, but a mandate for every believer. Make this year different, come and join us, not only for our Twenty-One Day Fast, but also for the year as we Transform our lives. You will be glad you did.

    Live Life on Purpose and not By Mistake,

    Yours Because I am His,

    Leo Colon

    pastor@ihpfwc.org

    www.ihpfwc.org

  • Get Understanding. Get Clarity.

    Beloved, Grace and Peace be unto you from God our Father and from the LORD Jesus Christ. Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog site.

    casual-smaller.jpg

    Today I would like to revisit the blog posted a while ago. Proverbs 18 is a timely and relevant passage. Beloved, God demands that we be wise. He takes the time in the Old and New Testaments to encourage; some would say admonishes us to be wise. He also discourages foolishness. Let’s take a simple look at part of the text:

    NRSV

    Prov. 18:1 The one who lives alone is self-indulgent, showing contempt for all who have sound judgment.

    Prov. 18:2  A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.

    A person, who does not have to deal with people, may not be used to compromise. This text suggests that such a person is prone to self-indulgence. One of the meanings of indulgence is “to become involve with”. So the idea of self-indulgence suggests that the person who lives by themselves can become to involve with him or herself. Now we should not read into this text that paying attention to your self is in and of itself wrong. When we center right and wrong around the idea ‘what do I want,’ and refuse to consider the impact of our actions on others then our separation from others has taking its toll. The reason an idea sounds good is because we want to do a thing. When you live alone, there is no one externally available to offer an opposing idea. When this becomes the norm, sound judgment is just negativity. Sound judgment would offer a reason that does not begin and end under the rubric: what do I want, and because of that, I have a good reason to dismiss it. Now beloved, this is not scripture that speaks against anyone living alone. This text should not lead us to start a doctrine that says living alone is a sin. It should encourage us to always seek sound judgment, and not only your own counsel.

    Prov. 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.

    We should constantly seek understanding. Get clarity in every part of your day. Know why you are doing a thing, and assess the virtue of a thing. What this journey into pragmatism has taught me is that I can use this approach in every part of my life. So many times, especially lately, since I am making a renewed effort to seek wisdom, I look back at some setbacks, both in my recent and distance past, and found that taking the time understand an issue better could have helped me avoid some mistakes. Beloved, mistakes cost. A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but you are no fool. Get clarity; plan your day, live on purpose. Suppose you took the time to plan your day. Set a goal. What would be a wise thing to accomplish? Set objectives that will help you achieve your goals. Because you set a goal, now you can determine whether today was a successful day. What does today mean to you? How can wisdom help make today a better today? Try it; write down what needs to get done. I need to schedule 5 meetings today. Write for my book today. I need to workout today. Then go after it. Do it on purpose and not by mistake.

    Yours Because I am His,

    Leo Colon

    www.ihpfwc.org

    leocolon.wordpress.com

  • 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Bon Appetite!

    Pastor Johnson