Our western culture has little consciousness of the kingdom of God. Kingdom sightedness in our culture is woefully lacking. We hear the gospel of how to go to heaven or the gospel of successful church at the expense of the gospel Jesus preached, the gospel of the kingdom. (Matt 4:1) The rapid growth of the church today takes place outside our country and the reason is the understanding and proclamation of the kingdom.
A group of eleven leaders from other countries meet with Bob Roberts annually. Most of them were part of an annual meeting that I had the privilege of attending recently. These eleven pastor/leaders give oversight to churches made up of a total of 1,700,000 people. They are humble men who see the kingdom of God and know the spirit of the ruling king of that kingdom, Jesus our Lord. They get it! By seeing the kingdom they see an order of God's power and God's precision that causes the church to explode with growth.
Their simple approach is not to start churches but to make disciples who see the kingdom by seeing Jesus as He is today. From Ivory Coast, Africa through India, Indonesia, Viet Nam, Palestine and other nations, not known as fields white for harvest, they see the kingdom come just as Jesus promised. As they pray for the kingdom to come, they become the gates and doors that open to the entry of the King of Glory. (Psalm 24:7-10) Their king comes bringing His kingdom with Him.
The kingdom of God can't be messed up. It is ruled over by God who never relinquishes control. We can miss it but we can't mess it up.
Missing it is the greatest mistake we can make. Entry into and sight of the kingdom is supernatural and can only be experienced by the Holy Spirit's enablement. Sight becomes one of the greatest benefits of the new birth. (John 3:2-5)
Sight never creates anything, it is a gift for recording what already exists. The kingdom of God already exists and awaits being seen by the lenses offered to God's family members. Entering the kingdom without eyes to see the kingdom is like living as a handicapped person without vision.
As soon as God had created the earth He created light. (Genesis 1:1-3) Without light what exists cannot be seen. God intended for sight to attend his creation so it could be enjoyed by those created in His own likeness. Paul knew this essential element of sight. He entered the kingdom of God when light came in blinding strength to him. (Acts 9:1-9) In that encounter with Jesus, Paul got it! He saw the kingdom and declared it as his life message. (Acts 19:8, 20-25, 28:23,31) When sight was restored to Paul again after three days, he never lost the value of seeing God's order and God's eternal purpose. (Eph 1:17-23) Paul prayed for what he knew is essential for us, namely that we see! When the kingdom is not viewed a reality is lost to the spiritual senses just as any majestic scene is lost to the sightless person.
The kingdom exists for more than enjoyable observation. God makes us His family members as sons and daughters to be part of His family business. Our spiritual destiny in Christ is to be part of doing what the Father gave Jesus to do. (John 17:22-26) The men from other nations that I referenced earlier, are normal Christians impacting their cultures because they welcome the culture of heaven being released through them and those they have discipled.
"The Supernatural Skyline" is about heaven touching earth in kingdom expressions. It offers the accounts of having seen the windows of heaven open with an outpouring of God's presence, power and purpose. It offers the hope that instead of reading about those countries of the world where the kingdom is coming, we have the models in America starting in our own hearts.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Seeing Things the Way God Sees Them by Kristen Hall
Living on the Mountain while Residing in the Valley
How many of you have ever had a mountaintop experience? You were at a conference, a powerful church service, a small group or family cell night event where the Lord moved. You were on a missions trip, or you were all alone at home in your living room on your face just loving your Lord and Savior.
I have had many of those mountaintop experiences, times when my spirit was revitalized and I was sure I could conquer the world, no matter what trial or tribulation I faced. But then something completely revolutionary happened, time passed and the mountaintop experience faded and the trials and tribulations got harder than I imagined they could ever get.
I live in South Central Pennsylvania in the Great Cumberland Valley tucked away between two ranges of the Appalachians. I can stand and spin in a circle and see mountains. If I were to hike to the top of the mountains I would have a great vision for the beauty of the world around me but as it is in the valley I can't see past the valley, my immediate circumstances.
I believe that when we have our mountaintop experiences we're given a glimpse of the great things that God has in store for us. So how do we live everyday with a Mountaintop vision when we have a valley view? I think the answer is simple we need to hike up the mountain everyday. For some that means spending time in worship, for others it may be watching a teaching series or listening to a CD. Some might find reading a book can help usher them into the throne room, and I think all will find the Bible quite helpful. What I'm saying is we need to get a hold of God everyday and ask Him to see the way He does.
Imagine the world outside the valley as the world the way God wants it to be His Kingdom has come and His will is being done. That is what we get a glimpse of when we have those mountaintop experiences. God doesn't want mountaintop experiences to be something that happens occasionally but a way to live everyday life. He wants us to live in the valleys, in the fields, in the marketplaces and in our homes, but he wants us to view the potential of all those places the way he does from the mountaintop.
How many of you have ever had a mountaintop experience? You were at a conference, a powerful church service, a small group or family cell night event where the Lord moved. You were on a missions trip, or you were all alone at home in your living room on your face just loving your Lord and Savior.
I have had many of those mountaintop experiences, times when my spirit was revitalized and I was sure I could conquer the world, no matter what trial or tribulation I faced. But then something completely revolutionary happened, time passed and the mountaintop experience faded and the trials and tribulations got harder than I imagined they could ever get.
I live in South Central Pennsylvania in the Great Cumberland Valley tucked away between two ranges of the Appalachians. I can stand and spin in a circle and see mountains. If I were to hike to the top of the mountains I would have a great vision for the beauty of the world around me but as it is in the valley I can't see past the valley, my immediate circumstances.
I believe that when we have our mountaintop experiences we're given a glimpse of the great things that God has in store for us. So how do we live everyday with a Mountaintop vision when we have a valley view? I think the answer is simple we need to hike up the mountain everyday. For some that means spending time in worship, for others it may be watching a teaching series or listening to a CD. Some might find reading a book can help usher them into the throne room, and I think all will find the Bible quite helpful. What I'm saying is we need to get a hold of God everyday and ask Him to see the way He does.
Imagine the world outside the valley as the world the way God wants it to be His Kingdom has come and His will is being done. That is what we get a glimpse of when we have those mountaintop experiences. God doesn't want mountaintop experiences to be something that happens occasionally but a way to live everyday life. He wants us to live in the valleys, in the fields, in the marketplaces and in our homes, but he wants us to view the potential of all those places the way he does from the mountaintop.
Who is the King? by Dudley Hall
So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" . . . Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." John 18:33-34 & 36 (ESV)
Here is a conversation going on between two "kings." Pilate, the ruler over a small region of the Roman Empire, is threatened by the existence of other kings. His understanding of reality is based on very limited knowledge. He thinks according to the definitions of the alienated world. On the other hand is the King of all realms of reality offering this sad figure a chance to become a part of the kingdom of God:"Do you say this of your own accord...?" Even as Pilate is stuck in his own political crucible, Jesus offers him a chance to enter a new world of existence. Later many Roman officials who would make that choice, but Pilate missed the queue.
There is still great confusion about which kingdom rules. We get caught up so easily in the struggle of political power that we dismiss the eternal and unshakable kingdom that actually rules. The issue is not what happens in Pilate's quarters, for there is a hand that is guiding even in the secret rooms of those who make decisions for nations. The issue is what one does with the King. Just because he is not visible does not mean he should be dismissed as irrelevant.
Pilate demonstrates the common attitude toward Jesus and his rule. Once he is assured that Jesus is not talking about a physical kingdom, he is not at all threatened by him. After all, just "religion" does not even register on the scale of importance compared to political power. Pilate is even borderline sympathetic towards Jesus. But sympathy is not what the King demands. For years now political parties in the United States have been sympathetic toward evangelical opinions, yet many of us now feel abandoned because we see that the kingdoms of this world system are built on using people to get agendas through. We should not be surprised, but we should learn.
Jesus did not say that his kingdom was not interested in this world. He said it did not originate in this world. It operates on knowledge that this world's system doesn't have. It rules by a power the world's system cannot reproduce. It will continue to operate until the knowledge of the glory of God covers the whole earth. It cannot be stopped and will not be ignored. Jesus defined has kingdom in terms of truth, and that truth is embodied in him. Those who reject him or refuse to submit to him will never know the truth that liberates. They do not have the Spirit of Truth to guide them nor the love of God to empower them. They have no chance to fulfill their mission on earth.
On the other hand, Jesus offers his kingdom to all who, like little children, will trust him as their own king. Empowered to live their own lives under the order of the kingdom of truth, they demonstrate liberty in every sphere they touch. Earthly governments will be affected, as well as business, education, et al., but this kingdom's subjects will not confuse the source of real power. They are citizens of the kingdom that neither Rome nor Hell can conquer.
Lift up your heads, you children of God! Neither Pilate nor any of his successors can do anything to you apart from your Father's permission. If the day looks dark, get ready. Dawn is coming. You will see Jesus reign and the enemy bow.
Here is a conversation going on between two "kings." Pilate, the ruler over a small region of the Roman Empire, is threatened by the existence of other kings. His understanding of reality is based on very limited knowledge. He thinks according to the definitions of the alienated world. On the other hand is the King of all realms of reality offering this sad figure a chance to become a part of the kingdom of God:"Do you say this of your own accord...?" Even as Pilate is stuck in his own political crucible, Jesus offers him a chance to enter a new world of existence. Later many Roman officials who would make that choice, but Pilate missed the queue.
There is still great confusion about which kingdom rules. We get caught up so easily in the struggle of political power that we dismiss the eternal and unshakable kingdom that actually rules. The issue is not what happens in Pilate's quarters, for there is a hand that is guiding even in the secret rooms of those who make decisions for nations. The issue is what one does with the King. Just because he is not visible does not mean he should be dismissed as irrelevant.
Pilate demonstrates the common attitude toward Jesus and his rule. Once he is assured that Jesus is not talking about a physical kingdom, he is not at all threatened by him. After all, just "religion" does not even register on the scale of importance compared to political power. Pilate is even borderline sympathetic towards Jesus. But sympathy is not what the King demands. For years now political parties in the United States have been sympathetic toward evangelical opinions, yet many of us now feel abandoned because we see that the kingdoms of this world system are built on using people to get agendas through. We should not be surprised, but we should learn.
Jesus did not say that his kingdom was not interested in this world. He said it did not originate in this world. It operates on knowledge that this world's system doesn't have. It rules by a power the world's system cannot reproduce. It will continue to operate until the knowledge of the glory of God covers the whole earth. It cannot be stopped and will not be ignored. Jesus defined has kingdom in terms of truth, and that truth is embodied in him. Those who reject him or refuse to submit to him will never know the truth that liberates. They do not have the Spirit of Truth to guide them nor the love of God to empower them. They have no chance to fulfill their mission on earth.
On the other hand, Jesus offers his kingdom to all who, like little children, will trust him as their own king. Empowered to live their own lives under the order of the kingdom of truth, they demonstrate liberty in every sphere they touch. Earthly governments will be affected, as well as business, education, et al., but this kingdom's subjects will not confuse the source of real power. They are citizens of the kingdom that neither Rome nor Hell can conquer.
Lift up your heads, you children of God! Neither Pilate nor any of his successors can do anything to you apart from your Father's permission. If the day looks dark, get ready. Dawn is coming. You will see Jesus reign and the enemy bow.
Deep Calls Unto Deep by James Ryle
“You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.” (Psalm 27:8, English Standard Version).
The New Living Translations says, “My heart has heard You say, “Come and talk with Me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.” There is an old saying, “Deep calleth unto deep.” It suggests that something deep within us is ever hungering after, and always listening for that Voice that gives us life.
This aptly fits many of us today who remember the beginnings of our journey with Jesus. The move of the Spirit was strong and widespread, the preaching of the Word was without manipulation, and Worship was innocent — unchained from the love of money.
But these days now are rather mediocre in comparison. The presses are filled with over-stated claims of how God is moving here and there, while people are running to and fro to jump in the river. Preaching has all but been stripped of prophetic power, opting instead for power-point presentations that give neat and tidy tips on how to improve just about anything in your life. And, as for worship — send in the clowns! Is this the church, or a club reviewing the latest trends in bands and fashion? Is it possible to be too hip to be holy? Too relevant to be reverent? Too cool to be Christlike?
Deep calls unto deep. We long for a renewal; a return to the days of our first love; a fresh awakening in our fellowship with the Lord. If these longings are present in your heart, then be encouraged — for it is the Lord calling you back!
Back to that place where you delighted in God’s ways and learned how to discern God’s will. Back to that place where you desired God’s Word above all other things, and could always be found doing His work. Back to that place where faith was passionate, and devotions were enlightening. Back to that place where worship was real, and prayer was sweet.
Deep calleth unto deep. The Lord calling you back! And He is even now awaiting your reply.
The New Living Translations says, “My heart has heard You say, “Come and talk with Me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.” There is an old saying, “Deep calleth unto deep.” It suggests that something deep within us is ever hungering after, and always listening for that Voice that gives us life.
This aptly fits many of us today who remember the beginnings of our journey with Jesus. The move of the Spirit was strong and widespread, the preaching of the Word was without manipulation, and Worship was innocent — unchained from the love of money.
But these days now are rather mediocre in comparison. The presses are filled with over-stated claims of how God is moving here and there, while people are running to and fro to jump in the river. Preaching has all but been stripped of prophetic power, opting instead for power-point presentations that give neat and tidy tips on how to improve just about anything in your life. And, as for worship — send in the clowns! Is this the church, or a club reviewing the latest trends in bands and fashion? Is it possible to be too hip to be holy? Too relevant to be reverent? Too cool to be Christlike?
Deep calls unto deep. We long for a renewal; a return to the days of our first love; a fresh awakening in our fellowship with the Lord. If these longings are present in your heart, then be encouraged — for it is the Lord calling you back!
Back to that place where you delighted in God’s ways and learned how to discern God’s will. Back to that place where you desired God’s Word above all other things, and could always be found doing His work. Back to that place where faith was passionate, and devotions were enlightening. Back to that place where worship was real, and prayer was sweet.
“Sweet hour of prayer that calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father’s throne make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the Tempter’s snare by thy return — sweet hour of prayer!
“Sweet hour of prayer; the joys I feel, the bliss I share with those whose hungry spirits burn with strong desire for Thy return! With such I hasten to the place where God my Savior shows His face. I gladly take my station there, and wait for thee — sweet hour of prayer.
“Sweet hour of prayer, thy wings shall my petition bear to Him, whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless; and since He bids me seek His face, believe His word, and trust His grace — I’ll cast on Him my every care, and wait for thee: sweet hour of prayer.”
Deep calleth unto deep. The Lord calling you back! And He is even now awaiting your reply.
Christ-Centered Leader Development by Dr. Malcolm Webber
God’s ultimate purpose in all things revolves around His Son:
Accordingly, the biblical model of leader development revolves specifically around the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Healthy leader development must be entirely Christ-centered, Christ-focused, Christ-absorbed. The Son of God is all in all!
First, the goal of leader development must be Jesus Christ. All five of the necessary elements of healthy leadership are connected directly to Him:
Second, the process of leader development must be Jesus Christ. He is the Source of power in all four of the Dynamics of Transformation:
Thus, leader development must revolve around Him in everything.
It is an extraordinary and utterly disastrous error to ignore, neglect or assume the intentional centrality of the Son of God in practical Christian leader development in both its goal and process. Jesus, Himself, is the Goal and He is the Process.
Today, in many nations, Christian leaders are returning to their first love – to Him. Burned out and frustrated, they are recognizing that they have been absorbed in His work more than in His Person, and that they are much better equipped in knowledge about Him than in living union with Him.
Of all of the many necessary paradigm shifts that Christian leader development is currently undergoing, this is the deepest, the most profound, the most vital.
Let us return to the centrality and the preeminence of the Person of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, in Christian leader development. He, Himself, is our Process and our Goal; He, Himself, is our Journey and our Destination.
having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth – in Him. (Eph. 1:9-10, NKJV)The Son of God, Himself, is the final and complete revelation of God (Heb. 1:1-2). He fully reveals the Father (John 1:18; 16:15; 17:10, 26; Col. 1:19). Everything is “under His feet” (1 Cor. 15:27). All things were created through Him and for Him, and all things are held together by Him (Col. 1:16-17). In everything, He has the preeminence (Col. 1:18).
Accordingly, the biblical model of leader development revolves specifically around the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Healthy leader development must be entirely Christ-centered, Christ-focused, Christ-absorbed. The Son of God is all in all!
For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Col. 2:9-10, NKJV)In previous Letters, we have examined both the goal and the process of Christian leader development. In everything, leader development must revolve around the Son of God.
First, the goal of leader development must be Jesus Christ. All five of the necessary elements of healthy leadership are connected directly to Him:
- Christ (John 15:5; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:6). Apart from union with Christ, we will accomplish nothing of any eternal value. “Apart from me you can do nothing.”
- Community (Eph. 1:23; 2:21-22; 3:16-19; 4:11-16; 5:31-32). Spiritual maturity is a corporate experience. First, Christ builds community; the leader’s union with Christ will be expressed in the leader living together with others in the Community in self-giving love, in true servanthood. Second, community builds Christ; it is in nurturing and accountable relationships with others that the leader will fully experience the indwelling life of Christ.
- Character (Phil. 1:11; Is. 64:6). Human righteousness, apart from His indwelling life, is “filthy rags” in God’s eyes. True righteousness “comes through Jesus Christ.”
- Calling (1 Cor. 3:11-13; Gal. 1:1). Neither man nor ministry should be first; in all things, Christ must have the preeminence. Today, so much is done in the church to serve either man’s need or his ambition; but God is only glorified through His own vision, He is only pleased with what He initiated.
- Competencies (2 Cor. 3:5-6; Phil. 3:4-11; 4:13; Col. 1:10-12; 1 Pet. 4:11; Zech. 4:6). All of man’s greatest accomplishments are “rubbish” compared to that which comes from Jesus’ indwelling life.
Second, the process of leader development must be Jesus Christ. He is the Source of power in all four of the Dynamics of Transformation:
- Spiritual (2 Cor. 3:18). There was a veil in our hearts of separation between us and God. In Christ, God has removed this veil. Now, inwardly, we can see Him, we can hear Him, we can touch Him. As we look inwardly at Him we are transformed into His likeness, by His Spirit, from one realm of glory to another.
- Relational (Eph. 4:16). Corporately, we are united with the eternal self-giving fellowship of the triune Godhead. The Father loves the Son who loves the Spirit who loves the Father and the Son – through us! It is “from Him [that] the whole body… grows and builds itself up in love.”
- Experiential (2 Cor. 1:8-9; 12:7-10). Challenges and sufferings take us beyond our own strength and we are forced (often for the first time) to look away from ourselves and to truly rely, with deep surrender, on Him; that is how we are changed.
- Instructional (2 Tim. 3:16-17). “All Scripture is God-breathed” – this is not only a proof text for the doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture; it is a revelation of specifically how the Word changes us. Our interaction with the Word of God must go beyond human intellectualism. It is through the breath of His Spirit upon His Word that we are transformed.
Thus, leader development must revolve around Him in everything.
It is an extraordinary and utterly disastrous error to ignore, neglect or assume the intentional centrality of the Son of God in practical Christian leader development in both its goal and process. Jesus, Himself, is the Goal and He is the Process.
Today, in many nations, Christian leaders are returning to their first love – to Him. Burned out and frustrated, they are recognizing that they have been absorbed in His work more than in His Person, and that they are much better equipped in knowledge about Him than in living union with Him.
Of all of the many necessary paradigm shifts that Christian leader development is currently undergoing, this is the deepest, the most profound, the most vital.
Let us return to the centrality and the preeminence of the Person of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, in Christian leader development. He, Himself, is our Process and our Goal; He, Himself, is our Journey and our Destination.
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen. (Rom. 11:36)
When God Gives You A Vision by Bob Gass
Paul had a 'heavenly vision'. But there are those who '... speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord' (Jeremiah 23:16 NKJV). So you must be sure you are operating according to God's plan, not your own nor somebody else's. The story of the Tower of Babel teaches us two things. First, that when people make up their mind to do something, they often succeed; and second, that succeeding doesn't mean that you're in the will of God. The word Babel (confusion) means others can think you're right, yet you're wrong. You ask, 'But isn't it all right to make plans and set goals?' Yes, but your plans and goals should come out of a vision that God has given you.
When Paul said, 'I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision', he meant that there's only one acceptable response to God's plan - obedience! Partial obedience, selective obedience or delayed obedience are still all disobedience. William Carey, who is considered the father of modern missions, gave up comfort and fortune to go to India and introduce the gospel. One of his more memorable quotes is: 'Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God' But you can only say that with confidence when you know what God has called you to do. What He ordains, He sustains! When you set your own goals you lack a heartfelt confidence that God is doing the work, so you wear yourself out thinking it's all up to you. However, when you know God has given you a vision for your life, you trust Him, even when you can't see any way to bring it to pass.
When God gives you a vision, 1) it will interrupt you. Sometimes God will speak in a voice you can't tune out. Other times, like Jonah, God will let you go to the bottom to get your attention. Either way, things won't go right until you say yes to Him 2) it will illuminate you. You may not like what God says. Ananias didn't like going to pray for Saul of Tarsus, a man with the power to put Christians to death. But God said, 'Go, for he is a chosen vessel... I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake' (Acts 9:15-16 NKJV). Notice the word 'suffer'. The Devil isn't going to send you a congratulatory telegram because you have decided to do God's will, so be prepared for attack 3) it will inspire you. You will accomplish things you never dreamed possible. Look at Gideon. When God found him he was hiding in a winepress (Judges 6:11 NKJV); not exactly a promising start. When the angel called him 'a mighty man of valour' (v 12 NKJV), he replied, 'I am the least in my father's house' (v 15 NKJV). When the angel said, 'The Lord is with you,' he replied, 'If the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us?' (vv 12-13 NKJV). When he finally took the job, he wondered, 'How can so few of us defeat so many of them?' Yet at that very moment his enemies were having nightmares about him (Judges 7:13-15). The secret of victory lies in knowing 'It is God working in me' (Philippians 2:13).
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Roberts Quotes for the Week (#9) by Robert Ricciardelli
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Shared Life in Strength and Weakness by Robert Ricciardelli
Do not share in someone's strength, if you are unwilling to cover their weaknesses. That is not relationship, does not promote goodwill or community, and most of all, does not please God. What pleases God is our love for one another in action, and in promoting life in one another. That we do draw off each others strengths but also cover each others short comings. We do not quit each other, and seek restoration and healing when a brother falls.
Posted by Robert Ricciardelli at 7:38 AM 0 comments
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Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Road to Success by Robert Ricciardelli
Society tells us in so many ways that the road to success is being on top, dominate the competition, and seek fame and fortune. The way of Jesus is radically different. It is the way not of upward mobility but going low in humility that leads to promotion from God. It is serving and preferring others beyond ourselves. Why is the way of Jesus worth choosing? Because it is the way to the Kingdom, and eternal glory.
Posted by Robert Ricciardelli at 10:30 AM 0 comments
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Friday, August 13, 2010
Words Speak Forth a Life by Robert Ricciardelli
As children of God we must give words to what we are living. Without words our lives lose vibrancy and creativity. When we see God in all of His glory, our hearts want to speak about Him. When we encounter special people in our lives, we want to share about them. When we are surprised by joy, we want to announce it! Through words we internalize what we are living, and the words speak forth a life worth living.
Posted by Robert Ricciardelli at 11:33 AM 0 comments
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Thursday, August 12, 2010
Love Wins Every Time by Robert Ricciardelli
Love wins! People care very little about your doctrine, but care very much about your love. Doctrine can lead to Love, but Perfect Love defines all truth. Love speaks louder in action than in words. Do not be defined by your doctrine, but transform your lives and the world around you through Love. At the end of the day, and at the end of all days, Love remains. In every battle you face, always remember, Love wins.
Posted by Robert Ricciardelli at 12:09 PM 0 comments
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Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Your Life Speaks Louder than Words by Robert Ricciardelli
You are a witness for God and a living sign of God's presence in the world. What we live is more important than what we say, and words often reflect how a person is living. When we love from our hearts, our hearts speak words of love. When we are grateful, grateful words proceed. When words do not match our lives, we are viewed as hypocrites. May our lives give us the right words and may our words bring forth life.
Posted by Robert Ricciardelli at 4:10 PM 0 comments
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Monday, August 9, 2010
Abundance Overflows Through Givers by Robert Ricciardelli
To be fed, you must feed, and to be filled, you must fill others. To really be satisfied in life, you must allow God to assimilate Himself in you and through you in satisfying others. Surely, "Give and it shall be given" is true and reciprocity is God's universal principle. God fills the His "Givers" with abundance and satisfies them with His goodness as they pour out His love to meet the needs of others.
Posted by Robert Ricciardelli at 8:21 PM 0 comments
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