PRAY THREE HOURS A DAY

I have been in a very deep place of prayer lately and I decided to preach a series on prayer at my church. What I did not see coming was how God was shifting my personal prayer life.

While in prayer I distinctly heard the Holy Spirit say "pray 3 hours a day". Now I've heard stories of people that were able to pray for 4, 6, or even 8 hours a day but I didn't see myself even being remotely close to praying that long.

Never the less I began. I would pray in the Holy Spirit. This is our heavenly prayer language that I will share more about in a later blog. I would pray in the Holy Spirit 5 minutes at a time, then 10 minutes at a time.  The next thing you know I found times where I would pray a full 90 minutes.

As I began to pray revelation would come in my spirit. I would begin to have deeper understanding and instructions on what God desired of me. I would journal all of the revelation I received until I had to make a spreadsheet to keep track of it all.

I can say I have more peace, focus, revelation, and power from this time of prayer than I've ever had.  I want you to take your prayer life to new levels. I want you to get on fire about hearing directly from the Holy Spirit the instructions for your life.

While in prayer it has been confirmed in my spirit the desire for us to continue God's work through missions.

One of the pillars of my church Faith Forward Church is "Impacting Nations" where we give 10% of our annual giving to support the ministry of Jesus Christ throughout the World.

You can always support these causes at my site www.revjrich.com or our church www.faithmove.org.

As we pray let's pray for the Glory of God to fill all corners of the Earth and to change lives through the power of our prayers.

As you increase your time in prayer my hope is that the Holy Spirit speaks to you and gives you revelation, wisdom, and knowledge.

"YOUR SEED BLESSES YOUR NEED"

Something very interesting happened while I was in prayer. I was lead to reach out to specific people that could sow financially into Faith Forward Church. 

Now the truth is I'm never shy about talking about giving because I am a giver and I understand how God's Kingdom operates and blesses giving. It's easy to talk about something you do and believe in wholeheartedly and see the results.

However, after I reached out to these individuals some slight insecurity set in.  I thought "I don't want to seem like I'm begging and I don't want my request for the church to be rejected".

But then the Holy Spirit spoke to me in prayer and said "you don't bless them, the seed blesses them."

In other words you don't have the power to bless anyone. That's GOD'S JOB.

I want you to know today that your seed blesses you. It's easy to think "where is my money going, I'm not so sure about this". You may not even be a tither with a good understanding of stewardship.

Its vital to seek the Lord concering this because your seed is not about them, your seed is about you. It is your blessing, in your hand, tied to your faith to give.

Scripture tells us that "God supplies seed to the sower and can make all grace abound toward us" 2 Corinthians 9: (6-10).

When you give you release a grace that comes upon your seed to bless your need.  One thing we should desire more of is God's grace. It's God's grace that makes what you need to happen and scripture says your giving causes ALL GRACE TO ABOUND TOWARD YOU. God's grace makes all the difference.

Your giving blesses you. I invite you to give to your local church, your home church, or even to Faith Forward Church at www.faithmove.org/giving.

God's grace is able to make you abound in every good work through your giving.

Let's pray. Lord Jesus my seed blesses the need. It blesses the need for the Kingdom, and the need for my house. I am in faith for my seed and I declare it meets the need. In Jesus' name. Amen.

"DON'T LET WORRY KILL YOU"

DONT LET "WORRY" KILL YOU!
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At Starbucks and I overhear so many conversations. This young lady behind me is worried into tears about something. I'm sure it's a great reason but here is what came to mind.

"I never worry." It occurred to me I went through a 3 year season of constant worry and doubt. Fear and anxiety of the unknown and obligations. It wasn't until I truly surrendered my fears to God that things came together.

My point is don't let worry kill you. So what..bills are due, work is stressful, school is hard, people are sick. I truly understand. But Do what you can and trust God to do what you can't. I just believe for you that you will overcome worry this week.

Scripture reminds us in Matthew 6: 25-34 that worrying doesn't accomplish anything and that God will take care of us if we seek His Kingdom and His righteousness.

Let's Pray. Lord Jesus. I will not worry I will trust In your word and your will for my life. I will look to you for my power, provision, and peace. In Jesus' name Amen.

MY 48 HOUR WATER ONLY FAST REFLECTIONS

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Last weekend I went to a powerful "God Encounter." The spirit of God was so heavy that my spirit was lead to fast.  I inquired of the Lord how long should I fast? "The Holy Spirit whispered back to me "eat on Monday." Keep in mind it was almost Saturday morning, however I knew the voice of God. Something prompted me and I was "literally hungry" for what I wanted God to do next in my life.

I left service that night and Friday after midnight had my "last supper".  The spirit of God had to empower me to do this. I had never done a water only fast. I actually wasn't sure I could do such a thing.  I won't say that it wasn't hard, but it wasn't painful. It didn't hurt. My soul was supernaturally nourished.   It stretched my spirit and my flesh for sure but there was something supernatural at work. 8 hours went by, then 12, before you knew it I hadn't eaten anything in a full 24 hours and I wasn't in pain (i was hungry) but not in pain. I drank more water and was satisfied.

I even attended a birthday party dinner Saturday night. I thought "didn't the Lord know I had a four coursed meal on the calendar."  I made jokes at dinner about my fast.  I tried not to bring attention to myself although I had a friend that kept saying "you know you want a cupcake".  It was funny. I made it through the very eventful night with about 3 glasses of water.

The next day was a little harder. I woke up Sunday morning to complete my normal church routine. I set up for service. Preached, came home, rested, but by about 6pm on Sunday I began to feel the hunger. I thought "let me stay busy to keep my mind off food". I decided to go to a evening service.  While on the way in my car I believe something supernatural happend. I finally was hungry. This fast had reached a crossroads of flesh and spirit, faith and fear, mind over matter. I was weak.

However, it was in that moment I became slightly nauseous, but within that nasuea my hunger went away. I felt something switch in my spirit like a light switch turning on.  There was an internal breakthrough.  I can't explain it,  I just know I felt it.  The nausea was a signal God was doing something in my spirit. After the Nausea the hunger held off long enough to get me across the finish line of my fast.

The Lord infused faith, favor, and a deeper level of purpose in me that weekend. After midnight early Monday Morning i had a very anticlimactic meal at Dennys. You know I ordered everything. I even had in my mind all day what i was going to eat.  Country fried steak with eggs, grits, hasbrowns, pancakes, and a sweat tea!
I ordered this only to find out i couldn't eat  as I wanted. 

I have developed a discipline of fasting. Usually after the fast it is revealed to me what came out of that fast. I inquired of the Lord "what came out of this fast" The Lord whispered to me "Holiness." Now I'm not saying I'm perfect by any means. But there was an internal cleansing that took place. A cleansing that I know is needed to go to the next level. You want to go to the next level right?  Let the Spirit speak to you,  grow you, wash you.

There are some things as a result of this fast I know without a doubt they are out of my system.  We all need a "spiritual detox" I know. I have learned that many times God won't do something through us until he first does it in us.  We have to be consumed with the will of God to go to new levels spiritually. We must consume and ingest Gods will for us. Something has been done in me and God wants to do something great in you. He is a wonderful Lord.  He is a mighty savior and sanctifier. He is the heavenly redeemer and giver of true purpose.

This year I want you to go to the next level in him. I want you to be used by God in greater ways. I want you to be so connected to his voice and his spirit that it becomes routine.  

My objective for this blog is to inspire you. My objective is for you to know how God desires to use you and fill you with living water.  My desire is for you to know that you don't have to thirst and hunger for the things of the World, because he who hungers and thirsts for righteousness will be filled! I write this to challenge our spiritual pallets.  God is real and God wants to use you for his Glory!  Let God use you in greater ways today! He wants more of you.

Let's Pray. Lord God I want to be used. I want to be used in greater ways for you. Use me Lord.  In Jesus name Amen.

"BET ON YOURSELF"

"BET ON YOURSELF" There is an old saying that says "put your money where your mouth is."  One thing you have to remember about moving in your dream is that it will be a risk.  You are going to take a HUGE RISK at some point to see your dream come to pass.  That risk may be leaving a job, it may be travelling, or gathering the resources to get your dream off the ground.   One day you are going to have to choose to go ALL IN AND BET ON YOURSELF.  This is a challenge but it is also an opportunity.  It is the time when you get to test the limits and MOVE WITH NO FEAR. Are you ready to bet on yourself? If you are, you are one step closer to your dream coming true. I bet you've had many jobs and other opportunities that you couldn't stand. Be honest you have done many things that you didn't want to do, but you did them because you had to.  Think about this.  You spent all of that time BUILDING SOMEONE ELSE'S DREAM.   Understand that even when you BUILD YOUR DREAM you may have employees and people that work with you.  However, this will be YOUR DREAM.  At some point the owner of these companies you worked for had to BET ON THEMSELVES.  They took a risk and you were a part of the fulfillment of their dream. I want to tell you that it may be time to do the same. I decided to BET ON MYSELF.  Do you have something that you believe can be a blessing to yourself and others?  I know you do.  That's why you need to move in faith and BET ON YOURSELF. Scripture tells us of a woman that had "an issue of blood."  We understand that she had been bleeding for twelve years but one day that would all stop.   It would stop because she was about to BET ON HERSELF and tap into the SUPERNATURAL POWER OF JESUS. I'd like to take some time to connect the idea of betting on yourself to receiving supernatural aid.  Scripture reminds us over and over that God honors faith.

"BET ON YOURSELF" Here is what people miss in this wonderful narrative.  Scripture says "she thought to herself If I can just touch the hymn of his garment I will be healed."  Did you see that?  She thought to herself.  This was not a group decision.  She was desperate for a change.  HER CHANGE! Because she was desperate she decided to make an independent decision and GO AFTER WHAT SHE NEEDED!  The reality is that the decision to go after your dream will come after much thought and prayer.  However, after you come to a conclusion you may find that the only way to do it is to GO FOR IT!   That's what this woman did.  SHE WENT FOR IT.  Scripture tells us that she even had to fight through a crowd of people to get to Jesus.  Did you see that?  She didn't let the crowd stop her.  She was willing to BET ON HERSELF in spite of any obstacles that would come about. SHE BET ON HERSELF AND SHE CASHED IN! This woman was healed and scripture tells us that Jesus said he "felt power come out from him."  This was a bold move by this woman but the move she made lead to SUPERNATURAL AID.   I just believe that there is supernatural power waiting for you when you BET ON YOURSELF.  I believe God is just waiting to show you just how far you can go when you make a decision to bet on yourself and MOVE IN FAITH!  Let's pray.  Lord God, I believe you have the power to make my dreams come true.  Because of my faith in you and my desperation for a miracle I am ready to bet on myself and pursue my dream.  I do this knowing that I am not moving alone, but that only through your supernatural power can my dream come to pass.  I understand that faith without works is dead and today I decide to bet on myself and put my faith and works together.  You have the power and I believe that one touch from you will release me into my dream.  I'm going for it. In the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

WHY SHEPHERDS SHOULDN'T "SLEEP WITH THE SHEEP"

There is probably not one Pastor, minister, or church member that hasn't heard of some scandal in which the Pastor and one of the members of the church have had an affair.  This is not to sound judgmental because we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  My prayer in this post is to highlight why this is a bad idea and why Pastors and laity should avoid this at all costs.

1) Father's/Mother's shouldn't "sleep" with their children - The role of Pastor is the role of parent. To be a parent means to nurture and to provide. When a Pastor sleeps with their spiritual son or daughter you can only imagine the kind of confusion this causes in a relationship.  The "son" or "daughter" will have a skewed view of their spiritual "parent" and it will become increasingly difficult to hear from them spiritual truths for their life.  If Pastors truly care about their sheep they will not risk their spiritual growth on their "fleshly" desires.

2) It almost always ends bad - Take a moment to think of one "church affair" between and pastor and parishioner that ended up good..Now every now and then they may get married and live happily ever after.  However,  in most cases this is a trainwreck waiting to happen.  Sooner or later feelings will get involved, lines of communication will become blurred,  someone will get hurt, pregnancies become "hidden or avoided" , and the church usually always finds out. When Pastors "sleep with the sheep" they risk their ministry and the spiritual growth of their laity due to their now marred reputation of being a "sheep snatcher."

3) You can't "out preach" your life - While you may hide it from others. You can't hide it from God.  Of course we serve a God of grace, but with power comes responsibility.  Like anything, if you keep doing the wrong thing long enough it will show up in your witness, your lack of conviction when you stand before God's people, or even worse in some cases on Social Media.  Don't become a victim of 160 characters on social media or some blog because you chose not to exercise wisdom in this area.

4) This is an abuse of power - What many "sheep" that fall into this trap don't realize is that they run the risk of being manipulated.  They have no power. Think about it this way. You enter into a relationship where you have to remain a secret and then you have to deal with the guilt of others finding out when things go south. You can't say anything.  You cant tell anyone. You cant be seen in public together. You cant have the rights and priveledges you would in a different type of relationship.  Meanwhile the Pastor gets the benefit of being with you and every other "sheep" he chooses. Don't put yourself in this kind of powerless position.

5) Your Reputation Matters - At the end of the day reputation matters in ministry.  Bad news always travels faster than good news. Do each other a favor and help your reputation not be tainted by a lack of poor judgement.

At the end of the day we serve a God of grace. We know that God covers every mistake and pain we endure. Let's continue to turn to God in our weaknesses for continued grace, wisdom, and renewal.

HANDLING THE PRESSURE OF LEADERSHIP

Leadership is not easy and comes with its share of pressure. When there are so many obligations, demands, phone calls, texts, emails, financial obligations, and people that need your time and energy it can become mentally and emotionally draining. There is even more stretching of yourself if you have to balance a family and full time job on top of your leadership role.   Then there is the pressure... This is the "silent source of all of your stress."  What pressure you may ask?

Well, the pressure of letting everyone down and feeling like you have failed them.  Many leaders feel that letting others down is the biggest pressure.  However, I actually believe that for leaders the idea of letting themselves down is the biggest pressure. This idea of letting others down is very real, but I think it's wrapped up in the idea of letting yourself down.

 In many cases great leaders are their own toughest critic. That's why great leaders find it easy to be critical of others because they are even more critical of themselves   They are always asking what could I do better?  What could I do differently?  Would others lives be worse or negatively impacted If I give up or fail?  For leaders these thoughts are very hard to live with.  

There are not many great leaders that don't think about quitting on a weekly basis. What is interesting is that I believe that what keeps them from quitting in many cases is that they cant bare to deal with looking themselves in the mirror and knowing they let themselves down. The truth is leaders can always do something different and everyone elses life will go on just fine even if they stop leading tomorrow. 

But you cant escape yourself. You can get beyond your own thoughts of what could have been or what you cold have done differently. 

 Leaders have to live with themselves each second of every day. Imagine that. Living with the thoughts of your own toughest critic each second of the day. That's scary.. Thats why leaders must learn how to lead in a way that is healthy for the mind, body, and spirit and not wrapped up in the guilt and pressure of failing yourself.

Here are 5 ways to deal with pressure as a leader.

1) Delegate - Now this is easier said than done but the honest truth is if leaders don't delegate they will burn out. Find people to do the small tasks that take up time and energy that you could be spending on something else. There is only so much of you to go around. 

2) Find A Healthy Outlet - When leaders are on the verge of burnout they often flirt with "the dark side of self soothing". This can be in the form of anything from negative relationships to substance abuse. Leaders must be intentional about finding outlets like time with family, sporting events, or just rest in bed to avoid burnout.

3) Take The Pressure off Yourself - Most great leaders have something within them that says "I can handle it, I can do it, I don't need any help, I've got it all under control". These types of thoughts create doorways for leaders to take on more pressure.  Leaders must admit when they need help and when they feel overwhelmed.  People won't know you need help until you tell them.

4) Get Therapy - Getting therapy doesn't make you a weak leader or "crazy". It means you need someone to talk to that has no other desire than to hear you and help you. This is probably one of the best things a leader can do. Find someone professionally to talk to. Most leaders cant tell others their problems because in many cases these are the same people that depend on them for strength. Find someone to talk to that has no other role in your life other than to offer a listening ear and helpful feedback. 

5) Prayer and Meditation - This should not be overlooked.  To lead well I believe there must be a balance of the spirit with the demands of your life. Prayer and mediation give you the spiritual focus to help you handle your daily needs.  Spend time each day in meditation and reflection on why you chose to lead and how you can continue to lead from a healthy place. At the end of the day it is the condition of your spirit that will help you lead in a healthy way.