Richard Rivera’s Post

Stepping Stones! Today's Scripture: So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. - Genesis 41:14 Today's Word: When Joseph was a teenager, God put a dream in his heart that one day he would be in leadership, but his brothers became jealous and sold him into slavery in Egypt. He was being his best, but his owner’s wife falsely accused him of a crime, and he was put in prison. For thirteen long years it was one wrong after another. But notice that each of these wrongs was necessary to bring Joseph to where God wanted him to be—the interpreter of Pharaoh’s dream, taking him from the dungeon to being made the prime minister of Egypt. Maybe you’re having some wrongs in your life—someone betrayed you, a door closed on the dream you worked so hard for. How do you know you’re not a Joseph? How do you know that the wrongs are not divine detours, the hand of God leading you into something more amazing than you’ve ever imagined? You can live out of a place of rest, knowing that the wrongs, the things you don’t understand, are leading you into God’s perfect plan. Today’s Prayer: “Father, thank You that what so often looks like a setback is really Your hand moving me toward Your purpose. Thank You that what’s wrong is going to push open doors and bring opportunities I could never experience without it. Help me to live in peace while You work things out. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”

You’re Not Invincible! Today's Scripture: My brothers were angry with me; they forced me to care for their vineyards, so I couldn’t care for myself—my own vineyard.- Song of Solomon 1:6 Today's Word: Today’s Scripture describes a person who feels they have no choice but to keep everyone else happy. They feel they must meet others’ demands, work overtime, make all kinds of sacrifices, and not take time for themselves. All the while, they’re not taking care of their own life and needs. You can’t live worn-out, drained, with no energy, and not have it damage you. You’re not invincible. It is good to work hard, to give your best, to be there for people, but it’s not okay to get run-down and stay depleted. You won’t be as productive. You won’t have the stamina to overcome challenges. There will be more strife and conflicts in your family. On a regular basis, you need to take the necessary time to get replenished emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It may mean saying no to friends or your family, but what you won’t say no to can end up hurting you. You’ve been there for everyone else, why don’t you be there for you? Why don’t you make yourself a priority? Today’s Prayer: “Father, thank You that I do not have to keep feeling forced to meet other people’s demands. Thank You that I can be free from pretending that I am invincible and do not need to care for my own needs. I choose to make myself a priority and take the time to be refreshed. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”

Great Exploits! Today's Scripture: But the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. - Daniel 11:32 Today's Word: Today’s Scripture says that when you know our God, when you know who you’re talking to in prayer, you won’t pray weak prayers; you’ll pray bold prayers. You’ll ask for big things, for things that seemed over your head, that other people think are far out, too much, that could never happen. You have to recognize the One who is putting that dream in your heart and get in agreement with Him. Don’t talk yourself out of the purposes God puts in your heart. He is the all-powerful Creator of the universe. Don’t go through life with a small vision, praying small, thinking small. You activate your faith by not only believing, but by asking, by saying, “God, let me impact the culture. God, let my children leave their mark. God, open doors so I can accomplish what You’ve destined me to do.” You don’t want to come to the end of life and have to wonder what would have happened if you had prayed bold, believed big, and taken the limits off God. Bold prayers get bold results. Today’s Prayer: “Father, thank You that You are the all-powerful Creator of the universe. Help me take the limits off what I believe You can do in and through my life to impact the culture. I open my heart to You and ask You to increase my capacity to pray bold prayers that get bold results. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”