Blogging Faith

Veteran's Day Prayer

2010-11-11T05:57:00.000-08:00

Please join me in prayer for our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and civilians who are deployed in harms way today.

Veteran's Day Prayer from Rick Pina on Vimeo.

Obedience is Better than Sacrifice

2010-11-10T03:06:00.000-08:00

Obedience is Better than Sacrifice from Rick Pina on Vimeo.

(Prov 21:3 CEV) Doing what is right and fair pleases the LORD more than an offering.

Here Solomon teaches us the importance of obedience and righteousness before God. Someone asked me: “Do people go to church to be righteous?” I replied, “No, but righteous people go to church.” They continued: “Do people forgive to be righteous?” I replied, “No, but righteous people forgive.” They asked me one more… “Do people give money to be righteous?” I replied, “No, but righteous people support ministry.” What is the common theme of that line of questioning? It is that some people make the mistake of thinking that something they do (externally) for God is more important than the internal condition of their heart. The Father does not want your stuff, He wants you! You may perform lots of religious rituals, but it means nothing to the Father if He does not have your willing submission, obedience, and worship.

The Message Bible paraphrase of this verse is powerful, it reads: “Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to GOD than religious performance.” The Father is not interested in your ritualistic practices if your heart is not right before Him. Our Lord is looking to be your Lord; a personal Lord who is either Lord OF all or He is not Lord AT all. And not just with outward performances, but with pure hands and a clean heart.

This reminds me of king Saul and the critical mistake he made when he got too big in his own eyes. Saul got to the point where he thought he could disregard what God instructed him to do. Saul did just that and when the Lord’s anger was kindled against him. The Lord sent the prophet Samuel to rebuke Saul. Samuel said, “When the LORD sent you on this mission, he told you to wipe out those worthless Amalekites. Why didn't you listen to the LORD? Why did you keep the animals and make him angry?” The Lord had given Saul explicit instructions kill the Amalekites and everything they had. However, Saul decided to do something else with a portion of the spoils. This is how Saul replied to Samuel: "But I did listen to the LORD! He sent me on a mission, and I went. I captured King Agag and destroyed his nation. All the animals were going to be destroyed anyway. That's why the army brought the best sheep and cattle to Gilgal as sacrifices to the LORD your God.” Did you catch that? All the animals were supposed to be killed immediately, but Saul decided to make an elaborate offering, with the animals, to God – to the same God that had already told him what to do. Samuel responded: "Tell me, does the LORD really want sacrifices and offerings? No! He doesn't want your sacrifices. He wants you to obey him. Rebelling against God or disobeying him because you are proud is just as bad as worshiping idols or asking them for advice. You refused to do what God told you, so God has decided that you can't be king” (see 1st Samuel 15:18-23).

So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Sacrifices (or offerings) are not bribes to make God overlook our character flaws.
2. We can't buy God’s favor or attempt to exchange good behavior in one area for bad behavior in another.
3. Partial obedience is disobedience.

Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for explaining to me the importance of obedience and submission to You. I don’t take my relationship with You lightly. I know that I am Your son and You are my loving, caring, and sharing heavenly Father, but I will never disrespect You by taking Your position in my life lightly. While You are my Father, You are also my Lord, and I will willingly and humbly submit to You as such. I offer sacrifices and offerings, not in an attempt to cover anything up, but rather as a form of clear worship. I come to You with clean hands and a pure heart. I want to be naked, open, and unashamed before You. Because I am committed to full obedience, I and positive that You are committed to using me for Your glory! In Jesus' name. Amen!

Your True Self

2010-11-09T01:51:00.000-08:00

Only God knows your true self. Let Him expose your true you to you, so that you can develop into all the He would have you to be.

True Self from Rick Pina on Vimeo.

Endless Possibilities!!!!

2010-11-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

John said, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1st John 3:1,2).

Do you realize that you are a SON and not a SERVANT or a SLAVE? Once you truly realize that you are SON of God, the possibilities are endless! Take your limits off of our LIMITLESS God!

Endless Possibilities from Rick Pina on Vimeo.

The Amazing Grace of God

2010-10-16T05:05:00.000-07:00

Do you really understand how Amazing God's grace is? I could have NEVER earned salvation... neither could you. Watch this video. Let's talk about it.

Happy Resurrection Sunday

2010-04-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

This is my Resurrection Sunday message - from me to you. Enjoy :-).

Resurrection Sunday VLOG from Rick Pina on Vimeo.

The Power of the Resurrection

2010-03-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

Paul said, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1^st Cor 15:14). The resurrection means everything to us!

This week is commonly known as “Holy Week.” During Holy Week we celebrate the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Since I only have two (work) days left before Resurrection Sunday, I will just focus on the resurrection. But before we get too deep in the subject matter, let me at least a few things about celebrating “Easter” vs. “The Resurrection.” This upcoming Sunday children all over the United States will go on extensive searches through fields of grass, with their best clothes on, looking for colored eggs. They will call this “Easter,” and while it may be fun for the kids and seen harmless to many, to me, it makes a mockery of the event that separates Christianity from all other world religions. I call this upcoming Sunday morning Resurrection Sunday, because it has nothing to do with Peter Cotton tail, or bunnies, or eggs, or pretty colors. Resurrection Sunday has everything do with celebrating Jesus and how He conquered satan, hell and the grave by conquering death, so that we could do the same.

Mark records the events following Jesus’ death and burial: “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Solome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body… As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. "Don't be alarmed," he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here” (Mark 16:1-6). Have you ever taken the time to ponder the fact that we, as Christians, are the only people on the planet who serve a God who lived on the earth, died, and yet still lives? We serve a living Savior – Jesus is His name! That’s Good News! That empty tomb gives Christians all over the world the spring in our step. That empty tomb is the fuel in our fire, the air in our lungs, and the wind beneath our wings! Without the empty tomb there is no Christianity. Without the empty tomb we have no hope. Without the empty tomb our message is just a story.

Over the nearly 2,000 years since many have tried to discredit and discount the validity of Jesus’ Resurrection, but the truth lives on. As Dr. Charlie Parmer (one of my mentors) once said, “The most telling affirmation of the validity of His literal Resurrection was and is the dramatic change that it produced in the lives of those followers. From the weak, wavering, faltering, denying group of fishermen, tax collectors, etc.; the twelve plus the others became the most zealous, faithful, dynamic group who ever lived. They literally became burning evangels for the cause of Christ; and they totally turned the world upside down for Him over the next 71 plus years. They were condemned, threatened, imprisoned, beaten, and commanded to be silent; but they just got right back out on the streets and just started preaching Jesus again – alive by Promise, dead by Purpose, Resurrected by (God's) Power, and reigning for our good Measure and Pleasure!"

So what does this mean to you? A few things:

1. It means that Jesus’ victory over death liberates us to reign over death as well. Jesus took the sting out of death and He took victory from the grave (1^st Cor 15:55).

2. It means that Christianity is the only religion with a living Savior. The prophet Mohammed died and remained dead. Siddhartha, the man who came to be known as “the Buddha,” died and remained dead. Mahatma Gandhi died and remained dead. The same could be said for EVERY other religious figure. Jesus conquered satan, hell and the grave with the Resurrection!

3. It means that to be a Christian you must have a personal encounter with the Christ! You can be a Muslim without ever meeting Mohammed, you can be a Buddhist without ever meeting Buddha, but if you are going to be a Christian you have to meet Christ for yourself!

Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for sending Jesus to die so that I could live. I live for Him, in Him, with Him, and through Him. It is in You Father that I live, and move, and have my being. Jesus’ victory over death means that death has no victory over me. I am dead to self, alive to Christ, and I know that I will live forever in You and with You. I love you with all my heart and I live for You all my days. Help me to share Your love, Your light, and Your Resurrecting power with others today! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Power of the Resurrection

2010-03-29T17:42:00.000-07:00

This upcoming Sunday is Resurrection Sunday - the day we celebrate the MOST important event in Christianity (the Resurrection of Jesus). This is a video I recorded with my Spiritual Father (Bishop Richard Peoples) a couple of years ago, where we discuss the Resurrection. I hope you enjoy it.

The Power of the Resurrection - Part 2 from Rick Pina on Vimeo.

What is your Purpose in Life?

2010-03-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

This is a question that many have struggled with. After studying scripture on this topic and after teaching about it for years, I am firmly convinced that there are NO mistakes. You and I were born with and for a purpose. What we must do is find it, follow it, and finish it; before we die. Watch this video and then let's discuss it.

What is your purpose in life? Let's talk about it.

Keepers of Aquariums vs. Fishers of Men

2010-03-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

Today as I rode back on the train from work I spent some time thinking about the current state of the church. I am not sure how the church is functioning all over the world, but at least in the United States, the church is more full of “Keepers of aquariums” than “Fishers of men.”

In the Gospel according to Mark, in the first chapter, we find the story of Jesus calling two fishermen – Simon (later known as Peter) and his brother Andrew – into the ministry. Jesus simply walked up to the fishermen, on the coasts of the Sea of Galilee, and said, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” I am not sure if it was because of Jesus’ charisma, presence, aura, or sheer supernatural power, but the two brothers immediately left their nets and followed Him. I am sure they did not know it at the time, but they would become key revolutionaries in a movement that would change the world. The tactics they used to lure and catch fish would become part of their repertoire for luring, catching, cleaning, teaching, mentoring, and then releasing men into the world to do more of the same.

The early church developed believers who were passionately on fire for God. Their contagious energy was hard to resist and they brought non-believers, unbelievers, and pure heathen in contact with the power of a loving, caring, and saving God. That hunger, thirst, passion, and power is often missing from the church today. Many of our believers, instead of being fishers of men, are satisfied with being keepers of aquariums. What I mean by that is: instead of seeking out the lost, many Christians today are satisfied with simply hanging out with the found. They like to go to church (the aquarium) and surround themselves with other believers (fish), just so they can check out their nice colors (clothes). We are so enamored with ourselves that we have lost a desire to intermingle with and draw those that that are in need of a Savior!

Catching and cleaning fish is messy work. Well, so is true ministry. True ministry, Jesus ministry, is messy. True ministry involves reaching drug addicts, the homeless, lesbians, homosexuals, witches, warlocks, and all those that nice, clean, churchgoers simply don’t like to deal with or even talk to.

Are you a “Keeper of aquariums” or “A fisher of men”? Let’s talk about it.

The World is Changing Fast!

2010-03-13T17:14:00.000-08:00

The world is changing faster than we know it. If we don't keep up we will get left behind.

What implications does this have for the church?

Please post your comments.

I never would have guessed!

2010-03-12T05:51:00.001-08:00

My mother came to the United States in 1970 looking for new life in the land of opportunity. The U.S. was back then (and still is today) a symbol of hope for most of the free world. She was a recently married young lady and while she was not sure what the future held, she was sure it would be bright. Living in the U.S. would give her opportunities that she simply did not have in her native Dominican Republic. A couple of years later I was born and a few years after that she and my father divorced. This left me to be raised by a single mother in a foreign land.

I was the first of the family born in the U.S. so I did not have anyone to ‘show me the ropes.’ The streets of Brooklyn were not forgiving and I had my fair share of dramatic experiences. I saw people shot in front me, I have been shot at, I had a .357 magnum placed at my temple at the tender age of 11, I have seen lives damaged and destroyed by drugs and violence, and the list could go on and on. What was a symbol of hope for my mother was a minefield for me. While she saw opportunity, I saw tragedy as I endeavored to maneuver through the many pitfalls I had to avoid growing up.

I am not sure why, but my teachers often quoted statistics to us. They told us what the chances were that we – as little Black and Hispanic boys – would wind up either dead or in jail. I remember hoping to beat to odds and to be alive to see 18. I knew that if I were still alive at the age of 18 that I wanted to leave the ghetto. I was not sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted out. Guess what? I did not wait until I turned 18. While I was still 17 I joined the U.S. Army. I turned 18 years old in South Carolina, in Basic Training. I did not know what the future had for me, but God did. A few years later, at the age of 23, in Kuwait, He got a hold of me, and my life has NEVER been the same.

I am writing this post from Billings, Montana. I would not have imagined [growing up] that I would be in Montana. I have been to 18 (or so) countries and 42 (or so) states. The Father has blessed me to see the world and to touch countless people. He has used me to preach in tents, in chapels, in the desert, in field sites, and… in many unique places. He has used me to lead people to Him and to help people all over the world. While I am extremely glad that I am saved by the Blood of Jesus and that I am NOT going to hell, I am also thankful for the life that I now live IN HIM! Jesus did not die just so I could miss hell, He died so that I could enjoy life and that is what I am doing.

As I drive cross-country (for my second time) and I look at the beauty of God’s creation, I can’t help but laugh at God’s goodness. There is no way that I could have imagined my life to be so good as I was growing up. I can only look back now and say, “THANK YOU LORD!”

But what does this mean to you? You have taken the time to read this post; you should at least get something out of it. Well, here are a few nuggets that you can take away:

1. God also has a plan for you (Jer 29:11). He has a wonderful plan in store for you, one that was developed before you were ever born (Jer 1:5). Your job is to find it, follow it, and finish it before you die!

2. God wants you to enjoy life. Yes, He wants you to accept His son (Jesus) as Lord and to go to heaven. That is obvious, but He also wants you to sincerely enjoy life. If all He wanted you to do was go to heaven, then you could die right now (if you already know Jesus as Lord), but since you are still alive, then God is NOT through with you!

3. Be open to ALL that He has for you. I meet countless people that are too narrow-minded to realize when God wants to bless them. Welcome change. You cannot grow without changing and you cannot change until you change (smile). Take the limits off of your limitless God and let Him bless you. We serve a God that can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph 3:20). Let Him do it. Don’t fight the process.

4. Be thankful. From time to time you should take self-inventory of all that God has done for you and it should cause you to WANT to say, “THANK YOU!” Thankfulness will enable you to enter every day with a spring in your step, a song in your heart, and a smile on your face. This way you can whistle while you work.

How do you spell success?

2010-03-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

How do you spell success? Some measure the success of their lives by the size of their bank accounts. Others by the size of their home or the number of cars in the driveway. But the truth is that success is not about money, cars, houses, or material things. I believe success comes down to purpose. Our days on the earth are limited. We are all born for a reason and with a purpose. It is my prayer that you find, follow, and finish your purpose, in the earth, before you die. If you do, then I believe your life was successful.

Paul was able to say “I have finished my course” because he knew what it was and God wants you to know what yours is. It was never God’s intention for us to aimlessly wander our way through life. Let’s learn some life lessons from Paul as we attempt to live successful lives.

5 keys to Paul’s success:

1. He Permitted God to Operate in his life (see Acts 9:1-6): Early in his life Paul fought against the church with fire and dedication. He was completely sincere, but you can be sincere and sincerely WRONG! Wrong is what Paul was. He was fighting against God and he did not even know it. The Father revealed Himself to Paul and he stopped fighting the process! For you to be IN IT TO WIN IT, you must first be IN IT! It’s hard to fight against the pricks. If you are fighting against God’s will for your life, today is your day to stop! For God to Operate in your life, He needs you to Cooperate with Him! Will you surrender today?

2. He Submitted to the Process of Preparation (see Acts 9:21-31): Paul wanted to preach immediately, but he was not ready and the people were not ready to receive him. The right thing at the wrong time becomes the wrong thing. Having a “call” on your life does not exonerate you from the work of preparation. Before Paul could truly start his ministry he had to spend three years in Tarsus preparing. He needed to sit down and learn. He may have been a superstar on the other team, but in Christ he had to start off like a ‘walk-on.’ To be IN IT TO WIN IT, you must submit to the Process of Preparation.

3. He was Purpose-Driven (see Phil 1:12-16): Paul was convinced that He had eternal life in Christ and he was ready to go enjoy it, but his work on the earth was NOT FINISHED! He knew that his life what NOT his own. He understood that he was bought with a price. He was now living His life to fulfill his purpose and his purpose was to serve God’s people! To be IN IT TO WIN IT you must find, follow, and finish your purpose!

4. He was Poised under Pressure (see 2^nd Cor 11:23-28): This is a powerful passage and it shows how much Paul suffered for being the person God assigned to blaze the trail for Christianity. He endured the hardship required to start the work of the Gospel and through it all, he was more focused on the souls than his personal comfort. God had given Paul an assignment and He had also given Paul the grace for it. You too have grace for your assignment. Understanding your Purpose helps you develop Poise for the Pressure!

5. He Persevered until the End (see our focus text): There is no retirement plan for the believer. The Father expects you to be IN IT TO WIN IT and to be IN IT ‘till the end! James said, “Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course!” (James 5:10,11 MSG) Do you have STAYING POWER? Are you going to quit when the going get’s rough? The only way you can LOSE is if you QUIT! Life is a gift if you choose to STAY THE COURSE! To be IN IT TO WIN IT you must be determined to persevere to the END!

I pray you received something from this. In closing, I want to share two things.

1) A closing confession. Speak this OUT LOUD, by faith, over your life: Father, I declare, right now, by faith, that I am IN IT TO WIN IT! I, like Paul, will be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, because I know that my labor is not in vain in the Lord. I cooperate with You. I submit to the process of preparation. I live a purpose-driven life. I am poised under pressure. And I will persevere until the very end. I will never quit, never throw in the towel, and never give up on what You desire to do in my life. I am determined to get out of me ALL that You have placed IN me! I will find, follow, and finish my purpose in life, before I die, and that will make me successful! In Jesus’ name. Amen!

2) A video. This video from John Maxwell helps drive home the message. Be blessed.

Spiritual Warfare - Part 3 (Christus Victor)

2010-03-08T16:50:00.000-08:00

This is the third lesson in the series. Christus Victor (Jesus Christ is Victor!). The BIG IDEA of this lesson is that Jesus crushed satan and his demons on the cross and He FOREVER liberated those of us who are Christians. We have safety and protection from satan and demons.

The Three People Every Believer Needs (Part 2): A Timothy

2010-03-07T08:58:00.000-08:00

If God has been good to you, and He has blessed you with people that have helped to mentor, disciple, and develop you, then you should want to do the same for others. Determine to BE a blessing today!

Three People We Need (Part 2): Timothy from Rick Pina on Vimeo.

Leveraging the Internet

2010-03-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

I serve in the military as an IT professional. My focus is to leverage technology to empower the warfighter. For years I have strived to do the same think for the Kingdom of God. As believers we would be fools NOT to use the internet to spread the Word. Take a look at this video and let God minister to you about the many ways the internet can be used for HIS GLORY!

Spoken Word by Amena Brown - The Resurrection

2010-03-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

This is powerful! Amena is on FIRE for God!

The Gospel Message

2010-02-26T06:15:00.000-08:00

I shared a previous video about this, but it is worth sharing another. We have gotten away from preaching, hearing, understanding, and sharing the Gospel message. I pray we never stop! We must keep sharing it and never be ashamed of it. Paul said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Do you believe? Have you responded to the Gospel message? If not, then let today be your day!

The Three People Every Believer Needs in Their Life: #1 (Paul)

2010-02-25T05:07:00.000-08:00

There are three people every believer needs in their lives: a Paul, a Timothy, and a Barnabas. In this VBLOG Rick discusses the first.

The People We Need: #1 (Paul) from Rick Pina on Vimeo.

Spiritual Warfare - Part 2

2010-02-22T08:59:00.000-08:00

I hope you enjoyed Part 1. Here is Part 2.

Spiritual Warfare

2010-02-19T20:54:00.001-08:00

I know many believers don't even think about demons or satan, but that is a serious mistake. Pastor Mark does a great job in this series. This is part 1. I hope it blesses you as it has blessed me.

Leaving a Legacy

2010-02-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

Your lifespan is too short of a time, and our God is too big of a God, for Him to be JUST concerned with you. When you sees you He sees your future - your legacy!

Leaving a Legacy from Ricardo Pina on Vimeo.

The Grace of God

2010-02-16T08:14:00.001-08:00

I love this song. It really ministers to me. I know that I am still here by the grace of God. I had a .357 magnum placed at my head when I was only 11 years old. I have been shot at, with a sawed-off shotgun, but they missed (I know that was God). I have had knives put at my throat, guns pointed at me, and have been through all sorts of dangerous situations. And all of that happened BEFORE I joined the military. In the military I have been to Iraq four times and have NEVER been afraid. I know God kept me for such a time as this. I hope you know God has also kept you and I pray this song ministers to you.

Valentine's Day Message

2010-02-14T07:42:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day Message from Ricardo Pina on Vimeo.

Very First Video Blog

2010-02-12T21:32:00.001-08:00

Very first videoblog from Ricardo Pina on Vimeo.