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Rick Warren

Rick Warren Reveals Current Health Challenges

by Rhoda Gayle April 18, 2023

The best-selling author Rick Warren revealed to the public the current health challenges that he has been facing.

Rick Warren

In an interview with Stetzer Church Leaders Podcast, Rick shared with hosts Ed Stetzer and Daniel Yang about the current health issues. The pastor revealed that he has an autoimmune disease that he has been battling for two years now. However, he assured the podcast listeners that it is not life-threatening.

“I’ve been in a two-year battle with an autoimmune disease,” Rick said. “It’s not life-threatening. It won’t even last. It lasts between three to five years. But without getting into all the details, the bottom line is it leaves my muscles, all my major muscles in pain pretty much 24 hours a day.”

Rick Warren [@pastorrickwarren]. Rick Warren. Instagram, April 13, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/pastorrickwarren/

Health Challenge

The founder of Saddleback Church also shared that the health issue has been challenging his ministry goals.

“It’s tough walking, working, but it hasn’t changed the way that I think,” he said. “And the problem is I sometimes feel like I am this brain on fire and I’m in a wheelchair. I’m not [actually] in a wheelchair, but the bottom line is, it’s difficult to move around.”

Despite the challenges that he’s been facing right now, Rick Warren is still strong in his faith and trusts the Lord.

“I do believe, as Scripture says, my times are in his hands, and I want to be directly in the center of the will of God. I don’t want to get ahead of his will. I want to get behind his will. I want to be at the pace that he wants,” he continued. “And so everything that happens in our lives is Father-filtered. That’s really part of what’s in the book, too, is that nothing can come into my life without the Heavenly Father’s permission.”

Reference: Christian Headlines
Header Image: Rick Warren [@pastorrickwarren]. Rick Warren. Instagram, March 20, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/pastorrickwarren/

April 18, 2023 0 comment

After A Decade, Rick Warren Announces New Book Release

by Le-Jovale Vallejo March 2, 2023

written by Le-Jovale Vallejo

A few years ago, Rick Warren announced his retirement. And now, after a decade, he about to publish his new book.

Pastor Rick Warren

Rick Warren was the senior pastor of Saddleback before stepping down from the role a few years ago. He is the author of over 100 books and is best known for writing the book entitled ‘Purpose Driven Life.’

When he retired, his final sermon was all about conveying how he felt toward the body of Christ.

“As you know by now, today is my last message to you as your senior pastor. For 43 years, it has been my privilege to love you, pray for you, serve you, encourage you. Be at the bedsides, be at the gravesides, be at the counseling when you’re going through a tough patch in your life; and to teach you,” he said.

He retired on August 29, 2022, after 43 years of serving in the ministry. He recited his very first teaching from when he founded the church in 1980 for his final sermon. It conveyed the idea of leading a life with purpose.

The New Book

And now, after a decade, he is back—not in the pulpit but back on paper, where he has reached millions of people.

Rick is releasing ‘Created to Dream: The 6 Phases God Uses to Grow Your Faith.’ The book will be published on April 11, 2023, by Zondervan Books. An imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

“In ‘Created to Dream’, Warren helps readers understand how God uses six phases of faith to grow their spiritual maturity while fulfilling the dreams he gives them. Each phase is a test of faith that allows readers to stop wondering if God has forgotten them and begin working with him toward all he has dreamed up for their future.” Harper Collins said in a press release announcing the book.

“God’s Goodness”

In 2019, Rick shared a message about perseverance through Nehemiah’s story. He said, “Nehemiah and the army didn’t give up on the goal; they just advised a new strategy.”

“Whatever you are discouraged at right now, doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stop what you are doing it; it doesn’t mean you are doing the wrong thing. It may mean you are doing it the wrong way. Maybe you need to change the way you’re doing your schedule, change the way you are doing your diet, change the way you are relating to people,” he added.

It doesn’t matter how long it takes as long as we don’t stop and make God’s dream for our lives happen. You will read more about this in his new book.

But if you’re in need of encouragement right now, Rick said to always try to remember “God’s goodness to me in the past, God’s closeness to me in the present, God’s power for me in the future.”

_____________

Header image: Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest speaks at the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California, on June 14, 2022. | Baptist Press/Adam Covington

Reference: The Christian Post

March 2, 2023 0 comment

This Is What Happened At Asbury University More Than 50 Years Ago

by Le-Jovale Vallejo February 16, 2023

written by Le-Jovale Vallejo

As we see hundreds of people testify about what it was like at the Asbury Revival, we need to know what happened 50 years ago.

The First Asbury Revival

In a recent Instagram post, Thai Lam shared in detail what happened to Asbury University more than 50 years now.

“On Feb 3, 1970, the Lord powerfully visited the college campus of Asbury University during a “regular” Tuesday morning chapel service at Hughes Auditorium that was scheduled for 50 minutes.

“Students at Asbury had been expectantly praying for revival on their campus. During chapel, one student got up, confessed his sin, and shared his testimony of how God had encountered him. Then other students arose and gave similar testimonies. Soon hundreds of students rushed to the front with students kneeling, not just at the altar, but at their seats, in the aisles, and anywhere they could to confess their sins and get their hearts right with God.”

185 Hours of Worship

We saw countless video testimonies about people worshiping, repenting, and being revived in the recent and ongoing Asbury revival.

But it turns out, this wasn’t the first time.

Thai Lam further shared that something like this happened 50 years ago, too, and many young people and students gave their lives to Jesus on that remarkable day as well.

“Students were experiencing the conviction of sin followed by public confession, spontaneous singing, testimonies and prayers. Hundreds of Asbury students gave their lives to Jesus that day! And this went on day and night for 185 hours (8 days)! Students missed classes, meals, and sleep because they were more hungry to be in the presence of God than anywhere else. The impact of this revival spread to 130 college campuses and even touched the Jesus People Movement in Southern California.”

“Lord, Do it Again”

Now, 50 years later, Jesus showed up yet again in a mind-blowing way that people didn’t expect.

And He isn’t finished yet.

Collegiate Day of Prayer 2023 – LIVE from Asbury University — Feb 23rd @ 8-10p ET

Watch this video on YouTube

Thai Lam went on to invite everyone to the 200th anniversary of the Collegiate Day of Prayer.

“On Feb 23, 2023, we will once again gather at Hughes Auditorium on the campus of Asbury University on the 200th anniversary of the Collegiate Day of Prayer. We are believing that what God did at Asbury in Feb 1970, He would do it again today on campuses across America. Join us LIVE from Asbury on Feb 23rd @ 7pm CT / 8pm ET. Lord, do it again!”

Pastors like Rick Warren, Francis Chan, and Allen Hood will join the prayer. Worship leaders from the International House of Prayer, Circuit Riders + Black Voices Movement, and Met By Love Worship will lead the worship.

Be expectant of God’s manifest presence coming to you, and receive your portion. Be excited about this awakening and outpouring, which the LORD has prepared way before we realized it. He orchestrated things to be possible without anyone’s help, and indeed, it is true that:

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9, NKJV).

Reference: Instagram | Thai Lam

If you want to be part of the mighty move of God, PARTNER WITH US!

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A post shared by Thai Lam (@thai_lam)

February 16, 2023 0 comment

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Rick Warren Delivers Final Sermon As Saddleback Senior Pastor Before Stepping Down From The Role

by Rhoda Gayle September 2, 2022

written by Rhoda Gayle

Rick Warren delivered his final sermon as the Saddleback senior pastor before stepping down from the role.

Rick Warren

On August 29th, during the Sunday service of Saddleback Church, Rick Warren delivered his final sermon as the church’s senior pastor. He will be retiring from his position after his 43 years of service in the ministry. As he went up the stage, cheers from the congregation resounded and he took a moment to bow his head.

“As you know by now, today is my last message to you as your senior pastor. For 43 years, it has been my privilege to love you, pray for you, serve you, encourage you, be at the bedsides, be at the gravesides, be at the counseling when you’re going through a tough patch in your life; and to teach you,” he said.

Photo Courtesy: Instagram | pastorrickwarren

Final Sermon

During his final sermon, he went back to his preaching during his very first sermon in 1980 when he started the church. It was the message of a purpose-driven life. In 2002, he wrote his best-selling book, “The Purpose Driven Life” which speaks of the same message.

“And during these 43 years, I have preached 6,500 plus messages, sermons, and studies. But in this … our final, our last farewell message, I have decided that of all those 6,500 messages plus that I want to share with you, to repeat and re-preach, the very first message I preached to start this church, word for word, 43 years ago.”

Purpose Driven Life

In June, Rick announced that he will be giving the role of the church’s senior pastor to Andy Wood and his wife, Stacie. They were the former leaders of Echo Church in the San Francisco Bay Area. Rick and his wife will be stepping down as leaders of the church they have started with only 50 strangers.

“One of the values — purpose-driven values — that we hold on to here at our church is, ‘begin with the end in mind.’ Whatever project you’re starting, begin with the end in mind. That’s called being purpose driven. You know your purpose in advance. And we knew from the very beginning what kind of church this was going to be.”

On September 3-4, Saddleback church will be celebrating Rick’s 43 years of service. And on September 10-11, Andy and Stacie will be commissioned into their new roles. Rick will be stepping down with a grateful and loving heart toward the congregation.

“You’re going to make me cry,” he told the church. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

"The Beginning of a Miracle" with Pastor Rick Warren

Watch this video on YouTube

Read also: ‘AMERICA’S GOT TALENT’ SEMIFINALIST AMANDA MAMMANA SINGS AT ANDREW PALAU EVENT https://godtv.com/amanda-mammana-andrew-palau/

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Reference: The Christian Post

September 2, 2022 0 comment

Articles Video

Rick Warren Talks About Surviving The Pain After Son Commits Suicide

by Christel Berns May 20, 2021

written by Christel Berns

Well-known Christian author and pastor Rick Warren opened up about how he survived his deepest pain after his son, Matthew, who was mentally ill, committed suicide.

Clinically Depressed Son Of Rick Warren

Rick’s youngest son Matthew struggled with mental illness his entire life. He was clinically depressed since he was a child. But despite his condition, he grew up loving the Lord, had a tender heart, and led people to Christ. Moreover, the youngest son would witness about Jesus to people on suicide sites.

Then at 17 years old, Rick remembers his son telling him his frustrations and how he can’t get his depression out. Desperate and overwhelmed by pain, Matthew was on the verge of giving up. But the father, while in tears, encouraged his youngest son. He still believed for God’s miracle and would never stop praying for his healing or that he would be able to manage despite his condition.

Life-Changing Event

However, one day, Matthew did just what Rick and his wife, Kaye, were dreading would happen. The nightmare happened—their son took his own life. The couple hugged each other, sobbing.

Fifteen to twenty minutes later, some of their friends showed up and hugged them, assuring them that they will never leave them.

Of which, the Saddleback Church Pastor pointed out, “The deeper the pain, the fewer words you use. This is an important thing to remember.”

And for the next 16 weeks, Rick didn’t do any preaching nor staff meetings. He was only either with God or with his wife.

Further, the Purpose Driven Life author shared which letters meant the most to him when his youngest son died. They were people whom Matthew had led to Christ.

In the interview, Rick Warren remarked, “Our greatest witness to the world is how we handle pain… Your greatest ministry will come out of your deepest pain.”

“Use your pain to help others. Don’t waste it.”

Rick Warren Testimony: My Son Matthew's Suicide & How Ministry Flows From Deep Pain | Praise on TBN

Watch this video on YouTube

YouTube | Praise on TBN

May 20, 2021 0 comment

Articles

Want To Share Your Faith But Don’t Know How?

by GOD TV April 22, 2021

written by GOD TV

If you have never shared your faith, you are not alone. Ninety-five percent of Christians have never shared their faith according to Bible.org. Less than two percent are involved in a ministry of evangelism. And 71 percent don’t give towards the Great Commission. Next month is GO Month with the entire month devoted to evangelistic outreaches worldwide in 150 nations. GO Day is on May 29th where Christians are encouraged to share their faith with at least one person.

The need for evangelism is urgent since this is the number one way someone becomes a Christian. GO Movement’s goal is to mobilize every Christian on the planet to reach one person. Every Christian sharing their faith with one person worldwide would result in the entire world being reached within a decade!

GO Movement is hosting “GO Train,” a virtual training session worldwide on April 24th at 7:30 PM in your time zone to equip Christians for GO Month. You will be trained to share your faith, especially in these desperate times of chaos from the coronavirus pandemic where people are looking for hope. You have a story of hope to tell someone else who needs to hear it!

John Sorensen of Evangelism Explosion will train you on how to tell your story. GO Movement’s Founder, Werner Nachtigal, will impart faith to you with his testimonies of sharing the Gospel. Rick Warren, with Finishing the Task and founder of one of the largest churches in America, Saddleback Church, will equip you on how to share hope with others. Mark Warder from The Pulse will explain how the coronavirus pandemic is opening up unprecedented opportunities to share the Gospel.

Recently, children shared the Gospel in the Dominican Republic. They passed out tracts and prayed for people. Reaching children and youth is a priority for the GO Movement since 85% of Christians made a decision to follow Christ between the age of 4 to 14 according to the International Bible Society. The GO Movement has a task force devoted to equipping children and youth to share their faith.

A girl was raised from the dead during an outreach in the rainforest in Madagascar. A witch doctor gave his life to the Lord in Burundi and 54 people were saved. In an area that’s challenging for Christians, over 3,000 people gave their lives to the Lord in South Sudan. God is on the move within the nations! In Matthew 9:37, Jesus said, “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” The GO Movement is an answer to Jesus’ prayer with a wide network of key partners that have a heart for evangelism!

Join the GO Movement by registering for GO Train. When you watch the GO Train session, you’ll receive a FREE 3 Steps Training. Register for GO Train, at http://www.gomovement.world/gotrain. The session will be broadcast on GOD TV @ god.tv.

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Super Star Michael Phelps Shares His Struggle With Depression

by Deborah Armin October 31, 2018

written by Deborah Armin

The pressures in life can weigh heavy. There is so much expectation on people to achieve their best goal NOW. Time seems to have sped up, in the drive-thru world we live in. Achievements can always be better and the “You can have it all” hangs in the corners of our minds.

But what if you can’t have it all? Or what if you have it all and it’s still not enough? Depression is no respecter of persons; its dark claws clawing at your mind. And suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, even our superstars.

One such superstar, all-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps, has opened up about his struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts. It’s hard to imagine someone like him – someone who in peak health and appears to have it all – could feel that way. But some of the world’s most successful and famous people have suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts. Why? Because no amount of money, adoration or worldly success can fill the hole inside your heart. We were created by a relational God who wants us to have a relationship with Him and to gain our sense of self-worth from Him.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” (Jeremiah 1:5)

Lots of factors go into why we do what we do in life. It goes without saying that our upbringing has an effect on how things turn out. For Michael, his parent’s divorce had a huge impact on his sense of self-worth. No amount of success healed that wound, and it drove him to excessive drinking. Finding solace in alcohol, he was driven to self-sabotage.

There are many ways people mask their pain. Alcohol is just one of them. But drugs, sex, spending etc are all distractions; anything to stop you feeling the pain or emptiness.

Talk to someone

One of the most important things you can do if you’re feeling low is to talk to someone. Do you feel hopeless? At the bottom of a dark hole unable to socialize, hiding away or doing the opposite, putting on a front and being the life of the party to mask the pain? Talk to someone. Don’t feel ashamed no matter who you are.

Thankfully for Michael, a friend Ray Lewis gave him a copy of Rick Warren’s ‘Purpose Driven Life’. Ray a former Baltimore Ravens linebacker recognised Michael’s need for God, he shared his own past struggles helping Michael to find hope in the midst of his.

If you need help, reach out:

In the UK call Samaritans samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us

In the US call suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

In Asia iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/Asia/

In Africa iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/Africa/

If you’d like to speak to an online counselor about anything:

Talk with a licensed, professional therapist online today. Affordable, private online counseling. Anytime, anywhere. Click HERE or the image below.

October 31, 2018 0 comment