Visionary Advancement Strategies Newsletter May 30, 2010

Visionary Advancement Strategy Articles for week of May 30, 2010

Desire For God Guides Our Desires by Robert Ricciardelli

Religion tells desires to go away and yet desires are part of life. Our bodies, minds, and souls are full of desires. Some are unhealthy and distracting, and yet some make us think deep thoughts and see great visions. Some teach us how to love, while other desires cause us to pursue God. Our desire for God is the desire that should guide all other desires, and keep us on the Agape road of His glory.

"If It Were No So, I Would Have Told You" by Robert Ricciardelli

Jesus said, "In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you." His Word can be understood and practically followed. Religion has diluted the simplicity of His message. 38,000 doctrinal variations have replaced loving God and loving others. Christ makes it clear that He will never leave you, and lead you into all truth while reminding you, "If it were not so, I would have told you."

A Final Covenant of Better and More by Robert Ricciardelli

Spirit led living creates a hunger for more. More of Him, more giving of our life to others, a progressive Father pleasing existence. Once we taste the elements of eternity, we want live in the elements of His Kingdom and will not go back to obsolete, aging, and disappearing covenants. We are now becoming human as God has intended, supernaturally living, moving and having our being in the garden of His presence.

Childlike Reality by Robert Ricciardelli

We are all eternal children of a loving God and Father. He wants us to approach Him with childlike faith. That means we recognize our need for Him and that we do not have it all figured out, ever. This allows us to have grace for each other's messes while Christ is being more fully formed in us. Many trials and mistakes are all part of the learning. Enjoy the eternal journey you are on, you are not alone.

Looking to the Mountain of His Majesty by Robert Ricciardelli

We have been created with eyes that can see God's truth and glory. When we search for answers beyond circumstances by looking to the Mountain of His Majesty, the answers flow like lava upon our hearts and minds. As His fire cleanses and heals our soul, peace returns to us and we can breathe again. We regain our sight of the beauty of today and the reality above the surface, which is His eternal hope and glory.

Battle Tested and Battle Ready by Robert Ricciardelli

What looks like a loss may be the beginning of a major shift in direction towards victory. It is most important to not turn inward, and to realize that your life matters much. Powerful testimonies are birthed through extreme testing. You will get through this battle and the next, but you are never alone in your fight. Get back into the battle of life again! We need you!

Contradictions That Move Us Toward God by Robert Ricciardelli

Many contradictions in life may cause us to feel never fully present sometimes as we see doors open for us while many other doors remained closed. These same contradictions can bring us into touch with a deeper desire of fulfillment that lives beneath all other desires, and one that only God can satisfy. Contradictions, thus understood, create the friction that can help us move toward God.

Little Christ's For Today by Robert Ricciardelli

The Word becomes flesh in us as we receive Him. God became flesh long ago through Christ and continues so today through us. As revelation of the Word of God renews our minds and descends into our hearts, we become different people. The Word gradually becomes flesh in us and thus transforms our whole being as we become living epistles and living Christ's for today. Christ in us and through us, the hope of glory.

Good Leaders are Givers by Robert Ricciardelli

Good leaders are called to lay down their lives for those they lead. They are not to be worldly takers but heavenly givers. They should lead in the nature of God, by becoming a source of life to others through authentic sharing of friendship, wisdom, and love. One of the greatest gifts we can give others is ourselves.

The Gift of Children by Robert Ricciardelli

Children are not property but a gift from God to raise and release to Him. We empower them through Unconditional love, and communicating to them that their value is not measured by performance. Give your children continual praise and encouragement even in the small things, and watch them soar in the confidence of being loved and valued.

Hitting Rock Bottom Can Be a Good Thing by Robert Ricciardelli

Hitting rock bottom is not always a bad thing. Shift your prospective to realize the fabulous opportunities ahead. You have learned what does not work, and are making positive changes that will lead to brand new possibilities. Even at Rock bottom you stand in Christ, your Rock solid foundation, and in Him you have limitless potential! The Spirit of the Living God is your springboard for a bright future.

No Doormats in the Kingdom of God by Robert Ricciardelli

Authority and obedience are a two way street. Without mutual submission we can have extreme control on one end and doormat behavior on the other. To be great in the Kingdom you must rule as a servant, and willingly submit to others for the fullness of God's desires. Likewise, no one is a doormat in the Kingdom of God, but is in formation for growth into the wisdom and stature of Christ.

He is Our Everything by Robert Ricciardelli

Father, Your will be done as our life is in your hands. Life is much more than food, wealth, or health, yet you provide them as you will. Our wellness does not rest in human hands. Our hope is in you alone. You are our life, our food, our wealth, and our health. Give us the strength to weather the storms as you fill every need. We endlessly pursue you, and follow every step you choose for us. 

Answers from the Deep by Robert Ricciardelli

Things we counted on, are no more, and health declining as darkness seemingly overtakes us. Money or optimum health cannot replace what is inside of each one of us. The spark of His divine nature can never be extinguished, and so the uprising of hope swells again. The darkness is dispelled as His light comes forth from the deep. The deep calls to the deep and the answer comes.

Daring to Be Dependent by Robert Ricciardelli

Independence becomes bondage in isolation. It is easy to choose independence rather than trusting others. It is clear that God created us to be dependent fully in Him and interdependent with others. Freedom is the woven reality of our need for each other, and God powerfully dwelling in that unity so that His glory can be revealed in our love for one another.

Receiving from the Giver by Robert Ricciardelli

Receiving from others can sometimes be more difficult than giving. Giving is important, but receiving from a giver can be equally as important. Whether it is hope, inspiration, or encouragement, receivers create opportunity for for the giver. We can help givers become  aware of their unique and precious gifts by our acceptance of them.

Passion, Motivation, and Habits to Success by Robert Ricciardelli

God births passion in each one of us toward His plans and purposes. Our passion for Him and His Kingdom fuels our motivation. We are motivated to live by His Spirit and obediently patterned into His way, His truth, and His life. His principles and presence create godly habits that lead to empowered living to the glory of God.

The Divine Exchange by Robert Ricciardelli

Everyone has something to give no matter how poor they are, and receive no matter how rich they may be. There is a God ordained reciprocity in giving and receiving. When we are giving let's be looking for what we are receiving from whom we give to. Likewise, let's begin to ask what we may be giving to those we receive from. In big or small ways, we can expect divine exchange in the giving and receiving.

Wise Choosing in Uncertainties by Robert Ricciardelli

It is not easy to live faithfully in a world full of uncertainties. God's eternal truths are often woven into liberal religion and rational solutions for humanity. Discernment of absolute truth while practically trying to live out those principles reminds us of how much we need God and His wisdom. We have to learn to make wise choices daily without needing to be entirely certain of the outcome.

My Mother, My Best Friend, My Hero by Robert Ricciardelli

A mother is often the truest friend we have. When chaos surrounds us, she embraces us, and through her loving kindness brings peace to the storm. A mother's love is not acquired or deserved, but just is, and is forever constant. I can never forget my mother. She was my bridge to God's love, and not a saint departed nor remaining can impact my life as she has. She was my best friend and remains my hero.

His Purpose Driven Life by Robert Ricciardelli

Our purpose must be found in our Creator. Trying to find purpose outside of God is like a fish trying to find it's purpose outside of water. He desires so much for you to live, move, and have your being in Him. He will prepare you for every step, as every next step is revealed along the way. He will guide you through life as your destiny is fulfilled through Him.

Heaven Coming Through You by Robert Ricciardelli

Why do you get up each morning? Since you become what you think about most of the time, purpose gives you a focus for every waking and walking moment. God's plans prevail, and so we must align ourselves with His plans for us. As we seek His counsel, He brings people, opportunities, ideas, and resources from heaven to move us further toward our destiny in Him. He uses us to bring heaven to the earth.

Friendship of Parents and Children by Robert Ricciardelli

Many children leave their parents to find independence and return to them only to find that they often feel like children again, and parents want to care for them as children once again. But a dynamic relationship can take place where sometimes the son or daughter can bring advice and direction to the parents and a reciprocal friendship can be established. This can be a beautiful and honoring family friendship.

Eternal Shores Await by Robert Ricciardelli

Dying is a final vanishing from this dimension of life. When we watch a sailboat leaving port and moving toward the horizon, it becomes smaller and smaller until we can no longer see it. But we trust that someone is standing on a faraway shore waiting to see it reach its new harbor. When loved ones pass on, our hearts are in grief. But when we think about the One standing at eternity's shore eagerly waiting to welcome our beloved into a new home, a smile can break through the tears.

Faith Without Love is Dead by Robert Ricciardelli

Faith without works is dead, and equally, faith without love is dead. You can fast and pray for supernatural experiences and in the end get not much more than skinny. High level agape love produces high level supernatural results. So expect the Spirit of God to move through your faithfulness. Expect miracles to happen, but know that it will come through faithfulness in a loving God, and loving others with His love.

Empower Your Faith Through Love by Robert Ricciardelli

Neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters most is a faith filled life expressed through love. Faith can move mountains. Faith can heal, and receive answers to prayers. Nothing is impossible with faith. Yet many know the power of faith and still are not seeing positive results. Empowered faith comes only through God's love.

Touch of Healing by Robert Ricciardelli

Touch is a powerful expression of love. Babies receive a lot of touch and less as they grow older. Touch often gives more life than words. A warm handshake, a hug, or a kiss, can be powerful moments that can restore, forgive, and heal. Everyone who touched Jesus and everyone whom Jesus touched were healed. God's incarnate love and power went out from Him and goes out from us to heal one another.

Significance of Our Presence by Robert Ricciardelli

There are places in our own hearts that we ourselves cannot see. Even when we know a lot about ourselves, like our gifts, weaknesses, or motives, a large part of ourselves remain in the shadow of consciousness. Other people, especially those who love us, can often see those areas better than we ourselves can. We will never fully know the significance of our presence in the lives of our friends. That's a grace that calls us not only to humility but also to a deep trust in those who love us.