Transformational Thought
Slogans are everywhere. “Just Do It,” “Got Milk,” “M’m! M’m! Good!” and “Have it your way,” to name a few. Christian slogans exist also, like “Let go, and let God” or “What Would Jesus Do?” But, it just dawned on me about how short and simple the best slogan is: “Try Jesus.”
Many times we resist trying new things because we don’t want to let go of our routine … or the old way, our good old comfort zone. We fear that by switching to the new thing we might lose something valuable that we won’t be able to get back. Or we fear looking awkward when we try something new and others judge us negatively. Or maybe we fear the amount of time and energy it will take to for us to learn and become good at the new way.
But when it comes to THE way, the way to the Promised Land, the good life, abundant living … what the heck are we thinking? Why would we ever want to go back to the old way spiritually … the way of the world … the way of conformed thinking and decision-making?
So, by “Trying Jesus” you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. And anyway, if trying Jesus isn’t what you want … Satan is always willing to take you back, and the fruit of the flesh is what you will reap: insecurity, anxiety, lust, jealousy, strife, bitterness, feeling overwhelmed, hopelessness, loneliness, frustration, disconnected, empty … wow, that’s just the beginning!
Doesn’t that thought just send shivers down your spine? I used to “try the world,” and the fruit of the flesh was what I reaped. I never want to go there again … nor would I wish it on my worst enemy. But here’s a certainty … you must serve one master or the other … Jesus or Satan. If you say that you are serving neither, then Satan has you right where he wants you.
“Try Jesus” and you just can’t lose. In fact, you win every day … and forever!
Today, pray the prayer of salvation and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. Remember how free you were and joyful you felt the first time you tried Jesus? If He is your Savior, try Jesus as the Lord of your life, in all areas of your life. Make the decision to try Him everyday in a very concrete and intentional way. Put Him first, you will be amazed at how differently you will view life and how freely you will live apart from the bondage of this world.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for trying to live my life without You. I need and ask for Your forgiveness. I know I cannot save myself and need a Savior. I believe by faith, and not through anything I can do, that Jesus, your Son, died on the cross to be my Savior. I believe He paid the penalty for my sin for me. I believe He rose from the grave to conquer death, sin, and sin’s separating me from you. I trust You, Jesus, as my personal Savior, I receive You as my Lord, and I turn from my sinful ways. Oh God, thank You for Your grace in forgiving my sins, coming into my life, and being with me forever. Now help me make You the Lord of my life. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One I need to try all day and everyday, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 13:5
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because I am marked out by him to give good news to the poor; he has sent me to make well those who are broken-hearted; to say that the prisoners will be let go, and the blind will see, and to make the wounded free from their chains,
Luke 4:18
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?
Mark 8:36
Showing posts with label Addiction / Addiction Treatment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Addiction / Addiction Treatment. Show all posts
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Stepping Stones: Learn to Linger
Transformational Thought
If we are so busy that we neglect our time of lingering around with God, then we are definitely too busy. When we are so busy, usually our responsibilities are the heaviest, and that’s when we need God the most. So something needs to change. But where do we start?
We can learn from Jesus. During the time He walked on earth, His responsibility was greater than any of us could imagine, while He also knew His time was extremely limited. But He never let all the "doing" He had on His plate interfere with His time with His Father. As we can see in today's scripture, He left the crowds…and even the disciples…to spend time alone with His Father, our Father. He lingered in prayer.
When we think we are too busy to spend quality time with God…praying and meditating on His Word…we are really fooling ourselves. The amazing paradox is that only when we linger with the Father will everything else in our life can actually fall into place. It is only when we spend time with Him that we can overcome our hurry sickness we discussed yesterday.
How busy are you? Do you have days when you feel you can barely "keep your head above water"? How has the busyness affected your personal relationship with God? Have you put your time with Him on the back burner…an after thought to take care of when you get a chance? Or worse yet, are you neglecting quiet time with God altogether?
During one of Jesus' visits to the home of Mary and Martha, Mary lingered at the feet of Jesus while Martha worked frantically in the kitchen, trying to prepare a meal that was just right. She complained to Jesus that Mary wasn't helping her and urged Him to send Mary into the kitchen to help. Here is how Jesus responded:
But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42
Martha was letting the details of doing everything just right control her. Mary had learned to linger at the feet of Jesus.
Today, learn to just be with God! Linger with Him, even though you might think you need to move on to the next activity of life. Think about what Jesus did for you and why. What can your response be to His love and sacrifice for you? Don’t get so caught up with the minutiae of the world and your need for satisfaction now. Spend time getting to know who He is and why He died for you. Then listen to Him. WITHIN REACH helps motivate you to spend time with and pay attention to God’s instructions and will.
Prayer
Father, I know I've been neglecting my quiet time with You. I realize now that the more I have neglected You, the more I've let the busy details of everyday living control me. My priorities have been out of order, and I have become more and more frustrated. Please forgive me and help me learn to linger before You. Give me clearer lenses to view how great You are and how little and unimportant everything else in this world is. I pray this and all prayers in the name of Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
Matthew 14:23
If we are so busy that we neglect our time of lingering around with God, then we are definitely too busy. When we are so busy, usually our responsibilities are the heaviest, and that’s when we need God the most. So something needs to change. But where do we start?
We can learn from Jesus. During the time He walked on earth, His responsibility was greater than any of us could imagine, while He also knew His time was extremely limited. But He never let all the "doing" He had on His plate interfere with His time with His Father. As we can see in today's scripture, He left the crowds…and even the disciples…to spend time alone with His Father, our Father. He lingered in prayer.
When we think we are too busy to spend quality time with God…praying and meditating on His Word…we are really fooling ourselves. The amazing paradox is that only when we linger with the Father will everything else in our life can actually fall into place. It is only when we spend time with Him that we can overcome our hurry sickness we discussed yesterday.
How busy are you? Do you have days when you feel you can barely "keep your head above water"? How has the busyness affected your personal relationship with God? Have you put your time with Him on the back burner…an after thought to take care of when you get a chance? Or worse yet, are you neglecting quiet time with God altogether?
During one of Jesus' visits to the home of Mary and Martha, Mary lingered at the feet of Jesus while Martha worked frantically in the kitchen, trying to prepare a meal that was just right. She complained to Jesus that Mary wasn't helping her and urged Him to send Mary into the kitchen to help. Here is how Jesus responded:
But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42
Martha was letting the details of doing everything just right control her. Mary had learned to linger at the feet of Jesus.
Today, learn to just be with God! Linger with Him, even though you might think you need to move on to the next activity of life. Think about what Jesus did for you and why. What can your response be to His love and sacrifice for you? Don’t get so caught up with the minutiae of the world and your need for satisfaction now. Spend time getting to know who He is and why He died for you. Then listen to Him. WITHIN REACH helps motivate you to spend time with and pay attention to God’s instructions and will.
Prayer
Father, I know I've been neglecting my quiet time with You. I realize now that the more I have neglected You, the more I've let the busy details of everyday living control me. My priorities have been out of order, and I have become more and more frustrated. Please forgive me and help me learn to linger before You. Give me clearer lenses to view how great You are and how little and unimportant everything else in this world is. I pray this and all prayers in the name of Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
Matthew 14:23
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Stepping Stones: Hurry Sickness
Transformational Thought
Just before my dad died, he had the opportunity to speak privately with each of his 14 children. He offered his last bits of advice to each of us. Some of my siblings got some heavy messages … but mine was really pretty short and simple. My dad told me that I needed to slow down, not always be in such a hurry. Although simple for him to say, and simple for me to understand, it isn’t so simple to do. (Don’t a lot of aspects of life fall into that category?)
At a business conference last week, I actually saw a man walking down the hallway with two cell phones … one in each ear. Do you ever find yourself texting several people at once, talking to two or three people at a time on the phone, and all-the-while Googling something on your computer? And then we demand instant results. Faster internet. Faster food. Faster answers. We want it … and we want it now! SO HURRY!
We juggle careers, marriage, family responsibilities, social obligations, hobbies, church and volunteer activities. While we constantly hurry to fit in more and more, we are teaching our kids to do the same. School kids fall in bed exhausted after homework, sports, dance, and a myriad of activities. Often times, they never got a chance to just relax and play.
Why do we speed up the merry-go-round? Our insecurity and the fear of missing something, falling behind, or being found out to be less than we want others to see us, or our pride in wanting our will be done, and then not resting because someone else’s plan will control us. So Satan gives us an answer: Hurry! One of the biggest enemies to our spiritual maturity is hurry. We are so busy, so distracted, and so preoccupied that we settle for something less than the authentic Christian life. In our fast-paced culture, there is an epidemic of “hurry sickness”.
If you feel you are always running behind and wish your day could be 30 hours long, you are suffering from hurry sickness. The results? Constant stress. Frustration. Fatigue. Strained relationships. Feelings of incompetence. Mixed-up priorities. And most important … neglecting time with God. That neglect can rob you of the rest and peace He wants to give you.
In today's scripture, God calls us to cease striving and know that He is God. In other words, stop trying so hard to do it all in your time and your own way. Stop fighting and struggling. Remember that He is God … and you are not. We need to spend quiet time with Him. We need to remember that He is in control. He wants us to put Him first and to rest in Him ... to lean on Him for help. We need to let Him guide us in order to find balance for our lives.
Today, when you are in a hurry, STOP! Ask yourself, “Why?” “Is this situation really life-and- death?” “I am so rushed and frenzied, have I really even examined why I am doing this task?” Focus on Him and His plan … not our own. Only then will we be able to step off the treadmill of hurry and onto the path of Christ-likeness and experience His peace. Your decision, choose wisely!
Prayer
Father, I am tired of being overly busy. I have so much going on. I know I am neglecting some of the most important things. At the top of that list is my time with You. Please forgive me. Help me to get my life and time in balance. Help me to remember to focus on You and to depend on Your strength. Please heal me of this hurry sickness. Help me tolerate the discomfort that is the engine for my hurry and instead turn to You for comfort, rest, and answers. I pray in the name of the most patient One, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"Cease striving and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10
Just before my dad died, he had the opportunity to speak privately with each of his 14 children. He offered his last bits of advice to each of us. Some of my siblings got some heavy messages … but mine was really pretty short and simple. My dad told me that I needed to slow down, not always be in such a hurry. Although simple for him to say, and simple for me to understand, it isn’t so simple to do. (Don’t a lot of aspects of life fall into that category?)
At a business conference last week, I actually saw a man walking down the hallway with two cell phones … one in each ear. Do you ever find yourself texting several people at once, talking to two or three people at a time on the phone, and all-the-while Googling something on your computer? And then we demand instant results. Faster internet. Faster food. Faster answers. We want it … and we want it now! SO HURRY!
We juggle careers, marriage, family responsibilities, social obligations, hobbies, church and volunteer activities. While we constantly hurry to fit in more and more, we are teaching our kids to do the same. School kids fall in bed exhausted after homework, sports, dance, and a myriad of activities. Often times, they never got a chance to just relax and play.
Why do we speed up the merry-go-round? Our insecurity and the fear of missing something, falling behind, or being found out to be less than we want others to see us, or our pride in wanting our will be done, and then not resting because someone else’s plan will control us. So Satan gives us an answer: Hurry! One of the biggest enemies to our spiritual maturity is hurry. We are so busy, so distracted, and so preoccupied that we settle for something less than the authentic Christian life. In our fast-paced culture, there is an epidemic of “hurry sickness”.
If you feel you are always running behind and wish your day could be 30 hours long, you are suffering from hurry sickness. The results? Constant stress. Frustration. Fatigue. Strained relationships. Feelings of incompetence. Mixed-up priorities. And most important … neglecting time with God. That neglect can rob you of the rest and peace He wants to give you.
In today's scripture, God calls us to cease striving and know that He is God. In other words, stop trying so hard to do it all in your time and your own way. Stop fighting and struggling. Remember that He is God … and you are not. We need to spend quiet time with Him. We need to remember that He is in control. He wants us to put Him first and to rest in Him ... to lean on Him for help. We need to let Him guide us in order to find balance for our lives.
Today, when you are in a hurry, STOP! Ask yourself, “Why?” “Is this situation really life-and- death?” “I am so rushed and frenzied, have I really even examined why I am doing this task?” Focus on Him and His plan … not our own. Only then will we be able to step off the treadmill of hurry and onto the path of Christ-likeness and experience His peace. Your decision, choose wisely!
Prayer
Father, I am tired of being overly busy. I have so much going on. I know I am neglecting some of the most important things. At the top of that list is my time with You. Please forgive me. Help me to get my life and time in balance. Help me to remember to focus on You and to depend on Your strength. Please heal me of this hurry sickness. Help me tolerate the discomfort that is the engine for my hurry and instead turn to You for comfort, rest, and answers. I pray in the name of the most patient One, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"Cease striving and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10
Monday, July 11, 2011
Stepping Stones: Shoulda…Woulda…Coulda!
Transformational Thought
Yesterday, my wife was being very helpful and kind to friends and their daughter after a sleepover with our daughter. The girls had a great time, and my wife was happy for them, so she offered another playdate for the next day. She did so many good things in those moments with such a great attitude and heart. Instead of praising her I said, “You should have looked at our schedule before over-scheduling our day.”
Striving for perfection, solely by human effort, is a frustrating task. We tend to load ourselves down with “should's” and “should have's.” I should do this or should have decided that. I should have done it this way. I should read my Bible more. I should be more loving …
We can also project this focus onto others: He should be more sensitive. She should be more respectful. They should be more open. That person should pay more attention to what I do. They should do what I want and need them to do.
When our focus, or worse yet, our need, is human perfection, we will feel frustrated … and that frustration usually leads to guilt or resentment. Resentment can contribute to a critical and judgmental attitude toward others and ourselves. This mind-set can lead to bitterness, making forgiveness difficult to give and accept … not a pretty picture.
You see, taking stock of our shortcomings is important and necessary, but we have to look at our goal and how are we going to use that data. If we are objective and use it to move forward, get better at life, and give hope to the future, then that’s great. If we are using the data to beat ourselves up, hold ourselves back, become fearful of trying again, and sucking hope from the future, well that’s the trap we often fall into. Do you engage in constant should's and should have's? Second-guessing what you have done and wishing you could do better? Do you focus on how imperfect you are? And how about your attitude toward others? Do you tend to be a judge?
We often want to hold onto our opinions about how the world should be and to get everyone else in line ourselves … with our way. But Jesus wants us to conform ourselves to His example. This is the one “should” we ought to do. We should follow Him and work toward the Mind and Actions of Christ.
Today, evaluate the areas in your life where your wrong “should haves” are enslaving you or others to a distorted reality and are becoming an idol. Examine the areas in your life where you find it difficult to let go of your way and follow Jesus' example. Jesus promises that if you will trade your agenda for His, you will find true, refreshing, and everlasting life.
Prayer
Father, I know I tend to think my way is the only right way. I try to make myself perfect by my standards. I judge others because I expect them to be perfect … by my standards. Help me to conform to your standards. Help me to follow Your example. Help me to walk in love, not unrealistic expectations. I pray in the name of the One I will follow; Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever is bent on saving his life shall lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.”
Matthew 16:24-25
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
Yesterday, my wife was being very helpful and kind to friends and their daughter after a sleepover with our daughter. The girls had a great time, and my wife was happy for them, so she offered another playdate for the next day. She did so many good things in those moments with such a great attitude and heart. Instead of praising her I said, “You should have looked at our schedule before over-scheduling our day.”
Striving for perfection, solely by human effort, is a frustrating task. We tend to load ourselves down with “should's” and “should have's.” I should do this or should have decided that. I should have done it this way. I should read my Bible more. I should be more loving …
We can also project this focus onto others: He should be more sensitive. She should be more respectful. They should be more open. That person should pay more attention to what I do. They should do what I want and need them to do.
When our focus, or worse yet, our need, is human perfection, we will feel frustrated … and that frustration usually leads to guilt or resentment. Resentment can contribute to a critical and judgmental attitude toward others and ourselves. This mind-set can lead to bitterness, making forgiveness difficult to give and accept … not a pretty picture.
You see, taking stock of our shortcomings is important and necessary, but we have to look at our goal and how are we going to use that data. If we are objective and use it to move forward, get better at life, and give hope to the future, then that’s great. If we are using the data to beat ourselves up, hold ourselves back, become fearful of trying again, and sucking hope from the future, well that’s the trap we often fall into. Do you engage in constant should's and should have's? Second-guessing what you have done and wishing you could do better? Do you focus on how imperfect you are? And how about your attitude toward others? Do you tend to be a judge?
We often want to hold onto our opinions about how the world should be and to get everyone else in line ourselves … with our way. But Jesus wants us to conform ourselves to His example. This is the one “should” we ought to do. We should follow Him and work toward the Mind and Actions of Christ.
Today, evaluate the areas in your life where your wrong “should haves” are enslaving you or others to a distorted reality and are becoming an idol. Examine the areas in your life where you find it difficult to let go of your way and follow Jesus' example. Jesus promises that if you will trade your agenda for His, you will find true, refreshing, and everlasting life.
Prayer
Father, I know I tend to think my way is the only right way. I try to make myself perfect by my standards. I judge others because I expect them to be perfect … by my standards. Help me to conform to your standards. Help me to follow Your example. Help me to walk in love, not unrealistic expectations. I pray in the name of the One I will follow; Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever is bent on saving his life shall lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.”
Matthew 16:24-25
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Stepping Stones: "Try Jesus"
Transformational Thought
Slogans are everywhere. “Just Do It” “Got Milk” “M’m! M’m! Good!” and “Have it your way” to name a few. But, it just dawned on me about how simple the best slogan is: “Try Jesus”.
Many times we resist trying new things because we don’t want to let go of the current way…or the old way, our good old comfort zone. We fear that by switching to the new thing we might lose something that we won’t be able to get back. What the heck are we thinking, why would we ever want to go back to the old way…the way of the world.
So by “Trying Jesus”, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. And anyway, if Jesus doesn’t work out for you…the devil will always be willing to take you back.
Doesn’t that thought just send shivers down your spine. But here’s a certainty…you must be serving one or the other…Jesus or satan. If you say that you are serving neither, then satan has you right where he wants you.
“Try Jesus” and you just can’t lose. In fact, you win…forever!
Today, pray the prayer of salvation and accept or renew you acceptance of Jesus Christ as your savior. Remember how freeing and joyful you were and felt the first time you tried Jesus. Make the decision to try Him everyday in a very concrete and intentional way.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for trying to live my life without You. I need and ask for Your forgiveness. I need a Savior and know I cannot save myself. I believe by faith and not through anything I can do, that Jesus, your Son, died on the cross to be my Savior. I believe He paid the penalty for my sin for me. I believe He rose from the grave to conquer death, sin, and sin’s separating me from you. I trust you, Jesus, as my personal Savior, receive you as my Lord, and I turn from my sinful ways. Oh God, thank you for your grace in forgiving my sins, coming into my life, and being with me forever. Now help me make you the King of my life. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One I need to try everyday and all day, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 13:5
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22,23
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?
Mark 8:36
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Stepping Stones: Learn to Linger
Transformational Thought
When we are so busy that we neglect our time of lingering with God, we are too busy. When our responsibilities are the heaviest, that’s when we need Him the most.
We can learn from Jesus. During the time He walked on earth, His responsibility was greater than any of us could imagine, and He knew His time was extremely limited. But He never let all the "doing" He had to get to interfere with His time with His Father. As we can see in today's scripture, He left the crowds…and even the disciples…to spend time alone with Our Father. He lingered in prayer.
When we think we are too busy to spend quality time with God…praying and meditating on His Word…we are fooling ourselves. It is only when we linger with the Father that everything else in our life can actually fall into place. It is only when we spend time with Him that we can overcome our hurry sickness we discussed yesterday.
How busy are you? Do you have days when you feel you can barely "keep your head above water"? How has the busyness affected your personal relationship with God? Have you put your time with Him on the back burner…something to take care of when you get a chance? Or are you neglecting that quiet time altogether?
During one of Jesus' visits to the home of Mary and Martha, Mary lingered at the feet of Jesus while Martha worked frantically in the kitchen, trying to prepare a meal that was just right. She complained to Jesus that Mary wasn't helping her and urged Him to send Mary into the kitchen to help. Here is how Jesus responded:
But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42 NLT
Martha was letting the details of doing everything just right control her. Mary had learned to linger at the feet of Jesus.
Today, learn to with God! Think about what Jesus did for you and why. What can your response be to His love and sacrifice for you? Don’t get so caught up with the minutiae of the world and your need for satisfaction now. Spend time listening to Him.
Prayer
Father, I know I've been neglecting my quiet time with you. I realize now that the more I have neglected You, the more I've let the busy details of everyday living control me. My priorities have been out of order, and I have become more and more frustrated. Please forgive me and help me learn to linger before You. I pray this and all prayers in the name of Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.
Matthew 14:23
Friday, August 20, 2010
Stepping Stones: Hurry Sickness
Transformational Thought
Just before my dad died, he had the opportunity to speak privately with each of his 14 children. He offered his last bits of advice to each of us. Some of my siblings got some heavy messages…but mine was simple. My dad told me that I needed to slow down, to not always be in such a hurry.
At a business conference last week, I actually saw a man walking down the hallway with two cell phones…one in each ear. Do you ever find yourself texting several people at once, talking to two or three people at a time on the phone, and all-the-while Googling something on your computer? And then we demand instant results. Faster Internet. Faster food. Faster answers. We want it…and we want it now! Hurry!
We juggle careers, family responsibilities, social obligations, church and volunteer activities. We hurry to fit more and more in. And we are teaching our kids to do the same. School kids fall in bed exhausted after homework, sports, and a myriad of activities.
Why? Either our insecurity and fear of missing something, falling behind, or being found out to be lesser than we want others to see, or our pride in wanting our will be done and not resting because then someone else’s plan will be done. So Satan gives us an answer: Hurry! One of the biggest enemies of our spirituality is hurry. We are so busy, so distracted, and so preoccupied that we settle for something less than the authentic Christian life. In our fast-paced culture, there is an epidemic of “hurry sickness”.
If you feel as though you are always running behind and wish that your day could be 36 hours long, you are probably suffering from hurry sickness. The results? Constant stress. Frustration. Fatigue. Strained relationships. Mixed-up priorities. And most important… neglecting time with God. That neglect can rob you of the rest and peace He wants to give you.
In today's scripture, God calls us to cease striving and know that He is God. In other words, stop trying so hard to do it all. Stop trying to do it on your own. Stop struggling. Remember that He is God. We need to spend quiet time with Him. We need to remember that He is in control. He wants us to put Him first and to rest in Him. To lean on Him for help. We need to let Him guide us in balancing our lives.
Today, the next time you are in a hurry, STOP! Ask yourself “why?” “Is this really life and death?” “Have I really even examined why I am doing this task I am so rushed and frenzied about?” Focus on Him and His plan…not our own. Only then will we be able to step off the treadmill of hurry and experience His peace. Your choice, choose wisely!
Prayer
Father, I am so tired of being so busy. I have so much going on, I know I am neglecting some of the most important things. At the top of that list is my time with You. Please forgive me. Help me to get my life and time in balance. Help me to remember to focus on you and to depend on your strength. Please heal me of this hurry sickness. I pray in the name of the most patient One, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"Cease striving and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Stepping Stones: Shoulda…Woulda…Coulda!
Transformational Thought
Yesterday, my wife was being very helpful and kind to a friend and their daughter after a sleepover with our daughter. They had a great time, and my wife was happy for them so she offered another playdate for the next day. She did so many good things in those moments with such a great attitude and heart. Instead of praising her, I said, “You should have looked at our schedule before over-scheduling our day.”
Striving for perfection, solely by human effort can be a frustrating endeavor. We tend to load ourselves down with “should's” and “should have's.” I should do this or should have decided that. I should have done it this way. I should read my Bible more. I should be more loving…
We can also project this focus onto others: He should be more sensitive. She should be more respectful. They should be more open. That person should pay more attention to what I do. They should do what I want.
When our focus, or even our need, is on human perfection, we will feel frustrated…and that frustration can build into resentment. Resentment can contribute to a critical and judgmental attitude toward others and ourself. This attitude can lead to bitterness, making forgiveness difficult to give and accept…not a pretty picture.
Do you engage in constant should's and should have's? Second-guessing what you have done and wishing you could do better? Do you focus on how imperfect you are? And how about your attitude toward others? Do you tend to be a judger?
We often want to hold onto our opinions about how the world should be and to get ourselves and everyone else in line with our way. But Jesus wants us to conform ourselves to His example. This is the one “should” we should do. We should follow Him.
Today, evaluate the areas in your life where your wrong “should haves” are enslaving you or others to a distorted reality and idol. Examine the areas in your life where you find it difficult to let go of your way and follow Jesus' example. Jesus promises if you will trade your agenda for His, you will find true life.
Prayer
Father, I know I tend to think my way is the only right way. I try to make myself perfect by my standards. I judge others because I expect them to be perfect…by my standards. Help me to conform to your standards. Help me to follow Your example. Help me to walk in love, not unrealistic expectations. I pray in the name of the one I will follow; Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever is bent on saving his life shall lose it; and whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it .
Matthew 16:24-25
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
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