Transformational Tip
I saw these words on the sign of an SPCA building. "Neglect is Abuse." And it struck me just how profound those words are. Of course the intention was focused on animals...but what about us humans? Neglectful isn't a word we use to describe ourselves, people, or our society in this day and age. In fact the opposite is usually what we hear....the ME generation...self-indulgent....spoiled....immediate gratification... everybody gets a trophy....welfare or socialistic state. But think about it. Are we really paying attention, I mean real attention to our own inner needs, struggles, or God placed longings. Few perform that honest self-assessment, but when you assess, do you then go about addressing what you find in the most healthy, fulfilling, life giving way. Not self-assessing and then not addressing what you find significantly and thoroughly is neglect.
Neglect is prevalent in our society. We neglect ourselves, we neglect those we love, we neglect those in need...but most importantly, we neglect our Lord. You see, God is the answer for what we are struggling with...what is holding us back....wounds that aren't healed...patterns we struggle to break....emotions that rule us. By neglecting God, we are going to continue to neglect ourselves and others.
Stop today and think about areas in your life you are neglecting...pushing under the carpet....avoiding or suppressing...hoping nobody notices. Or struggles you have identified, but have had trouble correcting or freeing yourself from their burden. Now trade the word abuse for neglect. In the dictionary, neglect is a synonym for abuse. Just maybe this simple switching of words will help us to neglect less; to take care of ourselves in a true sense as God called us to do. Put on the armor of God and attack those strongholds specifically today.
Prayer
Dear Father in heaven,
I come to you with a guilty heart. I have been guilty of neglecting You. Forgive me Father. I have been guilty of neglecting those I love and that I have a responsibility to care for. Replacing the word abuse for neglect makes it all seem so much worse. I ask Your forgiveness for the abuse of my body. Help me this day and forever to be aware of those who need my care and attention, help those who I have abused to forgive me. I pray Lord that You working through me will end my neglect of others. I realize now with a sad heart that I too have been neglected by others, by those who should only show me love. I forgive them Lord as You forgive me. Help them also be aware that neglect is abuse. I pray in confidence through my savior Jesus Christ-AMEN
The Truth
Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message
1 Timothy 4:14
Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it.
Psalm 55:10
Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
Mark 12:30-31
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
John 6:35
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Stepping Stones: Who's Your Lighthouse?
Transformational Tip
We all experience storms in our lives. Maybe you are currently in the midst of a storm...maybe multiple storms. Storms are a certainty. How do you react to the storms; With peace or panic? Storms are tremendous opportunities to learn a lot about ourselves. One key lesson is "where do I get my confidence, guidance, or hope from?" Put another way, "Who is going to be my Lighthouse - me, the world, another person, or God?" When we get upset in a difficult situation, we are usually getting our confidence from ourselves, or sometimes others. A constant battle goes on inside of us. I strive to be independent, master of my destiny, take care of my needs, not be reliant on anyone else. This protects me from being hurt, let down by others and just seems more efficient to cut others out of the loop when I need something. These breed a false sense of confidence/reliance in myself, my abilities, assets, or what I can evoke in others. God desires us to turn to Him, accept His protection and provision for us, and let Him grow us. He will grow us quicker, more efficiently, and with less pain than we will grow us. We really need to get our confidence in the many everyday situations from knowing who God is, what His promises are, and what His word teaches. When we see situations and act based on our confidence in God, life and especially storms, are easier and actually growing experiences.
Looking back I see the major storms in my life actually changed my direction pushing me onto a better path of becoming Christ-like and developing the mind of Christ. More importantly, they provided the opportunity to look for and find God as my Lighthouse, where the best and ultimate safety and guidance will be.
As a believer you will find that the Lighthouse (God) will not only show you the path forward step by step, but the lighthouse will also lead you to a place of refuge, a place of shelter to endure the storm. Meet today's storm...or your next storm (for surely they will come) with peace not panic. Take the opportunity to look for your personal Lighthouse of guidance and sanctuary.
Prayer
Father God,
When I meet with the storms of life, help me to go through them in peace and not panic. I know that to get to where You want to take me, I must go through certain storms. In Your wisdom, You have designed that in the storms, I come to know You and Your loving provision, shelter, and calm. It is not in the calms of life where I realize that I will not go under, but during the storms. Allow me to get my confidence, hope, and assurance from You and not me, because I know I am limited, weak, and not capable of controlling everything like You can, Thank You for being my Lighthouse during the storms. Thank You that during all of life's storms there is a perfect place of refuge...a fortress of Divine grace to see me through.
In Jesus' name, my ultimate refuge, I pray - AMEN!
The Truth
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver me.
Psalm 91:1-3
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
Phillipians 1:20
We all experience storms in our lives. Maybe you are currently in the midst of a storm...maybe multiple storms. Storms are a certainty. How do you react to the storms; With peace or panic? Storms are tremendous opportunities to learn a lot about ourselves. One key lesson is "where do I get my confidence, guidance, or hope from?" Put another way, "Who is going to be my Lighthouse - me, the world, another person, or God?" When we get upset in a difficult situation, we are usually getting our confidence from ourselves, or sometimes others. A constant battle goes on inside of us. I strive to be independent, master of my destiny, take care of my needs, not be reliant on anyone else. This protects me from being hurt, let down by others and just seems more efficient to cut others out of the loop when I need something. These breed a false sense of confidence/reliance in myself, my abilities, assets, or what I can evoke in others. God desires us to turn to Him, accept His protection and provision for us, and let Him grow us. He will grow us quicker, more efficiently, and with less pain than we will grow us. We really need to get our confidence in the many everyday situations from knowing who God is, what His promises are, and what His word teaches. When we see situations and act based on our confidence in God, life and especially storms, are easier and actually growing experiences.
Looking back I see the major storms in my life actually changed my direction pushing me onto a better path of becoming Christ-like and developing the mind of Christ. More importantly, they provided the opportunity to look for and find God as my Lighthouse, where the best and ultimate safety and guidance will be.
As a believer you will find that the Lighthouse (God) will not only show you the path forward step by step, but the lighthouse will also lead you to a place of refuge, a place of shelter to endure the storm. Meet today's storm...or your next storm (for surely they will come) with peace not panic. Take the opportunity to look for your personal Lighthouse of guidance and sanctuary.
Prayer
Father God,
When I meet with the storms of life, help me to go through them in peace and not panic. I know that to get to where You want to take me, I must go through certain storms. In Your wisdom, You have designed that in the storms, I come to know You and Your loving provision, shelter, and calm. It is not in the calms of life where I realize that I will not go under, but during the storms. Allow me to get my confidence, hope, and assurance from You and not me, because I know I am limited, weak, and not capable of controlling everything like You can, Thank You for being my Lighthouse during the storms. Thank You that during all of life's storms there is a perfect place of refuge...a fortress of Divine grace to see me through.
In Jesus' name, my ultimate refuge, I pray - AMEN!
The Truth
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver me.
Psalm 91:1-3
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
Phillipians 1:20
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Stepping Stones: Disciples or Judges?
Transformational Tip
We are so quick to judge. And as judges we can become impatient and hurtful, especially to those we love. We are called to be disciples and witnesses...not lawyers and judges. Understanding our calling will help us become more patient and understanding with others. When we take the role as a judge we are setting ourselves up for failure. Who are we to judge others? Do we like being judged? When we are judging, being sarcastic, making a critical comment, we get a glimpse into our heart. Revealed to us are some of the insecurities, hurts, baggage, and issues, that are still unresolved and affecting the lenses we see life, others, and ultimately God, through. Instead of being quick to speak when you have that urge to judge, critique, belittle, or exalt yourself above another, be quick to self-assess...do some heart analysis and see what is at the center of your heart that is causing your view of others, yourself, and God orbit around it. The time you spend in this activity can be incredibly revealing and relieving. For this exercise to happen, during this time of heart diagnostics, be confident that God can take care of you while you are feeling uneasy...whether it be anger, hurt, guilt, revenge, bitterness, anxiety, sadness....whatever the feeling that is prompting the urge for you to respond, trust God to comfort you and not let the emotion rule you.
Today be quick to listen and slow to speak...and when you do speak, speak as a disciple of God and not as a judge. Let the judging happen as you judge your own heart first, then disciple others next.
Prayer
Father in Heaven,
I confess to You my Lord that I have become so impatient with others...especially those I love. And through my lack of patience and understanding I become judgmental and angry...saying things I wish I had not said. Help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Help me to see others as you see them...tired, lonely, fearful, and lost. Help me be a witness...not a judge. Thank You that I can speak Your word and offer encouragement to those in need. Help me to be patient toward others as You are with me, for it is Your power that works in me. Help to judge myself more accurately and be open to what the Holy Spirit is trying to get me to see about my own heart..Help me to recognize and honor Your Spirit today and pray in the Spirit always.
In Jesus' revealing name - AMEN!
The Truth
I sat among them for seven days - overwhelmed. At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me.
Ezekiel 3:15-16
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22
Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
We are so quick to judge. And as judges we can become impatient and hurtful, especially to those we love. We are called to be disciples and witnesses...not lawyers and judges. Understanding our calling will help us become more patient and understanding with others. When we take the role as a judge we are setting ourselves up for failure. Who are we to judge others? Do we like being judged? When we are judging, being sarcastic, making a critical comment, we get a glimpse into our heart. Revealed to us are some of the insecurities, hurts, baggage, and issues, that are still unresolved and affecting the lenses we see life, others, and ultimately God, through. Instead of being quick to speak when you have that urge to judge, critique, belittle, or exalt yourself above another, be quick to self-assess...do some heart analysis and see what is at the center of your heart that is causing your view of others, yourself, and God orbit around it. The time you spend in this activity can be incredibly revealing and relieving. For this exercise to happen, during this time of heart diagnostics, be confident that God can take care of you while you are feeling uneasy...whether it be anger, hurt, guilt, revenge, bitterness, anxiety, sadness....whatever the feeling that is prompting the urge for you to respond, trust God to comfort you and not let the emotion rule you.
Today be quick to listen and slow to speak...and when you do speak, speak as a disciple of God and not as a judge. Let the judging happen as you judge your own heart first, then disciple others next.
Prayer
Father in Heaven,
I confess to You my Lord that I have become so impatient with others...especially those I love. And through my lack of patience and understanding I become judgmental and angry...saying things I wish I had not said. Help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Help me to see others as you see them...tired, lonely, fearful, and lost. Help me be a witness...not a judge. Thank You that I can speak Your word and offer encouragement to those in need. Help me to be patient toward others as You are with me, for it is Your power that works in me. Help to judge myself more accurately and be open to what the Holy Spirit is trying to get me to see about my own heart..Help me to recognize and honor Your Spirit today and pray in the Spirit always.
In Jesus' revealing name - AMEN!
The Truth
I sat among them for seven days - overwhelmed. At the end of seven days the word of the Lord came to me.
Ezekiel 3:15-16
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:22
Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.
That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.
But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.
But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
1 Corinthians 11:28-32
That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.
But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.
But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
1 Corinthians 11:28-32
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Stepping Stones: Do You Covet Or Give Thanks?
Transformational Tip
Many times the grass looks greener on the other side and we spend time focusing on what others have and missing what we don't have. We think having those other things will bring happiness, solve a problem, heal a hurt, or soothe our discomfort or uneasiness. The tenth commandment is "that shall not covet". If we are not to covet what others have, then we are being told to be content with what we do have. This really shows we understand that God is all-powerful, fully in charge, loves us, and is at work in our lives. He is providing exactly what we need at this moment, so let me enjoy it and be thankful for it. I don't need to covet other things, because if they were what I needed for growth, peace, and fulfillment, God would have known ahead of time and be providing it for me. We know through scripture that God loves a thankful heart. And we have so much to be thankful for. Don't be complacent in being thankful and actually saying or giving thanks. This is a very important discipline that reinforces in our mind and heart who God is, who we are, and the story that is really playing out in our everyday lives.
Are you a person who focuses on what you don't have? Gets caught up in the possibilities and fantasies of your agenda for your satisfaction? Or do you focus on the reality of what you actually have, being thankful for all the blessings you have, and asking God how you can be an awesome steward of them to maximize God's glory and your spiritual growth? Today know Your God as the Great Giver. Pray lists of all that he has given you...take time through-out your day for short prayers of thanksgiving. You will find this thanksgiving more clearly opens the line of communication between you and your Lord and you will see Him more for the loving and care-taking father He really is.
Prayer
Dear Gracious Father - You are my Giver. You give me hope when I feel despair. You give me acceptance when I feel unloved. You give me forgiveness when I fail. You give me purpose beyond anything I could imagine in this life. Thank You for the gift of brothers and sisters in Christ who have become part of the Stepping Stone prayer community. Thank you for using me to minister to others as you accept me with my weaknesses and inadequacies. Thank You for working everything out for our good and for Your glory. I pray in the name of the one who gave everything, Jesus - AMEN!
The Truth
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32
You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
Exodus 20:17
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Many times the grass looks greener on the other side and we spend time focusing on what others have and missing what we don't have. We think having those other things will bring happiness, solve a problem, heal a hurt, or soothe our discomfort or uneasiness. The tenth commandment is "that shall not covet". If we are not to covet what others have, then we are being told to be content with what we do have. This really shows we understand that God is all-powerful, fully in charge, loves us, and is at work in our lives. He is providing exactly what we need at this moment, so let me enjoy it and be thankful for it. I don't need to covet other things, because if they were what I needed for growth, peace, and fulfillment, God would have known ahead of time and be providing it for me. We know through scripture that God loves a thankful heart. And we have so much to be thankful for. Don't be complacent in being thankful and actually saying or giving thanks. This is a very important discipline that reinforces in our mind and heart who God is, who we are, and the story that is really playing out in our everyday lives.
Are you a person who focuses on what you don't have? Gets caught up in the possibilities and fantasies of your agenda for your satisfaction? Or do you focus on the reality of what you actually have, being thankful for all the blessings you have, and asking God how you can be an awesome steward of them to maximize God's glory and your spiritual growth? Today know Your God as the Great Giver. Pray lists of all that he has given you...take time through-out your day for short prayers of thanksgiving. You will find this thanksgiving more clearly opens the line of communication between you and your Lord and you will see Him more for the loving and care-taking father He really is.
Prayer
Dear Gracious Father - You are my Giver. You give me hope when I feel despair. You give me acceptance when I feel unloved. You give me forgiveness when I fail. You give me purpose beyond anything I could imagine in this life. Thank You for the gift of brothers and sisters in Christ who have become part of the Stepping Stone prayer community. Thank you for using me to minister to others as you accept me with my weaknesses and inadequacies. Thank You for working everything out for our good and for Your glory. I pray in the name of the one who gave everything, Jesus - AMEN!
The Truth
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32
You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
Exodus 20:17
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Friday, June 26, 2009
Stepping Stones: Beyond Our Human Limitations
Transformational Tip
Some days I feel so limited, so inept...so clumsy. I'm sure you have days like this. On days like those remember that, thankfully, we need not be measured by our human limitations.
I grew up in a rough part of town, all boys were clearly measured by their ability to fight...to be tough. I wasn't that tough, but I had an older brother that was by far the toughest boy in town. So as Jamie's brother I was never measured by my physical weakness or limitations...I carried with me my big brother's strength; for all knew to fight me was to ultimately fight my brother Jamie...and no one wanted to do that. My brother was always there to protect me. Satan wants us to think it is all about us...depends on us...and nobody is there to help us. Dependence or reliance on any one else is really hard, especially for men. Self-sufficiency seems so reasonable to strive for, but putting my confidence in me to meet my needs and solve everything, soothe me, wow, what a set up for failure and loss.
We have so much more than a tough brother in our corner...we have our Lord and God. So today, remember that it's not about your human limitations...it's about His strength, not yours. When you have some struggle today, put on the armor, trust in God's power and promises and put your confidence in His track record, not yours.
Prayer
Dear God our Father,
I take baby steps of faith, and based on this genuine faith, I am confident that You will show me what You can do. I want to know the excitement of seeing Your work in me. I am thankful for seeing Your work in this Stepping Stones community of believers. All glory to you my Lord.
Through faith I receive Your Spirit. Give me Your Spirit today and everyday. Your Spirit empowers me to go beyond my human limitations...beyond my physical ability and strength...for without You I am so much weaker. I pray that I not measure my human limitations as I face the challenges and burdens before me. The issue is not my human limitations...the issue is Your Strength, not mine. I believe by walking closer to you, I can better understand and accomplish Your purpose with Your strength, not mine. I pray in the name and authority of Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
And the apostles said unto the lord, Increase our faith.
And the Lord said, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you."
Luke 17:5-6
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Some days I feel so limited, so inept...so clumsy. I'm sure you have days like this. On days like those remember that, thankfully, we need not be measured by our human limitations.
I grew up in a rough part of town, all boys were clearly measured by their ability to fight...to be tough. I wasn't that tough, but I had an older brother that was by far the toughest boy in town. So as Jamie's brother I was never measured by my physical weakness or limitations...I carried with me my big brother's strength; for all knew to fight me was to ultimately fight my brother Jamie...and no one wanted to do that. My brother was always there to protect me. Satan wants us to think it is all about us...depends on us...and nobody is there to help us. Dependence or reliance on any one else is really hard, especially for men. Self-sufficiency seems so reasonable to strive for, but putting my confidence in me to meet my needs and solve everything, soothe me, wow, what a set up for failure and loss.
We have so much more than a tough brother in our corner...we have our Lord and God. So today, remember that it's not about your human limitations...it's about His strength, not yours. When you have some struggle today, put on the armor, trust in God's power and promises and put your confidence in His track record, not yours.
Prayer
Dear God our Father,
I take baby steps of faith, and based on this genuine faith, I am confident that You will show me what You can do. I want to know the excitement of seeing Your work in me. I am thankful for seeing Your work in this Stepping Stones community of believers. All glory to you my Lord.
Through faith I receive Your Spirit. Give me Your Spirit today and everyday. Your Spirit empowers me to go beyond my human limitations...beyond my physical ability and strength...for without You I am so much weaker. I pray that I not measure my human limitations as I face the challenges and burdens before me. The issue is not my human limitations...the issue is Your Strength, not mine. I believe by walking closer to you, I can better understand and accomplish Your purpose with Your strength, not mine. I pray in the name and authority of Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
And the apostles said unto the lord, Increase our faith.
And the Lord said, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you."
Luke 17:5-6
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Stepping Stones: Who Will "See" You Today?
Transformational Tip
Like it or not, you are an example to many; your children, spouse, family, friends, co-workers. What do they "see" when they see you?
As Christians, we have a light in us that is powerful...bright... vibrant... and can truly be transforming of our mind and behaviors, and other's as well. We know the Holy Spirit is powerful and perfect. But, we aren't perfect and don't shine pure light, so what is really happening. We hide our light and interfere...actually get in the way of the Holy Spirit and His work in our life. Our past, the distortions Satan has presented to us and we have bought into, are contributing to us acting as the captain of our ship and not submitting to the Holy Spirit being our captain and then us following His commands and direction.
Today, look at how you handle some adversity. Are you following the Holy Spirit's teaching and direction or ignoring Him and doing it your way. How much light are you shining to the world. Also, think of all the blessings you have received. Think about how your destiny and life has changed since accepting Him as your Lord and Savior. Let His light shine brightly through you today so as the scripture tells us; Many will see you and put their trust in the Lord.
Prayer
Dear Father,
You have performed so many miracles for and through me. Thank You Lord. All Glory to You Lord. You have truly lifted me out of the pit of destruction. Help me get out of Your way as You work through me and in me. Give me a humble spirit that accepts You as my captain. I pray Lord that You will use me today to further Your Kingdom; that You will use me in ways that I don't even understand. I have close family members and friends that remain in that pit. Let them see You through me today, let them see You today and help me help them to put their trust in You. I pray in the name of the Light of the world, Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of a pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And he set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many shall see and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3
Oh Lord my God, You have done many miracles for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds I could never come to the end of them.
Psalm 40:5
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness.
Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness.
If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light."
Luke 11:33-36
Like it or not, you are an example to many; your children, spouse, family, friends, co-workers. What do they "see" when they see you?
As Christians, we have a light in us that is powerful...bright... vibrant... and can truly be transforming of our mind and behaviors, and other's as well. We know the Holy Spirit is powerful and perfect. But, we aren't perfect and don't shine pure light, so what is really happening. We hide our light and interfere...actually get in the way of the Holy Spirit and His work in our life. Our past, the distortions Satan has presented to us and we have bought into, are contributing to us acting as the captain of our ship and not submitting to the Holy Spirit being our captain and then us following His commands and direction.
Today, look at how you handle some adversity. Are you following the Holy Spirit's teaching and direction or ignoring Him and doing it your way. How much light are you shining to the world. Also, think of all the blessings you have received. Think about how your destiny and life has changed since accepting Him as your Lord and Savior. Let His light shine brightly through you today so as the scripture tells us; Many will see you and put their trust in the Lord.
Prayer
Dear Father,
You have performed so many miracles for and through me. Thank You Lord. All Glory to You Lord. You have truly lifted me out of the pit of destruction. Help me get out of Your way as You work through me and in me. Give me a humble spirit that accepts You as my captain. I pray Lord that You will use me today to further Your Kingdom; that You will use me in ways that I don't even understand. I have close family members and friends that remain in that pit. Let them see You through me today, let them see You today and help me help them to put their trust in You. I pray in the name of the Light of the world, Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of a pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And he set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many shall see and put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:1-3
Oh Lord my God, You have done many miracles for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds I could never come to the end of them.
Psalm 40:5
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness.
Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness.
If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light."
Luke 11:33-36
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Stepping Stones: Whats Your Red Stew?
Transformational Tip
Picture a bowl of red stew. Doesn't seem to be very valuable at all, right? Now change your scenario: you are starving in the wilderness. Suddenly, that same bowl of stew seems to be worth a million bucks! Danger is here now; so thinking of future survival seems irrelevant. Esau sold his whole birthright, including sheep, goats, land, and blessings as leader of God's people, and oh yeah, the birth line of Christ, all for a bowl (I hope he got the whole pot) of red stew. Seems pretty stupid...we would never do that, right?
Unfortunately, that's what we do all the time. Often when we feel any sort of discomfort, we sell our birthright, our precious inheritance, to Satan. And for what? For some hollow, momentary relief. Feelings of sadness, anxiety, fear, rejection, or loneliness...being disconnected, angry, or overwhelmed...not getting our way, our timeline, or our agenda...being out of control...enduring physical pain...they can all drive us to make knee-jerk decisions to sell out. We so easily take the momentary counterfeit instead of having faith in God's promise to provide comfort and answers through His Holy Spirit and His Word. Remember that once we are Christians we never eternally lose our inheritance of salvation and the Holy Spirit, but we still will fight many battles here on Earth. Thankfully God is gracious and forgiving when we confess to our me-centered choices.
What's your red stew? You know what I mean: that behavior, habit, state of mind, emotion, attitude, or relational style you turn to whenever you are under some adversity. Identify it, realize your stew is really self-destructive and not self-protective like you think. That is Satan's greatest deception: that you can really protect and save yourself, and God's answers are irrelevant to your present pain. God's nourishment truly satisfies and He will infinitely provide as we thirst in this world. You just have to go to His restaurant for your stew, not Satan's.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I confess, I have great intentions many times, but I get complacent and resort to Satan's or my fleshly options when I am faced with adversity. Thank You for my adversity and help me see why You brought it into my life. Strengthen me to use Your lenses and ways to manage these circumstances. Show me what red stew I take and how it doesn't nourish me, but instead keeps me from the real lasting nourishment You desire and provide for me. Help me see the manna You will always provide and how to receive it and let it really nourish me. Thank You for life, and life abundantly!
In the name of Jesus, the real bread and living water, - AMEN
The Truth
Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted.
And Esau said to Jacob, "Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!" (Therefore his name was called Edom.)
Jacob said, "Sell me your birthright now."
Esau said, "I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?"
Jacob said, "Swear to me now." So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob.
Genesis 25:29-33
And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."
But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Matthew 4:3-4
Picture a bowl of red stew. Doesn't seem to be very valuable at all, right? Now change your scenario: you are starving in the wilderness. Suddenly, that same bowl of stew seems to be worth a million bucks! Danger is here now; so thinking of future survival seems irrelevant. Esau sold his whole birthright, including sheep, goats, land, and blessings as leader of God's people, and oh yeah, the birth line of Christ, all for a bowl (I hope he got the whole pot) of red stew. Seems pretty stupid...we would never do that, right?
Unfortunately, that's what we do all the time. Often when we feel any sort of discomfort, we sell our birthright, our precious inheritance, to Satan. And for what? For some hollow, momentary relief. Feelings of sadness, anxiety, fear, rejection, or loneliness...being disconnected, angry, or overwhelmed...not getting our way, our timeline, or our agenda...being out of control...enduring physical pain...they can all drive us to make knee-jerk decisions to sell out. We so easily take the momentary counterfeit instead of having faith in God's promise to provide comfort and answers through His Holy Spirit and His Word. Remember that once we are Christians we never eternally lose our inheritance of salvation and the Holy Spirit, but we still will fight many battles here on Earth. Thankfully God is gracious and forgiving when we confess to our me-centered choices.
What's your red stew? You know what I mean: that behavior, habit, state of mind, emotion, attitude, or relational style you turn to whenever you are under some adversity. Identify it, realize your stew is really self-destructive and not self-protective like you think. That is Satan's greatest deception: that you can really protect and save yourself, and God's answers are irrelevant to your present pain. God's nourishment truly satisfies and He will infinitely provide as we thirst in this world. You just have to go to His restaurant for your stew, not Satan's.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I confess, I have great intentions many times, but I get complacent and resort to Satan's or my fleshly options when I am faced with adversity. Thank You for my adversity and help me see why You brought it into my life. Strengthen me to use Your lenses and ways to manage these circumstances. Show me what red stew I take and how it doesn't nourish me, but instead keeps me from the real lasting nourishment You desire and provide for me. Help me see the manna You will always provide and how to receive it and let it really nourish me. Thank You for life, and life abundantly!
In the name of Jesus, the real bread and living water, - AMEN
The Truth
Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted.
And Esau said to Jacob, "Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!" (Therefore his name was called Edom.)
Jacob said, "Sell me your birthright now."
Esau said, "I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?"
Jacob said, "Swear to me now." So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob.
Genesis 25:29-33
And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."
But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Matthew 4:3-4
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Stepping Stones: Make Friends With Your Problems
Transformational Tip
I know, this title might appear trite and even silly. But it's the truth and it works!
Though many things may feel random and wrong because of all your problems, stop for a moment and remember that your God is sovereign over everything...and that He can "fit everything into a pattern of good".
God would rather teach us without suffering, heartache, and challenge. That is what He tried in the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, we do not learn as much as we need to that way. So God has to use other methods to catch our attention, change our focus or path, or show us what is destructive to us. To Disciple us! Our problems are opportunities to show what we have learned. After I practiced in baseball a lot, I wanted to go against good competition to show how much a I learned and how good I was. Same in medical school as I worked up a patient and studied, I was excited to present to the attending and get grilled so I can show my growth as a psychiatrist. A "problem" is really that better competition or test we take to show our growth....and areas we still need to work on. The best way to befriend your problems is to thank God for His care for you as He gives you an opportunity to show the work you have put in and the resultant growth in Him... or His willingness to show you areas where He wants to grow and equip you. This simple act will open your mind to having God's benefits.... Developing the Mind of Christ...flow from your problems.
Today, look at your problems. If you are thankful and handling them, then you are preparing well...putting on the armor, getting your confidence from God, and letting the Lord lead into battle. If you are struggling and not thankful or understanding your problems, look at how you are preparing for your tests and where you are getting your confidence. Heart exam time.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I am overwhelmed with life's problems...they are mounting such that I cannot see over them...at times I am almost paralyzed with fear. It's hard at times, but I want to thank You for these problems. I do not expect You to remove these problems Lord...but I do pray that You strengthen, teach, and show me though them and help me understand You make good come from this bad. Help me understand and develop the disciplines of training to succeed in these opportunities for growth, confidence building in You and Your strategy for me, and faith in Your character, promises and plan for my life. Let each problem show me something Lord...transforming me little by little into the masterpiece You have created me to be. In Jesus' transforming death and name I pray, AMEN
The Truth
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:23-24
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:6-10
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Genesis 50:20
I know, this title might appear trite and even silly. But it's the truth and it works!
Though many things may feel random and wrong because of all your problems, stop for a moment and remember that your God is sovereign over everything...and that He can "fit everything into a pattern of good".
God would rather teach us without suffering, heartache, and challenge. That is what He tried in the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, we do not learn as much as we need to that way. So God has to use other methods to catch our attention, change our focus or path, or show us what is destructive to us. To Disciple us! Our problems are opportunities to show what we have learned. After I practiced in baseball a lot, I wanted to go against good competition to show how much a I learned and how good I was. Same in medical school as I worked up a patient and studied, I was excited to present to the attending and get grilled so I can show my growth as a psychiatrist. A "problem" is really that better competition or test we take to show our growth....and areas we still need to work on. The best way to befriend your problems is to thank God for His care for you as He gives you an opportunity to show the work you have put in and the resultant growth in Him... or His willingness to show you areas where He wants to grow and equip you. This simple act will open your mind to having God's benefits.... Developing the Mind of Christ...flow from your problems.
Today, look at your problems. If you are thankful and handling them, then you are preparing well...putting on the armor, getting your confidence from God, and letting the Lord lead into battle. If you are struggling and not thankful or understanding your problems, look at how you are preparing for your tests and where you are getting your confidence. Heart exam time.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I am overwhelmed with life's problems...they are mounting such that I cannot see over them...at times I am almost paralyzed with fear. It's hard at times, but I want to thank You for these problems. I do not expect You to remove these problems Lord...but I do pray that You strengthen, teach, and show me though them and help me understand You make good come from this bad. Help me understand and develop the disciplines of training to succeed in these opportunities for growth, confidence building in You and Your strategy for me, and faith in Your character, promises and plan for my life. Let each problem show me something Lord...transforming me little by little into the masterpiece You have created me to be. In Jesus' transforming death and name I pray, AMEN
The Truth
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 1:23-24
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:6-10
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Genesis 50:20
Monday, June 22, 2009
Stepping Stones: Road Closed! Detour Ahead.
Transformational Tip
That's a sign that always creates some immediate stress for me. I am on my way, know where I'm going, and then all of a sudden - Road Closed! Detour Ahead.
God has a plan, a path for your development and long-term safety. When we are veering off track, He puts up roadblocks to steer us back to the right path. Look back at your track record of designing your path...your road to "success". My track record was filled with either wrong destinations(what I thought success meant), wrong roads to the correct destinations, and often times both wrong roads to the wrong destinations. Believe me, 2 wrongs do NOT equal a right. My life really started to change when I started to accept God's "detours" from my agenda and trust He does His job better than I do His job. The uneasiness when we hit God's detour, that is the crucial moment. Satan is ready to pounce, God is calling us with open arms. Who will you trust to be your loving guide and companion on your journey.
Be confident that when the time is right (His time), the road before you will suddenly clear...through no effort of your own. What you have longed for and worked for will be presented to you by your Lord freely as you seek His guidance.
Today, be ready for the "Road Closings" in your agenda and seek His detour to develop the mind of Christ to navigate your path more gloriously and efficiently.
Prayer
Dear God my Father,
Today I persevere along the path that You have prepared for me, depending on Your strength to sustain me for I am too weak to proceed on my own. The storms in my life are making me weak. I am learning to not fear my weakness, for I am beginning to understand that my weakness is the stage on which Your Power and Glory perform most brilliantly.
As I walk this path I wait with anticipation and faith for Your miracles to unfold before me. I know that all miracles cannot be seen by the eye, but for those who live by faith can see them clearly. Help me Lord live by faith and not by sight, help me to see You in all Your Glory. In Christ's revealing name, AMEN
The Truth
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Psalm 63:2
We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43:1-2
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105
That's a sign that always creates some immediate stress for me. I am on my way, know where I'm going, and then all of a sudden - Road Closed! Detour Ahead.
God has a plan, a path for your development and long-term safety. When we are veering off track, He puts up roadblocks to steer us back to the right path. Look back at your track record of designing your path...your road to "success". My track record was filled with either wrong destinations(what I thought success meant), wrong roads to the correct destinations, and often times both wrong roads to the wrong destinations. Believe me, 2 wrongs do NOT equal a right. My life really started to change when I started to accept God's "detours" from my agenda and trust He does His job better than I do His job. The uneasiness when we hit God's detour, that is the crucial moment. Satan is ready to pounce, God is calling us with open arms. Who will you trust to be your loving guide and companion on your journey.
Be confident that when the time is right (His time), the road before you will suddenly clear...through no effort of your own. What you have longed for and worked for will be presented to you by your Lord freely as you seek His guidance.
Today, be ready for the "Road Closings" in your agenda and seek His detour to develop the mind of Christ to navigate your path more gloriously and efficiently.
Prayer
Dear God my Father,
Today I persevere along the path that You have prepared for me, depending on Your strength to sustain me for I am too weak to proceed on my own. The storms in my life are making me weak. I am learning to not fear my weakness, for I am beginning to understand that my weakness is the stage on which Your Power and Glory perform most brilliantly.
As I walk this path I wait with anticipation and faith for Your miracles to unfold before me. I know that all miracles cannot be seen by the eye, but for those who live by faith can see them clearly. Help me Lord live by faith and not by sight, help me to see You in all Your Glory. In Christ's revealing name, AMEN
The Truth
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Psalm 63:2
We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43:1-2
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Stepping Stones: Out of the Mouthes of Children?
Transformational Tip
Today, Father's Day, we have something a little different and special (especially for me). I hope it tickles and touches you as it did me. I send the devotional to my daughters, 2 teens and an 8yo....in the beginning, my 8 year old didn't know I was writing some of them, so she replied to Lighthouse, "hi i wish there were kids devotions. i would read them more", ggb(8yo). I replied to her, "you sound pretty wise, can you write me one for kids?" This is what she sent (her punctuation and words!):
In troubled times, don't you wonder, is God really up there helping me? Is he really trying to resolve this problem? Well, did you ever try praying to him? God knows you have that problem, but God wants you to ask him to help. Also, the more you pray about it, the more he'll help. The closer to God you are, the more he'll help, and I don't men closer like in distance. I mean the more you like God or go to church or talk with Him or work with Him. Just like with your friends. The more you play together, the closer you are with them, right? It's just like God. But if you see no difference, don't be alarmed because God has the perfect plan and every thing He does is for the best.
Maybe not theologically perfect, but pretty darn good.
Will you play with your kids today? How about spending some time to play...I mean literally play with God a bit and enjoy Him.
A happy father's day to all the Stepping Stones community and all your father's.
Prayer
Abba, Abba, our divine, heavenly Father God,
You are the perfect Father, and I am so thankful You are the father to my girls and they have accepted Your Son as their savior. Thank you for allowing me to be their earthly guardian. Please continue to grow and purify me...help me to endure the difficult times of that purifying process so I can be a great Father to them... and give them an appetizer to the buffet table of your amazing grace and love. Please protect them from the evil one and help me teach them You and Your Word, so they can be an arrow prepared for Your use.... attacking the evil one and protecting our family and friends as well. Thank You for making up for my mistakes and being the father to them where I fall short.
In Jesus' obedient name - AMEN
The Truth
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
Psalm 127:4
And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
"Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 18:2-6
and they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
Mark 10:13-14
Today, Father's Day, we have something a little different and special (especially for me). I hope it tickles and touches you as it did me. I send the devotional to my daughters, 2 teens and an 8yo....in the beginning, my 8 year old didn't know I was writing some of them, so she replied to Lighthouse, "hi i wish there were kids devotions. i would read them more", ggb(8yo). I replied to her, "you sound pretty wise, can you write me one for kids?" This is what she sent (her punctuation and words!):
Does God Hear You?
By Gigi Benzio
In troubled times, don't you wonder, is God really up there helping me? Is he really trying to resolve this problem? Well, did you ever try praying to him? God knows you have that problem, but God wants you to ask him to help. Also, the more you pray about it, the more he'll help. The closer to God you are, the more he'll help, and I don't men closer like in distance. I mean the more you like God or go to church or talk with Him or work with Him. Just like with your friends. The more you play together, the closer you are with them, right? It's just like God. But if you see no difference, don't be alarmed because God has the perfect plan and every thing He does is for the best.
Maybe not theologically perfect, but pretty darn good.
Will you play with your kids today? How about spending some time to play...I mean literally play with God a bit and enjoy Him.
A happy father's day to all the Stepping Stones community and all your father's.
Prayer
Abba, Abba, our divine, heavenly Father God,
You are the perfect Father, and I am so thankful You are the father to my girls and they have accepted Your Son as their savior. Thank you for allowing me to be their earthly guardian. Please continue to grow and purify me...help me to endure the difficult times of that purifying process so I can be a great Father to them... and give them an appetizer to the buffet table of your amazing grace and love. Please protect them from the evil one and help me teach them You and Your Word, so they can be an arrow prepared for Your use.... attacking the evil one and protecting our family and friends as well. Thank You for making up for my mistakes and being the father to them where I fall short.
In Jesus' obedient name - AMEN
The Truth
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
Psalm 127:4
And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
"Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 18:2-6
and they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
Mark 10:13-14
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Stepping Stones: Guilt-Evoking Messages
Transformational Tip
Many pastors and priests try to whip their congregations into Christian action by delivering guilt inducing sermons. Whether to accept Christ as your savior... volunteer in children's programs....give money....become a missionary...the guilt-evoking messages press emotional buttons hoping you will want to relieve that uncomfortable feeling and engage in the behavior they are pushing. They try to get their people to "work harder", but the end does not justify the means. Let me clarify, we should feel guilty about our sin, sad there aren't enough workers in the nursery, angry people are being persecuted or starving in other nations, worried there is not enough money in the churches account to hire the right people, but, we shouldn't make decisions based on our emotions or feelings. That is where Satan wants us - emotional decision-makers. God speaks to us directly through the Holy Spirit, through His word, through our circumstances, and through others....giving us wisdom to make decisions based on His will and calling for us and based on what He prescribes in His word. I have personally experienced these guilt-evoking messages...they can unfortunately undermine the very foundation of grace in a believer's heart. Understand that God does not measure and judge you by the amount of good works you do; rather He looks into your heart. Remember the Holy Scripture;
"There is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ..."
We should act to glorify God, not to relieve our uncomfortable feelings.
Today, monitor your emotions. Do you react before you think based on your emotions... or do you think and look at all the options before you speak and act?
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I do not want to be stressed out about not "doing enough" to be a good Christian. I know that You want me to relax in the assurance of Your perfect love. Help me today remember that You delight in me more than I can ever imagine and that You see me cloaked in Your light and presence...and that there is no condemnation for those cloaked in You. Help me with self control over my emotional responses and patience as You make clear the responses You desire of me. Help me Lord to each day come closer to having the Mind of Christ. Having emotions, but not emotionally driven.
I pray in the name of Your Son and my Savior Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest
Isaiah 61:10
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Romans 8:1-2
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3
Many pastors and priests try to whip their congregations into Christian action by delivering guilt inducing sermons. Whether to accept Christ as your savior... volunteer in children's programs....give money....become a missionary...the guilt-evoking messages press emotional buttons hoping you will want to relieve that uncomfortable feeling and engage in the behavior they are pushing. They try to get their people to "work harder", but the end does not justify the means. Let me clarify, we should feel guilty about our sin, sad there aren't enough workers in the nursery, angry people are being persecuted or starving in other nations, worried there is not enough money in the churches account to hire the right people, but, we shouldn't make decisions based on our emotions or feelings. That is where Satan wants us - emotional decision-makers. God speaks to us directly through the Holy Spirit, through His word, through our circumstances, and through others....giving us wisdom to make decisions based on His will and calling for us and based on what He prescribes in His word. I have personally experienced these guilt-evoking messages...they can unfortunately undermine the very foundation of grace in a believer's heart. Understand that God does not measure and judge you by the amount of good works you do; rather He looks into your heart. Remember the Holy Scripture;
"There is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ..."
We should act to glorify God, not to relieve our uncomfortable feelings.
Today, monitor your emotions. Do you react before you think based on your emotions... or do you think and look at all the options before you speak and act?
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I do not want to be stressed out about not "doing enough" to be a good Christian. I know that You want me to relax in the assurance of Your perfect love. Help me today remember that You delight in me more than I can ever imagine and that You see me cloaked in Your light and presence...and that there is no condemnation for those cloaked in You. Help me with self control over my emotional responses and patience as You make clear the responses You desire of me. Help me Lord to each day come closer to having the Mind of Christ. Having emotions, but not emotionally driven.
I pray in the name of Your Son and my Savior Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest
Isaiah 61:10
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Romans 8:1-2
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3
Friday, June 19, 2009
Stepping Stones: Will I Ever Be Happy Again?
Transformational Tip
I know so many people who have lost all happiness in their lives...they wonder if they will ever be happy again. Their unhappiness is usually an outcome of being in a very bad situation. My prayer for them; God, please bring some good out of this bad situation.
Why is this prayer always so difficult to pray when you are in the midst of a horrible situation? An illness for your self or a loved one, death, divorce, in the grasp of an addiction, financial trouble...the list goes on and on. So many reasons to be unhappy.
We typically don't ask God to make good from the bad because we are in the midst of suffering; it's almost impossible to consider all the wonderful outcomes that God could have in store for us. So for those of you who have lost all hope for happiness and are in the midst of a storm, pray this simple prayer; Dear Father, please bring good out of this bad situation.
These present painful circumstances are there to sharpen, grow, and show us valuable skills and information about us, God, and life. This isn't the end of the movie....more scenes are yet to come. Do what you need to do, even though it is painful at times, so when God does His thing, you are ready to act and take advantage of it. Often times we procrastinate away the "studying or training time" in a task, so we don't learn the important skills, process, or information to be successful when the opportunity to shine on the test, performance, event. Now follow Him, do the training now so you can manage the experience and have peace, comfort, and success in the adversity/ opportunity at hand....so you can have a front row seat to appreciate what He is doing today and will do tomorrow in your life. (See Devotional April 5, 09.)
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I know that bad does not come from You, but that You have the power to make good come from a bad situation. I pray Father that you give me the strength to endure this storm and to build my faith that You will bring good from this bad. Most days I feel like I will never be happy again. I pray that You replace this sadness and hopelessness with Your Joy and hope. I confess that I have made choices that have created this bad; forgive me Lord. But there are also bad circumstances that are out of my control and that I do not understand. I accept Lord that my ability to understand is so limited, but I trust in You that You will bring good from this bad. Help me Lord reflect Your light and hope to those I come in contact who are in the midst of what appears to be an impossible situation.
The Truth
then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!"
I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end.
He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions."
Daniel 6:16, 26-27
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
I know so many people who have lost all happiness in their lives...they wonder if they will ever be happy again. Their unhappiness is usually an outcome of being in a very bad situation. My prayer for them; God, please bring some good out of this bad situation.
Why is this prayer always so difficult to pray when you are in the midst of a horrible situation? An illness for your self or a loved one, death, divorce, in the grasp of an addiction, financial trouble...the list goes on and on. So many reasons to be unhappy.
We typically don't ask God to make good from the bad because we are in the midst of suffering; it's almost impossible to consider all the wonderful outcomes that God could have in store for us. So for those of you who have lost all hope for happiness and are in the midst of a storm, pray this simple prayer; Dear Father, please bring good out of this bad situation.
These present painful circumstances are there to sharpen, grow, and show us valuable skills and information about us, God, and life. This isn't the end of the movie....more scenes are yet to come. Do what you need to do, even though it is painful at times, so when God does His thing, you are ready to act and take advantage of it. Often times we procrastinate away the "studying or training time" in a task, so we don't learn the important skills, process, or information to be successful when the opportunity to shine on the test, performance, event. Now follow Him, do the training now so you can manage the experience and have peace, comfort, and success in the adversity/ opportunity at hand....so you can have a front row seat to appreciate what He is doing today and will do tomorrow in your life. (See Devotional April 5, 09.)
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I know that bad does not come from You, but that You have the power to make good come from a bad situation. I pray Father that you give me the strength to endure this storm and to build my faith that You will bring good from this bad. Most days I feel like I will never be happy again. I pray that You replace this sadness and hopelessness with Your Joy and hope. I confess that I have made choices that have created this bad; forgive me Lord. But there are also bad circumstances that are out of my control and that I do not understand. I accept Lord that my ability to understand is so limited, but I trust in You that You will bring good from this bad. Help me Lord reflect Your light and hope to those I come in contact who are in the midst of what appears to be an impossible situation.
The Truth
then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!"
I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end.
He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions."
Daniel 6:16, 26-27
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Stepping Stones: Maintain Steadiness
Transformational Tip
This world provides so many things that interrupt our awareness of and communion with God. We need to let God train us in steadiness. Don't let unexpected events throw you off course. Rather respond calmly and confidently knowing that God is with you. As soon as something grabs your attention, get into the habit of talking to God about it. Today's scripture tells us clearly that we are not alone. God is there to help you cope with whatever circumstances you are facing. Your constant awareness of Him will help you maintain the steadiness God desires for you.
Today, build in a way to remind yourself to talk to God once an hour. Those WWJD bracelets really can work. A little watch alarm...your cellphone...markings in your daytimer...a bracelet or string around your wrist. Anything that will prompt you to connect with God. More connection makes it easier to develop His lenses...then you won't get thrown by events so easily. Thinking instead of reacting will be easier, and you will be one step closer to the Mind of Christ.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I feel so unsteady today, I feel as if I have no footing and that I am ready to fall. I ask for Your continual presence in my life. I know Lord that when I reach and grasp for Your hand, I must let go of the other things I am holding tightly to. I know You have designed me to need You moment by moment. As my awareness of my neediness for You increases I become more steady. I seek Your face Father and I approach you with a teachable spirit. Help me build a discipline of connecting with you daily just like I use my computer, cell phone, texting, and phone regularly.
I pray in the steady name of Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
Isaiah 6:3
We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
Matthew 7:24-25
This world provides so many things that interrupt our awareness of and communion with God. We need to let God train us in steadiness. Don't let unexpected events throw you off course. Rather respond calmly and confidently knowing that God is with you. As soon as something grabs your attention, get into the habit of talking to God about it. Today's scripture tells us clearly that we are not alone. God is there to help you cope with whatever circumstances you are facing. Your constant awareness of Him will help you maintain the steadiness God desires for you.
Today, build in a way to remind yourself to talk to God once an hour. Those WWJD bracelets really can work. A little watch alarm...your cellphone...markings in your daytimer...a bracelet or string around your wrist. Anything that will prompt you to connect with God. More connection makes it easier to develop His lenses...then you won't get thrown by events so easily. Thinking instead of reacting will be easier, and you will be one step closer to the Mind of Christ.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I feel so unsteady today, I feel as if I have no footing and that I am ready to fall. I ask for Your continual presence in my life. I know Lord that when I reach and grasp for Your hand, I must let go of the other things I am holding tightly to. I know You have designed me to need You moment by moment. As my awareness of my neediness for You increases I become more steady. I seek Your face Father and I approach you with a teachable spirit. Help me build a discipline of connecting with you daily just like I use my computer, cell phone, texting, and phone regularly.
I pray in the steady name of Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
Isaiah 6:3
We live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
Matthew 7:24-25
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Stepping Stones: Why Are We So Afraid?
Transformational Tip
I have found lately, maybe because of the struggling economy, how easy it is for a lot of people to share their shortcomings. They readily confess that they suffer from all types of physical, material, or emotional problems. Doesn't take much prodding to have them tell you they have a bad temper or that they are self-centered...they will even tell you they are "not that smart." But one thing no one wants to admit (to themselves or others) is that they are cowards. No one likes to let on that they are afraid of anything. Of all our human frailties, cowardice seems by far the least popular.
Fear gets in the way of so many things in our lives, this is not how God wants us to live. Fear shows doubt for God's sovereignty, love for you, and power over our problems. God has answers. Remember His answer for our biggest concern...we were headed for eternal damnation because of our sin until Jesus died for us. He has answers for your predicament, need, or suffering, or anticipated suffering. Pray for God's courage, free yourself from the fear that keeps you from God's peace and joy.
God's word speaks to us so clearly about the need to be brave and "fear not." This message is contained in virtually every book of the bible. When we really put on the armor, braveness is an automatic outcome.
Today, what concerns you?....or are you afraid of? Why? What do you need to believe differently about you and about God for your fear to go away? Take God's promises seriously and see how it effects your vulnerable spots.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I am so stricken with fear, I am such a coward. God, please give me courage. I need courage in all aspects of my life. I need courage to do good and to resist all forms of evil. I need courage to follow Your commandments, to overcome my fears, both rational and irrational. Give me the courage I need Lord to win the struggle against neuroses and phobias. I need Your courage to overcome my addictions and to persevere though the storms in my life. Give me courage Lord, to give witness to Your truth and to do great things in Your name. Father I pray that all those of the Stepping Stones community gain Your courage and lose their fear. Remove their fear Father and give them Your peace...the peace that surpasses all human understanding. In Christ's refuge, AMEN
The Truth
But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
John 6:20
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."
Genesis 15:1
Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken.
Micah 4:4
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
Revelation 1:17
I have found lately, maybe because of the struggling economy, how easy it is for a lot of people to share their shortcomings. They readily confess that they suffer from all types of physical, material, or emotional problems. Doesn't take much prodding to have them tell you they have a bad temper or that they are self-centered...they will even tell you they are "not that smart." But one thing no one wants to admit (to themselves or others) is that they are cowards. No one likes to let on that they are afraid of anything. Of all our human frailties, cowardice seems by far the least popular.
Fear gets in the way of so many things in our lives, this is not how God wants us to live. Fear shows doubt for God's sovereignty, love for you, and power over our problems. God has answers. Remember His answer for our biggest concern...we were headed for eternal damnation because of our sin until Jesus died for us. He has answers for your predicament, need, or suffering, or anticipated suffering. Pray for God's courage, free yourself from the fear that keeps you from God's peace and joy.
God's word speaks to us so clearly about the need to be brave and "fear not." This message is contained in virtually every book of the bible. When we really put on the armor, braveness is an automatic outcome.
Today, what concerns you?....or are you afraid of? Why? What do you need to believe differently about you and about God for your fear to go away? Take God's promises seriously and see how it effects your vulnerable spots.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I am so stricken with fear, I am such a coward. God, please give me courage. I need courage in all aspects of my life. I need courage to do good and to resist all forms of evil. I need courage to follow Your commandments, to overcome my fears, both rational and irrational. Give me the courage I need Lord to win the struggle against neuroses and phobias. I need Your courage to overcome my addictions and to persevere though the storms in my life. Give me courage Lord, to give witness to Your truth and to do great things in Your name. Father I pray that all those of the Stepping Stones community gain Your courage and lose their fear. Remove their fear Father and give them Your peace...the peace that surpasses all human understanding. In Christ's refuge, AMEN
The Truth
But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
John 6:20
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."
Genesis 15:1
Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken.
Micah 4:4
When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
Revelation 1:17
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Stepping Stones: The World Is A Needy Place
Transformational Tip
The world is a very needy place....do not go there for your sustenance. All the world can provide are temporary band-aids at best...they aren't meant to be long term or the first or prime solution. Even when these temporary solutions are good and are provided by God, we often start to use them first and forget the provision came from God....to be used after we seek Him first. Learn to go to your Lord and depend on Him first. When you turn to Him, your weakness will be replaced with His power. Find completeness in God. Then He might provide for and speak to you directly or lead you to other people or things of this world to nourish you. When you depend on God first, you can then help other people without using them for your own needs. By letting God's light, which shines so brightly in you, shine brightly into the lives of others, you help others.
What do you look to first to meet your needs? Yourself (intellect, looks, a personality trait)... your feelings (anger, self-pity, anxiety, arrogance)....others or their opinions.... material things (sex, food, money, things, caffeine). Try a detox period from this "drug" you use to soothe yourself and suffer well instead by going to God's Word and see how He will speak to you.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I confess that I often turn to the world for my needs, and many times what I take from the world keeps me separated from You. The merry-go-round of life seems to be spinning faster and faster, things seem out of control. Yet I know by Your Word and by my faith that there is a calm at the center of the storms in my life. This calm is only found through a union with You. Thank You my Father. Help me return to this center of calm...this soothing center more often, for this is where I will find completeness, Love, Joy and Peace. In Christ who met all our needs on the cross, AMEN
The Truth
The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:9-10
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.
Psalm 16:1-4
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.,
Galatians 5:22
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:12
The world is a very needy place....do not go there for your sustenance. All the world can provide are temporary band-aids at best...they aren't meant to be long term or the first or prime solution. Even when these temporary solutions are good and are provided by God, we often start to use them first and forget the provision came from God....to be used after we seek Him first. Learn to go to your Lord and depend on Him first. When you turn to Him, your weakness will be replaced with His power. Find completeness in God. Then He might provide for and speak to you directly or lead you to other people or things of this world to nourish you. When you depend on God first, you can then help other people without using them for your own needs. By letting God's light, which shines so brightly in you, shine brightly into the lives of others, you help others.
What do you look to first to meet your needs? Yourself (intellect, looks, a personality trait)... your feelings (anger, self-pity, anxiety, arrogance)....others or their opinions.... material things (sex, food, money, things, caffeine). Try a detox period from this "drug" you use to soothe yourself and suffer well instead by going to God's Word and see how He will speak to you.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I confess that I often turn to the world for my needs, and many times what I take from the world keeps me separated from You. The merry-go-round of life seems to be spinning faster and faster, things seem out of control. Yet I know by Your Word and by my faith that there is a calm at the center of the storms in my life. This calm is only found through a union with You. Thank You my Father. Help me return to this center of calm...this soothing center more often, for this is where I will find completeness, Love, Joy and Peace. In Christ who met all our needs on the cross, AMEN
The Truth
The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:9-10
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.
Psalm 16:1-4
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.,
Galatians 5:22
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:12
Monday, June 15, 2009
Stepping Stones: A Prayer With A Guarantee
Transformational Tip
Every day, and all over the world many Christian are asking the same question; "Why didn't God answer my prayer?" There are many reasons why God would say no to your specific prayer, but we will save that subject for a future devotional. Today's devotional is about a simple, important prayer that is guaranteed to be answered with a "yes"; that prayer is "Lord, please forgive me."
When it comes to being forgiven for the bad things we have done, the hardest part has already been done for us. The penalty for sin is death, and that penalty needs to be paid by someone. Christ paid that price on our behalf a long time ago. Our role in the process is very simple. The sooner you can grasp and believe this fact the easier it will be for you to rid yourself of the shame, guilt, remorse and accumulated emotional weight from all the past sins that so many of us carry around our neck like a huge stone. So ask for God's forgiveness now and many times throughout your day. Don't let the many sins you commit, big or small, to accumulate and hinder your communication with your Lord.
We all have past sins we still let influence our present lenses and living. What past sin eats at your view of yourself...your self-esteem...or your ability to relate well with someone close? What is the effect? Why do you still let it influence you? Confess and use different lenses to see God's complete forgiveness for you!
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I am tired of feeling like a terrible person...I am tired of carrying this weight of guilt and shame for the things I have done...the sins I've committed. Lord, please forgive me. I know by Your Holy Word that Christ died so that I may be free of sin. I confess my sins to you Lord, please forgive me and purify me from all unrighteousness. Remove the sins that block me from your blessings. Forgive my sins so that I may see with Your eyes and fill my mind with Your thoughts. Give me Your wisdom through Your Holy Spirit, but more than wisdom, give me the strength to do Your will.
I pray this all prayers in the name of Jesus Christ who died for my sins - AMEN
The Truth
Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:28-30
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace
Ephesians 1:7
as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12
Every day, and all over the world many Christian are asking the same question; "Why didn't God answer my prayer?" There are many reasons why God would say no to your specific prayer, but we will save that subject for a future devotional. Today's devotional is about a simple, important prayer that is guaranteed to be answered with a "yes"; that prayer is "Lord, please forgive me."
When it comes to being forgiven for the bad things we have done, the hardest part has already been done for us. The penalty for sin is death, and that penalty needs to be paid by someone. Christ paid that price on our behalf a long time ago. Our role in the process is very simple. The sooner you can grasp and believe this fact the easier it will be for you to rid yourself of the shame, guilt, remorse and accumulated emotional weight from all the past sins that so many of us carry around our neck like a huge stone. So ask for God's forgiveness now and many times throughout your day. Don't let the many sins you commit, big or small, to accumulate and hinder your communication with your Lord.
We all have past sins we still let influence our present lenses and living. What past sin eats at your view of yourself...your self-esteem...or your ability to relate well with someone close? What is the effect? Why do you still let it influence you? Confess and use different lenses to see God's complete forgiveness for you!
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I am tired of feeling like a terrible person...I am tired of carrying this weight of guilt and shame for the things I have done...the sins I've committed. Lord, please forgive me. I know by Your Holy Word that Christ died so that I may be free of sin. I confess my sins to you Lord, please forgive me and purify me from all unrighteousness. Remove the sins that block me from your blessings. Forgive my sins so that I may see with Your eyes and fill my mind with Your thoughts. Give me Your wisdom through Your Holy Spirit, but more than wisdom, give me the strength to do Your will.
I pray this all prayers in the name of Jesus Christ who died for my sins - AMEN
The Truth
Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:28-30
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace
Ephesians 1:7
as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Stepping Stones: "I'll Save You A Place In Line"
Transformational Tip
Isn't it amazing how a few kinds words from someone we care about can make us feel so special? Just think about that warm feeling we get when someone tells you they will save a place for us in line...or at the table. It sends a clear message...they care about us and our well-being. Even more, they are willing to expend energy to show their feelings for us by taking action.
Now think about what God's Word says to us. Like the prodigal son, we go our own way...follow our desires...say no to our Father's plan...push away His protection for our self-destructive follies and pursuits. The prodigal was ready to take his son home, give him a feast, and honor his return. Our Father will do more....think of the place He is holding for us...think about His promise to bring us back from captivity. He sacrificed His only son to secure a place at the banquet table for us. Think about his promise to give us hope and a future...and the awesome gift of eternity...in His glorious kingdom. God saved your life and He is saving a place for you at His glorious table. Accept His invitation. It's free to you and lasts FOREVER!
Let this assurance and gift form the lenses you use today, especially when troubled.
Prayer
Father God, I believe that You have thoughts of peace and not of evil for me. I believe You have plans for me and a special future; You have given me hope. I know that when I call upon You and pray to You, You will listen. I know that when I search for You, I find You for You are always there for me. I know that You, and only You, have the power to bring me out of captivity. I thank You, my Father in heaven, for Your love and Your plans and for saving a place in line for me. I thank You for Jesus, my Savior, for without Him, I am nothing; lost and alone. With love in His name I pray - AMEN
The Truth
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity...
Jeremiah 29:11
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:20-24
Isn't it amazing how a few kinds words from someone we care about can make us feel so special? Just think about that warm feeling we get when someone tells you they will save a place for us in line...or at the table. It sends a clear message...they care about us and our well-being. Even more, they are willing to expend energy to show their feelings for us by taking action.
Now think about what God's Word says to us. Like the prodigal son, we go our own way...follow our desires...say no to our Father's plan...push away His protection for our self-destructive follies and pursuits. The prodigal was ready to take his son home, give him a feast, and honor his return. Our Father will do more....think of the place He is holding for us...think about His promise to bring us back from captivity. He sacrificed His only son to secure a place at the banquet table for us. Think about his promise to give us hope and a future...and the awesome gift of eternity...in His glorious kingdom. God saved your life and He is saving a place for you at His glorious table. Accept His invitation. It's free to you and lasts FOREVER!
Let this assurance and gift form the lenses you use today, especially when troubled.
Prayer
Father God, I believe that You have thoughts of peace and not of evil for me. I believe You have plans for me and a special future; You have given me hope. I know that when I call upon You and pray to You, You will listen. I know that when I search for You, I find You for You are always there for me. I know that You, and only You, have the power to bring me out of captivity. I thank You, my Father in heaven, for Your love and Your plans and for saving a place in line for me. I thank You for Jesus, my Savior, for without Him, I am nothing; lost and alone. With love in His name I pray - AMEN
The Truth
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity...
Jeremiah 29:11
And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.
For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:20-24
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Stepping Stones: Let God Calm Storms In Your Life
Transformational Tip
In Mark 4, the disciples, some of them experienced fisherman, and Jesus were in a boat at sea when a storm hit. The disciples were frightened, woke Jesus up, and accused Him of not caring if they died. Jesus exerted His power and authority over everything and calmed the storm. The disciples put their confidence in themselves and their knowledge, not Jesus and His character, skills, teachings, promises. Little kids get frightened when they are in their bed and a loud thunderstorm with flashes of lightning hits. They know they have no power over the storm. When their parents come down the hall, one of two things happen. If the child has been obedient to, respectful of, and submissive to their parents authority and power over them, they are confident that their parent has the power and authority to protect them from the storm and they feel comforted and safe in their parents arms. On the other hand, if the child has disrespected, rebelled against, and overthrown the parents power and authority and call the shots regarding privileges and discipline, they aren't confident in their parents ability to protect them from the storm and are still scared and anxious.
Think about the storms in your life. Are you really trusting God's power and respectful, obedient, and submissive to His authority in all areas of your life. If so your confidence will be in Him and what he can bring to the table....you will have bold confidence, assurance, hope, and peace in the storms of your life. Dont wait till the storms to trust Him....not because He won't help you...He will help. Problem is you wont believe it because you have been ignoring Him in non-stormy times and putting your trust and confidence in yourself.
Start now, learn to trust Him in all things. Then it will be easy and natural to trust Him during stormy times!
Prayer
Father, I come to rest in your loving presence. I know this day and the days before me will bring difficulties. It is my human way to try and think my way through these trials all alone. Please remind me that you are with me...that I am not alone in the midst of this storm. I pray that you will send your peace, the peace that passes all understanding to all those praying the Stepping Stones Devotionals. My Lord, strengthen all of us and prepare us for this day...transform their fear and anxiety into confident trust in you, their God.
In Jesus name - AMEN
The Truth
...and he rose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea; "Peace, be still" and the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:39
2 my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly.
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
Psalm 56:2-4
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8
In Mark 4, the disciples, some of them experienced fisherman, and Jesus were in a boat at sea when a storm hit. The disciples were frightened, woke Jesus up, and accused Him of not caring if they died. Jesus exerted His power and authority over everything and calmed the storm. The disciples put their confidence in themselves and their knowledge, not Jesus and His character, skills, teachings, promises. Little kids get frightened when they are in their bed and a loud thunderstorm with flashes of lightning hits. They know they have no power over the storm. When their parents come down the hall, one of two things happen. If the child has been obedient to, respectful of, and submissive to their parents authority and power over them, they are confident that their parent has the power and authority to protect them from the storm and they feel comforted and safe in their parents arms. On the other hand, if the child has disrespected, rebelled against, and overthrown the parents power and authority and call the shots regarding privileges and discipline, they aren't confident in their parents ability to protect them from the storm and are still scared and anxious.
Think about the storms in your life. Are you really trusting God's power and respectful, obedient, and submissive to His authority in all areas of your life. If so your confidence will be in Him and what he can bring to the table....you will have bold confidence, assurance, hope, and peace in the storms of your life. Dont wait till the storms to trust Him....not because He won't help you...He will help. Problem is you wont believe it because you have been ignoring Him in non-stormy times and putting your trust and confidence in yourself.
Start now, learn to trust Him in all things. Then it will be easy and natural to trust Him during stormy times!
Prayer
Father, I come to rest in your loving presence. I know this day and the days before me will bring difficulties. It is my human way to try and think my way through these trials all alone. Please remind me that you are with me...that I am not alone in the midst of this storm. I pray that you will send your peace, the peace that passes all understanding to all those praying the Stepping Stones Devotionals. My Lord, strengthen all of us and prepare us for this day...transform their fear and anxiety into confident trust in you, their God.
In Jesus name - AMEN
The Truth
...and he rose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea; "Peace, be still" and the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:39
2 my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly.
3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?
Psalm 56:2-4
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8
Friday, June 12, 2009
Stepping Stones: Do You Dig Deep Enough?
Transformational Tip
The transformational tip for today is that there is great depth in the Word of the Lord. Read the story below and see how one sentence of scripture can teach us so much.
There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot - then she thought again about the verse, that He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, how do you know when the silver is fully refined? He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part--when I see my image reflected in it."
What can we take away from this beautiful story?
1. Our Lord wants the impurities out of our bodies, souls(mind), and spirits. "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver"
2. Our Lord is with us every minute of every day as we as we go through the process of refinement and purification. "...he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire"
3. Our Lord knows how much we can take, and his timing is perfect because it is his timing "For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed"our Lord will never give us more burden than we can manage as long as we are living according to his word.
4. Our Lord truly wants to see Him in us. "Oh, that's the easy part--when I see my image reflected in it."
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I thank you for the wisdom and guidance that comes from You Holy Word. I thank you for the depth of meaning held within each word. I pray that You will fill me with Your Spirit so that I may see more clearly the messages You intend me to take away you're your Word. I pray that You will help me absorb and extract the full message from Your Word and share it with others so that they too can experience your glory and wisdom.
In Jesus' purifying name - AMEN
The Truth
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver"
Malachi 3:3
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4: 6-7
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
The transformational tip for today is that there is great depth in the Word of the Lord. Read the story below and see how one sentence of scripture can teach us so much.
There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three, they came across verse three which says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot - then she thought again about the verse, that He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, how do you know when the silver is fully refined? He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part--when I see my image reflected in it."
What can we take away from this beautiful story?
1. Our Lord wants the impurities out of our bodies, souls(mind), and spirits. "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver"
2. Our Lord is with us every minute of every day as we as we go through the process of refinement and purification. "...he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire"
3. Our Lord knows how much we can take, and his timing is perfect because it is his timing "For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed"our Lord will never give us more burden than we can manage as long as we are living according to his word.
4. Our Lord truly wants to see Him in us. "Oh, that's the easy part--when I see my image reflected in it."
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I thank you for the wisdom and guidance that comes from You Holy Word. I thank you for the depth of meaning held within each word. I pray that You will fill me with Your Spirit so that I may see more clearly the messages You intend me to take away you're your Word. I pray that You will help me absorb and extract the full message from Your Word and share it with others so that they too can experience your glory and wisdom.
In Jesus' purifying name - AMEN
The Truth
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver"
Malachi 3:3
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4: 6-7
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Stepping Stones: Let the Holy Spirit Be Your Director
Transformational Tip
By making the decision to spend time with Your Lord, His thoughts will begin to form your mind. So many thoughts are competing to form the lenses your mind uses to see life's situations. The main stumbling block we deal with is our difficulty dealing with our emotions, especially real or potential emotional discomfort or pain. Loneliness, rejection, feeling unimportant, lack of control, competency questioned, hopelessness, helplessness, are terrible directors of our thought world. Our desire to avoid these feelings really drives many inadequate at best, self-destructive at worst, decisions we wish we could have back...patterns or habits we want to change. God gave us the Holy Spirit to be the Director of our Christ-likeness development. Godly decision-making keeps the Holy Spirit on the throne of your heart. (see Spiritual Basics link below and click Confession). When we do not make a Godly decision, we need to confess our wrong decision and get the Holy Spirit back on the throne. As you attempt to spend time with God in prayer, scripture reading, or meditation, turn this process over to the Holy Spirit...let His Spirit be the Director of this process.
Today, track your feelings, especially what you feel when people say something or an unexpected situation occurs. Also, practice confession today. Unfortunately, I bet you have a least 5 decisions (internal thoughts or external behaviors) that require confession to restore the Holy Spirit to the throne. You will be amazed the direction your life takes when you have the right director directing.
Prayer
Dear Father of Truth,
There are so many things that influence my mind and thoughts...I thank You for Your Spirit who brings order to and infuses life and peace into my mind. I desire to think Your thoughts my Holy One. I know that without the Holy Spirit directing my thought processes, my mind scrambles and searches to avoid discomfort and pain and to get relief and satisfaction...and I know that the Evil One, the father of lies tries to worm his way into my mind in the name of distraction and satisfaction. I thank you Lord for all your goodness and blessings...and I continue to pray for Your protection. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ who utterly defeated the enemy on the cross. AMEN
The Truth
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace
Romans 8:6
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
By making the decision to spend time with Your Lord, His thoughts will begin to form your mind. So many thoughts are competing to form the lenses your mind uses to see life's situations. The main stumbling block we deal with is our difficulty dealing with our emotions, especially real or potential emotional discomfort or pain. Loneliness, rejection, feeling unimportant, lack of control, competency questioned, hopelessness, helplessness, are terrible directors of our thought world. Our desire to avoid these feelings really drives many inadequate at best, self-destructive at worst, decisions we wish we could have back...patterns or habits we want to change. God gave us the Holy Spirit to be the Director of our Christ-likeness development. Godly decision-making keeps the Holy Spirit on the throne of your heart. (see Spiritual Basics link below and click Confession). When we do not make a Godly decision, we need to confess our wrong decision and get the Holy Spirit back on the throne. As you attempt to spend time with God in prayer, scripture reading, or meditation, turn this process over to the Holy Spirit...let His Spirit be the Director of this process.
Today, track your feelings, especially what you feel when people say something or an unexpected situation occurs. Also, practice confession today. Unfortunately, I bet you have a least 5 decisions (internal thoughts or external behaviors) that require confession to restore the Holy Spirit to the throne. You will be amazed the direction your life takes when you have the right director directing.
Prayer
Dear Father of Truth,
There are so many things that influence my mind and thoughts...I thank You for Your Spirit who brings order to and infuses life and peace into my mind. I desire to think Your thoughts my Holy One. I know that without the Holy Spirit directing my thought processes, my mind scrambles and searches to avoid discomfort and pain and to get relief and satisfaction...and I know that the Evil One, the father of lies tries to worm his way into my mind in the name of distraction and satisfaction. I thank you Lord for all your goodness and blessings...and I continue to pray for Your protection. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ who utterly defeated the enemy on the cross. AMEN
The Truth
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace
Romans 8:6
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Peter 5:8
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Stepping Stones: Untangle Your Thoughts
Transformational Tip
Even those with the deepest faith at times wake-up in the morning in a foggy, frazzled state of mind. And on the most demanding days they may even wake in a state of unbelief. Beginning your day with tangled thoughts and a mind-set of disbelief will lead to a day of stress and poor decisions. The crux of making good decisions is being able to see the situation clearly....eyes that see the truth....the truth will set you free. The battlefield is your mind, and the Evil One is the great deceiver...trying to distort your lenses so you cant see clearly.
Your challenge and responsibility each morning is to untangle your thoughts so that your mind and thoughts are aligned with the faith in your heart. Set aside time each morning for this vital task. Prepare for battle by putting on the Armor of God....clear your lenses and head(See Spiritual Basics link below). Pray and read scripture till your mind clears. When you are prepared in the full armor, confidence, peace, joy, good decisions, and excitement to excel will replace inadequacy, fear, stress, poor decisions, and avoidance for fear of failure. Focus your thought on Your God, Immanuel - God with you.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I know that you want me to live this day cheerfully as one of Your followers. But I often wake wondering if I can make it through this day and whether I will be able to cope. I realize that this fear is a form of unbelief...Help me with my unbelief today my Lord. I know that when I begin my day with a muddled mind, I ask my self the wrong question; Will I be able to cope with the troubles I face today? I know that with You...that You and I can handle any circumstances that arise today. With You along side me, guiding me, strengthening me, encouraging me...I can handle anything that comes my way...even those difficult situations I have been avoiding. So today Father, as I work to unscramble my thoughts.....Thank for providing Your armor, Your Holy Spirit, and Your son Jesus, to save me in this battle....I will focus my thoughts on who You are: Immanuel - God with me. I pray this in the name of my savior Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:7
Even those with the deepest faith at times wake-up in the morning in a foggy, frazzled state of mind. And on the most demanding days they may even wake in a state of unbelief. Beginning your day with tangled thoughts and a mind-set of disbelief will lead to a day of stress and poor decisions. The crux of making good decisions is being able to see the situation clearly....eyes that see the truth....the truth will set you free. The battlefield is your mind, and the Evil One is the great deceiver...trying to distort your lenses so you cant see clearly.
Your challenge and responsibility each morning is to untangle your thoughts so that your mind and thoughts are aligned with the faith in your heart. Set aside time each morning for this vital task. Prepare for battle by putting on the Armor of God....clear your lenses and head(See Spiritual Basics link below). Pray and read scripture till your mind clears. When you are prepared in the full armor, confidence, peace, joy, good decisions, and excitement to excel will replace inadequacy, fear, stress, poor decisions, and avoidance for fear of failure. Focus your thought on Your God, Immanuel - God with you.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I know that you want me to live this day cheerfully as one of Your followers. But I often wake wondering if I can make it through this day and whether I will be able to cope. I realize that this fear is a form of unbelief...Help me with my unbelief today my Lord. I know that when I begin my day with a muddled mind, I ask my self the wrong question; Will I be able to cope with the troubles I face today? I know that with You...that You and I can handle any circumstances that arise today. With You along side me, guiding me, strengthening me, encouraging me...I can handle anything that comes my way...even those difficult situations I have been avoiding. So today Father, as I work to unscramble my thoughts.....Thank for providing Your armor, Your Holy Spirit, and Your son Jesus, to save me in this battle....I will focus my thoughts on who You are: Immanuel - God with me. I pray this in the name of my savior Jesus Christ - AMEN
The Truth
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"-which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:7
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Stepping Stones: Be Aware of Your Insufficiency
Transformational Tip
Recognizing the limits of your understanding is a good thing. The more you recognize and accept your limitations, the more it will enhance your relationship with God. We all have limits, but unfortunately, we don't recognize where they are....so we live beyond our skills. Seems good, getting more out of who we are. Unwittingly though, the reality is, we are putting our confidence in, and getting our confidence from.... Ourselves! This means I are relying on me....what I bring to the table....can do. Our confidence needs to come from God. We need to put our eggs in His basket....who He is...His character...His promises...His instruction in the Bible. The assurance of God's sovereignty, power, omniscience, reliance, love and sacrifice for us, that's what allows us to successfully grow the mind of Christ and live life abundantly. We need Him continually...beyond your daily bread and blessings....We need Him for the many(2000-5000) decisions you must make each day. Recognize our global insufficiency, but also heed your daily limits, so you will gain confidence from and rest in Him.
We have been designed to need Him moment by moment. Today and every day, live in joyful dependence on your Lord.
Prayer
Dear Father, Lately I am becoming more aware of my neediness for You. I have noticed that many people around me have become increasingly confident, almost cocky about the accuracy of their opinions and confident about their decisions. However I feel just the opposite; I feel like an iceberg: what I understand is above the water, what I don't understand is below. I come to You my Father full of neediness and uncertainty. I am fully aware of Your sufficiency and that You will supply all my needs according to Your riches.
I have so many decisions to make and I am doubtful about my ability to make the right decisions. I know that each decision moves me closer or further away from You. Your Word teaches me that wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction; help me pass through the small gate and walk the narrow road that leads to You my Lord. I pray this in the name of Your Son Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that
leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
Recognizing the limits of your understanding is a good thing. The more you recognize and accept your limitations, the more it will enhance your relationship with God. We all have limits, but unfortunately, we don't recognize where they are....so we live beyond our skills. Seems good, getting more out of who we are. Unwittingly though, the reality is, we are putting our confidence in, and getting our confidence from.... Ourselves! This means I are relying on me....what I bring to the table....can do. Our confidence needs to come from God. We need to put our eggs in His basket....who He is...His character...His promises...His instruction in the Bible. The assurance of God's sovereignty, power, omniscience, reliance, love and sacrifice for us, that's what allows us to successfully grow the mind of Christ and live life abundantly. We need Him continually...beyond your daily bread and blessings....We need Him for the many(2000-5000) decisions you must make each day. Recognize our global insufficiency, but also heed your daily limits, so you will gain confidence from and rest in Him.
We have been designed to need Him moment by moment. Today and every day, live in joyful dependence on your Lord.
Prayer
Dear Father, Lately I am becoming more aware of my neediness for You. I have noticed that many people around me have become increasingly confident, almost cocky about the accuracy of their opinions and confident about their decisions. However I feel just the opposite; I feel like an iceberg: what I understand is above the water, what I don't understand is below. I come to You my Father full of neediness and uncertainty. I am fully aware of Your sufficiency and that You will supply all my needs according to Your riches.
I have so many decisions to make and I am doubtful about my ability to make the right decisions. I know that each decision moves me closer or further away from You. Your Word teaches me that wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction; help me pass through the small gate and walk the narrow road that leads to You my Lord. I pray this in the name of Your Son Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that
leads to life, and only a few find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
Monday, June 8, 2009
Stepping Stones: What Fills Your Heart?
Transformational Tip
A friend and Christian counselor and close friend once shared with me a very powerful analogy: He said that we are all born with this vacuum tube in our core. It is empty and by the very nature of being under a vacuum (negative pressure), it has the constant need to be filled. That vacuum tube, that "void" was always intended to be filled with Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. But if we don't fill it with Him, junk gets sucked into the vacuum tube...and once filled with junk, there is no room for our Lord and Savior. We continue to feel empty and incomplete, so we continue letting junk be sucked into our vacuum tube.
Until we fill ourselves with Him, and live close to Him, we will continue to feel empty and incomplete. What have you let get sucked into your core and let be your savior? Is it really saving you?...or just contributing to your slow demise? That impersonator, giving false hope, is Satan's answer for your needs...to be important...loved...in control... secure...loved....appreciated...valued....included...unique....pretty....__________. Relying on these things to save you will eventually cripple you. Dump the junk out of that tube today and let your natural vacuum pull in God to fill you up with his loving grace and mercy...for only then will you feel complete...only then will you truly be who He designed you to be.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I often feel incomplete, as if some very important part of me is missing. When I get this feeling I many times respond in unproductive and even sinful ways; foraging for food, fantasy, entertainment, and prideful recognition. All the while You are with me, patiently waiting for me to let You in. When I continue to go my own way, seeking satisfaction where there is none, I become increasingly frustrated. This agitated condition makes it harder and harder to turn back to You, the only one that can complete me. I cry out to You today, I cry out, "Help me Jesus!"
I pray this in Jesus' cleansing name - AMEN
The Truth
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:7
By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
2 Timothy 1:14
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12
A friend and Christian counselor and close friend once shared with me a very powerful analogy: He said that we are all born with this vacuum tube in our core. It is empty and by the very nature of being under a vacuum (negative pressure), it has the constant need to be filled. That vacuum tube, that "void" was always intended to be filled with Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. But if we don't fill it with Him, junk gets sucked into the vacuum tube...and once filled with junk, there is no room for our Lord and Savior. We continue to feel empty and incomplete, so we continue letting junk be sucked into our vacuum tube.
Until we fill ourselves with Him, and live close to Him, we will continue to feel empty and incomplete. What have you let get sucked into your core and let be your savior? Is it really saving you?...or just contributing to your slow demise? That impersonator, giving false hope, is Satan's answer for your needs...to be important...loved...in control... secure...loved....appreciated...valued....included...unique....pretty....__________. Relying on these things to save you will eventually cripple you. Dump the junk out of that tube today and let your natural vacuum pull in God to fill you up with his loving grace and mercy...for only then will you feel complete...only then will you truly be who He designed you to be.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I often feel incomplete, as if some very important part of me is missing. When I get this feeling I many times respond in unproductive and even sinful ways; foraging for food, fantasy, entertainment, and prideful recognition. All the while You are with me, patiently waiting for me to let You in. When I continue to go my own way, seeking satisfaction where there is none, I become increasingly frustrated. This agitated condition makes it harder and harder to turn back to You, the only one that can complete me. I cry out to You today, I cry out, "Help me Jesus!"
I pray this in Jesus' cleansing name - AMEN
The Truth
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:7
By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
2 Timothy 1:14
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Stepping Stones: Embrace Your Weakness
Transformational Tip
God's Word tells us that when we are at our weakest, He is at His strongest. We pray for and expect strength in times of weakness...we pray for and expect God's healing power. I recently went through a time of extreme weakness, brokenness. It doesn't feel good, no one wants to be there. Through the guidance of Christian friends, I learned to accept my weakness as a gift by having created the need and opportunity to experience the beauty of living in total dependence on God.
What is your area of weakness? What situations gives you the most fear or worry? We all blink to protect our eye from damage or pain, or help lessen existing pain. What is your blink that is really self-destructive more than self-protective? Trust God to grow and comfort you without you reflexively doing something harmful. Practice self-control today and think before you react when uncomfortable.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I am learning to recognize my weakness. Acknowledging and accepting my weakness keeps me looking to You...You are my strength. As I witness Your presence within those around me, I am learning that abundant life is not wealth. Abundant life is living in continual dependence on You. Instead of trying to fit my day into a preconceived idea of what it should be, I am learning to relax and to be constantly on the lookout for what You are doing within me and those around me. This approach frees me to enjoy You and to find out what plan You have for me today. This works so much better than trying to make everything work according to my own plan.
I pray this and all prayers in Jesus' name - AMEN
The Truth
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
...And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:13 and 19
And Asa cried to the LORD his God, "O LORD, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, you are our God; let not man prevail against you."
2 Chronicles 14:11
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
God's Word tells us that when we are at our weakest, He is at His strongest. We pray for and expect strength in times of weakness...we pray for and expect God's healing power. I recently went through a time of extreme weakness, brokenness. It doesn't feel good, no one wants to be there. Through the guidance of Christian friends, I learned to accept my weakness as a gift by having created the need and opportunity to experience the beauty of living in total dependence on God.
What is your area of weakness? What situations gives you the most fear or worry? We all blink to protect our eye from damage or pain, or help lessen existing pain. What is your blink that is really self-destructive more than self-protective? Trust God to grow and comfort you without you reflexively doing something harmful. Practice self-control today and think before you react when uncomfortable.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I am learning to recognize my weakness. Acknowledging and accepting my weakness keeps me looking to You...You are my strength. As I witness Your presence within those around me, I am learning that abundant life is not wealth. Abundant life is living in continual dependence on You. Instead of trying to fit my day into a preconceived idea of what it should be, I am learning to relax and to be constantly on the lookout for what You are doing within me and those around me. This approach frees me to enjoy You and to find out what plan You have for me today. This works so much better than trying to make everything work according to my own plan.
I pray this and all prayers in Jesus' name - AMEN
The Truth
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
...And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:13 and 19
And Asa cried to the LORD his God, "O LORD, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, you are our God; let not man prevail against you."
2 Chronicles 14:11
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Stepping Stones: Healing: God's the Physician, You're the Nurse?
Transformational Tip
Don't we all need some form of healing? How healthy is your Mind? Body? Spirit? God's word tells us that He will restore our health and heal our wounds. The scripture tells us this eternal healing does not come to us because of what we "do", rather it comes to us free of charge and in perfect abundance through Jesus Christ through faith. On the flip side, our temporal healing, the healing for the time period represented by the dash on our tombstone...1963 - 20?...starts with receiving Christ's gift, then the Holy Spirit, but then we have a some responsibility for the ongoing sanctification or healing process to continue in this lifetime.
Intentional decisions to not conform, but to be transformed, to put off the old self and put on the new, to act boldly based on our faith in God's character, promises, and His teachings in the Bible...that is what we control and need to master. Just like becoming good at a sport, music, academics, art....daily practice of specific fundamentals is essential. Putting on the Armor of God, regular prayer and confession, and being in the Bible....God's instruction manual...are ways to engage in spiritual training. For training to work, you have to have intentionality, self-assessment, perseverance, and strategy to get to your goal...the Mind of Christ.
What is your strategy?..... and your commitment to these things?...this will determine whether your dash will be filled with healing and peace or further injury and pain.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I know that I cannot earn my way to salvation; that I and all those who believe in You and have received You have already become children of God. It is with this power, which You have granted me that I ask, through faith, for the healing of my body, mind and spirit. You tell me in Jer.30:17 "I will restore health unto you and I will heal thy wounds..." I believe Your word. I trust You God. I pray with humble confidence that You restore me to full spiritual, mental and physical health. Show me what I need to do to receive the healing in this lifetime, the renewing of my mind spiritually, psychologically, and even physiologically in my brain chemistry. Help me to understand what Your Holy Spirit is trying to show me and tell me so I can grow and glorify You.
I pray today that You protect and lift the burdens of the entire Stepping Stones community according to Your will. If it is not Your will, then show them more clearly today how to access Your peace and comfort during their struggles. You know our every need Lord. Let us all remember that once we have trusted You as our Savior, You never distance Yourself from us. Let the assurance of Your presence fill us with joy and peace...regardless of our circumstances and our daily trials.
In Jesus steadfast name - AMEN
The Truth
For I will restore health unto you and I will heal you of thy wounds saith the Lord.
Jer. 30:17
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior
Titus 3:5-6
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,
and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
Hebrews 12:1,8-13
Don't we all need some form of healing? How healthy is your Mind? Body? Spirit? God's word tells us that He will restore our health and heal our wounds. The scripture tells us this eternal healing does not come to us because of what we "do", rather it comes to us free of charge and in perfect abundance through Jesus Christ through faith. On the flip side, our temporal healing, the healing for the time period represented by the dash on our tombstone...1963 - 20?...starts with receiving Christ's gift, then the Holy Spirit, but then we have a some responsibility for the ongoing sanctification or healing process to continue in this lifetime.
Intentional decisions to not conform, but to be transformed, to put off the old self and put on the new, to act boldly based on our faith in God's character, promises, and His teachings in the Bible...that is what we control and need to master. Just like becoming good at a sport, music, academics, art....daily practice of specific fundamentals is essential. Putting on the Armor of God, regular prayer and confession, and being in the Bible....God's instruction manual...are ways to engage in spiritual training. For training to work, you have to have intentionality, self-assessment, perseverance, and strategy to get to your goal...the Mind of Christ.
What is your strategy?..... and your commitment to these things?...this will determine whether your dash will be filled with healing and peace or further injury and pain.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I know that I cannot earn my way to salvation; that I and all those who believe in You and have received You have already become children of God. It is with this power, which You have granted me that I ask, through faith, for the healing of my body, mind and spirit. You tell me in Jer.30:17 "I will restore health unto you and I will heal thy wounds..." I believe Your word. I trust You God. I pray with humble confidence that You restore me to full spiritual, mental and physical health. Show me what I need to do to receive the healing in this lifetime, the renewing of my mind spiritually, psychologically, and even physiologically in my brain chemistry. Help me to understand what Your Holy Spirit is trying to show me and tell me so I can grow and glorify You.
I pray today that You protect and lift the burdens of the entire Stepping Stones community according to Your will. If it is not Your will, then show them more clearly today how to access Your peace and comfort during their struggles. You know our every need Lord. Let us all remember that once we have trusted You as our Savior, You never distance Yourself from us. Let the assurance of Your presence fill us with joy and peace...regardless of our circumstances and our daily trials.
In Jesus steadfast name - AMEN
The Truth
For I will restore health unto you and I will heal you of thy wounds saith the Lord.
Jer. 30:17
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior
Titus 3:5-6
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.
Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?
For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees,
and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
Hebrews 12:1,8-13
Friday, June 5, 2009
Stepping Stones: Do You Really Think You Can Hide?
Transformational Tip
The fact that God knows your every thought and action can certainly be intimidating, shaming, and embarrassing. But clearly there are many of us that simply don't make that connection. Do you think He really isn't watching? Do you really think you can hide from Him? Sometimes we act like He isn't looking....or that He doesn't care that our wrong actions actually hurt us. Yes, doing the wrong thing does hurt us. Wrong decisions injure our brain chemistry....adversely impact us psychologically in many ways...and most importantly, wrong decisions hurt our relationship with God, knocking the Holy Spirit off the throne of our heart...command central for decision-making. (See "Spiritual Basics" link and click Confession) Then we have the flesh in command, that's when I go from the frying pan into the fire and mess up the most! God really wants us to avoid the pain, turmoil, frustration, angst we experience when we deviate from His plan and His instruction book. Read today's scripture and then meditate on the fact that God knows every move. Now this can paralyze us with fear until we remember that God sees you through eyes of the perfect parent full of grace and forgiveness....but also wanting to push you to develop the mind of Christ for Hiss glory and your fulfillment.
Be mindful today of God's ever-present awareness of your life. How does this affect your responses today?
Prayer
Dear Father - teach us how to pray:
I come to You for understanding. You know me so much better than I know myself. No part of my life is hidden from you. I no longer fear Your intimate awareness of my life, for I know through Your word that You see me through eyes of grace and forgiveness. I welcome the light of Your healing presence to shine deeply into my very being; cleansing, healing, refreshing and renewing me. Send Your healing light into the minds and hearts of the entire Stepping Stones community.
I trust You my Lord, I trust You enough to fully accept the total forgiveness You offer me continually. I know that this great gift, the gift that cost You Your life, is mine for all eternity. Thank You Jesus. I know that forgiveness is at the core of Your presence. I know You will never leave or forsake me.
I feel such joy when I think about how You understand me completely and love me perfectly. Fill me today with Your love. Let Your love overflow in me so that it flows into the lives of other people.
I Jesus' redeeming name I pray - AMEN
The Truth
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
Psalm 139: 1-4
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:13-16
The fact that God knows your every thought and action can certainly be intimidating, shaming, and embarrassing. But clearly there are many of us that simply don't make that connection. Do you think He really isn't watching? Do you really think you can hide from Him? Sometimes we act like He isn't looking....or that He doesn't care that our wrong actions actually hurt us. Yes, doing the wrong thing does hurt us. Wrong decisions injure our brain chemistry....adversely impact us psychologically in many ways...and most importantly, wrong decisions hurt our relationship with God, knocking the Holy Spirit off the throne of our heart...command central for decision-making. (See "Spiritual Basics" link and click Confession) Then we have the flesh in command, that's when I go from the frying pan into the fire and mess up the most! God really wants us to avoid the pain, turmoil, frustration, angst we experience when we deviate from His plan and His instruction book. Read today's scripture and then meditate on the fact that God knows every move. Now this can paralyze us with fear until we remember that God sees you through eyes of the perfect parent full of grace and forgiveness....but also wanting to push you to develop the mind of Christ for Hiss glory and your fulfillment.
Be mindful today of God's ever-present awareness of your life. How does this affect your responses today?
Prayer
Dear Father - teach us how to pray:
I come to You for understanding. You know me so much better than I know myself. No part of my life is hidden from you. I no longer fear Your intimate awareness of my life, for I know through Your word that You see me through eyes of grace and forgiveness. I welcome the light of Your healing presence to shine deeply into my very being; cleansing, healing, refreshing and renewing me. Send Your healing light into the minds and hearts of the entire Stepping Stones community.
I trust You my Lord, I trust You enough to fully accept the total forgiveness You offer me continually. I know that this great gift, the gift that cost You Your life, is mine for all eternity. Thank You Jesus. I know that forgiveness is at the core of Your presence. I know You will never leave or forsake me.
I feel such joy when I think about how You understand me completely and love me perfectly. Fill me today with Your love. Let Your love overflow in me so that it flows into the lives of other people.
I Jesus' redeeming name I pray - AMEN
The Truth
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
Psalm 139: 1-4
And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:13-16
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Stepping Stones: Will You Accept His Invitation?
Transformational Tip
It is written in scripture, that Jesus predicted that not all will respond to His invitation. That only those seeds that fall on fertile soil will produce fruit. He tells us in that same parable in Mathew 13 that "He who has ears, let him hear." Will you answer his call? Do you have ears that hear? Many times the seed God offers to plant in us does not take root because we are asking the wrong question. Many times those respond to the invitation by asking the question: "What shall I do?" The question you should be asking yourself is; "How shall I be?"...."Am I fertile?"...."Do I have ears that hear?". If I am not responding well in life and "doing", then I am not really hearing correctly.
Remember, in John 15 we are told we do not choose God, He chooses us. Some accept God's invitation, some do not...may the seed He plants in you bear His fruit.
What is interfering with you being fertile soil to God's calling today?.... fear, pride, busyness.... hurts, lack of forgiveness, guilt....lack of contentment with what you have.... entitlement for more....your ________. How has holding on to these been working for you?
Prayer
Dear Father,
I accept Your invitation, I desire to follow You, and I want to do the right thing. I know that You and only You can make the impossible possible.
How humble I feel when I read Your word and know that Jesus calls me His friend. He calls me friend because He has told me everything through the scriptures that He has heard from You, His Father. I Pray Father that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may have eyes that see, ears that hear, and a discerning heart that responds.
I pray this in the name of my Savior and friend, Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop-a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."
Matthew 13:1-9
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 15:15-16
It is written in scripture, that Jesus predicted that not all will respond to His invitation. That only those seeds that fall on fertile soil will produce fruit. He tells us in that same parable in Mathew 13 that "He who has ears, let him hear." Will you answer his call? Do you have ears that hear? Many times the seed God offers to plant in us does not take root because we are asking the wrong question. Many times those respond to the invitation by asking the question: "What shall I do?" The question you should be asking yourself is; "How shall I be?"...."Am I fertile?"...."Do I have ears that hear?". If I am not responding well in life and "doing", then I am not really hearing correctly.
Remember, in John 15 we are told we do not choose God, He chooses us. Some accept God's invitation, some do not...may the seed He plants in you bear His fruit.
What is interfering with you being fertile soil to God's calling today?.... fear, pride, busyness.... hurts, lack of forgiveness, guilt....lack of contentment with what you have.... entitlement for more....your ________. How has holding on to these been working for you?
Prayer
Dear Father,
I accept Your invitation, I desire to follow You, and I want to do the right thing. I know that You and only You can make the impossible possible.
How humble I feel when I read Your word and know that Jesus calls me His friend. He calls me friend because He has told me everything through the scriptures that He has heard from You, His Father. I Pray Father that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may have eyes that see, ears that hear, and a discerning heart that responds.
I pray this in the name of my Savior and friend, Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop-a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear."
Matthew 13:1-9
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 15:15-16
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Stepping Stones: God Is The Timeless Present
Transformational Tip
It's very tempting to live in the past. Most of us do. We replay old scenes in our minds; we fight old battles; and most of all we find ourselves spending so much energy reliving old scenes over and over again. And here's the sad part....the past is over. The second most common place for our minds to linger is in the future. Our minds are filled with hopes, fantasies, and fears for the future.
Like the shadows of the past, the visions of the future are not real. Both the pains of our past and the fears of our future (even tomorrow) take up huge amounts of our time and mind-space. We become prisoners of our own selves. Most importantly, these images take us away from the place where we can have an effect on reality: the present. How foolish are we to squander our only opportunity to affect reality, the present, by spending too much effort on our useless fears of the future and old hurts from the past. I am not saying we don't remember and study the past, or don't plan for the future, but those activities should be to help us focus on and maximize what we do in the present.
One of the most important spiritual exercises is to live in the present, which is to live in reality. The only place we can face and commune with God is in the present...find a way to stay there. Remember that God actually defined himself with the statement; "I AM"
This statement tells us that God is the timeless Present.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I come to you in thanksgiving for the wisdom of Your scripture. I'm guilty of constantly escaping the present and wasting so much time and energy on the past. Help me release and let go of the past. Help me once and for all forgive those who have hurt me, for I know it is the lack of my final forgiveness that keeps my mind locked in the past. Help me heal Lord, help me stop scratching at old sores. Help me stop seeking relief by fantasizing about the future. I stop my mind from wandering and I focus on You my Lord, for You are my true revealer of my reality and I know it is only in the present that I can find you. I pray this in Jesus' cleansing name - AMEN
The Truth
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34
God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: "I AM has sent me to you."
Exodus 3:14
It's very tempting to live in the past. Most of us do. We replay old scenes in our minds; we fight old battles; and most of all we find ourselves spending so much energy reliving old scenes over and over again. And here's the sad part....the past is over. The second most common place for our minds to linger is in the future. Our minds are filled with hopes, fantasies, and fears for the future.
Like the shadows of the past, the visions of the future are not real. Both the pains of our past and the fears of our future (even tomorrow) take up huge amounts of our time and mind-space. We become prisoners of our own selves. Most importantly, these images take us away from the place where we can have an effect on reality: the present. How foolish are we to squander our only opportunity to affect reality, the present, by spending too much effort on our useless fears of the future and old hurts from the past. I am not saying we don't remember and study the past, or don't plan for the future, but those activities should be to help us focus on and maximize what we do in the present.
One of the most important spiritual exercises is to live in the present, which is to live in reality. The only place we can face and commune with God is in the present...find a way to stay there. Remember that God actually defined himself with the statement; "I AM"
This statement tells us that God is the timeless Present.
Prayer
Dear Father,
I come to you in thanksgiving for the wisdom of Your scripture. I'm guilty of constantly escaping the present and wasting so much time and energy on the past. Help me release and let go of the past. Help me once and for all forgive those who have hurt me, for I know it is the lack of my final forgiveness that keeps my mind locked in the past. Help me heal Lord, help me stop scratching at old sores. Help me stop seeking relief by fantasizing about the future. I stop my mind from wandering and I focus on You my Lord, for You are my true revealer of my reality and I know it is only in the present that I can find you. I pray this in Jesus' cleansing name - AMEN
The Truth
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34
God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: "I AM has sent me to you."
Exodus 3:14
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Stepping Stones: Faltering Faith Is Not Failure
Transformational Tip
Even the most evolved Christian's faith falters at times; this must not be thought of as failure. None of us are perfect...have the total mind of Christ. We will be fully sanctified when we are with Him in heaven. Until then, we will stumble at times...not always believing the truths we intellectually know are true. Peter's faith faltered even in the presence of the Lord. When your faith does falter, do as Peter did, reach for Your Lords hand. Peter was able to use these situations as opportunities to draw closer to God...to use God's lenses to examine His heart....to see what he was believing in instead of God's teachings, promises, and character.
So to, when you put your faith or confidence in something other than God...others' opinions...your finances or possessions....skills or intellect...looks or status...you will falter. Confess your sin...another false god. Receive God's forgiveness and instruction. Examine how life would be if you put your confidence/faith in God instead. Growth, peace, and awesome worship of God will be your reward when you seize this opportunity instead of wallowing in shame, self-pity, and wasting God's power.
Prayer
Father, teach me how to pray.
God my Lord, when my faith falters, remind me that I have not failed. When Peter's faith faltered he reached out to You Lord, the only one who could save him. When I am afraid I look to You my Savior. I take Your hand as You reach to save me. Thank You Jesus. Help me remember each second that You are the only one who can really help. I pray that You reach and touch me with Your healing power. Help me Lord maintain my faith when situations are difficult. Help me keep my eyes on Your healing power rather than on my inadequacies or Satan's masquerading idols. I pray in Jesus' faithful name - AMEN
The Truth
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt"
Matthew 14:30-31
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Hebrews 12:2-3
Even the most evolved Christian's faith falters at times; this must not be thought of as failure. None of us are perfect...have the total mind of Christ. We will be fully sanctified when we are with Him in heaven. Until then, we will stumble at times...not always believing the truths we intellectually know are true. Peter's faith faltered even in the presence of the Lord. When your faith does falter, do as Peter did, reach for Your Lords hand. Peter was able to use these situations as opportunities to draw closer to God...to use God's lenses to examine His heart....to see what he was believing in instead of God's teachings, promises, and character.
So to, when you put your faith or confidence in something other than God...others' opinions...your finances or possessions....skills or intellect...looks or status...you will falter. Confess your sin...another false god. Receive God's forgiveness and instruction. Examine how life would be if you put your confidence/faith in God instead. Growth, peace, and awesome worship of God will be your reward when you seize this opportunity instead of wallowing in shame, self-pity, and wasting God's power.
Prayer
Father, teach me how to pray.
God my Lord, when my faith falters, remind me that I have not failed. When Peter's faith faltered he reached out to You Lord, the only one who could save him. When I am afraid I look to You my Savior. I take Your hand as You reach to save me. Thank You Jesus. Help me remember each second that You are the only one who can really help. I pray that You reach and touch me with Your healing power. Help me Lord maintain my faith when situations are difficult. Help me keep my eyes on Your healing power rather than on my inadequacies or Satan's masquerading idols. I pray in Jesus' faithful name - AMEN
The Truth
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt"
Matthew 14:30-31
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Hebrews 12:2-3
Monday, June 1, 2009
Stepping Stones: Do Less But Accomplish More
Transformational Tip
Getting the most out of what we do...efficiency...makes life easier. If we only knew ahead of time how the future would play out, we would know exactly what relationships, activities, and situations, to invest or not invest our time and energy into. How do we know the future... the secret to high efficiency....how to not waste effort...maximize our God-given potential.
Answer: Spend time with God and He will give you rest and will restore your sense of direction. As you spend more time with God, His peace will settle over your mind, body and soul...and the path before you will be more clear and open up. When you follow His directions, you will save great amounts of time and energy and ultimately do less but accomplish way more.
Today, spend time with God...rest in His power and that He knows where He wants you. Step outside of you and look at yourself as God sees you. What do you see in you? ....your future?
Prayer
Dear Father,
There are so many paths and detours to navigate through each day that I easily lose my sense of direction. When I lose my sense of direction I begin spinning in circles while my thoughts flit from one thing to the next. I know my time and energy are precious gifts from You; help me use them wisely my Lord. Draw me closer to You... to know Your view of me, the world, and what You have planned for me, so I can do it well and please you. I pray this in the guiding name of Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3
And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
Exodus 33:14
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
Getting the most out of what we do...efficiency...makes life easier. If we only knew ahead of time how the future would play out, we would know exactly what relationships, activities, and situations, to invest or not invest our time and energy into. How do we know the future... the secret to high efficiency....how to not waste effort...maximize our God-given potential.
Answer: Spend time with God and He will give you rest and will restore your sense of direction. As you spend more time with God, His peace will settle over your mind, body and soul...and the path before you will be more clear and open up. When you follow His directions, you will save great amounts of time and energy and ultimately do less but accomplish way more.
Today, spend time with God...rest in His power and that He knows where He wants you. Step outside of you and look at yourself as God sees you. What do you see in you? ....your future?
Prayer
Dear Father,
There are so many paths and detours to navigate through each day that I easily lose my sense of direction. When I lose my sense of direction I begin spinning in circles while my thoughts flit from one thing to the next. I know my time and energy are precious gifts from You; help me use them wisely my Lord. Draw me closer to You... to know Your view of me, the world, and what You have planned for me, so I can do it well and please you. I pray this in the guiding name of Jesus - AMEN
The Truth
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3
And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
Exodus 33:14
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
