Monday, October 26, 2009

Stepping Stones: I Need...

Transformational Tip
I need some love. I need some sleep. I need an answer. I need some money. I need a man. I need a drink. We are all needy…in fact, we were born needy. However, there are two types of people; those who are needy and recognize their insufficiencies and those who are needy but totally unaware of their inadequacies. Recognizing the extent of your neediness for God is a blessing. Even though Satan tries to distract us…we all know we cant meet all our needs ourselves. We do know deep inside the breadth and depth of our need for Him. Recognition is only half the battle, though. The other half is turning to Him rather than idolatrous substitutes to fill our emptiness. Turning to our Lord will always be the challenge…will always be the toughest part of the battle. Why? Because we are constantly influenced by the heaviness of this fallen world. We choose immediate comfort over real sustenance. While on this earth you will have to contend with this spiritual-emotional “gravity” pulling you away from Him.
Today, when you face a “I need….” moment, stop and ask God to show you what to do next, then look to His instruction manual to find answers. Remember, immediate answers aren’t necessary and you really can handle that. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on the how God meets your needs, why waiting is tough, and other thoughts and experiences.
Send this to someone struggling with “I need….” moments.

Prayer
Dear Father God,
With each passing day I recognize how desperately I need You. I do want You to be the center of my life…and I am trying to keep You there. But You know Father how easily distracted I get…how my thoughts wander away from You. I grope for You Father; I need Your help all the time. Help me understand those distractions as idols and help me learn how to close my ears to their falsely soothing coos. I pray these words in the name of Jesus Christ, and all God’s people said, - AMEN!

The Truth
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 4:4
So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
Acts 17:27
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes; for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life.
Proverbs 6:23-26