Stepping Stones: The Ultimate Coach

Transformational Tip
Watching the Pittsburgh Steeler defense dominate…a 15 yo gymnast just nail her floor routine…a closer shutting the 9th inning door…the US Olympic men’s basketball team winning gold in the last Olympics. Sports present us such great pictures and explanations of how the relationship between God and us works. To maximize performance, the athlete really has to trust the coach in all areas of instruction and strategy. Truly believe their coach wants the best for them, knows the best way to accomplish that, and knows how to get it out of the athlete. Our relationship with God is the same way. We talked about how powerful that child-like for-all-the-marbles trust in God can be, what it can propel us to do, and how much peace and comfort it will bring. I’ve seen it so many times; God doing His greatest work through people with grateful, trusting hearts. The absence of trust is doubt and fear…both coming from an absence of faith. Just think for a moment what it means to have God as your strength. He is the greatest coach and has the best training program to maximize your life, for your enjoyment.
Today, instead of trying to fight your fears, concentrate on trusting Him…this is a shift that will revolutionize your life. Identify one thing you would need to believe differently about God in order to trust Him 100% today…then just trust His promises and see how it goes. Click here to share with the Stepping Stone community your thoughts on why you can trust God and others or struggle trusting God and others.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that when I relate to You with confident trust there is no limit to how much You can strengthen me. Help build my trust in You Lord, for I know that trust is the channel in which Your peace flows into me. I believe, Father God, that Your power is absolutely unlimited. You are so strong and I am so weak. I consecrate my human weakness to You Lord, drawing Your power to my weakness. I pray in the name of the reason for my trust, Christ Jesus, and all God’s children said, – AMEN!

The Truth
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:10
Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For YAH, the LORD, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation. Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:2-3

Stepping Stones: Wait Till Your Father Comes Home

Transformational Tip
As a kid, when I heard my father’s voice, 2 reactions were usual. Having done something good, I was excited to hear his comments or what my “reward” would be. If I had done something wrong, I was nervous or afraid to hear his voice… especially if I got the “wait till your father gets home” warning by mom. You see, we are quick “learners” of human behavior and we are always trying to apply those lessons to future similar situations to ease or avoid pain and suffering. So, many are afraid to hear the voice of God…we expect the worst. Because of our sinful past we believe all we’ll get is judgment, then scolding and punishment…or instructions to “do more.” If you really listen, what you will hear are soothing words of peace, words assuring you of His love, and giving His yoke to you to ease your burden. The Holy Spirit convicts cleanly, without words of shame. Do not be afraid to listen for and hear His holy voice. Don’t superimpose misinformation from your earthy father onto God…this pushes you from true comfort and peace.
Today, identify the distortion you are carrying from the past that sound like the voices of ridicule, shame, or condemnation, for they are not from God. Listen for the voice of God that comes in love-tones. Let the Holy Spirit take control of your mind and your ears – combing out the tangles of deception. Be transformed by knowing the truth…that He loves you and lives within you. Click here to share with the Stepping Stone community what allows or blocks you from hearing God’s soothing words when we do wrong.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that You inhabit all my moments…gracing my thoughts, words and behaviors. I pray Father that I do hear You speak to me from the depths of my very being. I sit hear quietly Lord in the light of your presence. Let me hear Your voice through others as I go throughout my day. Help others hear You through me today. I pray Lord that You let Your light shine so brightly through me. I fear that I dim Your light through my worries and fears. I pray in the name of my ultimate yoke-bearer, Christ Jesus, and all God’s children said, – AMEN!

The Truth
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Psalm 86:15