Transformational Thought
We just dropped Dominique off at Pitt again. A goodbye filled with both excitement and sadness, and that was a little easier than the first time we did this. This year, she’s moving off campus to a rundown house (that Dominique, Martine, and Auntie Suzanne fixed up really nicely) with 2 other neat Christian girls. She is excited to be more on her own and we are happy with how she is maturing into a responsible adult. Wow, did our relationship with Dominique really grow this summer.
Have you crossed this Stepping Stone of evolving relationship with your child yet? If you have, it’s never too late to apply these principles, and if your kids are younger, never to early to start. The moment, that very moment you said goodbye to the child you were dropping off at college for the first time, will get burned into your mind forever, like so many other milestone moments. It is in mine.
We have taken this child from diapers to diploma … been the primary influence in her life … so many celebrations … some times of sadness and hurt … being involved in most details of her life … disappointments and punishments … thankfully, so much wonderment and fun … with many joys, fears, and surprises filling our memory banks. We want to protect our children from so many dangers and hurts … save them from the wrong turns we took back in our development. We are concerned they no longer have a protector or advocate like us around anymore. Wow, during those two decades, we have seen our child grow so much.
But now it’s your turn to change. The love for your child, when he or she leaves home, hopefully stays pretty constant … but the way you will express it and interact with your child will be significantly different. As you shift roles, be quick to listen and slow to speak. Listen instead of lecture. Begin to create a relationship that fosters communication. Listening first shows you respect them, are giving their ideas and views honor and dignity, are interested in and care for them, and understand that this particular issue is important to them. Most importantly, listening builds a bridge from your island to theirs (even though the geographical distance between your islands is growing) so you can send the important information you want them to hear when they really need it and are receptive.
Today, as you continue to make this transition, try and forget about the litany of “who, what, when” interrogation techniques you have relied on since your child became a teenager. Shift your focus now to a more faith-based approach. Try praying more. Try an inquiry with your child like, “How would you like me to be praying for you today?” Remember, they have an advocate and protector more powerful and skilled, and with better access to God than we ever could dream of doing ourselves. Your decision, choose well. It could be the difference between growing a powerful and lasting relationship with your child (and grandchildren), and growing apart and being marginal people in their busy lives.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray today for all parents who have children in college. I pray that while experiencing this loss, they take this opportunity to grow. They have focused so long on the growth and development of their child, that many times they have neglected themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. Help these parents know, Father, that their jobs as spiritual leaders within their families never ends. Give them the strength and wisdom to minister to their college children. Help them, Father, to move to a mindset of praying … not prying. Give them all your peace and joy as they experience the sadness of separation and loss so they may receive Your mercy and find grace to help them in their time of need. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ our savior; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children live in the truth
3 John 1:4
Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Stepping Stones: Are You Adequate Enough?
Transformational Thought
Call it what you want, we all have weaknesses, issues, baggage, or shortcomings. That’s why marketing and advertising strategies are so successful. Commercials point out our problems, sometimes with humorous exaggeration, and then tell us, actually sell us, what we need to feel adequate, satisfied, whole, healed, or better in all those areas of struggle.
Actually, we are all born with an accurate sense of our extreme inadequacy. Why? Because we are separated from God and desperately need Him … in fact, we are designed to need Him. Our sin separates us from God and condemns us.
But so many of us carry the constant burden of condemnation, even after accepting Christ’s victory over our sin. We develop a false standard that embellishes those insecure and inadequate feelings we harbor in our core. These feelings keep our heads down, smiles off our faces, and our lights dimly light. Does this describe you? Does it describe others you know?
These feelings come from a lifetime of arrows constantly launched at us. Some of those arrows come from those closest to us … words and glances of disapproval from parents, friends, spouses, or kids. We are not good enough, smart enough, strong enough, pretty enough. Know that all those arrows originate from our ultimate and only true enemy, Satan. He’s the guy that hands out the arrows. He wants to capitalize on that original feeling of spiritual inadequacy, bankruptcy actually, and have us believe it will always hang around our neck and choke us. Satan is the one who wants us to be in a constant state of feeling condemned.
Remember that those who shoot the arrows are full of arrows themselves. (And admit that you too have been an archer). Remember, hurt people will hurt people. They aren’t your real enemy. But you and I and all those who are in Christ Jesus can be condemnation-free from this moment forward. Scripture tells us clearly, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Today, watch your words and actions. Don’t let Satan use you like a puppet to launch arrows at others. Guard your thoughts and words. Look to encourage and comfort first, then gently correct. If you are feeling condemned: 1. Repent by confessing your wrong doing or wrong thinking; 2. Accept God’s forgiveness; 3. Stop being so prideful thinking you need to add something to God’s power, grace, or Jesus’ death for your forgiveness. 4. Examine what baggage is still brainwashing you in this area of struggle. Receive all His grace and forgiveness. Believe it, and rejoice that our heavenly Father accepts you, the prodigal child, and can truly make you whole. Believe this good news and carry this message to those you know who suffer from inadequacy and condemnation. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I believe You have freed me from all condemnation through the death of Your Son on the cross for my sins. And while I do believe, I still struggle with feelings of condemnation … sometimes for no apparent reason. But I know my past baggage rears its ugly head in subliminal ways. Open my eyes to issues I need to work on. Help me to apply Your instruction to them. Father, I come to You with an open heart and with a thankful spirit. I ask that You help me experience the full freedom You have made possible for me. Thank You, Lord. I know that I need Your Spirit to help me, but I am unsure of how to fully engage His assistance. Show me the way, Lord. In the name of the most adequate, purifying blood of Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Therefore, there is 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.
Romans 8:1-2
He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies
John 8:44
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 15:19-24
Call it what you want, we all have weaknesses, issues, baggage, or shortcomings. That’s why marketing and advertising strategies are so successful. Commercials point out our problems, sometimes with humorous exaggeration, and then tell us, actually sell us, what we need to feel adequate, satisfied, whole, healed, or better in all those areas of struggle.
Actually, we are all born with an accurate sense of our extreme inadequacy. Why? Because we are separated from God and desperately need Him … in fact, we are designed to need Him. Our sin separates us from God and condemns us.
But so many of us carry the constant burden of condemnation, even after accepting Christ’s victory over our sin. We develop a false standard that embellishes those insecure and inadequate feelings we harbor in our core. These feelings keep our heads down, smiles off our faces, and our lights dimly light. Does this describe you? Does it describe others you know?
These feelings come from a lifetime of arrows constantly launched at us. Some of those arrows come from those closest to us … words and glances of disapproval from parents, friends, spouses, or kids. We are not good enough, smart enough, strong enough, pretty enough. Know that all those arrows originate from our ultimate and only true enemy, Satan. He’s the guy that hands out the arrows. He wants to capitalize on that original feeling of spiritual inadequacy, bankruptcy actually, and have us believe it will always hang around our neck and choke us. Satan is the one who wants us to be in a constant state of feeling condemned.
Remember that those who shoot the arrows are full of arrows themselves. (And admit that you too have been an archer). Remember, hurt people will hurt people. They aren’t your real enemy. But you and I and all those who are in Christ Jesus can be condemnation-free from this moment forward. Scripture tells us clearly, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Today, watch your words and actions. Don’t let Satan use you like a puppet to launch arrows at others. Guard your thoughts and words. Look to encourage and comfort first, then gently correct. If you are feeling condemned: 1. Repent by confessing your wrong doing or wrong thinking; 2. Accept God’s forgiveness; 3. Stop being so prideful thinking you need to add something to God’s power, grace, or Jesus’ death for your forgiveness. 4. Examine what baggage is still brainwashing you in this area of struggle. Receive all His grace and forgiveness. Believe it, and rejoice that our heavenly Father accepts you, the prodigal child, and can truly make you whole. Believe this good news and carry this message to those you know who suffer from inadequacy and condemnation. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I believe You have freed me from all condemnation through the death of Your Son on the cross for my sins. And while I do believe, I still struggle with feelings of condemnation … sometimes for no apparent reason. But I know my past baggage rears its ugly head in subliminal ways. Open my eyes to issues I need to work on. Help me to apply Your instruction to them. Father, I come to You with an open heart and with a thankful spirit. I ask that You help me experience the full freedom You have made possible for me. Thank You, Lord. I know that I need Your Spirit to help me, but I am unsure of how to fully engage His assistance. Show me the way, Lord. In the name of the most adequate, purifying blood of Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Therefore, there is 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.
Romans 8:1-2
He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies
John 8:44
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 15:19-24
Monday, August 29, 2011
Stepping Stones: Need Balance? Get The Right Focal Point
Transformational Thought
One of my fondest memories as a young father was taking my daughter to dance and gymnastics lessons. I would stay, and could watch forever. I still see her bright face looking over at me every time she did something challenging. Smiling and saying with her expression, “Did you see that Dad?”
Learning to spin was a foundational lesson, and I vividly remember it. The teacher told the students to find a fixed focal point, something they could look for, easily find, and focus on as they completed each turn. She told them this was the necessary secret to maintain balance as they spun around. The days of dizziness and disorientation disappeared as they practiced and mastered this quick and easy, but powerful tip.
It seems that Satan entices us to spin our Merry-Go-Round of life faster and faster, and we get sucked into the vortex of his trap. We think we are going to the Promised Land, but the ride’s destination is stress, struggle, frustration, and feelings of being overwhelmed and disoriented. We get so dizzy from the spinning! Why? Because we don’t have that unchanging focal point!
Just as a ballerina must keep returning her eyes to a given point to maintain her balance, we need to have a focal point to gain our balance, grounding, and direction. Too often, I used to turn to others, or things of the world to find my balance … but they are not fixed, secure, or immutable like God is. They fluctuate with the winds of life, opinion, and culture. And people can have agendas that don’t include guiding me … agendas that are not in my best interest.
Today, make God your focal point, by returning your focus to God to keep grounded, focused, and balanced. What should you focus on? His promises, character, and teachings. God understands the limitations of your human condition and He knows that you will lose sight of Him at times. The wonderful part of this … you don’t have to strain hard to look to Him, because His promise is to be with you always. A quick glance His way will bring you back to equilibrium and balance. But you must choose your focal point. It will determine your daily balance. WITHIN REACH is geared to help you maintain God as your minute-by-minute focal point. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I feel as if the merry-go-round of life is spinning faster and faster. I try hard to regain my balance, but there always seems to be something surprising me and keeping me off balance. I regret I look to transient focal points, and I even know as I look at them that it will be a waste of time and they will disappoint and disorient me more. I pray for eyes that see the truth and turn sharply to You. I look to You, Lord, to find my equilibrium. I want You to be my focal point. Because You remain constant, you are the perfect focal point. I pray in the immutable name of Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
For I the LORD do not change;
Malachi 3:6
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Hebrews 12:2
For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf,
Hebrews 6:16-20
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
Revelation 1:8
One of my fondest memories as a young father was taking my daughter to dance and gymnastics lessons. I would stay, and could watch forever. I still see her bright face looking over at me every time she did something challenging. Smiling and saying with her expression, “Did you see that Dad?”
Learning to spin was a foundational lesson, and I vividly remember it. The teacher told the students to find a fixed focal point, something they could look for, easily find, and focus on as they completed each turn. She told them this was the necessary secret to maintain balance as they spun around. The days of dizziness and disorientation disappeared as they practiced and mastered this quick and easy, but powerful tip.
It seems that Satan entices us to spin our Merry-Go-Round of life faster and faster, and we get sucked into the vortex of his trap. We think we are going to the Promised Land, but the ride’s destination is stress, struggle, frustration, and feelings of being overwhelmed and disoriented. We get so dizzy from the spinning! Why? Because we don’t have that unchanging focal point!
Just as a ballerina must keep returning her eyes to a given point to maintain her balance, we need to have a focal point to gain our balance, grounding, and direction. Too often, I used to turn to others, or things of the world to find my balance … but they are not fixed, secure, or immutable like God is. They fluctuate with the winds of life, opinion, and culture. And people can have agendas that don’t include guiding me … agendas that are not in my best interest.
Today, make God your focal point, by returning your focus to God to keep grounded, focused, and balanced. What should you focus on? His promises, character, and teachings. God understands the limitations of your human condition and He knows that you will lose sight of Him at times. The wonderful part of this … you don’t have to strain hard to look to Him, because His promise is to be with you always. A quick glance His way will bring you back to equilibrium and balance. But you must choose your focal point. It will determine your daily balance. WITHIN REACH is geared to help you maintain God as your minute-by-minute focal point. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I feel as if the merry-go-round of life is spinning faster and faster. I try hard to regain my balance, but there always seems to be something surprising me and keeping me off balance. I regret I look to transient focal points, and I even know as I look at them that it will be a waste of time and they will disappoint and disorient me more. I pray for eyes that see the truth and turn sharply to You. I look to You, Lord, to find my equilibrium. I want You to be my focal point. Because You remain constant, you are the perfect focal point. I pray in the immutable name of Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
For I the LORD do not change;
Malachi 3:6
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Hebrews 12:2
For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf,
Hebrews 6:16-20
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
Revelation 1:8
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Stepping Stones: Who’s Your Best Friend?
Transformational Thought
I’ve always loved sports, especially when I was a kid. Sports really were my most loyal and consistent companion growing up. Actually, sports were my best friend and main comforter. In fact, almost everything I did revolved around sports and they rarely let me down.
When I wasn’t feeling connected, heard, or taken seriously, or I needed to feel important, I would go up to my room and re-create pro basketball games in my bedroom. It was one of my favorite activities. A rolled up pair of socks made a great ball, and a hanging lamp played the basket. I was an awesome shot and in my fantasy game I always won. My fantasy helped soothe and distract my mind from the hurt, allowing me to escape to a place where I was important, valued, and most importantly, in control … and life was enjoyable.
When we feel misunderstood, devalued, or simply overlooked, we turn to things that we believe will make us feel better: exercise, gardening, knitting, cooking, a business deal, or a work project. More harmful options include eating, gossiping, shopping, sex, alcohol, drugs, TV, and pornography. The list is endless.
However, after a mild blip of satisfaction, none of these things really makes us feel better in the long run. None of these idolatrous substitutes satisfies the thirst for what we truly desire: God’s compassionate, unfailing forgiveness … His acceptance and love. In fact, the substitutes actually take us farther away from what God offers us. Satan offers many empty substitutes, but only God offers real and lasting forgiveness, acceptance, and love.
You can change your patterns if you are getting sucked in to choosing Satan’s cheap imitations. But you have to be intentional and strategic. We never accomplish anything good without some strategy and intentionality, so don’t think you can randomly live life and expect progress to happen.
Today, identify where you turn for soothing and comfort. Recognize your pattern and strategy. Is it self-protective or self-destructive? When you are feeling misunderstood, overlooked, hungry and thirsty for satisfaction, remember this: God is the Lover of your soul. He understands you perfectly and loves you eternally. Reach out to Him in prayer and in His Word, and then listen. Cease striving and know that He is God! Take one promise of His and act like you believe it. It will transform your life. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am so thankful that it is my soul that You love, and not my appearance or performance. I am often dissatisfied with both of these … especially when I make them my focus. There are so many empty substitutes in this world, so many things to turn to when I want to feel better about myself, or to provide a distraction so I don’t have to think about why I am hurting. Father, help me experience Your unconditional love more fully. Help me relax in Your loving presence and always turn my focus to You. I know that You created me to know You, love You, and make You the center of my life. I pray with hope in the name of my best friend, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted amongst the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10
“Though the mountains may be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed” say the Lord who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10
I’ve always loved sports, especially when I was a kid. Sports really were my most loyal and consistent companion growing up. Actually, sports were my best friend and main comforter. In fact, almost everything I did revolved around sports and they rarely let me down.
When I wasn’t feeling connected, heard, or taken seriously, or I needed to feel important, I would go up to my room and re-create pro basketball games in my bedroom. It was one of my favorite activities. A rolled up pair of socks made a great ball, and a hanging lamp played the basket. I was an awesome shot and in my fantasy game I always won. My fantasy helped soothe and distract my mind from the hurt, allowing me to escape to a place where I was important, valued, and most importantly, in control … and life was enjoyable.
When we feel misunderstood, devalued, or simply overlooked, we turn to things that we believe will make us feel better: exercise, gardening, knitting, cooking, a business deal, or a work project. More harmful options include eating, gossiping, shopping, sex, alcohol, drugs, TV, and pornography. The list is endless.
However, after a mild blip of satisfaction, none of these things really makes us feel better in the long run. None of these idolatrous substitutes satisfies the thirst for what we truly desire: God’s compassionate, unfailing forgiveness … His acceptance and love. In fact, the substitutes actually take us farther away from what God offers us. Satan offers many empty substitutes, but only God offers real and lasting forgiveness, acceptance, and love.
You can change your patterns if you are getting sucked in to choosing Satan’s cheap imitations. But you have to be intentional and strategic. We never accomplish anything good without some strategy and intentionality, so don’t think you can randomly live life and expect progress to happen.
Today, identify where you turn for soothing and comfort. Recognize your pattern and strategy. Is it self-protective or self-destructive? When you are feeling misunderstood, overlooked, hungry and thirsty for satisfaction, remember this: God is the Lover of your soul. He understands you perfectly and loves you eternally. Reach out to Him in prayer and in His Word, and then listen. Cease striving and know that He is God! Take one promise of His and act like you believe it. It will transform your life. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am so thankful that it is my soul that You love, and not my appearance or performance. I am often dissatisfied with both of these … especially when I make them my focus. There are so many empty substitutes in this world, so many things to turn to when I want to feel better about myself, or to provide a distraction so I don’t have to think about why I am hurting. Father, help me experience Your unconditional love more fully. Help me relax in Your loving presence and always turn my focus to You. I know that You created me to know You, love You, and make You the center of my life. I pray with hope in the name of my best friend, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted amongst the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10
“Though the mountains may be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed” say the Lord who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10
Friday, August 26, 2011
Stepping Stones: Are You a People-Pleaser or God-Pleaser?
Transformational Thought
In high school, I knew laughing at a dirty joke was wrong, but I did, and would even follow it up with another dirty joke. Why? To be funny? Because I was sexually pre-occupied? No! Because I feared the rejection of my peers. I didn’t want to be left out of their popular group, or be laughed at for being too straight-laced. Although good at many activities, I was still insecure and needed people’s approval.
For many of us, fear of people’s opinions is so deeply ingrained in our minds and our hearts that it’s woven into the daily fabric of our life and decision-making. Fear debilitates us in so many relationships in so many ways. Fear of bodily harm is blatantly impacting. But while common when we are children, it is fairly uncommon for most adults relationships, except for the tragedy of domestic violence.
For most adults though, fear of others creeps up on us in more subtle ways. Like the fear of being rejected …or being left out … maybe not being accepted … or looking foolish in another person’s eye. Fear could be someone judging you as incompetent or just not being valued. We never set out to be afraid of these things, but due to past hurts or mistakes, these anxieties secretively, but powerfully, warp our relational lenses. This can affect our relationships with those very close to us like our spouses, and also affect how we act in front of total strangers.
While trying to be a “people-pleaser” may appear harmless on the surface, it can create crippling fear. Elevating other’s assessment of us to idol status, worshipping it, is what we are actually doing. People-pleasing usually requires us to compromise truthful, healthy functioning and replace it with dysfunctional, distorted processing and behavior. Often, we ultimately choose to please others and displease God, instead of displeasing others to please God. Fear of displeasing others allows this downward spiral to accelerate and we then feel out of control, because we have given control and power of our life-steering mechanism to the people whose positive opinions we crave.
Today, watch you interactions with others. How much of your conduct is shaped by wanting to please them? Do you think about what God wants from you in that situation? Begin replacing the fear of displeasing others with the sadness of displeasing the One who faced total rejection and death for you, Your Lord. Make pleasing Him your highest priority. In general, we try to please people so that they will give us what we want … approval, value, importance, hope, love, acceptance, forgiveness, destiny, safety, or comfort. Turn your trust to God who is the only source of providing all these things, and so much more … everyday.
Prayer
Dear Father, I am just beginning to realize just how fearful I am of others. I confess, Father, to being a “people-pleaser.” I am too concerned about displeasing others and looking foolish in their eyes. Help free me of this fear, Father, by developing a deeper trust in You. I know that trusting in others is risky while trusting in You is safe. I know that You have everything I need … that Your riches will never run short. Father, I desire deeply to change and to eliminate my fear of others. I pray in the name of the one who died for me, Your Son Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
John 6:20
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
Proverbs 29:25
Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, "Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?"
If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.
Daniel 3:13,14,17,18
In high school, I knew laughing at a dirty joke was wrong, but I did, and would even follow it up with another dirty joke. Why? To be funny? Because I was sexually pre-occupied? No! Because I feared the rejection of my peers. I didn’t want to be left out of their popular group, or be laughed at for being too straight-laced. Although good at many activities, I was still insecure and needed people’s approval.
For many of us, fear of people’s opinions is so deeply ingrained in our minds and our hearts that it’s woven into the daily fabric of our life and decision-making. Fear debilitates us in so many relationships in so many ways. Fear of bodily harm is blatantly impacting. But while common when we are children, it is fairly uncommon for most adults relationships, except for the tragedy of domestic violence.
For most adults though, fear of others creeps up on us in more subtle ways. Like the fear of being rejected …or being left out … maybe not being accepted … or looking foolish in another person’s eye. Fear could be someone judging you as incompetent or just not being valued. We never set out to be afraid of these things, but due to past hurts or mistakes, these anxieties secretively, but powerfully, warp our relational lenses. This can affect our relationships with those very close to us like our spouses, and also affect how we act in front of total strangers.
While trying to be a “people-pleaser” may appear harmless on the surface, it can create crippling fear. Elevating other’s assessment of us to idol status, worshipping it, is what we are actually doing. People-pleasing usually requires us to compromise truthful, healthy functioning and replace it with dysfunctional, distorted processing and behavior. Often, we ultimately choose to please others and displease God, instead of displeasing others to please God. Fear of displeasing others allows this downward spiral to accelerate and we then feel out of control, because we have given control and power of our life-steering mechanism to the people whose positive opinions we crave.
Today, watch you interactions with others. How much of your conduct is shaped by wanting to please them? Do you think about what God wants from you in that situation? Begin replacing the fear of displeasing others with the sadness of displeasing the One who faced total rejection and death for you, Your Lord. Make pleasing Him your highest priority. In general, we try to please people so that they will give us what we want … approval, value, importance, hope, love, acceptance, forgiveness, destiny, safety, or comfort. Turn your trust to God who is the only source of providing all these things, and so much more … everyday.
Prayer
Dear Father, I am just beginning to realize just how fearful I am of others. I confess, Father, to being a “people-pleaser.” I am too concerned about displeasing others and looking foolish in their eyes. Help free me of this fear, Father, by developing a deeper trust in You. I know that trusting in others is risky while trusting in You is safe. I know that You have everything I need … that Your riches will never run short. Father, I desire deeply to change and to eliminate my fear of others. I pray in the name of the one who died for me, Your Son Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
John 6:20
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
Proverbs 29:25
Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, "Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?"
If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.
Daniel 3:13,14,17,18
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Stepping Stones: Be a Kid!
Transformational Thought
The most rewarding memories I have as a father were when one of my daughters would come to me with a problem. Still to this day, a call from one of my children needing help or guidance evokes such a sense of urgency in me …helping them becomes my highest priority.
My girl’s requests and my opportunities to help generate a sense of wellbeing in me for a number of reasons; it tells me they know I love them, tells me that they love me, and finally, it tells me they trust me. As children, we all start off believing our father has super-human power to tackle and solve any problem, and our mother can soothe and comfort any pain or suffering.
Magical thinking and willingness to suspend reality to believe the impossible, is possible…Examples of magical thinking like, limitations don’t apply to our parents…our parents can read our minds…parents can make our dreams come true.
This is the same mindset we need, a young child’s mind. A mind not yet fully contaminated by the world’s hurts, failures, and letdowns, to have a perfect model on how to view God. Maybe this is the reason scripture tells us over and again that being “childlike” is so very important. It’s more than important; Jesus even states it is a requirement to enter the kingdom of God.
God, as our supreme Father, loves us beyond our human comprehension. And doesn’t a loving father want only the best for his children? Satan uses our parents and the world’s failures to douse this awesome child-like supernatural expectation, understanding, and belief that God instilled and wants to see in us. God’s ways are mysterious to an adult, but to a child, they make perfect sense.
Today, begin receiving the kingdom of God like a little child. Take a confusing or frustrating situation in your day today, and suspend your cynicism and distrust…don’t put God in a box with walls determined by your past hurts, letdowns, and imperfect authority figures. Turn to your Father and ask for His help. Show Him that you love and trust Him…acknowledge your awareness that He loves you. Show child-like adoration, trust, belief, and expectation. Then results happen! Your decision, choose well!
Prayer
Dear Father, You are such a loving and generous Father. Thank You, Lord. All glory to You, Father. Like a child turns to their earthly father, I turn to You for love, wisdom, guidance…and especially protection from all things that may bring me harm. I place my trust in You, Father…I trust You completely. With You, I feel safe. Help me today, and everyday, to keep Your truths before me…to keep You before me always. Fill me with Your Spirit, my heavenly Father, so that I may grasp the magnitude of Your love for me. I pray that all those who are part of the Stepping Stones community grasp the enormity of Your love for them, Your children. I pray to You in the sacred name of my Lord and brother, Your Son Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Luke 18:17
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:32
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:4
The most rewarding memories I have as a father were when one of my daughters would come to me with a problem. Still to this day, a call from one of my children needing help or guidance evokes such a sense of urgency in me …helping them becomes my highest priority.
My girl’s requests and my opportunities to help generate a sense of wellbeing in me for a number of reasons; it tells me they know I love them, tells me that they love me, and finally, it tells me they trust me. As children, we all start off believing our father has super-human power to tackle and solve any problem, and our mother can soothe and comfort any pain or suffering.
Magical thinking and willingness to suspend reality to believe the impossible, is possible…Examples of magical thinking like, limitations don’t apply to our parents…our parents can read our minds…parents can make our dreams come true.
This is the same mindset we need, a young child’s mind. A mind not yet fully contaminated by the world’s hurts, failures, and letdowns, to have a perfect model on how to view God. Maybe this is the reason scripture tells us over and again that being “childlike” is so very important. It’s more than important; Jesus even states it is a requirement to enter the kingdom of God.
God, as our supreme Father, loves us beyond our human comprehension. And doesn’t a loving father want only the best for his children? Satan uses our parents and the world’s failures to douse this awesome child-like supernatural expectation, understanding, and belief that God instilled and wants to see in us. God’s ways are mysterious to an adult, but to a child, they make perfect sense.
Today, begin receiving the kingdom of God like a little child. Take a confusing or frustrating situation in your day today, and suspend your cynicism and distrust…don’t put God in a box with walls determined by your past hurts, letdowns, and imperfect authority figures. Turn to your Father and ask for His help. Show Him that you love and trust Him…acknowledge your awareness that He loves you. Show child-like adoration, trust, belief, and expectation. Then results happen! Your decision, choose well!
Prayer
Dear Father, You are such a loving and generous Father. Thank You, Lord. All glory to You, Father. Like a child turns to their earthly father, I turn to You for love, wisdom, guidance…and especially protection from all things that may bring me harm. I place my trust in You, Father…I trust You completely. With You, I feel safe. Help me today, and everyday, to keep Your truths before me…to keep You before me always. Fill me with Your Spirit, my heavenly Father, so that I may grasp the magnitude of Your love for me. I pray that all those who are part of the Stepping Stones community grasp the enormity of Your love for them, Your children. I pray to You in the sacred name of my Lord and brother, Your Son Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
“I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Luke 18:17
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:32
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:4
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Stepping Stones: Walk Toward the Light, the Real Light
Transformational Thought
Our Vision at Lighthouse Network is equipping individuals to achieve their God-given potential by spiritually, psychologically and even biologically renewing their minds. They then become Lighthouses who shine God’s glory and gospel story, stand on firm foundation in the storms of their own lives, and provide guidance and sanctuary to others in stormy times. Stepping Stones Daily Devotional is one of several outreaches to help people navigate life, today and eternally and become Lighthouses, emulating the true Light of the world, Jesus Christ.
When is a lighthouse most needed? In a storm, of course! When we are caught in one of life’s many storms, which can range from a rain shower to a tsunami, it’s easy for us to feel abandoned … as if we are at the mercy of the winds of fate … as if we don’t know which step to take next. The stones before us appear slippery or as stumbling blocks instead of what we need … solid, helpful Stepping Stones.
As believers, we must remember that God is sovereign over everything and all-powerful. He controls the history of the world including our personal destinies. And just as Jesus did for His disciples, He can easily calm the storms in your life. But if God allows a storm to rage in your life, He makes peace and comfort available to you if you choose to see and use His Light(house) correctly and continuously. Satan has many imitation lighthouses out there that trick us and bring us toward dangerous rocks, so it is important to be in the Word and growing your communication time with God so you know which Lighthouse is real (God’s) … and which is an imitation (Satan’s).
Today, stop and think about how God has served as a Lighthouse throughout your life. Think about the events in your life that have led you to where you are today. Reflect on some of the false lights you followed, thinking they were God’s Lighthouses. What made them look so attractive? How can you recognize that imitation in the future?
If you are in a storm, God is lighting your next Stepping Stones, but you have to look in His direction and then trust Him to step forward. Let God be your lighthouse and harbor, your place of safety. It’s your decision which Light you pursue, God’s or Satan’s, so choose well!
If you are in a stable place, think of someone nearby who is in a storm. How can you be a Lighthouse to them today? Not by shining your light, but rather by letting God’s light shine through you. Help them turn from imitation lighthouses to the real Light.
Prayer
Dear Father, I am once again in another storm, a downpour. I’m tired of going from storm to storm. I know I have created some of these storms through my sinful nature and bad choices … but I also experience storms that have nothing to do with my actions, like the death of a loved one, losing my job because of the economy, events that are out of my control. In the midst of storms I feel scared and alone … and I don’t know which step to take next. I need Your light, Lord, to shine on the next Stepping Stones of my path to develop the mind of Christ. Help me and all those reading this devotional to walk in Your light so that we may become the daughters and sons of light. There is so much I don’t know. But I do know You will continue to reveal more to me. I pray this in the name of the Light of the world, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
Luke 8:23-25
At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.
John 12:16
Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
John 12:35-36
Our Vision at Lighthouse Network is equipping individuals to achieve their God-given potential by spiritually, psychologically and even biologically renewing their minds. They then become Lighthouses who shine God’s glory and gospel story, stand on firm foundation in the storms of their own lives, and provide guidance and sanctuary to others in stormy times. Stepping Stones Daily Devotional is one of several outreaches to help people navigate life, today and eternally and become Lighthouses, emulating the true Light of the world, Jesus Christ.
When is a lighthouse most needed? In a storm, of course! When we are caught in one of life’s many storms, which can range from a rain shower to a tsunami, it’s easy for us to feel abandoned … as if we are at the mercy of the winds of fate … as if we don’t know which step to take next. The stones before us appear slippery or as stumbling blocks instead of what we need … solid, helpful Stepping Stones.
As believers, we must remember that God is sovereign over everything and all-powerful. He controls the history of the world including our personal destinies. And just as Jesus did for His disciples, He can easily calm the storms in your life. But if God allows a storm to rage in your life, He makes peace and comfort available to you if you choose to see and use His Light(house) correctly and continuously. Satan has many imitation lighthouses out there that trick us and bring us toward dangerous rocks, so it is important to be in the Word and growing your communication time with God so you know which Lighthouse is real (God’s) … and which is an imitation (Satan’s).
Today, stop and think about how God has served as a Lighthouse throughout your life. Think about the events in your life that have led you to where you are today. Reflect on some of the false lights you followed, thinking they were God’s Lighthouses. What made them look so attractive? How can you recognize that imitation in the future?
If you are in a storm, God is lighting your next Stepping Stones, but you have to look in His direction and then trust Him to step forward. Let God be your lighthouse and harbor, your place of safety. It’s your decision which Light you pursue, God’s or Satan’s, so choose well!
If you are in a stable place, think of someone nearby who is in a storm. How can you be a Lighthouse to them today? Not by shining your light, but rather by letting God’s light shine through you. Help them turn from imitation lighthouses to the real Light.
Prayer
Dear Father, I am once again in another storm, a downpour. I’m tired of going from storm to storm. I know I have created some of these storms through my sinful nature and bad choices … but I also experience storms that have nothing to do with my actions, like the death of a loved one, losing my job because of the economy, events that are out of my control. In the midst of storms I feel scared and alone … and I don’t know which step to take next. I need Your light, Lord, to shine on the next Stepping Stones of my path to develop the mind of Christ. Help me and all those reading this devotional to walk in Your light so that we may become the daughters and sons of light. There is so much I don’t know. But I do know You will continue to reveal more to me. I pray this in the name of the Light of the world, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
Luke 8:23-25
At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.
John 12:16
Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
John 12:35-36
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Stepping Stones: Are You a BOB?
Transformational Thought
In the middle of junior year, I moved to New Jersey to finish high school. I left behind a lot of friends I had known for several years. We shared many great experiences together. New Jersey was different in so many ways … some good and some bad, but especially many temptations and a faster pace than I was ready for.
Upon moving, the biggest dilemma for me was not knowing who to hang out with … the popular guys … the jocks … the heads (drugs) … the troublemakers … the punkers … the brains … the clowns … the Italians. Thinking back, I never thought of hanging out with the Christians, because they seemed boring and I feared rejection or ridicule from the others. Each group had pros and cons. I didn’t realize that the group I picked would have a major influence on me.
During the first days at the new school, I met my new baseball coach … a different guy with a mixed reputation among the students. On away-game bus trips, he had a saying, “Don’t be a BOB!” I asked my teammates what the heck a “BOB” was and they told me: B.O.B … Back of the Bus-er. Coach knew troublemakers always went to the back of the bus to smoke, make-out, vandalize the seats, pick on others, gossip about teammates or coaches, moon other cars, etc.
I looked at who was at the back, both on the team bus and the morning bus to school, and I realized that he was right. BOB wasn’t necessarily a geographic identifier as much as a character identifier. Are you a BOB? Do you hang out with BOBs? How do you identify the BOBs as an adult? Are you a BOB follower? Do you try to prove yourself to or get the attention of the BOBs?
Today, take a look at your character. Are you handling yourself the way you should? How could you be an anti-BOB in tough situations, trying instead to be a Lighthouse to others? Do you allow BOBs to influence you? Why are you going to the back of the bus if you know that’s where the BOB’s are? If you don’t make an intentional decision to avoid the BOBs, you will gravitate to them and they will influence you. Remember, some BOBs are wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing, so watch out for the subtle deceptions of the evil one. Some of you might be equipped to influence the BOBs in your family or life. That is a great opportunity and challenge, but comes with potential for them to influence you. So be careful if you are called to God’s Special Forces for that mission. Don’t be a BOB. Be an anti-BOB!
Prayer
Dear Father, thank You for loving me even when my character at times is questionable and I act like a BOB. Thanks for sending Your son to model the character that delights You and that also brings me the most fulfillment in life. Please help me develop eyes that recognize BOBs and anti-BOBs and courage to avoid the acute thrills the BOBs will bring. Help me submit to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as I see those You put in my life to guide me and model Godly character. Help me be more aware of the influence I have on my kids and family, and be a better steward of my heart and the behaviors that flow out of it. In Jesus’ precious name; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
1 Corinthians 1:26-27
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
Titus 2:7-8
In the middle of junior year, I moved to New Jersey to finish high school. I left behind a lot of friends I had known for several years. We shared many great experiences together. New Jersey was different in so many ways … some good and some bad, but especially many temptations and a faster pace than I was ready for.
Upon moving, the biggest dilemma for me was not knowing who to hang out with … the popular guys … the jocks … the heads (drugs) … the troublemakers … the punkers … the brains … the clowns … the Italians. Thinking back, I never thought of hanging out with the Christians, because they seemed boring and I feared rejection or ridicule from the others. Each group had pros and cons. I didn’t realize that the group I picked would have a major influence on me.
During the first days at the new school, I met my new baseball coach … a different guy with a mixed reputation among the students. On away-game bus trips, he had a saying, “Don’t be a BOB!” I asked my teammates what the heck a “BOB” was and they told me: B.O.B … Back of the Bus-er. Coach knew troublemakers always went to the back of the bus to smoke, make-out, vandalize the seats, pick on others, gossip about teammates or coaches, moon other cars, etc.
I looked at who was at the back, both on the team bus and the morning bus to school, and I realized that he was right. BOB wasn’t necessarily a geographic identifier as much as a character identifier. Are you a BOB? Do you hang out with BOBs? How do you identify the BOBs as an adult? Are you a BOB follower? Do you try to prove yourself to or get the attention of the BOBs?
Today, take a look at your character. Are you handling yourself the way you should? How could you be an anti-BOB in tough situations, trying instead to be a Lighthouse to others? Do you allow BOBs to influence you? Why are you going to the back of the bus if you know that’s where the BOB’s are? If you don’t make an intentional decision to avoid the BOBs, you will gravitate to them and they will influence you. Remember, some BOBs are wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing, so watch out for the subtle deceptions of the evil one. Some of you might be equipped to influence the BOBs in your family or life. That is a great opportunity and challenge, but comes with potential for them to influence you. So be careful if you are called to God’s Special Forces for that mission. Don’t be a BOB. Be an anti-BOB!
Prayer
Dear Father, thank You for loving me even when my character at times is questionable and I act like a BOB. Thanks for sending Your son to model the character that delights You and that also brings me the most fulfillment in life. Please help me develop eyes that recognize BOBs and anti-BOBs and courage to avoid the acute thrills the BOBs will bring. Help me submit to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as I see those You put in my life to guide me and model Godly character. Help me be more aware of the influence I have on my kids and family, and be a better steward of my heart and the behaviors that flow out of it. In Jesus’ precious name; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
1 Corinthians 1:26-27
Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
Titus 2:7-8
Monday, August 22, 2011
Stepping Stones: What Kind of Character is Your Adversity Revealing?
Transformational Thought
During President Clinton’s dark time, a news reporter tried to pull George Bush, Sr., the previous President, into a Clinton-bashing session. Bush offered only two powerful words: “Character Counts”.
Character is the set of outward-facing qualities that tell our friends, our families, and the world who we really are on the inside. Character is the reflection of what is really at the center of our heart. It’s not about the words we speak, as anybody can say anything to mislead, pose, or evade the truth, intentionally or unintentionally. Character is about how we actually live our lives, not what we tell people we would do in a given situation. What we actually do, our outward behavior, reveals the attitudes and motivators in our heart.
Anybody can wear a mask to hide the true nature of what is on the inside. This makes it difficult to know, rely on, or trust someone. But this is where pressure, stress, life’s storms, and adversity come into play and show their value. You see, it is much more difficult to put on a mask in the midst of challenging circumstances … it’s often during those storms that people’s true colors are revealed. What’s exposed either makes us interesting and more attractive, or reveals some inner ugliness!
Pressure and adversity push what’s inside us up to the surface. Storms reveal whether our coping mechanisms are mature or immature. Most importantly, difficulties cut through all the layers to expose who is on the throne of our heart, God or self. We have talked many times about how decision-making gets very warped when me-centered propaganda is the basis of decisions, and that is a hallmark of “poor character.”
So how do we develop Character? In Romans 5:3-4 Paul teaches us that suffering produces character. While it is admittedly difficult, try to see and be thankful for the fact that God is using life’s difficulties … and Satan’s attacks … to build your character. God brings storms to 1. build character; 2. show us what is at the center of our heart; or 3. allow us to succeed through the adversity, shining His glory to others to guide them through their storms. Then practice the Decision-Making skills we teach in WITHIN REACH.
Today, take notice when things don’t go your way. What does your behavior reveal about the character of your heart? What is your knee-jerk response? If you acted on the first thought that came to mind, what would you learn about your heart? You can build character, but it will take intentionality and practice. Better to practice building character, because otherwise you practice being a me-centered slug by default. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, Thank You, God, for the opportunities You give me to grow in Your strength through my difficulties. I pray that You help me develop character that pleases You and allows me to be an example of a good child of Yours. I confess, Lord, that I spend too much time and energy on my image management. Help me shift that effort to improving my character. Suffering and difficulty seem to be the norm for me rather than the exception. Help me, Father, to use them to build perseverance … and use perseverance to build my character. With Godly character, hope will be strong and abundant. I ask in the name of our Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7
During President Clinton’s dark time, a news reporter tried to pull George Bush, Sr., the previous President, into a Clinton-bashing session. Bush offered only two powerful words: “Character Counts”.
Character is the set of outward-facing qualities that tell our friends, our families, and the world who we really are on the inside. Character is the reflection of what is really at the center of our heart. It’s not about the words we speak, as anybody can say anything to mislead, pose, or evade the truth, intentionally or unintentionally. Character is about how we actually live our lives, not what we tell people we would do in a given situation. What we actually do, our outward behavior, reveals the attitudes and motivators in our heart.
Anybody can wear a mask to hide the true nature of what is on the inside. This makes it difficult to know, rely on, or trust someone. But this is where pressure, stress, life’s storms, and adversity come into play and show their value. You see, it is much more difficult to put on a mask in the midst of challenging circumstances … it’s often during those storms that people’s true colors are revealed. What’s exposed either makes us interesting and more attractive, or reveals some inner ugliness!
Pressure and adversity push what’s inside us up to the surface. Storms reveal whether our coping mechanisms are mature or immature. Most importantly, difficulties cut through all the layers to expose who is on the throne of our heart, God or self. We have talked many times about how decision-making gets very warped when me-centered propaganda is the basis of decisions, and that is a hallmark of “poor character.”
So how do we develop Character? In Romans 5:3-4 Paul teaches us that suffering produces character. While it is admittedly difficult, try to see and be thankful for the fact that God is using life’s difficulties … and Satan’s attacks … to build your character. God brings storms to 1. build character; 2. show us what is at the center of our heart; or 3. allow us to succeed through the adversity, shining His glory to others to guide them through their storms. Then practice the Decision-Making skills we teach in WITHIN REACH.
Today, take notice when things don’t go your way. What does your behavior reveal about the character of your heart? What is your knee-jerk response? If you acted on the first thought that came to mind, what would you learn about your heart? You can build character, but it will take intentionality and practice. Better to practice building character, because otherwise you practice being a me-centered slug by default. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, Thank You, God, for the opportunities You give me to grow in Your strength through my difficulties. I pray that You help me develop character that pleases You and allows me to be an example of a good child of Yours. I confess, Lord, that I spend too much time and energy on my image management. Help me shift that effort to improving my character. Suffering and difficulty seem to be the norm for me rather than the exception. Help me, Father, to use them to build perseverance … and use perseverance to build my character. With Godly character, hope will be strong and abundant. I ask in the name of our Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Stepping Stones: Are You Giving Others Power Over You?
Transformational Thought
We have been discussing forgiveness for several days: why we avoid it, what it is, what it isn’t, and why it is important. Today, I will tell you about the aspect of forgiveness that pushed me to really forgive even though it seemed hard to. You see, I played a lot of sports and was a very competitive person … my kids would say I still am. When I got wronged, my competitive nature (as well as some other baggage) would kick in. I wasn’t going to let anybody beat me! I needed my rival to realize that I was in control of them … that I wasn’t beaten … that they would hurt more than me.
To satisfy my competitive nature, I needed something from them. For them to admit they were wrong, or take responsibility for their action, maybe feel some significant pain or suffer a consequence as penance for their transgression against me, or for them to make the hurt all better. Do you realize the problem this mindset made for me? My happiness, relief, or comfort depended on the other person doing “something.”
Therefore, I was giving my “rivals” power over me, because they could withhold the “something” that I needed as long as they wanted. My need for “something” from them made me dependent on them … what they wanted and would do. I had trouble seeing the relationship with them clearly and moving forward because I still needed “something” from them so I could be content.
Bitterness, inferiority, fear, rage, nervousness, injustice, revenge, insecurity, anxiety and many other uneasy feelings would course through me when I saw or thought of my rivals or transgressors. Many of my behaviors inflicted pain on them, pushed them to see how they wronged me, or exerted some superiority over them so I could extract my payment from them, directly or indirectly. Finally, I realized how much power and influence over me I was granting them. I figured out I didn’t want to give them that power, but also, that I don’t handle that power that well. So, I decided to give the power over to God. He has the power, deserves the power, and will always see that justice is administered. I just need to let God do His job. Then I can follow God’s instructions to me and do my job, managing myself, not others.
Today, try to identify people who have power over you, or who negatively dominate your thought world. Chances are you haven’t really forgiven some of them and still need “something” from them so you can move forward. Think why you need that “something”. That is your issue. Quit pointing the finger at others. God has given you way more than you could ever need or want. So what can someone else possibly give that you can’t move on without? WITHIN REACH will help you access the Holy Spirit so you can forgive others. Your choice whether you will give them power over you or not, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, thanks for helping me learn how to forgive. Help me desire, think, and act in such a way that You are the one I want to have power over me. Help me to really see the forgiveness You extend to me and not worry about what others will or will not do. Help me see the evil one as the real enemy, and not think my transgressor is the enemy. I pray in the name of Jesus and His forgiving blood; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
Hebrews 10:18
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
We have been discussing forgiveness for several days: why we avoid it, what it is, what it isn’t, and why it is important. Today, I will tell you about the aspect of forgiveness that pushed me to really forgive even though it seemed hard to. You see, I played a lot of sports and was a very competitive person … my kids would say I still am. When I got wronged, my competitive nature (as well as some other baggage) would kick in. I wasn’t going to let anybody beat me! I needed my rival to realize that I was in control of them … that I wasn’t beaten … that they would hurt more than me.
To satisfy my competitive nature, I needed something from them. For them to admit they were wrong, or take responsibility for their action, maybe feel some significant pain or suffer a consequence as penance for their transgression against me, or for them to make the hurt all better. Do you realize the problem this mindset made for me? My happiness, relief, or comfort depended on the other person doing “something.”
Therefore, I was giving my “rivals” power over me, because they could withhold the “something” that I needed as long as they wanted. My need for “something” from them made me dependent on them … what they wanted and would do. I had trouble seeing the relationship with them clearly and moving forward because I still needed “something” from them so I could be content.
Bitterness, inferiority, fear, rage, nervousness, injustice, revenge, insecurity, anxiety and many other uneasy feelings would course through me when I saw or thought of my rivals or transgressors. Many of my behaviors inflicted pain on them, pushed them to see how they wronged me, or exerted some superiority over them so I could extract my payment from them, directly or indirectly. Finally, I realized how much power and influence over me I was granting them. I figured out I didn’t want to give them that power, but also, that I don’t handle that power that well. So, I decided to give the power over to God. He has the power, deserves the power, and will always see that justice is administered. I just need to let God do His job. Then I can follow God’s instructions to me and do my job, managing myself, not others.
Today, try to identify people who have power over you, or who negatively dominate your thought world. Chances are you haven’t really forgiven some of them and still need “something” from them so you can move forward. Think why you need that “something”. That is your issue. Quit pointing the finger at others. God has given you way more than you could ever need or want. So what can someone else possibly give that you can’t move on without? WITHIN REACH will help you access the Holy Spirit so you can forgive others. Your choice whether you will give them power over you or not, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, thanks for helping me learn how to forgive. Help me desire, think, and act in such a way that You are the one I want to have power over me. Help me to really see the forgiveness You extend to me and not worry about what others will or will not do. Help me see the evil one as the real enemy, and not think my transgressor is the enemy. I pray in the name of Jesus and His forgiving blood; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
Hebrews 10:18
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
Friday, August 19, 2011
Stepping Stones: Biblical Forgiveness vs. Forgiveness Myths
Transformational Thought
The last couple days we have talked about persecution and forgiveness, two very important and complex topics. As a psychiatrist, I see many misunderstandings or myths about what Biblical forgiveness actually is. Myths like, 1. Forgiving is forgetting; 2. Forgiving is starting with a clean slate like nothing ever happened; 3. Forgiving is trusting just as you did before the transgression; 4. Forgiving is never bringing up the incident again. These are some common misconceptions about forgiveness that I hear from peers, people in ministry, and patients.
Some principles from the Bible:
1. God never forgets. He is omniscient. Myth 1 busted.
2. God took David’s and Moses’ sins into account long after their sins, therefore no clean slate. Myth 2 busted.
3. God only trusts us as far as our skill set and reliance on Him, as evidenced by our past track record (spiritual maturity) allows. Myth 3 and 4 busted.
Let’s look at an example of a husband who has an affair. It is important to not forget the incident happened because a lot of work needs to be done to figure out why it happened and how to ensure it doesn’t happen again. You can’t act as if nothing happened because the husband obviously has some deficits and areas of temptation and needs to be safeguarded and held accountable so he and the marriage can heal and grow. So, if he comes home very late one night with a lame excuse, the wife needs to remember the past. She needs to ask the who, what, where, why, and when, with the right attitude and motivation, to make sure he didn’t stumble or isn’t on a slippery slope. She can’t jump into a pre-affair level of trust until he proves trustworthy based on present behavior. That would be unfair and unhealthy for her … and for him.
Forgiving or being forgiven doesn’t elevate someone’s trustworthiness. When she sees worrisome warning signs she needs to bring up the past transgression to facilitate regular assessment, accountability, and growth in him. She knows his area of temptation and stumbling better than most, so she has to keep it in mind to help him grow and avoid it.
Biblical Forgiveness has 2 key components. First, giving up the dysfunctional anger like bitterness, revenge, spite, rage, self-contempt, etc. you have for the transgression, or the transgressor, or toward God for letting the hurtful event happen. Second, when we have been wronged, our nature is to want, need, and demand some payment from the transgressor. We really need to turn this over to God as the great judge and executioner. He is the only one who can determine the fair and appropriate punishment for the infraction, just as He does for us and our many sins against others. The Choosing to Forgive Workbook by Les Carter and Frank Minirth, M.D. is great at expanding on these points with practical application.
Today, when you are struggling to forgive, or you have forgiven but it still hangs over you, ask, “What am I still trying to get out of them as payment?” It may be you need an apology from them, or you need them to feel your pain. Maybe you need to see their consequence, punishment, payment of restitution, or public acknowledgment to others about what they did to you. If your happiness is based on getting that and they never give it, where does that leave you? Quit giving them power over you. Forgive, and let God extract whatever payment He judges necessary for their growth. Your choice, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, Thanks be to You, Lord, for Your incredible gift of forgiveness. Where would I be without it … buried under a ton of sin and shame. I am so quick to ask for Your Forgiveness, Lord … but so slow to forgive others. Help me remember that forgiving others lifts a heavy burden off me … and places me back under the grace of Your forgiveness. I seek to forgive as Jesus forgave … I seek the mind of Christ. Help me to understand I am not one to judge them and exact payment. Although their transgression against me hurts, it is an even greater transgression against Your holiness. You are the perfect one to hand out justice or grace. In Your omniscience and love for them, you know best. Grow in me a humble spirit to focus on my actions, thoughts, and heart, and to accept Your actions in theirs. Help me, Lord, to spread Your message about forgiveness in word, and especially in action. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, who loved and sacrificed so much for my forgiveness; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
That very day the LORD spoke to Moses, “Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel. For you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.”
Deuteronomy 32:48-52
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Mark 11:25
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
The last couple days we have talked about persecution and forgiveness, two very important and complex topics. As a psychiatrist, I see many misunderstandings or myths about what Biblical forgiveness actually is. Myths like, 1. Forgiving is forgetting; 2. Forgiving is starting with a clean slate like nothing ever happened; 3. Forgiving is trusting just as you did before the transgression; 4. Forgiving is never bringing up the incident again. These are some common misconceptions about forgiveness that I hear from peers, people in ministry, and patients.
Some principles from the Bible:
1. God never forgets. He is omniscient. Myth 1 busted.
2. God took David’s and Moses’ sins into account long after their sins, therefore no clean slate. Myth 2 busted.
3. God only trusts us as far as our skill set and reliance on Him, as evidenced by our past track record (spiritual maturity) allows. Myth 3 and 4 busted.
Let’s look at an example of a husband who has an affair. It is important to not forget the incident happened because a lot of work needs to be done to figure out why it happened and how to ensure it doesn’t happen again. You can’t act as if nothing happened because the husband obviously has some deficits and areas of temptation and needs to be safeguarded and held accountable so he and the marriage can heal and grow. So, if he comes home very late one night with a lame excuse, the wife needs to remember the past. She needs to ask the who, what, where, why, and when, with the right attitude and motivation, to make sure he didn’t stumble or isn’t on a slippery slope. She can’t jump into a pre-affair level of trust until he proves trustworthy based on present behavior. That would be unfair and unhealthy for her … and for him.
Forgiving or being forgiven doesn’t elevate someone’s trustworthiness. When she sees worrisome warning signs she needs to bring up the past transgression to facilitate regular assessment, accountability, and growth in him. She knows his area of temptation and stumbling better than most, so she has to keep it in mind to help him grow and avoid it.
Biblical Forgiveness has 2 key components. First, giving up the dysfunctional anger like bitterness, revenge, spite, rage, self-contempt, etc. you have for the transgression, or the transgressor, or toward God for letting the hurtful event happen. Second, when we have been wronged, our nature is to want, need, and demand some payment from the transgressor. We really need to turn this over to God as the great judge and executioner. He is the only one who can determine the fair and appropriate punishment for the infraction, just as He does for us and our many sins against others. The Choosing to Forgive Workbook by Les Carter and Frank Minirth, M.D. is great at expanding on these points with practical application.
Today, when you are struggling to forgive, or you have forgiven but it still hangs over you, ask, “What am I still trying to get out of them as payment?” It may be you need an apology from them, or you need them to feel your pain. Maybe you need to see their consequence, punishment, payment of restitution, or public acknowledgment to others about what they did to you. If your happiness is based on getting that and they never give it, where does that leave you? Quit giving them power over you. Forgive, and let God extract whatever payment He judges necessary for their growth. Your choice, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, Thanks be to You, Lord, for Your incredible gift of forgiveness. Where would I be without it … buried under a ton of sin and shame. I am so quick to ask for Your Forgiveness, Lord … but so slow to forgive others. Help me remember that forgiving others lifts a heavy burden off me … and places me back under the grace of Your forgiveness. I seek to forgive as Jesus forgave … I seek the mind of Christ. Help me to understand I am not one to judge them and exact payment. Although their transgression against me hurts, it is an even greater transgression against Your holiness. You are the perfect one to hand out justice or grace. In Your omniscience and love for them, you know best. Grow in me a humble spirit to focus on my actions, thoughts, and heart, and to accept Your actions in theirs. Help me, Lord, to spread Your message about forgiveness in word, and especially in action. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, who loved and sacrificed so much for my forgiveness; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
That very day the LORD spoke to Moses, “Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel. For you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.”
Deuteronomy 32:48-52
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Mark 11:25
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Stepping Stones: Forgive Them Instead of Giving Them More Power
Transformational Thought
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful, least understood and most underused concept taught in the Bible. Wow, Satan is so diabolically deceitful.
Jesus gives us all a startling warning about not forgiving others: if we refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive us. Now we know God does forgive us even though there is no way we can perfectly and totally forgive all those who have transgressed us. But think about it – how long are you willing to go without the forgiveness of God? Great sinners are transformed, today and eternally, into exceptional Christians, all because of the power of forgiveness … the gift of forgiveness.
You see, when someone hurts us, our pride is wounded. We feel various pains, some inflicted on us and some from past wounds, that we blame on the other person. We have a great need to see that person experience hurt and pain to make the “score” even. But we then become dependent on seeing our attacker experience pain, and we aren’t “healed” unless they do. Unknowingly, that gives the other person ongoing control and power over us. They can always interfere with and control the timeline of their apology, experiencing consequences, or receiving justice for their offenses.
Give the gift of forgiveness to others, and especially to yourself. Free your offender and yourself. Allow God to come heal and teach you both how to grow the Mind of Christ.
Jesus modeled forgiveness perfectly for us. Think of all those whom Jesus forgave: the woman caught in adultery, Peter who denied he knew Jesus, the criminal on the cross … and those who crucified Him. Giving forgiveness brings joy and peace … withholding forgiveness brings bitterness, victimization, the need see the offender to suffer and experience revenge.
Today, don’t let your pride get in the way of forgiving others. If you are withholding forgiveness, you are missing a wonderful opportunity to experience joy … and spread it to others. Make your joy grow today and gain the must-have forgiveness of your Lord for your sins. Remember, forgiveness is a gift, not for others, but really for you, and will be very pleasing to God. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, thanks be to You, Lord, for Your incredible gift of forgiveness. Where would I be without it … buried under a ton of sin and shame. I am so quick to ask for Your Forgiveness, Lord … but so slow to forgive others. Help me remember that forgiving others lifts a heavy burden off me … and places me back under the grace of Your forgiveness. I thank You, Lord, for the many examples of forgiveness demonstrated by Your Son Jesus. I seek to forgive as Jesus forgave … I seek the mind of Christ. Lord, help me spread Your message about forgiveness. I pray this through Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate price so that my sins may be forgiven; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Mark 11:25
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful, least understood and most underused concept taught in the Bible. Wow, Satan is so diabolically deceitful.
Jesus gives us all a startling warning about not forgiving others: if we refuse to forgive others, God will also refuse to forgive us. Now we know God does forgive us even though there is no way we can perfectly and totally forgive all those who have transgressed us. But think about it – how long are you willing to go without the forgiveness of God? Great sinners are transformed, today and eternally, into exceptional Christians, all because of the power of forgiveness … the gift of forgiveness.
You see, when someone hurts us, our pride is wounded. We feel various pains, some inflicted on us and some from past wounds, that we blame on the other person. We have a great need to see that person experience hurt and pain to make the “score” even. But we then become dependent on seeing our attacker experience pain, and we aren’t “healed” unless they do. Unknowingly, that gives the other person ongoing control and power over us. They can always interfere with and control the timeline of their apology, experiencing consequences, or receiving justice for their offenses.
Give the gift of forgiveness to others, and especially to yourself. Free your offender and yourself. Allow God to come heal and teach you both how to grow the Mind of Christ.
Jesus modeled forgiveness perfectly for us. Think of all those whom Jesus forgave: the woman caught in adultery, Peter who denied he knew Jesus, the criminal on the cross … and those who crucified Him. Giving forgiveness brings joy and peace … withholding forgiveness brings bitterness, victimization, the need see the offender to suffer and experience revenge.
Today, don’t let your pride get in the way of forgiving others. If you are withholding forgiveness, you are missing a wonderful opportunity to experience joy … and spread it to others. Make your joy grow today and gain the must-have forgiveness of your Lord for your sins. Remember, forgiveness is a gift, not for others, but really for you, and will be very pleasing to God. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, thanks be to You, Lord, for Your incredible gift of forgiveness. Where would I be without it … buried under a ton of sin and shame. I am so quick to ask for Your Forgiveness, Lord … but so slow to forgive others. Help me remember that forgiving others lifts a heavy burden off me … and places me back under the grace of Your forgiveness. I thank You, Lord, for the many examples of forgiveness demonstrated by Your Son Jesus. I seek to forgive as Jesus forgave … I seek the mind of Christ. Lord, help me spread Your message about forgiveness. I pray this through Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate price so that my sins may be forgiven; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Mark 11:25
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Stepping Stones: Revenge Is Too Draining
Transformational Thought
I’ve always been a sensitive person, especially as a child. God placed me in a home where negativity and judgment were common, and frequent emotional manipulation strained my brain. I would get so angry and much of my energy … physical, emotional, and psychological … was wasted on dealing with these situations. Fighting back in various ways, trying to understand why and where all these situations were coming from, attempting to avoid them, persisting in a “why me” attitude … all these sucked so much life out of me. Enjoying my childhood was actually a difficult task.
Many of us have people in our lives who have hurt or want to hurt us. It ranges from a few hurtful words or subtle manipulation, to lies, cruelty, and vindictiveness, all the way to physical or sexual abuse. The obvious questions we ask ourselves is “Why me?” “How do I make them stop?” “Why does someone do that?”
Dealing with such people extracts huge amounts of energy in either trying to defend ourselves, recovering from the attack, or plotting and engaging in possible counter attack and retaliation … efforts to “get even.”
Much of my healing began when I realized a few facts and principles. 1. Don’t take it personally as it’s not about me, it’s their issue. 2. God is sovereign over all, and He is allowing this for a grand purpose, so put on those lenses. 3. Remember, the real enemy is Satan, not the person attacking you. They are just getting used by Satan, like you are at times. Pray for them and be on guard … put on the armor for the real battle. I don’t need to retaliate. I do need to set healthy limits and boundaries. But the bitterness and revenge factor are wasted time and effort. God will take care of them as He determines.
Today, let God deal with your enemies. We do have a stewardship role and a responsibility to address our enemies, but we often go overboard in our mind. God promises to help the persecuted and bring judgment on those who treat others with cruelty. So focus your energy on what is going on in your heart and mind regarding your enemy. If you know someone who is being mistreated, slandered or attacked by others, send them this devotional. Spread the Word of God to give hope and peace to those in need. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, I come to You, Father, in need. I have people in my life who are hurting me, trying to do me harm. My anger rages at the injustice of this. My natural human reaction is to take revenge … to get even. I know this is wrong and against Your Word. I release my enemies into Your care. I pray as David did to “make my enemies be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away.” Help me, Lord, to remember that it is not the opinion of others that I must focus on. Give me strength in the battle against the evil one who wants to use this persecution to pull me away from You, to distort my lenses, and sidetrack me with stinky thinking. Help me see myself through Your eyes. I pray in the name of the one who teaches me to love my enemies, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation.” May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
Psalm 35:1-6
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matthew 5:44
I’ve always been a sensitive person, especially as a child. God placed me in a home where negativity and judgment were common, and frequent emotional manipulation strained my brain. I would get so angry and much of my energy … physical, emotional, and psychological … was wasted on dealing with these situations. Fighting back in various ways, trying to understand why and where all these situations were coming from, attempting to avoid them, persisting in a “why me” attitude … all these sucked so much life out of me. Enjoying my childhood was actually a difficult task.
Many of us have people in our lives who have hurt or want to hurt us. It ranges from a few hurtful words or subtle manipulation, to lies, cruelty, and vindictiveness, all the way to physical or sexual abuse. The obvious questions we ask ourselves is “Why me?” “How do I make them stop?” “Why does someone do that?”
Dealing with such people extracts huge amounts of energy in either trying to defend ourselves, recovering from the attack, or plotting and engaging in possible counter attack and retaliation … efforts to “get even.”
Much of my healing began when I realized a few facts and principles. 1. Don’t take it personally as it’s not about me, it’s their issue. 2. God is sovereign over all, and He is allowing this for a grand purpose, so put on those lenses. 3. Remember, the real enemy is Satan, not the person attacking you. They are just getting used by Satan, like you are at times. Pray for them and be on guard … put on the armor for the real battle. I don’t need to retaliate. I do need to set healthy limits and boundaries. But the bitterness and revenge factor are wasted time and effort. God will take care of them as He determines.
Today, let God deal with your enemies. We do have a stewardship role and a responsibility to address our enemies, but we often go overboard in our mind. God promises to help the persecuted and bring judgment on those who treat others with cruelty. So focus your energy on what is going on in your heart and mind regarding your enemy. If you know someone who is being mistreated, slandered or attacked by others, send them this devotional. Spread the Word of God to give hope and peace to those in need. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, I come to You, Father, in need. I have people in my life who are hurting me, trying to do me harm. My anger rages at the injustice of this. My natural human reaction is to take revenge … to get even. I know this is wrong and against Your Word. I release my enemies into Your care. I pray as David did to “make my enemies be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away.” Help me, Lord, to remember that it is not the opinion of others that I must focus on. Give me strength in the battle against the evil one who wants to use this persecution to pull me away from You, to distort my lenses, and sidetrack me with stinky thinking. Help me see myself through Your eyes. I pray in the name of the one who teaches me to love my enemies, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation.” May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
Psalm 35:1-6
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matthew 5:44
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Stepping Stones: Are You Starving At The Buffet Table of Life?
Transformational Thought
I love to eat, but I am very picky, which Martine hates. I like buffets where, for a small price, I can sample several items. Have you noticed that at a buffet, all the filler, cheaper, and less scrumptious distractions are offered first? The restaurant hopes you fill up with these and have less room and appetite for the valued items at the back end of the buffet table.
We need food, everyday, several times per day in order to live, to survive. But our country, even though well-fed and overweight, is actually starving. We’re starving spiritually!
Why? Because life operates pretty much the same way as a buffet. Many fillers and imitations of true sustenance are offered upfront, while the really fulfilling, life-sustaining selections are farther back on the table and take some patience and effort to find and swallow.
Even though the buffet of life has many options, none of them will satisfy unless your main staple is GOD and His Holy BIBLE … and unless you are applying it every day. Even though we are well fed we still struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, pornography, addictions, insecurity, other people’s opinions, sleeplessness, guilt, shame, indecisiveness, and … you fill in your issue. Be mindful that food lasts for only a short time, and only meets our physical needs. God is eternal and all-powerful, able to meet all our needs all the time.
God invites us throughout Scripture to come to Him for all our needs. In Isaiah 55, God invites the thirsty. His invitation is very clear and simple. Come, then Listen, then Seek. “Come” means both feet in. Not ready to run the other way at the drop of a hat. ‘Listen’ is to really take it in and let it examine and reshape your heart. “Seek” is to pursue the goal, relentlessly, like you lost a $10,000,000 lottery ticket.
Do you Come, Listen, and Seek God in this way? Why not? Because if you aren’t pursuing God, you are pursuing the fillers, the counterfeits in this way, so don’t be surprised at what you are reaping, the weight you are gaining and carrying while still feeling starved.
Today, go to your Father and really listen. Go to your Father, listen, and seek the mind of Christ. As Isaiah writes, seek the Lord while He is near. This is not because God will move away … but because we do things to place distance between ourselves and God. And we must not forget, don’t let God come to judge the earth before you seek and accept Him. Click on the Spiritual Basics tab and then click on “Salvation” if you are uncertain whether you at the correct buffet table.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You today, thirsty, hungry and tired. I thank You, Father, for Your ever-present invitation to come to You. I am learning that, because of my human nature, I will always have ups and downs in my life. I have had many downs lately … I feel spiritually malnourished. When I am really feeling down, I feel distant from You … I feel like a failure. At such times, it’s almost impossible to remember the Joy of Your presence in my life. When I cannot find the way to connect to You, help me at least cling to the promise of You. I thank You that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit … and that Your Spirit will lead me to You, and that I will “…eat what is good.” I pray this and all prayers in the name the Bread of Life, my savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples.
Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor. Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Isaiah 55:1-6
I love to eat, but I am very picky, which Martine hates. I like buffets where, for a small price, I can sample several items. Have you noticed that at a buffet, all the filler, cheaper, and less scrumptious distractions are offered first? The restaurant hopes you fill up with these and have less room and appetite for the valued items at the back end of the buffet table.
We need food, everyday, several times per day in order to live, to survive. But our country, even though well-fed and overweight, is actually starving. We’re starving spiritually!
Why? Because life operates pretty much the same way as a buffet. Many fillers and imitations of true sustenance are offered upfront, while the really fulfilling, life-sustaining selections are farther back on the table and take some patience and effort to find and swallow.
Even though the buffet of life has many options, none of them will satisfy unless your main staple is GOD and His Holy BIBLE … and unless you are applying it every day. Even though we are well fed we still struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, pornography, addictions, insecurity, other people’s opinions, sleeplessness, guilt, shame, indecisiveness, and … you fill in your issue. Be mindful that food lasts for only a short time, and only meets our physical needs. God is eternal and all-powerful, able to meet all our needs all the time.
God invites us throughout Scripture to come to Him for all our needs. In Isaiah 55, God invites the thirsty. His invitation is very clear and simple. Come, then Listen, then Seek. “Come” means both feet in. Not ready to run the other way at the drop of a hat. ‘Listen’ is to really take it in and let it examine and reshape your heart. “Seek” is to pursue the goal, relentlessly, like you lost a $10,000,000 lottery ticket.
Do you Come, Listen, and Seek God in this way? Why not? Because if you aren’t pursuing God, you are pursuing the fillers, the counterfeits in this way, so don’t be surprised at what you are reaping, the weight you are gaining and carrying while still feeling starved.
Today, go to your Father and really listen. Go to your Father, listen, and seek the mind of Christ. As Isaiah writes, seek the Lord while He is near. This is not because God will move away … but because we do things to place distance between ourselves and God. And we must not forget, don’t let God come to judge the earth before you seek and accept Him. Click on the Spiritual Basics tab and then click on “Salvation” if you are uncertain whether you at the correct buffet table.
Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You today, thirsty, hungry and tired. I thank You, Father, for Your ever-present invitation to come to You. I am learning that, because of my human nature, I will always have ups and downs in my life. I have had many downs lately … I feel spiritually malnourished. When I am really feeling down, I feel distant from You … I feel like a failure. At such times, it’s almost impossible to remember the Joy of Your presence in my life. When I cannot find the way to connect to You, help me at least cling to the promise of You. I thank You that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit … and that Your Spirit will lead me to You, and that I will “…eat what is good.” I pray this and all prayers in the name the Bread of Life, my savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples.
Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor. Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Isaiah 55:1-6
Monday, August 15, 2011
Stepping Stones: God Provides Peace, But Don’t Look In The Wrong Place
Transformational Thought
In my teenage years, I enjoyed many outward successes in sports, academics, and with peers. Unfortunately, peace was often elusive inside, and I really struggled with feeling out of control on many occasions. One of my favorite and frequent activities was sitting down and making a plan for the next 5 years of my life, one year at a time.
This planning behavior, this “soothing activity,” was my attempt to take advantage of the false belief that an orderly life on the outside would bring order to the inside of my heart. Also, with all that ordering of my outside world, my future, and my path, I thought I could plan my way to peace. I was being a “Martha” (Luke 10: 38-42) and was too busy doing.
It took me a while to learn an important truth about my brain, actually every brain. And it didn’t happen in college as a biomedical engineer, or in medical school, or even in psychiatric residency training. Actually, the Bible taught me that God did not design the human mind to figure out or plan the future, for this is clearly beyond our capability.
He did craft our minds with to engage in continual communication with Him. You won’t find peace by engaging in excessive planning and “doing”, as these are futile attempts to control what will happen to you in the future. This is not the path to peace. Look how many people get divorced, switch colleges, default on mortgage or declare bankruptcy. Planning and getting don’t guarantee peace. In fact, excessive planning and doing is actually an often-practiced form of unbelief.
Today, bring all your needs, hopes, and fears to Your Lord and God. Commit everything into His care. When uneasy, instead of planning, stop, look around at creation and your life and enjoy the moment … bask in God’s blessings, love, and amazing grace. Remember, He promises to comfort you and bring peace. But you need to look for it in the right places because it really is there. Turn from the path of planning and doing to the path of accepting the present and peace. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My mind spins with multiple plans. I spend so much time planning because I think it is the pathway to peace. And just when peace appears to be within my reach, it somehow eludes me. Just when I think I have prepared for all possibilities, and covered all my bases, a meteor strikes my life and once again pushes peace beyond my grasp throwing me into another state of confusion. Help me, Father, to stop this wasted effort. I bring to You today all my issues, needs, and insecurities … I release them into Your care. For I know this is the true pathway to peace. Help me, Father, to find the next step, and the next, on this pathway of Stepping Stones. I pray to You Father in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:5-7
In my teenage years, I enjoyed many outward successes in sports, academics, and with peers. Unfortunately, peace was often elusive inside, and I really struggled with feeling out of control on many occasions. One of my favorite and frequent activities was sitting down and making a plan for the next 5 years of my life, one year at a time.
This planning behavior, this “soothing activity,” was my attempt to take advantage of the false belief that an orderly life on the outside would bring order to the inside of my heart. Also, with all that ordering of my outside world, my future, and my path, I thought I could plan my way to peace. I was being a “Martha” (Luke 10: 38-42) and was too busy doing.
It took me a while to learn an important truth about my brain, actually every brain. And it didn’t happen in college as a biomedical engineer, or in medical school, or even in psychiatric residency training. Actually, the Bible taught me that God did not design the human mind to figure out or plan the future, for this is clearly beyond our capability.
He did craft our minds with to engage in continual communication with Him. You won’t find peace by engaging in excessive planning and “doing”, as these are futile attempts to control what will happen to you in the future. This is not the path to peace. Look how many people get divorced, switch colleges, default on mortgage or declare bankruptcy. Planning and getting don’t guarantee peace. In fact, excessive planning and doing is actually an often-practiced form of unbelief.
Today, bring all your needs, hopes, and fears to Your Lord and God. Commit everything into His care. When uneasy, instead of planning, stop, look around at creation and your life and enjoy the moment … bask in God’s blessings, love, and amazing grace. Remember, He promises to comfort you and bring peace. But you need to look for it in the right places because it really is there. Turn from the path of planning and doing to the path of accepting the present and peace. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My mind spins with multiple plans. I spend so much time planning because I think it is the pathway to peace. And just when peace appears to be within my reach, it somehow eludes me. Just when I think I have prepared for all possibilities, and covered all my bases, a meteor strikes my life and once again pushes peace beyond my grasp throwing me into another state of confusion. Help me, Father, to stop this wasted effort. I bring to You today all my issues, needs, and insecurities … I release them into Your care. For I know this is the true pathway to peace. Help me, Father, to find the next step, and the next, on this pathway of Stepping Stones. I pray to You Father in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:5-7
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Stepping Stones: You Complaining? Motive Check Time
Transformational Thought
I was in a restaurant the other day and the tables were close to each other, so it was easy to hear (yes, eavesdrop on) the various groups talking. As I listened, I realized there was a distinct pattern across the conversation – complaining. Everyone was complaining about something. Whoa - I just realized, even I am complaining about all the other people’s complaining!
No one wins when you complain. You get all worked up, you keep pulling the scabs off of the sores that need to heal … and your complaining is almost always unwelcome by those who are on the listening end. Complaining to others actually puts you on a dangerous, slippery slope to deadly sins such as pride, duplicity, laziness, self-pity, bitterness, rage, or an unforgiving heart.
Why do we complain so much? We don’t like discomfort. It is uncomfortable for us to feel inferior to others, so we try to make ourselves look better, picking at issues and putting others down, which then allows us to “rank” in a better position than them. Another reason for complaining is our pride in thinking we know exactly how situations should go. When these events don’t turn out as planned, we complain about the alternative reality that God deals us. Thirdly, discomfort at not getting our way, not being in control, or just being discontented will get us complaining about anything in our sights to try to pump ourselves back up.
We do need to look at the past, as that is an important part of growing in maturity. But when we remember and look at the what’s happened in the past, our goal needs to be bringing hope for what the future holds. Complaining is not constructive remembering, it is destructive remembering. When processing negative events, and I am certainly advocating that we need to do this, we have to be careful about our real motive for reviewing these negative events. Our motive needs to be one of helping ourselves and others grow with the hope of having a more Godly and fulfilling future as the result of us looking at past events.
Today, if you feel like complaining, talk with God about the difficult path you are on – He understands better than anyone else the stresses and strains that are affecting you. Talking it out with God will temper your thoughts, soothe your feelings, clear your perspective, and help you begin seeing things from His perspective. If you are complaining or listening to complaining, stop and take time to check your motives. Always remember where each of us came from, a sinner saved by grace. And remember there is a list of people with complaints about you too. To complain, or to not complain; your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I have been on a long, uphill journey, and my energy is almost depleted. In this state of mind, I find myself all-too-quick to complain to others. I want to live by Your Word, Lord … and Your Word teaches me to do everything without complaining. Help me, Lord, to bring my complaints only to You. Help me not to ridicule others by complaining about them. Help me, Lord, to develop and maintain a thankful heart. I pray, Lord, that You help me send the message to others, in a gentle, loving way, that complaining is wasteful and counterproductive. Help me lead them to You. I pray in the name of the one who refreshes me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
Philippians 2:14-15
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint
Jeremiah 31:25
I was in a restaurant the other day and the tables were close to each other, so it was easy to hear (yes, eavesdrop on) the various groups talking. As I listened, I realized there was a distinct pattern across the conversation – complaining. Everyone was complaining about something. Whoa - I just realized, even I am complaining about all the other people’s complaining!
No one wins when you complain. You get all worked up, you keep pulling the scabs off of the sores that need to heal … and your complaining is almost always unwelcome by those who are on the listening end. Complaining to others actually puts you on a dangerous, slippery slope to deadly sins such as pride, duplicity, laziness, self-pity, bitterness, rage, or an unforgiving heart.
Why do we complain so much? We don’t like discomfort. It is uncomfortable for us to feel inferior to others, so we try to make ourselves look better, picking at issues and putting others down, which then allows us to “rank” in a better position than them. Another reason for complaining is our pride in thinking we know exactly how situations should go. When these events don’t turn out as planned, we complain about the alternative reality that God deals us. Thirdly, discomfort at not getting our way, not being in control, or just being discontented will get us complaining about anything in our sights to try to pump ourselves back up.
We do need to look at the past, as that is an important part of growing in maturity. But when we remember and look at the what’s happened in the past, our goal needs to be bringing hope for what the future holds. Complaining is not constructive remembering, it is destructive remembering. When processing negative events, and I am certainly advocating that we need to do this, we have to be careful about our real motive for reviewing these negative events. Our motive needs to be one of helping ourselves and others grow with the hope of having a more Godly and fulfilling future as the result of us looking at past events.
Today, if you feel like complaining, talk with God about the difficult path you are on – He understands better than anyone else the stresses and strains that are affecting you. Talking it out with God will temper your thoughts, soothe your feelings, clear your perspective, and help you begin seeing things from His perspective. If you are complaining or listening to complaining, stop and take time to check your motives. Always remember where each of us came from, a sinner saved by grace. And remember there is a list of people with complaints about you too. To complain, or to not complain; your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I have been on a long, uphill journey, and my energy is almost depleted. In this state of mind, I find myself all-too-quick to complain to others. I want to live by Your Word, Lord … and Your Word teaches me to do everything without complaining. Help me, Lord, to bring my complaints only to You. Help me not to ridicule others by complaining about them. Help me, Lord, to develop and maintain a thankful heart. I pray, Lord, that You help me send the message to others, in a gentle, loving way, that complaining is wasteful and counterproductive. Help me lead them to You. I pray in the name of the one who refreshes me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
Philippians 2:14-15
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint
Jeremiah 31:25
Friday, August 12, 2011
Stepping Stones: Are You a Fish Out of Water?
Transformational Thought
Most of mankind’s misery stems from the condition of feeling unloved, unwanted, or unimportant. As a result, we develop many dysfunctional activities to soothe this misery. To vicariously feel love or try to get love we pursue quick love, try to numb or escape the hurt of not being loved, substitute for the love we don’t feel by overly “loving” ourselves (pride), or love other things (sports, work, sex, food, shopping, insert your vice). In the midst of our storms, we tend to feel that somehow love has been withheld and that we have been forsaken … and this is exactly what Satan, the Great Deceiver, wants us to think and feel.
This feeling of abandonment is often worse than the actual storm itself. To us, love is like water to fish; we need it to surround us … we need it to navigate life … we need it to feed us. In fact, we need it to breathe. Most importantly, we need it to LIVE! Have you ever seen a fish out of water … floundering, flapping, struggling? Isn’t that how we feel a lot of times? Emotionally, psychologically, and especially spiritually? God is love, and we need a relationship with Him to receive His love. But just like any relationship, we have to receive His perfect and unconditional love and not always walk away or look in other places.
When you feel unloved or abandoned, turn to God’s Holy Scripture. Today’s Scripture reading is what I believe to be the most comforting promise in all of scripture. It assures us that we will never be alone or unloved, “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God.” What do you believe, Satan’s lies or God’s promise? Your own insecure flesh, or the great instruction book of life? What will you be influenced by - the message of our fallen world, or the power of Jesus’ death on the cross for you?
Today, be aware of God’s love for you by imagining the love in the best fairy tale you can remember (yes guys, you can do this, too). If you are struggling, or doing well, remember that fairy tale, and look around to see and feel God’s love for YOU! Also, tell someone today who is close to you that you love them … and that God loves them even more. Your decision regarding whether you believe Satan or God, so choose well!
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You today with such a thankful heart. Thankful for Your love, and for Your promise and assurance that nothing can separate me from Your love. I pray, Lord, that You let this divine assurance trickle through my mind, body and spirit … to trickle into my heart and soul. In this action-addicted world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find time alone with You, but when I do, I feel Your love. Help this day bring awareness to those that I love … even to strangers … that they are loved. In the name of love personified, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
…which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Ephesians 1:20-21
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
Psalm 63:3
Most of mankind’s misery stems from the condition of feeling unloved, unwanted, or unimportant. As a result, we develop many dysfunctional activities to soothe this misery. To vicariously feel love or try to get love we pursue quick love, try to numb or escape the hurt of not being loved, substitute for the love we don’t feel by overly “loving” ourselves (pride), or love other things (sports, work, sex, food, shopping, insert your vice). In the midst of our storms, we tend to feel that somehow love has been withheld and that we have been forsaken … and this is exactly what Satan, the Great Deceiver, wants us to think and feel.
This feeling of abandonment is often worse than the actual storm itself. To us, love is like water to fish; we need it to surround us … we need it to navigate life … we need it to feed us. In fact, we need it to breathe. Most importantly, we need it to LIVE! Have you ever seen a fish out of water … floundering, flapping, struggling? Isn’t that how we feel a lot of times? Emotionally, psychologically, and especially spiritually? God is love, and we need a relationship with Him to receive His love. But just like any relationship, we have to receive His perfect and unconditional love and not always walk away or look in other places.
When you feel unloved or abandoned, turn to God’s Holy Scripture. Today’s Scripture reading is what I believe to be the most comforting promise in all of scripture. It assures us that we will never be alone or unloved, “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God.” What do you believe, Satan’s lies or God’s promise? Your own insecure flesh, or the great instruction book of life? What will you be influenced by - the message of our fallen world, or the power of Jesus’ death on the cross for you?
Today, be aware of God’s love for you by imagining the love in the best fairy tale you can remember (yes guys, you can do this, too). If you are struggling, or doing well, remember that fairy tale, and look around to see and feel God’s love for YOU! Also, tell someone today who is close to you that you love them … and that God loves them even more. Your decision regarding whether you believe Satan or God, so choose well!
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You today with such a thankful heart. Thankful for Your love, and for Your promise and assurance that nothing can separate me from Your love. I pray, Lord, that You let this divine assurance trickle through my mind, body and spirit … to trickle into my heart and soul. In this action-addicted world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find time alone with You, but when I do, I feel Your love. Help this day bring awareness to those that I love … even to strangers … that they are loved. In the name of love personified, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
…which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Ephesians 1:20-21
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
Psalm 63:3
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Stepping Stones: Today’s Homework Brings Tomorrow’s Reward!
Transformational Thought
How easy it is to “lose heart.” We have all faced storms and problems in relationships, in our jobs, and with our finances, dreams and plans. How many times have you thought about just quitting … just walking out? In the midst of Paul’s most troublesome times, and he had many, he decides to focus on his inner strength, which comes from the Holy Spirit.
Don’t let fatigue, pain, judgment and criticism from others force you off the job. Don’t forsake your eternal reward because of some pain or temptation. You see, so many people think, “Do the right thing and suffer now for my reward in heaven” But doing the right thing now renews your mind now. That means you are strengthened psychologically, and your brain wiring actually improves. But most importantly, your relationship with God stays pure and the Holy Spirit, not your flesh, is on the throne of your heart. And the fruit of the Spirit, not the fruit of the flesh, is what you will reap - now!
Adversity has a purpose. Someone wrote to us recently with a very simple prayer to pray while in the midst of a life storm: “Dear God, please do not let these tears be wasted.” Think of the many benefits of our human limitations and problems. They remind us of Christ suffering for us. They keep pride away. They provide the opportunity to look beyond this brief life. They allow us to demonstrate our faith to others. And they give God the opportunity to demonstrate His awesome power to and through us.
Today, think about how complacent and prideful you would be if everything went your way. Then, during a setback or struggle today, remember a school assignment, athletic training, or arts preparation you had that was difficult and painful, but that eventually grew and prospered you. Then be thankful for today’s homework or training exercise. Do it with excellence, and be excited because your perfect Teacher and Coach is training you for the greatest trophy and reward: The Mind of Christ! Your perspective is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to you today as a fearful follower. As Paul writes, I do feel as if I am wasting away … most days I feel as if I am losing heart. By reading Your word today, I see where I have been going wrong. I have been looking only at what I can see, and what I can see is only temporary. Father, help me to fix my eyes and heart today on what is deeper, for I know that what is deeper is more valuable. Help me today to see my problems as opportunities, for Your Word has taught me that when I am at my weakest, I really am at my strongest. It is Your strength and power that makes me strong. Father, please do not let today’s troubles diminish my faith in You. Please let my very weakness allow the resurrection power of Jesus Christ to strengthen me moment by moment. I pray in need and through Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Cor. 4:16–18
You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.
John 13:13
He who teaches man knowledge--the LORD--knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath. Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked.
Psalm 94:10-13
How easy it is to “lose heart.” We have all faced storms and problems in relationships, in our jobs, and with our finances, dreams and plans. How many times have you thought about just quitting … just walking out? In the midst of Paul’s most troublesome times, and he had many, he decides to focus on his inner strength, which comes from the Holy Spirit.
Don’t let fatigue, pain, judgment and criticism from others force you off the job. Don’t forsake your eternal reward because of some pain or temptation. You see, so many people think, “Do the right thing and suffer now for my reward in heaven” But doing the right thing now renews your mind now. That means you are strengthened psychologically, and your brain wiring actually improves. But most importantly, your relationship with God stays pure and the Holy Spirit, not your flesh, is on the throne of your heart. And the fruit of the Spirit, not the fruit of the flesh, is what you will reap - now!
Adversity has a purpose. Someone wrote to us recently with a very simple prayer to pray while in the midst of a life storm: “Dear God, please do not let these tears be wasted.” Think of the many benefits of our human limitations and problems. They remind us of Christ suffering for us. They keep pride away. They provide the opportunity to look beyond this brief life. They allow us to demonstrate our faith to others. And they give God the opportunity to demonstrate His awesome power to and through us.
Today, think about how complacent and prideful you would be if everything went your way. Then, during a setback or struggle today, remember a school assignment, athletic training, or arts preparation you had that was difficult and painful, but that eventually grew and prospered you. Then be thankful for today’s homework or training exercise. Do it with excellence, and be excited because your perfect Teacher and Coach is training you for the greatest trophy and reward: The Mind of Christ! Your perspective is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to you today as a fearful follower. As Paul writes, I do feel as if I am wasting away … most days I feel as if I am losing heart. By reading Your word today, I see where I have been going wrong. I have been looking only at what I can see, and what I can see is only temporary. Father, help me to fix my eyes and heart today on what is deeper, for I know that what is deeper is more valuable. Help me today to see my problems as opportunities, for Your Word has taught me that when I am at my weakest, I really am at my strongest. It is Your strength and power that makes me strong. Father, please do not let today’s troubles diminish my faith in You. Please let my very weakness allow the resurrection power of Jesus Christ to strengthen me moment by moment. I pray in need and through Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Cor. 4:16–18
You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.
John 13:13
He who teaches man knowledge--the LORD--knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath. Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked.
Psalm 94:10-13
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Stepping Stones: War Trophy, Our Soul; Battlefield, Our Mind
Transformational Thought
We were born into a world at war, and you will live all your days in the midst of a great spiritual battle. Every day all the forces of good and evil, heaven and hell, God and Satan, collide. You have experienced and witnessed this warfare on an hourly basis, and sometimes, minute to minute.
Today’s scripture are words spoken by Jesus. He makes the choices so obvious, so clear. Unfortunately, few of us face this fact moment by moment. I know I’m guilty of not reminding myself each day that I’m in the middle of a monumental spiritual struggle.
Yes, there is a thief out there … he comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. And he’s not interested in taking a few things and leaving – he wants it all: your marriage, your job, your children, your relationships – your soul. Everything. Satan’s main strategy is distorting our lenses and disrupting our decision-making skills. Satan even went after Jesus with lies, trying to affect Jesus’ decisions.
We need to focus on the second part of Jesus’ during His encounter Satan. He tells us He has come so that we may have life and life to the fullest. The catch is, you have to choose this life; it will not be handed to you. You need to face the fact … every day … that you are smack dab in the middle of a war. Jesus used THE HOLY BIBLE as His lenses and reference for accurate decision-making, and that’s just what we need to use too.
Jesus’ offer to us is life, but you had better be ready to fight for it. Because the bad guy on the other side, your greatest enemy, is all-in and relentless, and fights dirty. It’s not pleasant news, but it is news everyone needs to hear.
Today, when tempted to stray, stop and calm yourself with God’s word and Jesus’ promise of abundant life so you don’t fall for Satan’s lie. Also, think of one or two people at this moment that you can alert or remind that there is a thief stalking them. Call them, forward this email to them … pray for them. The battlefield is your mind, so start guarding it diligently by making strong and Godly decisions. WITHIN REACH was developed to help this very purpose. Your decision, choose your side well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I choose life! Thank You, Father, for providing such a beautiful alternative - life. I ask for Your help, Father God. I need Your help to face the fact that I am in the middle of spiritual warfare … and to help me remember that You sent Your Son so that I may have abundant life. I have seen what this enemy is capable of, Lord, in my life and in the lives of others. I pray that You help me and the Stepping Stones praying community accept the fact that there is an enemy out there trying to steal all we have … to destroy and kill. Lord, help me as a Father to protect my children from this thief and to protect all those I love. I pray in the name of the Conqueror, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10
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.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’"
Matthew 4:3-10
Watch over your heart (mind) with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23
We were born into a world at war, and you will live all your days in the midst of a great spiritual battle. Every day all the forces of good and evil, heaven and hell, God and Satan, collide. You have experienced and witnessed this warfare on an hourly basis, and sometimes, minute to minute.
Today’s scripture are words spoken by Jesus. He makes the choices so obvious, so clear. Unfortunately, few of us face this fact moment by moment. I know I’m guilty of not reminding myself each day that I’m in the middle of a monumental spiritual struggle.
Yes, there is a thief out there … he comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. And he’s not interested in taking a few things and leaving – he wants it all: your marriage, your job, your children, your relationships – your soul. Everything. Satan’s main strategy is distorting our lenses and disrupting our decision-making skills. Satan even went after Jesus with lies, trying to affect Jesus’ decisions.
We need to focus on the second part of Jesus’ during His encounter Satan. He tells us He has come so that we may have life and life to the fullest. The catch is, you have to choose this life; it will not be handed to you. You need to face the fact … every day … that you are smack dab in the middle of a war. Jesus used THE HOLY BIBLE as His lenses and reference for accurate decision-making, and that’s just what we need to use too.
Jesus’ offer to us is life, but you had better be ready to fight for it. Because the bad guy on the other side, your greatest enemy, is all-in and relentless, and fights dirty. It’s not pleasant news, but it is news everyone needs to hear.
Today, when tempted to stray, stop and calm yourself with God’s word and Jesus’ promise of abundant life so you don’t fall for Satan’s lie. Also, think of one or two people at this moment that you can alert or remind that there is a thief stalking them. Call them, forward this email to them … pray for them. The battlefield is your mind, so start guarding it diligently by making strong and Godly decisions. WITHIN REACH was developed to help this very purpose. Your decision, choose your side well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I choose life! Thank You, Father, for providing such a beautiful alternative - life. I ask for Your help, Father God. I need Your help to face the fact that I am in the middle of spiritual warfare … and to help me remember that You sent Your Son so that I may have abundant life. I have seen what this enemy is capable of, Lord, in my life and in the lives of others. I pray that You help me and the Stepping Stones praying community accept the fact that there is an enemy out there trying to steal all we have … to destroy and kill. Lord, help me as a Father to protect my children from this thief and to protect all those I love. I pray in the name of the Conqueror, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10
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.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’"
Matthew 4:3-10
Watch over your heart (mind) with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
Proverbs 4:23
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Stepping Stones: The Ultimate Alchemist
Transformational Thought
My little granny turned 90 years old last January. Good thing she doesn’t get the Internet or she would be angry with me sharing this embarrassing information. One thing I love about her is she still gets to the Russian Orthodox Church (where I was baptized as an infant), twice a month to crank out 6000 perogies with her gnarled hands, rheumatoid mis-shaped hands. You see, deep fried perogies is my most favorite food … followed closely by homemade ice cream.
My granny is the dough master. For you non-cooks, the dough master has the most physically grueling task when making perogies. Granny keeps waiting for some young buck to learn her secret before she dies, but none of the younger women have the stamina to do what 90 year old granny cranks out. Perogies are a classic example of the final product being way better than the sum of the ingredients, and it is because of the talent of the cook. Think about alchemy, the ancient practice of combining common, cheap substances and transforming them into something of value. One who practices Alchemy is called an Alchemist.
So many of us suffer from the belief that we have nothing of value to share with others … or with our God. We feel we are a waste. But nothing is wasted when you share it with Your Lord. He can bring beauty out of the ashes of broken or lost dreams. He can turn the darkness of your worst failures into bright beauty and hope. He can glean joy out of sorrow … peace out of adversity. Your God, the Master Chef, delights in blending His love, grace and forgiveness with our pride, sin and failures. He transforms His children from sinful wretches into wonderful disciples.
Today, bring your sorrow, sadness and brokenness to God. Release them into his care and keeping. He will not only heal your brokenness … He will give you a new dream – one that is in perfect harmony with His plans for you. To do this, give up one of your “needs” and instead, depend on His promises. As you begin to work with Him bringing this fresh new dream to reality, you will find yourself becoming more and more content, and increasingly aware of His beautiful presence seeping into all the nooks and crannies of your life. Only your best friend, the King of Kings, could accomplish this Divine Alchemy.
Prayer
Dear Father, I am so blessed to call You my friend. I pray to You, Father, that You help me share more and more of my life with You. I believe that You, and only You, can bring beauty out of my lost dreams … out of my sorrow. I confess, Father, that as I try to bring my junk to You for transformation I get stuck in self-pity … in my brokenness and in my struggles. Help me bring all these things to You so that You can place on me a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I know You are the Divine Alchemist. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who needed no alchemy to shine His glory, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
He has sent me to bind the brokenhearted … and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:2-3
Jesus looked at them and said; “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
My little granny turned 90 years old last January. Good thing she doesn’t get the Internet or she would be angry with me sharing this embarrassing information. One thing I love about her is she still gets to the Russian Orthodox Church (where I was baptized as an infant), twice a month to crank out 6000 perogies with her gnarled hands, rheumatoid mis-shaped hands. You see, deep fried perogies is my most favorite food … followed closely by homemade ice cream.
My granny is the dough master. For you non-cooks, the dough master has the most physically grueling task when making perogies. Granny keeps waiting for some young buck to learn her secret before she dies, but none of the younger women have the stamina to do what 90 year old granny cranks out. Perogies are a classic example of the final product being way better than the sum of the ingredients, and it is because of the talent of the cook. Think about alchemy, the ancient practice of combining common, cheap substances and transforming them into something of value. One who practices Alchemy is called an Alchemist.
So many of us suffer from the belief that we have nothing of value to share with others … or with our God. We feel we are a waste. But nothing is wasted when you share it with Your Lord. He can bring beauty out of the ashes of broken or lost dreams. He can turn the darkness of your worst failures into bright beauty and hope. He can glean joy out of sorrow … peace out of adversity. Your God, the Master Chef, delights in blending His love, grace and forgiveness with our pride, sin and failures. He transforms His children from sinful wretches into wonderful disciples.
Today, bring your sorrow, sadness and brokenness to God. Release them into his care and keeping. He will not only heal your brokenness … He will give you a new dream – one that is in perfect harmony with His plans for you. To do this, give up one of your “needs” and instead, depend on His promises. As you begin to work with Him bringing this fresh new dream to reality, you will find yourself becoming more and more content, and increasingly aware of His beautiful presence seeping into all the nooks and crannies of your life. Only your best friend, the King of Kings, could accomplish this Divine Alchemy.
Prayer
Dear Father, I am so blessed to call You my friend. I pray to You, Father, that You help me share more and more of my life with You. I believe that You, and only You, can bring beauty out of my lost dreams … out of my sorrow. I confess, Father, that as I try to bring my junk to You for transformation I get stuck in self-pity … in my brokenness and in my struggles. Help me bring all these things to You so that You can place on me a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I know You are the Divine Alchemist. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who needed no alchemy to shine His glory, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
He has sent me to bind the brokenhearted … and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:2-3
Jesus looked at them and said; “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
Monday, August 8, 2011
Stepping Stones: Do You Recognize The Darkness?
Transformational Thought
What is darkness? You know, gloom and doom? We all have really bright and shiny days when everything goes great and we feel on top of the world. But those darker days, they are a lot tougher to describe and identify. You might be thinking, “What is he talking about? I know the dark days and can identify them pretty easily.”
Well, dark days can also be ones that are “neutral”, as these are often the seeds for future dark days. Nothing great or earth-shattering, nothing memorable. Satan starts to play with our head, getting us to think or believe we are nothing special, that God doesn’t really love us … that God isn’t interested in our wellbeing … that God is sitting on His throne with a scorecard, keeping track of our mistakes.
Why do we fall for Satan’s tricks? It’s because, at our core we are insecure. We feel inadequate and have a constant need for approval. We need to be important in this world or to someone. We want to be noticed. To make our mark on each day. Neutral days highlight these fears, accelerating the negative-thought-merry-go-round we willingly jump on.
Growing in God’s grace is all about trusting Him above all else, especially when we find ourselves in the darkness. Always trust God, whether it’s a for-all-the-marbles darkness, or the neutral days that set you up on the slippery slope for a bigger darkness. When you are in the dark, reach for His hand with confidence. Turn to Him. Resist hollow earthly solutions and addictions. Reaching for His hand in the dark is a display of magnificent trust and greatly weakens the spiritual forces of evil, the very forces that have tricked you to pursue the dark solutions.
When your world is dark and you trust God, His light will shine brightly through you for all to see … for His light shines brightest in the darkness.
Today, if you are in the dark and feel on the brink of giving up, cry out for His assistance and pray: “Help me, Holy Spirit.” Really look for the hand that is reaching out for you ... it is there. This brief prayer is a beautiful display of trust and a simple way to tap into His vast power. Learn to recognize the lies that take you from a neutral day to a dark day. Resist them and counter the lies with the truth and hope of God’s love, power, and sovereignty. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I am completely in the dark today – scared and disoriented – I don’t know which way to turn. Help me, God. Help me, Holy Spirit. You have designed me to seek light. I crave all kind of light – sunlight and even artificial light … but especially the light of Your holy presence. I want to walk in Your light, Father. It is easy for me to trust You when there is plenty of light in my world. But trusting You in my darkness is another matter. I am desperate, Lord. I am reaching for You in the dark. I know, Lord, that Your light shines brightest in the dark. I pray that even in times when I cannot see the illumination of Your light, that Your light shining through me is visible to those around me. I pray in need through Your Son Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin
1 John 1:7
Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139:10
What is darkness? You know, gloom and doom? We all have really bright and shiny days when everything goes great and we feel on top of the world. But those darker days, they are a lot tougher to describe and identify. You might be thinking, “What is he talking about? I know the dark days and can identify them pretty easily.”
Well, dark days can also be ones that are “neutral”, as these are often the seeds for future dark days. Nothing great or earth-shattering, nothing memorable. Satan starts to play with our head, getting us to think or believe we are nothing special, that God doesn’t really love us … that God isn’t interested in our wellbeing … that God is sitting on His throne with a scorecard, keeping track of our mistakes.
Why do we fall for Satan’s tricks? It’s because, at our core we are insecure. We feel inadequate and have a constant need for approval. We need to be important in this world or to someone. We want to be noticed. To make our mark on each day. Neutral days highlight these fears, accelerating the negative-thought-merry-go-round we willingly jump on.
Growing in God’s grace is all about trusting Him above all else, especially when we find ourselves in the darkness. Always trust God, whether it’s a for-all-the-marbles darkness, or the neutral days that set you up on the slippery slope for a bigger darkness. When you are in the dark, reach for His hand with confidence. Turn to Him. Resist hollow earthly solutions and addictions. Reaching for His hand in the dark is a display of magnificent trust and greatly weakens the spiritual forces of evil, the very forces that have tricked you to pursue the dark solutions.
When your world is dark and you trust God, His light will shine brightly through you for all to see … for His light shines brightest in the darkness.
Today, if you are in the dark and feel on the brink of giving up, cry out for His assistance and pray: “Help me, Holy Spirit.” Really look for the hand that is reaching out for you ... it is there. This brief prayer is a beautiful display of trust and a simple way to tap into His vast power. Learn to recognize the lies that take you from a neutral day to a dark day. Resist them and counter the lies with the truth and hope of God’s love, power, and sovereignty. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I am completely in the dark today – scared and disoriented – I don’t know which way to turn. Help me, God. Help me, Holy Spirit. You have designed me to seek light. I crave all kind of light – sunlight and even artificial light … but especially the light of Your holy presence. I want to walk in Your light, Father. It is easy for me to trust You when there is plenty of light in my world. But trusting You in my darkness is another matter. I am desperate, Lord. I am reaching for You in the dark. I know, Lord, that Your light shines brightest in the dark. I pray that even in times when I cannot see the illumination of Your light, that Your light shining through me is visible to those around me. I pray in need through Your Son Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin
1 John 1:7
Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139:10
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Stepping Stones: How Do You Fill Your Vessel?
Transformational Thought
This banner ad came across my screen yesterday as I was on the Internet: “10 ways to be happier in 2 minutes or less.” Wow, what a deal! I would even splurge and give 10 minutes. Be honest with yourself, would you have clicked on the link? I would really like to know how many people clicked in search of quick-hit happiness. I’m even more curious to see how many Christians clicked.
Why is happiness, true lasting happiness, regardless of circumstances, so hard to “find”? And when we do find happiness … why does it leave us so quickly? Scripture tells us that God created us as earthen vessels, but I believe I am such a leaky container that I can never really get filled and stay filled. Our fleshly lenses are so me-oriented. We want more to soothe us; we focus on our discomforts and what we don’t have. It makes happiness so elusive. Our selfish need to have more makes happiness very short-lived.
I need my vessel to be filled over and over because I get empty so quickly. But while we are earthen vessels, God designed us to be filled with heavenly content that can’t leak out … to fill our vessels with Him and His wisdom. Whether we choose to use this full vessel, or just pour it out and replace it with other stuff that easily leaks out, is the million-dollar decision that is up to us.
So where do you go to “fill-up?” What do you put in your vessel? When you put the right God-gifts in your vessel, do you use and re-use them and enjoy the happiness they bring? Or do you pour them out and replace them with a cheap substitute? Do you go to the dollar store to grab items that break easily, causing you to revisit frequently without ever being satisfied? Go to the quality store where the valuable items that take more commitment to “buy” and patiently pursue quality that lasts.
Today, remain in the presence of Your God. He is excited and proud to fill you with His Glory-gifts. But this takes time … do not rush the process. Examine some truths you already know and see if you can apply them to a couple more small areas of your life over and over, instead of applying cheap imitations from the world or your past. This is how you use and re-use the Glory-gifts in your vessel. Where you look for happiness is your decision. Choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Without You my emptiness is profound. I know that I am an earthen vessel … and a leaky one at that. I need to be filled and refilled with You, my Father. Please fill me with Your love, joy and peace. Because Your gifts leak out of me, I need your continual presence … I need You endlessly for renewal. I have been empty for so long, Father … for as long as I can remember. I always knew that I was a leaky vessel. I saw myself as a defect … a mistake. But I rejoice in the awareness that I am not a mistake … that You made me to allow the world’s stuff to leak out and to hold in your glory-gifts. This keeps me looking at You and coming to You for renewal. Thank You, Father. All praise and glory be to You. I also pray, Father, that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit … the most precious treasure of all. Fill me with Your holy scripture. And as You fill me with Your gifts, let Your beautiful light shine through me like a Lighthouse into other people’s lives. Let me do Your work today, Lord, in ways that I don’t even understand. I pray in need of and through the perfect filling for my vessel, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
However, we possess this precious treasure (the divine light of the Gospel) in (frail, human) vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:7
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven
Matthew 5:16
This banner ad came across my screen yesterday as I was on the Internet: “10 ways to be happier in 2 minutes or less.” Wow, what a deal! I would even splurge and give 10 minutes. Be honest with yourself, would you have clicked on the link? I would really like to know how many people clicked in search of quick-hit happiness. I’m even more curious to see how many Christians clicked.
Why is happiness, true lasting happiness, regardless of circumstances, so hard to “find”? And when we do find happiness … why does it leave us so quickly? Scripture tells us that God created us as earthen vessels, but I believe I am such a leaky container that I can never really get filled and stay filled. Our fleshly lenses are so me-oriented. We want more to soothe us; we focus on our discomforts and what we don’t have. It makes happiness so elusive. Our selfish need to have more makes happiness very short-lived.
I need my vessel to be filled over and over because I get empty so quickly. But while we are earthen vessels, God designed us to be filled with heavenly content that can’t leak out … to fill our vessels with Him and His wisdom. Whether we choose to use this full vessel, or just pour it out and replace it with other stuff that easily leaks out, is the million-dollar decision that is up to us.
So where do you go to “fill-up?” What do you put in your vessel? When you put the right God-gifts in your vessel, do you use and re-use them and enjoy the happiness they bring? Or do you pour them out and replace them with a cheap substitute? Do you go to the dollar store to grab items that break easily, causing you to revisit frequently without ever being satisfied? Go to the quality store where the valuable items that take more commitment to “buy” and patiently pursue quality that lasts.
Today, remain in the presence of Your God. He is excited and proud to fill you with His Glory-gifts. But this takes time … do not rush the process. Examine some truths you already know and see if you can apply them to a couple more small areas of your life over and over, instead of applying cheap imitations from the world or your past. This is how you use and re-use the Glory-gifts in your vessel. Where you look for happiness is your decision. Choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Without You my emptiness is profound. I know that I am an earthen vessel … and a leaky one at that. I need to be filled and refilled with You, my Father. Please fill me with Your love, joy and peace. Because Your gifts leak out of me, I need your continual presence … I need You endlessly for renewal. I have been empty for so long, Father … for as long as I can remember. I always knew that I was a leaky vessel. I saw myself as a defect … a mistake. But I rejoice in the awareness that I am not a mistake … that You made me to allow the world’s stuff to leak out and to hold in your glory-gifts. This keeps me looking at You and coming to You for renewal. Thank You, Father. All praise and glory be to You. I also pray, Father, that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit … the most precious treasure of all. Fill me with Your holy scripture. And as You fill me with Your gifts, let Your beautiful light shine through me like a Lighthouse into other people’s lives. Let me do Your work today, Lord, in ways that I don’t even understand. I pray in need of and through the perfect filling for my vessel, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
However, we possess this precious treasure (the divine light of the Gospel) in (frail, human) vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:7
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven
Matthew 5:16
Friday, August 5, 2011
Stepping Stones: Grandma’s Vision Ain’t So Good
Transformational Thought
Dominique, my oldest daughter is moving into a house just off campus at University of Pittsburgh. She’s already had enough of dorm partying and is moving in with two Christian girls. She and Martine are leaving tonight to take some furniture and clean up. They will stay with my cousin, Chuckie. Pitt is 45 minutes from where my parents and I were born. I haven’t lived there in almost 40 years, but I still have many relatives there. It has been great staying with my cousin Chuckie and catching up with some other relatives that I see sporadically over the years.
One stop is always to my little Granny Guzy’s house. Wow! So many memories as I ride up the hill to her house above the Monongahela River. She pinches my cheeks, calls me junior, (ever since I can remember she never called me Karl), makes me 2 huge sandwiches or perogies, and buys me sugar pops for breakfast. She sees me like I am still 8 years old. And it’s very hard to see myself accurately - as a 48 y.o. adult, a professional, a husband and father - when I’m being perceived through lenses that portray me as an 8 y.o.
So, how do you see yourself? If you are looking through your own eyes, chances are you will not like what you see. Satan, the Great Deceiver, wants us to see ourselves as alone, unloved, unwanted, unable to tolerate pain, and needing his quick fix for our problems. Sometimes our fleshly lenses skew our self-evaluation to the other end of the spectrum and we see ourselves as King of our world, much better than we really are, entitled to way more than we really deserve. You know the mentality, “My kingdom come, My will be done.”
Try seeing yourself through the clearest, most accurate lenses of all, the eyes of God … see yourself as someone who is deeply loved and valued. Healing, comfort, protection, and peace are abundantly provided, but we need to seek them and steward them well. Immerse yourself in God’s Holy Bible, a tremendous story about God’s love for you. Read and see just how much He loves you. He offers you more love, peace, wisdom, and protection than you could ever get from Satan’s world system.
Today, look in the mirror and evaluate your base, knee-jerk view of yourself. Then, perhaps while in the bathroom, read Luke 1:26 – 2:21 (the Christmas Story) and John 18, 19 & 20 (the Easter story). Don’t say, “I know these stories, I can skip the reading” … READ THEM. They are short. Use this time to see yourself thru God’s lenses. You will clear your eyes and head quickly. Your decision, your lenses or God’s. Choose well!
Prayer
Dear Father, You are the peak of all my desires and all my hopes. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last: who is, and was, and is to come. You have brought so many pleasures and blessings into my life. Thank You, Jesus. I receive Your gifts with open arms, but help me, my God, to not cling to these gifts. At times I cling to the gifts and am fearful that I might lose them. But what a peaceful thought to know that the only thing I absolutely need is the one thing I can never lose: Your presence in me. Thank You, Jesus. Today, I try to see myself through Your eyes. Through Your eyes I see myself as someone who is deeply loved and protected by Your presence, which shields me from all evil. I pray in Jesus’ never-ending name; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
Revelation 1:8
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8
Dominique, my oldest daughter is moving into a house just off campus at University of Pittsburgh. She’s already had enough of dorm partying and is moving in with two Christian girls. She and Martine are leaving tonight to take some furniture and clean up. They will stay with my cousin, Chuckie. Pitt is 45 minutes from where my parents and I were born. I haven’t lived there in almost 40 years, but I still have many relatives there. It has been great staying with my cousin Chuckie and catching up with some other relatives that I see sporadically over the years.
One stop is always to my little Granny Guzy’s house. Wow! So many memories as I ride up the hill to her house above the Monongahela River. She pinches my cheeks, calls me junior, (ever since I can remember she never called me Karl), makes me 2 huge sandwiches or perogies, and buys me sugar pops for breakfast. She sees me like I am still 8 years old. And it’s very hard to see myself accurately - as a 48 y.o. adult, a professional, a husband and father - when I’m being perceived through lenses that portray me as an 8 y.o.
So, how do you see yourself? If you are looking through your own eyes, chances are you will not like what you see. Satan, the Great Deceiver, wants us to see ourselves as alone, unloved, unwanted, unable to tolerate pain, and needing his quick fix for our problems. Sometimes our fleshly lenses skew our self-evaluation to the other end of the spectrum and we see ourselves as King of our world, much better than we really are, entitled to way more than we really deserve. You know the mentality, “My kingdom come, My will be done.”
Try seeing yourself through the clearest, most accurate lenses of all, the eyes of God … see yourself as someone who is deeply loved and valued. Healing, comfort, protection, and peace are abundantly provided, but we need to seek them and steward them well. Immerse yourself in God’s Holy Bible, a tremendous story about God’s love for you. Read and see just how much He loves you. He offers you more love, peace, wisdom, and protection than you could ever get from Satan’s world system.
Today, look in the mirror and evaluate your base, knee-jerk view of yourself. Then, perhaps while in the bathroom, read Luke 1:26 – 2:21 (the Christmas Story) and John 18, 19 & 20 (the Easter story). Don’t say, “I know these stories, I can skip the reading” … READ THEM. They are short. Use this time to see yourself thru God’s lenses. You will clear your eyes and head quickly. Your decision, your lenses or God’s. Choose well!
Prayer
Dear Father, You are the peak of all my desires and all my hopes. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last: who is, and was, and is to come. You have brought so many pleasures and blessings into my life. Thank You, Jesus. I receive Your gifts with open arms, but help me, my God, to not cling to these gifts. At times I cling to the gifts and am fearful that I might lose them. But what a peaceful thought to know that the only thing I absolutely need is the one thing I can never lose: Your presence in me. Thank You, Jesus. Today, I try to see myself through Your eyes. Through Your eyes I see myself as someone who is deeply loved and protected by Your presence, which shields me from all evil. I pray in Jesus’ never-ending name; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
Revelation 1:8
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Stepping Stones: What If You Could Change the Past?
Transformational Thought
I was a Star Trek maniac as a kid and still am as an adult … just the original though, with Kirk and Spock. To me, they were the best dynamic duo, hero and sidekick, ever created. In every episode they would take on challenges and enemies from around the multiverse as well as demons from within themselves. Kirk and Spock would beat them in less than 60 minutes, every time!
I especially loved the episodes where Kirk and Spock went back in time and did something (usually something good) that would significantly affect the future, which was Spock and Kirk’s present before they went back in time. The ripples of their actions usually messed up their “present time” lives and often threw everything off balance, wrecking the whole world. Then they had to figure out how to go back in the past, undo what they thought was a good deed, so their present and future would be OK.
Our own selfish desires, limited knowledge, and continuous need to avoid pain and discomfort can lead us into the same trap as Kirk and Spock. We can spend lots of time thinking about what we would like to change from our past so life could be better now. Of course, none of us can go back. Even if you could, you don’t know how much damage that would create. So, forget what is behind you and focus on what you need to do now.
God forgave you when you accepted Christ’s death for your mistakes and sins. Walk your personal stepping-stones, one at a time, toward the prize that has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, every step toward a Christ-like life is awesome progress in God’s eyes.
Today, when a derogatory thought, generated by your past, comes to your mind, grab the remote control for your brain and switch to the channel broadcasting Jesus’ victory over sin and death, and the freedom His resurrection brings you. Do you know where the remote control for your brain is? Your remote control is your decision-making skills. That’s why we focus so much on the spiritual discipline of decision-making. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, my Father, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it can leave me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged, I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today, Lord, to remember that You paid the price for my sinfulness. Remind me to be immune to the destruction of what is behind me and to focus on grabbing the prize that’s within reach, the life to which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian. But I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is amazing progress. Help me today, my God, to act on the guidance that You have already given me through the Holy Spirit. In the name of the one with the perfect brain, Jesus’ victorious name, I pray; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.
Proverbs 15:24
I was a Star Trek maniac as a kid and still am as an adult … just the original though, with Kirk and Spock. To me, they were the best dynamic duo, hero and sidekick, ever created. In every episode they would take on challenges and enemies from around the multiverse as well as demons from within themselves. Kirk and Spock would beat them in less than 60 minutes, every time!
I especially loved the episodes where Kirk and Spock went back in time and did something (usually something good) that would significantly affect the future, which was Spock and Kirk’s present before they went back in time. The ripples of their actions usually messed up their “present time” lives and often threw everything off balance, wrecking the whole world. Then they had to figure out how to go back in the past, undo what they thought was a good deed, so their present and future would be OK.
Our own selfish desires, limited knowledge, and continuous need to avoid pain and discomfort can lead us into the same trap as Kirk and Spock. We can spend lots of time thinking about what we would like to change from our past so life could be better now. Of course, none of us can go back. Even if you could, you don’t know how much damage that would create. So, forget what is behind you and focus on what you need to do now.
God forgave you when you accepted Christ’s death for your mistakes and sins. Walk your personal stepping-stones, one at a time, toward the prize that has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, every step toward a Christ-like life is awesome progress in God’s eyes.
Today, when a derogatory thought, generated by your past, comes to your mind, grab the remote control for your brain and switch to the channel broadcasting Jesus’ victory over sin and death, and the freedom His resurrection brings you. Do you know where the remote control for your brain is? Your remote control is your decision-making skills. That’s why we focus so much on the spiritual discipline of decision-making. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear God, my Father, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it can leave me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged, I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today, Lord, to remember that You paid the price for my sinfulness. Remind me to be immune to the destruction of what is behind me and to focus on grabbing the prize that’s within reach, the life to which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian. But I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is amazing progress. Help me today, my God, to act on the guidance that You have already given me through the Holy Spirit. In the name of the one with the perfect brain, Jesus’ victorious name, I pray; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.
Proverbs 15:24
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Stepping Stones: God’s Wakeup Call: Will You Answer or Hit Snooze?
Transformational Thought
We love our children. Nothing in this world is more precious. As a parent, I really get excited when my kids pursue me. The best is when they do it even though they don’t need anything ... but because they simply love me and want to hang out with me. What they don’t realize is, I have been pursuing them all along, whether they liked it or not, whether they wanted me or not, and I pursued them even before they were born! If you are a parent, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
You see, we all come to a life-changing and eternity-determining fork in the road on our life journey. Whether it is trying to figure out where we came from, what happens when we die, what our purpose is or life path will be, or whether we can do it all on our own, these kinds of questions and ponderings bring us to the all important fork. At that junction, you have two options, whether you will answer these questions by pursuing God, or ignore God and make yourself the center of these important answers.
Some arrive at the fork at age 4, others as a teen, and some when as an adult. Even if we take the wrong path, we get to circle back many times in life. But when we choose the correct path, setting out to know our God more intimately, He certainly rejoices, but He is not surprised. If you are waking up and finally starting to pursue Him harder, it’s because He has been pursuing you and you are finally realizing your need to acknowledge that call and respond.
While this longing for Him burns brightly in your heart, remember it originates from Him. Know, just like parents do, God has been pursuing you long before your quest for Him began. If you think your spiritual discipline keeps you close to God, you are at risk. If you are depending solely on your own efforts to stay close to God, you will surely find times where you are distant from Him. But if you put His love and pursuit of you as the first step, you will understand the bigger story of His love, sovereignty and sacrifice, your need for all He has, and your responsibility to steward your free will faithfully. To me, this is reassuring and freeing in many powerful ways.
Today, thank your Lord for awakening in your heart the strong desire for Him. Even before you were born, He loved, planned, and pursued you. Take 2 separate breaks today and search your heart, looking for what God is asking you cut back on, so you can answer His wake-up call and not hit the snooze button again. Carrying less will actually ease the burden you carry. It’s your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for awakening me and placing in my heart this strong desire for You. Before I realized Your consistent effort to wake me up, I took the wrong fork to find answers in so many different places. I tried so hard to fill the void – and many times I filled it in sinful ways. Forgive me, Lord. I realize now that I have thirsted for You as far back in time as I can remember. I know now that my desire for a closer walk with You grew out of all the work You have done in me. I know You have initiated this longing I have for You … and I know my response now pleases You. Help me, Lord, set aside time and use the remote control for my mind each day to engage with You, my living God. In Jesus’ ultimate awakening; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Psalm 42:2
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5
We love our children. Nothing in this world is more precious. As a parent, I really get excited when my kids pursue me. The best is when they do it even though they don’t need anything ... but because they simply love me and want to hang out with me. What they don’t realize is, I have been pursuing them all along, whether they liked it or not, whether they wanted me or not, and I pursued them even before they were born! If you are a parent, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
You see, we all come to a life-changing and eternity-determining fork in the road on our life journey. Whether it is trying to figure out where we came from, what happens when we die, what our purpose is or life path will be, or whether we can do it all on our own, these kinds of questions and ponderings bring us to the all important fork. At that junction, you have two options, whether you will answer these questions by pursuing God, or ignore God and make yourself the center of these important answers.
Some arrive at the fork at age 4, others as a teen, and some when as an adult. Even if we take the wrong path, we get to circle back many times in life. But when we choose the correct path, setting out to know our God more intimately, He certainly rejoices, but He is not surprised. If you are waking up and finally starting to pursue Him harder, it’s because He has been pursuing you and you are finally realizing your need to acknowledge that call and respond.
While this longing for Him burns brightly in your heart, remember it originates from Him. Know, just like parents do, God has been pursuing you long before your quest for Him began. If you think your spiritual discipline keeps you close to God, you are at risk. If you are depending solely on your own efforts to stay close to God, you will surely find times where you are distant from Him. But if you put His love and pursuit of you as the first step, you will understand the bigger story of His love, sovereignty and sacrifice, your need for all He has, and your responsibility to steward your free will faithfully. To me, this is reassuring and freeing in many powerful ways.
Today, thank your Lord for awakening in your heart the strong desire for Him. Even before you were born, He loved, planned, and pursued you. Take 2 separate breaks today and search your heart, looking for what God is asking you cut back on, so you can answer His wake-up call and not hit the snooze button again. Carrying less will actually ease the burden you carry. It’s your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for awakening me and placing in my heart this strong desire for You. Before I realized Your consistent effort to wake me up, I took the wrong fork to find answers in so many different places. I tried so hard to fill the void – and many times I filled it in sinful ways. Forgive me, Lord. I realize now that I have thirsted for You as far back in time as I can remember. I know now that my desire for a closer walk with You grew out of all the work You have done in me. I know You have initiated this longing I have for You … and I know my response now pleases You. Help me, Lord, set aside time and use the remote control for my mind each day to engage with You, my living God. In Jesus’ ultimate awakening; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Psalm 42:2
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Stepping Stones: Do You Avoid God’s Will Because It Hurts?
Transformational Thought
I was recently in a situation in which a close friend revealed some information that was quite surprising. After absorbing it, I knew what God wanted me to do. But it was uncomfortable for me to deliver that Godly response, and I knew it would be really uncomfortable for my friend to hear. Actually, I was, and still am concerned, that if I shared what God put on my heart, the friendship might end. Well I said it. And, thankfully, I know we are both better because I did. I know you’ve been in that kind of situation too. How did you feel?
Incidents like this in the past really pushed me to examine myself, and I had to admit that at times, I actually fear the will of God. I have a fear that totally aligning my life with the will of God will actually cause me pain. Then I realized my mistake. My fear was an emotional response. Emotions are great warning signs of potential trouble or danger. But God never intended that we make decisions based on our emotions.
One of Satan's greatest lies is getting us to believe God's way is costly … that Satan's way (or our fleshly way) is on-sale, cheaper, better and less costly. Satan's ways will always result in immediate spiritual, psychological, and physiological (actual brain) damage. The enemy’s solutions also result in long-term damage in these 3 spheres of spirit, mind, and body.
The Word of God continually calls us to transcend living ... to go beyond what is natural and to do what is supernatural. God's will is so much deeper than our understanding. And though His will may entail sacrifice and pain, remember, His will not only does what is good for us ... it does what is the best for us. Following God's will accomplishes what is best for you and those around you.
Today, practice submission to authority. Stop at every stop sign, don't go over the speed limit, pass up that cookie or extra serving, go to bed at the right time, don't look at the cleavage, hold your tongue, serve your spouse, and write a thank you letter to the King of the Universe who is giving you and your life special attention, guidance, and instruction. Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in Him. Do the right thing regardless of how uncomfortable it makes you or how the other person might feel. Live by faith ... not by sight. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I confess that while I pray for Your Will to be done, I am often afraid of the discomfort this will actually cause. I know that at times Your Will includes pain. When I am hurting physically, emotionally, or spiritually … I search for ways to relieve or escape my pain. The escape becomes my focus as I obsess about how I will solve my problems. I pray to You, Father, to help me really believe that Your way is perfect. Help me to rely on your peace and comfort. I pray in the name of the One who always followed Your will, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
As for God, his way is perfect … He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.
2 Samuel 22:31
We live by faith, not by sight
2 Corinthians 5:7
I was recently in a situation in which a close friend revealed some information that was quite surprising. After absorbing it, I knew what God wanted me to do. But it was uncomfortable for me to deliver that Godly response, and I knew it would be really uncomfortable for my friend to hear. Actually, I was, and still am concerned, that if I shared what God put on my heart, the friendship might end. Well I said it. And, thankfully, I know we are both better because I did. I know you’ve been in that kind of situation too. How did you feel?
Incidents like this in the past really pushed me to examine myself, and I had to admit that at times, I actually fear the will of God. I have a fear that totally aligning my life with the will of God will actually cause me pain. Then I realized my mistake. My fear was an emotional response. Emotions are great warning signs of potential trouble or danger. But God never intended that we make decisions based on our emotions.
One of Satan's greatest lies is getting us to believe God's way is costly … that Satan's way (or our fleshly way) is on-sale, cheaper, better and less costly. Satan's ways will always result in immediate spiritual, psychological, and physiological (actual brain) damage. The enemy’s solutions also result in long-term damage in these 3 spheres of spirit, mind, and body.
The Word of God continually calls us to transcend living ... to go beyond what is natural and to do what is supernatural. God's will is so much deeper than our understanding. And though His will may entail sacrifice and pain, remember, His will not only does what is good for us ... it does what is the best for us. Following God's will accomplishes what is best for you and those around you.
Today, practice submission to authority. Stop at every stop sign, don't go over the speed limit, pass up that cookie or extra serving, go to bed at the right time, don't look at the cleavage, hold your tongue, serve your spouse, and write a thank you letter to the King of the Universe who is giving you and your life special attention, guidance, and instruction. Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in Him. Do the right thing regardless of how uncomfortable it makes you or how the other person might feel. Live by faith ... not by sight. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, I confess that while I pray for Your Will to be done, I am often afraid of the discomfort this will actually cause. I know that at times Your Will includes pain. When I am hurting physically, emotionally, or spiritually … I search for ways to relieve or escape my pain. The escape becomes my focus as I obsess about how I will solve my problems. I pray to You, Father, to help me really believe that Your way is perfect. Help me to rely on your peace and comfort. I pray in the name of the One who always followed Your will, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
As for God, his way is perfect … He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.
2 Samuel 22:31
We live by faith, not by sight
2 Corinthians 5:7
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
