Transformational Thought
Trick or Treat? What does that mean? As a kid, I never really understood what that actually meant. I was the one saying “trick or treat”, but was I asking them whether they wanted a trick or a treat from me? Was I asking the house owner to choose whether they would trick me or give me candy? Was I offering to perform a trick for them so they would give me candy based on how good my trick was? Was I to do a trick for my treat, like a dog? Who really was supposed to be doing the trick? Was I supposed to give them a treat from my bag if they didn’t like my trick? I hoped I was the one getting a treat, but why was I asking the adult, “Trick or Treat?”
As I went from house to house, in my pursuit of the perfect blend of Reese’s, Sweet-Tarts, real coins, a big candy bar, or the grandest house of them all, put in my hand and choose for myself, were they giving me a choice to accept a trick or treat from them? Nobody could ever explain it to me. It seemed like the person answering the door was giving me a treat and no tricks were happening. Confusing!
Halloween is about pretending to be someone you’re not. Then a stranger gives you a small “fun” size treat, a cheap imitation of the real king size candy bar you are longing for. Or like Charlie Brown’s letdown when he realizes, “I got a rock.” Isn’t this just like Satan’s plan? In the real story, God wants us to come with no costume, no hiding behind a mask, just baring our soul to Him. We don’t have to be nervous about a trick or treat, or who is doing which one. We don’t need to be frightened as we approach His door. In fact, He comes to our door. God isn’t a stranger we only see once a year, but our loving and dear Father and friend who loves us more than anything. He has all the treats, and we don’t need to perform any tricks, other than accepting His son’s sacrifice for all our sins.
Best of all, our hearts aren’t filled with cheap imitations of the real treat. We are getting the King of Kings to come into our heart, our lives, and sharing His royal inheritance. All He has is ours. The best thing is the cost … it requires no trick from us. In fact, Jesus did the trick. He died on the cross so you can enjoy all the treats His Father, your Father, can infinitely give you above and beyond your heart’s desires.
Today, Halloween is controversial. But as you think back on past Halloweens, or take your kids around for fun and candy, or give out candy to other excited kids, be thankful for the treat your Father gave you. Express some real gratitude to God and be gleeful, just like a child finding a dream candy bar in the bag. Also, take time to think of who needs this treat and show them how to go “trick or treating” for all the marbles.
Prayer
Dear Father God, you are so amazing. I am so glad I don’t have to pretend to be someone else with you. Just as I am you shower me with so many treats. Help me see and appreciate the many treats you bring into my life everyday, treats that I often overlook, take for granted, or feel entitled to. Give me courage to share with others the treats you have for them too. I pray in the name of the grandest gift, Christ Jesus, and all God’s children said, – AMEN!
The Truth
He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.
Micah 7:19
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Stepping Stones: “You have no idea …”
Transformational Thought
Several phrases people frequently use just send me through the ceiling. For example, when someone inserts “to tell you the truth”, “to be totally honest” or “can I be totally frank with you?”. When I hear those words, my initiative reaction is to ask, “Does this mean that up to this point you haven’t been telling me the truth?”
Another example is beginning a sentence with “You have no idea ….” I always find that statement so presumptuous, so condescending. Well, at the risk of irritating you, let me use that phrase. “You have no idea who you really are!” There … I’ve said it! Now hear me out.
Paul tells the Corinthians they have a veil over their faces. Our faith in Christ as our Savior and our acceptance of His death for our sin takes the veil away. We are so accustomed to looking at ourselves through a veil, we find it hard to clearly see Christ’s glory in us. So, we adopt other veils to get us back into our “comfort zone”.
We have many veils, but a common one we try on is this whole Christian thing. Trying not to sin. Cleaning ourselves up on the outside. Doing good deeds. Going to church. Being nice. Putting that dollar in the collection basket. When we look in the mirror, we cannot see who we really are because of the veils that hang over our faces … veils created by us, or provided by Satan to deceive us about who we really are in Christ.
We truly have no idea who we really are as long as the veil remains. Jesus clearly says it’s about believing and receiving … it’s about healing your heart, setting it free, restoring you to the glory God intends for you. It’s about lifting that veil. I fear a religious fog has tried to veil us, placing us under some sort of spell or amnesia, to keep us from truly coming alive … to keep us from really knowing who we are and who God intends us to be. In today’s scripture reading, Paul says it is time to take that veil away.
Today, take the veil off … bringing freedom, transformation and glory to your life … “beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord.” Do some honest self-assessment. Ask yourself what interferes as you try reflecting Christ to yourself and to others. Why do you let it interfere? Identify one step you can take today to stop wearing your veil. Pick out one person you trust and tell him or her a bit more about your secret fears, needs, or past wounds. Let the light in. God will soothe, heal, and transform. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to know who I am. I want to lift the veil that distorts and blocks my vision. When I look into the mirror I want to see the reflection of Your glory. I want to see my sinfulness more clearly. I want to like … no, I want to love what I see and who I am. You are the Spirit, and where You are I know I will find liberty and freedom. I pray in the name of the One who died so I might lift the veil that hangs over my face, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say- AMEN!
The Truth
Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Corinthians 3:16-18
Several phrases people frequently use just send me through the ceiling. For example, when someone inserts “to tell you the truth”, “to be totally honest” or “can I be totally frank with you?”. When I hear those words, my initiative reaction is to ask, “Does this mean that up to this point you haven’t been telling me the truth?”
Another example is beginning a sentence with “You have no idea ….” I always find that statement so presumptuous, so condescending. Well, at the risk of irritating you, let me use that phrase. “You have no idea who you really are!” There … I’ve said it! Now hear me out.
Paul tells the Corinthians they have a veil over their faces. Our faith in Christ as our Savior and our acceptance of His death for our sin takes the veil away. We are so accustomed to looking at ourselves through a veil, we find it hard to clearly see Christ’s glory in us. So, we adopt other veils to get us back into our “comfort zone”.
We have many veils, but a common one we try on is this whole Christian thing. Trying not to sin. Cleaning ourselves up on the outside. Doing good deeds. Going to church. Being nice. Putting that dollar in the collection basket. When we look in the mirror, we cannot see who we really are because of the veils that hang over our faces … veils created by us, or provided by Satan to deceive us about who we really are in Christ.
We truly have no idea who we really are as long as the veil remains. Jesus clearly says it’s about believing and receiving … it’s about healing your heart, setting it free, restoring you to the glory God intends for you. It’s about lifting that veil. I fear a religious fog has tried to veil us, placing us under some sort of spell or amnesia, to keep us from truly coming alive … to keep us from really knowing who we are and who God intends us to be. In today’s scripture reading, Paul says it is time to take that veil away.
Today, take the veil off … bringing freedom, transformation and glory to your life … “beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord.” Do some honest self-assessment. Ask yourself what interferes as you try reflecting Christ to yourself and to others. Why do you let it interfere? Identify one step you can take today to stop wearing your veil. Pick out one person you trust and tell him or her a bit more about your secret fears, needs, or past wounds. Let the light in. God will soothe, heal, and transform. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to know who I am. I want to lift the veil that distorts and blocks my vision. When I look into the mirror I want to see the reflection of Your glory. I want to see my sinfulness more clearly. I want to like … no, I want to love what I see and who I am. You are the Spirit, and where You are I know I will find liberty and freedom. I pray in the name of the One who died so I might lift the veil that hangs over my face, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say- AMEN!
The Truth
Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Corinthians 3:16-18
Friday, October 28, 2011
Stepping Stones: Get Real!
Transformational Thought
Get real! That college is out of your league. Be real! That girl is way too pretty for you. Get real! You’ll never play on that team, get that part, make that band, get that job.
How many times have we heard these expressions? How many times have we said them to ourselves? How many times have we silently thought them when our children made grandiose statements or shared impossible dreams? In the past it was hard for me to see who I really was, to actually get real with myself. Why is this so hard for us to do? Why is it so hard to face ourselves?
I know one good reason … the enemy, Satan, likes it this way. The enemy tries to plant seeds of deception, pain, sinfulness … lenses of self-hate instead of acceptance of God’s love for us. His corrupt world system pushes our buttons and interferes with our ability to interpret God’s sovereignty accurately.
Another reason … it’s painful for us to see who we really are. It was for me. It was a lot easier to think I was important, talented, bright, nice, blah, blah, blah … than to see my insecurities, inadequacies and needs. It’s even harder still to face the major uphill battle to overcome issues like these. The best way for us to face ourselves … to be real with ourselves … is to remember that as Christians we are constantly clothed in Jesus’ robe of righteousness.
God knows exactly what sins, weaknesses, and blemishes we try to hide underneath the faultless garment of salvation that covers and erases all. And He rejoices over you with singing … just imagine that … God singing over you!
Today, know that your Lord and God longs for you to trust Him enough to be fully yourself with Him. Being real with your God allows Him to bring out the very best in you. When you are real, He can work on your weaknesses. Pray to Him about one thing you have never really opened up to Him. Let light into that area of your life … this pushes the darkness out, and then real healing and transformation can occur. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to grow the gifts that You planted in my soul. I want to be real with You, Lord. But this is a painful experience for me because I first have to be real with myself. It seems easier for me to ignore how I’m feeling rather than face my misery head on. I pray, Father, that You help me stop numbing my discomfort and negative feelings with my sinful diversions. Give me the courage, Father, to face myself so that I can be real with You. Thank You, Father. I pray in the name of the One who died so I could be real in Your presence, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness…
Isaiah 61:10
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27
Get real! That college is out of your league. Be real! That girl is way too pretty for you. Get real! You’ll never play on that team, get that part, make that band, get that job.
How many times have we heard these expressions? How many times have we said them to ourselves? How many times have we silently thought them when our children made grandiose statements or shared impossible dreams? In the past it was hard for me to see who I really was, to actually get real with myself. Why is this so hard for us to do? Why is it so hard to face ourselves?
I know one good reason … the enemy, Satan, likes it this way. The enemy tries to plant seeds of deception, pain, sinfulness … lenses of self-hate instead of acceptance of God’s love for us. His corrupt world system pushes our buttons and interferes with our ability to interpret God’s sovereignty accurately.
Another reason … it’s painful for us to see who we really are. It was for me. It was a lot easier to think I was important, talented, bright, nice, blah, blah, blah … than to see my insecurities, inadequacies and needs. It’s even harder still to face the major uphill battle to overcome issues like these. The best way for us to face ourselves … to be real with ourselves … is to remember that as Christians we are constantly clothed in Jesus’ robe of righteousness.
God knows exactly what sins, weaknesses, and blemishes we try to hide underneath the faultless garment of salvation that covers and erases all. And He rejoices over you with singing … just imagine that … God singing over you!
Today, know that your Lord and God longs for you to trust Him enough to be fully yourself with Him. Being real with your God allows Him to bring out the very best in you. When you are real, He can work on your weaknesses. Pray to Him about one thing you have never really opened up to Him. Let light into that area of your life … this pushes the darkness out, and then real healing and transformation can occur. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to grow the gifts that You planted in my soul. I want to be real with You, Lord. But this is a painful experience for me because I first have to be real with myself. It seems easier for me to ignore how I’m feeling rather than face my misery head on. I pray, Father, that You help me stop numbing my discomfort and negative feelings with my sinful diversions. Give me the courage, Father, to face myself so that I can be real with You. Thank You, Father. I pray in the name of the One who died so I could be real in Your presence, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness…
Isaiah 61:10
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Stepping Stones: Holy Ground Here On Earth
Transformational Thought
Our society is so complex, more toys and gadgets than you can count, and so much technology at our fingertips. My two teenager daughters swear they can easily tackle a conversation, text, and watch a YouTube video … all at the same time!
I am blessed to be a pretty good multi-tasker myself. Very rarely am I doing just one thing at a time. Part of it is my addiction to productivity; part of it is enjoying activity. But there are times I have trouble multi-tasking. It especially affects me when I’m talking with another person who is in need … who is opening up and seeking support or advice. I get very focused on them and what they are sharing … on what I am about to say and how I can help … and sometimes I forget to listen to what God wants me to communicate to them.
The latent hero (or is it the egotist in me?) tries to take charge and “rescue” the person. I am just relying on myself … but trusting my limited abilities is so ineffective. My usefulness in vocation and ministry dramatically improved when I realized this key reality. When people bare their souls to me, I know that I am standing on holy ground, and I need to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to direct my response in a God-like fashion.
Satan wants us to act on our own power, to leave God out of the equation. And our natural inclination toward independence and self-direction play into this “leave God out conspiracy.” If you jump in with both feet trying to rescue someone without first asking for God’s help and guidance, you have missed the mark and spoiled a splendid opportunity. Your muddy footprints are polluting the holy terrain where you are standing.
Today, as you relate to people, first ask God to listen through you … think through you … love through you … to use you to impact others. We want eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that understands. These come from God and help us listen, understand, and provide answers. Everyone in this world has needs and struggles in some way. Remember that your main purpose is to direct the person toward God and His limitless resources. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know and believe, Father, that when people bare their souls to me … it is You that has sent them to me. Help me not to play the role of the hero; rather help me be a better instrument of Yours. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I say exactly what You want them to hear. Help me remember that at that very time, I am standing on holy ground. This is an area where I want and need to grow. Help me grow, Father. I pray in the name of the one who empowers me to hear Your voice, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143:8
Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:5
“But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles--to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
Acts 26:16-18
Our society is so complex, more toys and gadgets than you can count, and so much technology at our fingertips. My two teenager daughters swear they can easily tackle a conversation, text, and watch a YouTube video … all at the same time!
I am blessed to be a pretty good multi-tasker myself. Very rarely am I doing just one thing at a time. Part of it is my addiction to productivity; part of it is enjoying activity. But there are times I have trouble multi-tasking. It especially affects me when I’m talking with another person who is in need … who is opening up and seeking support or advice. I get very focused on them and what they are sharing … on what I am about to say and how I can help … and sometimes I forget to listen to what God wants me to communicate to them.
The latent hero (or is it the egotist in me?) tries to take charge and “rescue” the person. I am just relying on myself … but trusting my limited abilities is so ineffective. My usefulness in vocation and ministry dramatically improved when I realized this key reality. When people bare their souls to me, I know that I am standing on holy ground, and I need to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to direct my response in a God-like fashion.
Satan wants us to act on our own power, to leave God out of the equation. And our natural inclination toward independence and self-direction play into this “leave God out conspiracy.” If you jump in with both feet trying to rescue someone without first asking for God’s help and guidance, you have missed the mark and spoiled a splendid opportunity. Your muddy footprints are polluting the holy terrain where you are standing.
Today, as you relate to people, first ask God to listen through you … think through you … love through you … to use you to impact others. We want eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that understands. These come from God and help us listen, understand, and provide answers. Everyone in this world has needs and struggles in some way. Remember that your main purpose is to direct the person toward God and His limitless resources. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know and believe, Father, that when people bare their souls to me … it is You that has sent them to me. Help me not to play the role of the hero; rather help me be a better instrument of Yours. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I say exactly what You want them to hear. Help me remember that at that very time, I am standing on holy ground. This is an area where I want and need to grow. Help me grow, Father. I pray in the name of the one who empowers me to hear Your voice, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!
The Truth
Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143:8
Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:5
“But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles--to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
Acts 26:16-18
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Stepping Stones: Commitment Plus Humility Equals Growth
Transformational Thought
Few men and women of God have become extraordinary people of faith without the influence of mentors. A mentor is one who takes responsibility for the care and especially the growth … physical, psychological, emotional, relational, academic, or spiritual … of another. But for growth to happen, commitment is required from both the mentor and the student.
In the first 26 years of my life, God brought many mentors into my life, people of great skills in many areas. Humility was often tough for me, but the prize of growth and success motivated me deeply. I was a committed student, unafraid of hard work, and willing to endure and tolerate various pains. Delaying gratification was easier at each level and new-found area of growth.
My problem was that I was unable to transfer any of these gains, skills, or qualities to my spiritual world. An awareness of my spiritual depravity, and the great peace and abundant life of spiritual growth and connection to God were two concepts that were not even blips on my radar. My lenses were so clouded with fleshly needs, material rewards, or people’s approval, that I had no ability to see my core need for God as the answer for all my … everything.
Sadly, I believe many today have the same struggle, not realizing the true spiritual mentors God continually brings into their lives. More importantly, the bigger deficit is a lack of true commitment mixed with a me-first attitude, the unwillingness to practice regularly, and be a faithful steward of the sanctification process.
I fail to see the hunger within many believers. Many who could be greatly used by God in the Kingdom, are instead distracted by the cares of this world. It is an attitude of “a la carte” vs. an attitude of choosing the full measure of what God might have for them. To maximize mentoring, you need to be humble, and to commit to be all-in.
Today, ask God if there is someone He would have you either mentor or be mentored by. Start by asking yourself some questions. Who are the people God has placed in my life? Am I learning from them? Am I seeking a double portion of their anointing? What prevents me from gaining from their wisdom and experience? God may have brought them into your life to prepare you to be a man or woman of God. However, there is a time of training and waiting to prove out your own faith. God is always ready, so your growth is your decision. Choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for the people You have brought into my life as mentors. I pray for wisdom, patience, Biblical values and ethics, integrity, and everything spiritual mentors need to be effective and to carry out their responsibilities in a manner that is pleasing to You and beneficial for those being mentored. I pray for Your special touch on Christian mentors, and for their protection from all harm and evil. Thank You, God. In the name of the perfect mentor, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
...Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.
Zechariah 8:23
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Titus 2:3-5
The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Tim. 2:2
Few men and women of God have become extraordinary people of faith without the influence of mentors. A mentor is one who takes responsibility for the care and especially the growth … physical, psychological, emotional, relational, academic, or spiritual … of another. But for growth to happen, commitment is required from both the mentor and the student.
In the first 26 years of my life, God brought many mentors into my life, people of great skills in many areas. Humility was often tough for me, but the prize of growth and success motivated me deeply. I was a committed student, unafraid of hard work, and willing to endure and tolerate various pains. Delaying gratification was easier at each level and new-found area of growth.
My problem was that I was unable to transfer any of these gains, skills, or qualities to my spiritual world. An awareness of my spiritual depravity, and the great peace and abundant life of spiritual growth and connection to God were two concepts that were not even blips on my radar. My lenses were so clouded with fleshly needs, material rewards, or people’s approval, that I had no ability to see my core need for God as the answer for all my … everything.
Sadly, I believe many today have the same struggle, not realizing the true spiritual mentors God continually brings into their lives. More importantly, the bigger deficit is a lack of true commitment mixed with a me-first attitude, the unwillingness to practice regularly, and be a faithful steward of the sanctification process.
I fail to see the hunger within many believers. Many who could be greatly used by God in the Kingdom, are instead distracted by the cares of this world. It is an attitude of “a la carte” vs. an attitude of choosing the full measure of what God might have for them. To maximize mentoring, you need to be humble, and to commit to be all-in.
Today, ask God if there is someone He would have you either mentor or be mentored by. Start by asking yourself some questions. Who are the people God has placed in my life? Am I learning from them? Am I seeking a double portion of their anointing? What prevents me from gaining from their wisdom and experience? God may have brought them into your life to prepare you to be a man or woman of God. However, there is a time of training and waiting to prove out your own faith. God is always ready, so your growth is your decision. Choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for the people You have brought into my life as mentors. I pray for wisdom, patience, Biblical values and ethics, integrity, and everything spiritual mentors need to be effective and to carry out their responsibilities in a manner that is pleasing to You and beneficial for those being mentored. I pray for Your special touch on Christian mentors, and for their protection from all harm and evil. Thank You, God. In the name of the perfect mentor, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
...Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.
Zechariah 8:23
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Titus 2:3-5
The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Tim. 2:2
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Stepping Stones: Out On A Limb With God
Transformational Thought
As a young boy, I always had a fascination with climbing trees, especially apple trees. I’d climb up, pick the apples, eat a few, and then throw some down to my friends. However, I couldn’t get the really good apples, for they always seemed to be hanging out on a limb. I was a big kid, and when you hear the slight crack of a limb, you retreat to the trunk. I would never go very far out on a limb … but always played it safe. Fear of falling stole my chance to grab the really choice apples out on the edge of the limb.
Just like the apple tree, the juiciest rewards in life are on the end of the limb. I think sometimes God asks us to go out on that limb. Playing it “safe,” not going out on a limb, is sometimes how Satan wants you to engage with life. The cracking sound you hear as God calls you to the edge of the limb ... that’s Satan calling out to you, trying to trick you into thinking that moving closer to God is dangerous and will bring pain. So keep your eyes on your Lord as you step out in faith. Grab His hand tightly as you edge your way, following Him out onto that limb.
Since He goes before you, you can keep your eyes on Him as you step out in faith. Soon you will arrive at a resting place. While gripping His hand, look toward the horizon. Enjoy the view from this tree-top perspective. You are actually safer here … out on this limb with your Lord … than you would be hugging the trunk, or even standing on the ground.
Overly familiar surroundings feel safer, but they may also lull you into a kind of sleepy self-reliance; and that’s when we tend to forget about the need for our Father.
Just remember the story of Abraham, waiting over 20 years for God to give him a son. Then God asks Abraham to go out on a limb and sacrifice his son, to actually kill Isaac. The juicy living Abraham was rewarded with … truly amazing, and would never have happened if Abraham had not followed God out to the very edge of the limb.
Today, when doing the right thing feels risky or uncomfortable, envision yourself climbing out on the limb, hearing the crackling of Satan’s call, but seeing God leading and holding your hand. Enjoy the activity and view it in a new way. In this new and challenging situation (out on a limb), you will be more alert and not so quick to let go of His hand. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are the author and finisher of my faith. I want to follow You wherever You lead me … even if it’s out on a limb. I pray, Father, that You will help me follow You with confidence rather than with fear. For I know, Father, that wherever You lead me is the safest place I could be. I bring all my fears to You, Father, for I now know that fears not dealt with tend to grow and magnify themselves. I pray in the name of my Ultimate Life Guide and Protector, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Psalm 31:20
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
As a young boy, I always had a fascination with climbing trees, especially apple trees. I’d climb up, pick the apples, eat a few, and then throw some down to my friends. However, I couldn’t get the really good apples, for they always seemed to be hanging out on a limb. I was a big kid, and when you hear the slight crack of a limb, you retreat to the trunk. I would never go very far out on a limb … but always played it safe. Fear of falling stole my chance to grab the really choice apples out on the edge of the limb.
Just like the apple tree, the juiciest rewards in life are on the end of the limb. I think sometimes God asks us to go out on that limb. Playing it “safe,” not going out on a limb, is sometimes how Satan wants you to engage with life. The cracking sound you hear as God calls you to the edge of the limb ... that’s Satan calling out to you, trying to trick you into thinking that moving closer to God is dangerous and will bring pain. So keep your eyes on your Lord as you step out in faith. Grab His hand tightly as you edge your way, following Him out onto that limb.
Since He goes before you, you can keep your eyes on Him as you step out in faith. Soon you will arrive at a resting place. While gripping His hand, look toward the horizon. Enjoy the view from this tree-top perspective. You are actually safer here … out on this limb with your Lord … than you would be hugging the trunk, or even standing on the ground.
Overly familiar surroundings feel safer, but they may also lull you into a kind of sleepy self-reliance; and that’s when we tend to forget about the need for our Father.
Just remember the story of Abraham, waiting over 20 years for God to give him a son. Then God asks Abraham to go out on a limb and sacrifice his son, to actually kill Isaac. The juicy living Abraham was rewarded with … truly amazing, and would never have happened if Abraham had not followed God out to the very edge of the limb.
Today, when doing the right thing feels risky or uncomfortable, envision yourself climbing out on the limb, hearing the crackling of Satan’s call, but seeing God leading and holding your hand. Enjoy the activity and view it in a new way. In this new and challenging situation (out on a limb), you will be more alert and not so quick to let go of His hand. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are the author and finisher of my faith. I want to follow You wherever You lead me … even if it’s out on a limb. I pray, Father, that You will help me follow You with confidence rather than with fear. For I know, Father, that wherever You lead me is the safest place I could be. I bring all my fears to You, Father, for I now know that fears not dealt with tend to grow and magnify themselves. I pray in the name of my Ultimate Life Guide and Protector, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Psalm 31:20
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
Monday, October 24, 2011
Stepping Stones: Man’s Idiots are Jesus’ “Sons of Thunder”
Transformational Thought
There was a time in my life when I was quick to judge others. If anyone was outspoken, had an outlandish or controversial point of view, or an opinion that was somewhat different from mine … I thought or said under my breath, “Idiot”.
I’m not proud of this egotistical and terrible behavior and have been working hard on taking that word out of my vocabulary. The other day I read something about James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples. It helped to give me another perspective on this behavior.
These were the guys who tried to talk Jesus into giving them the esteemed seats to the immediate right and left of His throne in Heaven. They were the same two guys who wanted Jesus to call down fire from heaven and destroy a village that wouldn’t give them a place to sleep. Their buddies called them “Idiots” … Jesus called them “Sons of Thunder.”
Jesus saw who they really were. They looked like crazy fisherman with impulsive, knee-jerk suggestions, and grandiose, me-centered viewpoints … they were actually “Sons of Thunder.” God has incredibly and purposefully created all of us with gifts, passions, and personalities that are unique. Frequently you’ll notice that others don’t wisely utilize how God designs them … but neither do you. You often squander the unique giftedness and wiring God initially gave you.
Maybe part of your design and purpose is to help others grow, and by judging them … calling them an idiot and blowing them off … you are the one being the idiot.
Today, as you encounter people who annoy you … see them as they really are. Look beyond the behavior and see the person God created. God must have you in their life for a reason. Think and pray about how you can be God’s instrument, serving them as a positive influence on their lenses and spiritual growth. Also, ask why has God brought this person, with these issues, into your life, right now. He didn’t make a mistake, so embrace it. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O Father God, I come to You, my Lord, with a humble and thankful heart. I confess, Father, that I am too judgmental of others … too intolerant of opinions that differ from mine. I thank You, Lord, for Your Word that once again provides wisdom and guidance to improve my thinking and behavior, and ultimately, transform my heart. Help me see all people as You have made them. Help me see the potential “thunder” in those with an outspoken point of view. I pray in the name of the One whose ultimate humility empowers me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He (Jesus) gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”
Mark 3:17
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:35a,37,41-45
There was a time in my life when I was quick to judge others. If anyone was outspoken, had an outlandish or controversial point of view, or an opinion that was somewhat different from mine … I thought or said under my breath, “Idiot”.
I’m not proud of this egotistical and terrible behavior and have been working hard on taking that word out of my vocabulary. The other day I read something about James and John, two of Jesus’ disciples. It helped to give me another perspective on this behavior.
These were the guys who tried to talk Jesus into giving them the esteemed seats to the immediate right and left of His throne in Heaven. They were the same two guys who wanted Jesus to call down fire from heaven and destroy a village that wouldn’t give them a place to sleep. Their buddies called them “Idiots” … Jesus called them “Sons of Thunder.”
Jesus saw who they really were. They looked like crazy fisherman with impulsive, knee-jerk suggestions, and grandiose, me-centered viewpoints … they were actually “Sons of Thunder.” God has incredibly and purposefully created all of us with gifts, passions, and personalities that are unique. Frequently you’ll notice that others don’t wisely utilize how God designs them … but neither do you. You often squander the unique giftedness and wiring God initially gave you.
Maybe part of your design and purpose is to help others grow, and by judging them … calling them an idiot and blowing them off … you are the one being the idiot.
Today, as you encounter people who annoy you … see them as they really are. Look beyond the behavior and see the person God created. God must have you in their life for a reason. Think and pray about how you can be God’s instrument, serving them as a positive influence on their lenses and spiritual growth. Also, ask why has God brought this person, with these issues, into your life, right now. He didn’t make a mistake, so embrace it. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O Father God, I come to You, my Lord, with a humble and thankful heart. I confess, Father, that I am too judgmental of others … too intolerant of opinions that differ from mine. I thank You, Lord, for Your Word that once again provides wisdom and guidance to improve my thinking and behavior, and ultimately, transform my heart. Help me see all people as You have made them. Help me see the potential “thunder” in those with an outspoken point of view. I pray in the name of the One whose ultimate humility empowers me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He (Jesus) gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”
Mark 3:17
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Mark 10:35a,37,41-45
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Stepping Stones: Special Lens Cleaners: Please and Thank You
Transformational Thought
When we were little kids, going to a restaurant was a rare treat. One summer, on a road trip, there was a great greasy hamburger joint we tried. Greasy burgers, salty fries, and thick milkshakes. A kid’s dream place. But, they had this server who took our orders at the front window. Remember, this was a different era. He had an ‘annoying’ habit: he made the children say “Please” and “Thank You”. No “please”, no “thank you”…no hamburger. It was a quick and easy lesson, pretty straightforward, with lots of incentive to learn quickly.
As a kid, I always thought it was strange…having to say please and thank you to get something I actually had to pay for. But in retrospect, it really was positive reinforcement for the lessons my parents were teaching me at home. It showed me several important lessons. I am not entitled to anything. I am dependent on others for the items I need and want. And, I should always be thankful for everything I get. All accurate and valuable lenses to develop. We could use some more servers like that in the world today to reinforce these principles today. Actually, it seems like more parents need to role out this strategy with their kids.
Our interactions with God should follow and reflect these same lenses. Our prayers should always include “please” and “thank you”. You see, we often view life through very entitled lenses. We deserve no traffic on the way to work, a good job, a nice house, good health, well-behaved kids. No one close to us should be dying. These lenses just propagate the “I am King” and “My kingdom come, my will be done” mentality which virally spreads, infecting all areas of our lives. If we just keep repeating our concerns to God, with a disrespectful and entitled attitude, we will live in a state of confused tension not knowing why Santa Claus isn’t giving us what we demanded.
However, when you follow-up your request by thanking Him for the grace He has already extended to you and prayer He has already answered, your mindset becomes much more positive and in line with His sovereignty and agenda…because now you are aware of the reality of His action for you. Thankful prayers, for everything, the good and the bad, keep your focus on Him as the ultimate Authority.
Today, when you bring your prayer requests to God, say “please” and speak clearly and candidly…lay out your concerns…pour out your heart. Then immediately thank Him for the answers that He has already set in motion. More importantly, look closely for those answers, because they might not be packaged how you initially expected. If it seems like God isn’t answering your prayers, you need to re-tune your system to a different channel because God is answering with the plan that is the best fit for you right now.
Prayer
Dear Father God, This is Your world, Father. You made it and control it. I relinquish all control into Your hands…I trust You completely. I thank You, Father, for the gift of receptivity that You have planted in my heart. I thank You for the answers to my prayers that are already on their way. Please grow in me a humble and thankful attitude. Give me eyes and radar to see Your answers to every prayer request, because I know you answer, but when it’s different than what I want, I sometimes don’t see it. I pray in the name of the one in whose name we are called to pray, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2
As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:3-4
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
Psalm 50:14,15
When we were little kids, going to a restaurant was a rare treat. One summer, on a road trip, there was a great greasy hamburger joint we tried. Greasy burgers, salty fries, and thick milkshakes. A kid’s dream place. But, they had this server who took our orders at the front window. Remember, this was a different era. He had an ‘annoying’ habit: he made the children say “Please” and “Thank You”. No “please”, no “thank you”…no hamburger. It was a quick and easy lesson, pretty straightforward, with lots of incentive to learn quickly.
As a kid, I always thought it was strange…having to say please and thank you to get something I actually had to pay for. But in retrospect, it really was positive reinforcement for the lessons my parents were teaching me at home. It showed me several important lessons. I am not entitled to anything. I am dependent on others for the items I need and want. And, I should always be thankful for everything I get. All accurate and valuable lenses to develop. We could use some more servers like that in the world today to reinforce these principles today. Actually, it seems like more parents need to role out this strategy with their kids.
Our interactions with God should follow and reflect these same lenses. Our prayers should always include “please” and “thank you”. You see, we often view life through very entitled lenses. We deserve no traffic on the way to work, a good job, a nice house, good health, well-behaved kids. No one close to us should be dying. These lenses just propagate the “I am King” and “My kingdom come, my will be done” mentality which virally spreads, infecting all areas of our lives. If we just keep repeating our concerns to God, with a disrespectful and entitled attitude, we will live in a state of confused tension not knowing why Santa Claus isn’t giving us what we demanded.
However, when you follow-up your request by thanking Him for the grace He has already extended to you and prayer He has already answered, your mindset becomes much more positive and in line with His sovereignty and agenda…because now you are aware of the reality of His action for you. Thankful prayers, for everything, the good and the bad, keep your focus on Him as the ultimate Authority.
Today, when you bring your prayer requests to God, say “please” and speak clearly and candidly…lay out your concerns…pour out your heart. Then immediately thank Him for the answers that He has already set in motion. More importantly, look closely for those answers, because they might not be packaged how you initially expected. If it seems like God isn’t answering your prayers, you need to re-tune your system to a different channel because God is answering with the plan that is the best fit for you right now.
Prayer
Dear Father God, This is Your world, Father. You made it and control it. I relinquish all control into Your hands…I trust You completely. I thank You, Father, for the gift of receptivity that You have planted in my heart. I thank You for the answers to my prayers that are already on their way. Please grow in me a humble and thankful attitude. Give me eyes and radar to see Your answers to every prayer request, because I know you answer, but when it’s different than what I want, I sometimes don’t see it. I pray in the name of the one in whose name we are called to pray, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2
As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:3-4
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
Psalm 50:14,15
Friday, October 21, 2011
Stepping Stones: You Steer, God’s Traction Control
Transformational Thought
There was an amazing breakthrough about 10 years ago in automotive technology. Generically, it’s called traction control. A computer onboard your car measures the amount of grip or traction of each wheel over a thousand times per second. Then based on that measurement, the computer determines and applies more or less power to that particular wheel to make sure the car moves forward under control…but most importantly, in the desired direction.
Amazing! This guidance and power is automatic…it’s built into the system, so we do nothing extra to get this incredible life-saving service. With this at our fingertips, our only responsibility….steer in the correct direction.
I believe this is the same way God blesses us with His power. You see, the more challenging your day, we have trouble maintaining control, we are on a slippery slope, and at risk of taking a direction we didn’t intend and crashing, the more of His power He places at your disposal. He senses, 1000 times per second where our mind and heart are and what our slippery road is like, and He provides His power in the right places, and in the right way. We don’t even need to ask…it’s automatic. That’s the Holy Spirit in us.
So the logical question, why do I still make mistakes, sin, slide backwards, and fumble in these situations if God is providing all this traction, power, and guidance? The answer: You need to steer towards God. Just like a car, the power is wasted if you don’t steer in His direction. We can’t look in the direction of pornography, alcohol, caffeine, food, work, ESPN, power, looks, money, more gadgets or toys. That’s not where God provides the peace and comfort that surpass all understanding.
Don’t fall prey to the false roads, detours, counterfeit dead ends and destinations Satan and your old self want you to steer toward. You have free will. It is all about the decisions you make. That means it is your responsibility to control the steering wheel. God then does all the rest. As you are challenged, so shall you be strengthened. Amazing!
Today when you struggle and don’t sense His power, check your steering. The power is always there; He never sleeps, slacks off, or goes on vacation. You are probably steering in the wrong direction. Know that a simple glance and then movement, decision, in the right direction, made in faith, to follow your Lord, is enough to connect you to the ultimate source of guidance, power…and traction control. Your decision, choose well. WITHIN REACH is designed to help your decision-making so you will be steering in the right direction and can maximize His power in your life, and not squander it. Check it out.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You, Father, with faith and thankfulness. Today my strength seems so insufficient for the demands I am facing. I look to You, Lord, for the strength sufficient to handle the challenges of this day. Thank You for Your traction control every minute, especially when the day gets slippery or windy and I am losing control. Give me eyes that see the truth and can find Your beacon calling to me, directing me back to You. I also ask for wisdom as I steer. Give me courage and patience to see and follow Your direction and avoid the traps set before me. Thank You, Lord. All glory be to You! In the name of the one whose death gives me power over death, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; As your days, so shall your strength be.
Deuteronomy 33:25
Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore!
Psalm 105:4
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10
There was an amazing breakthrough about 10 years ago in automotive technology. Generically, it’s called traction control. A computer onboard your car measures the amount of grip or traction of each wheel over a thousand times per second. Then based on that measurement, the computer determines and applies more or less power to that particular wheel to make sure the car moves forward under control…but most importantly, in the desired direction.
Amazing! This guidance and power is automatic…it’s built into the system, so we do nothing extra to get this incredible life-saving service. With this at our fingertips, our only responsibility….steer in the correct direction.
I believe this is the same way God blesses us with His power. You see, the more challenging your day, we have trouble maintaining control, we are on a slippery slope, and at risk of taking a direction we didn’t intend and crashing, the more of His power He places at your disposal. He senses, 1000 times per second where our mind and heart are and what our slippery road is like, and He provides His power in the right places, and in the right way. We don’t even need to ask…it’s automatic. That’s the Holy Spirit in us.
So the logical question, why do I still make mistakes, sin, slide backwards, and fumble in these situations if God is providing all this traction, power, and guidance? The answer: You need to steer towards God. Just like a car, the power is wasted if you don’t steer in His direction. We can’t look in the direction of pornography, alcohol, caffeine, food, work, ESPN, power, looks, money, more gadgets or toys. That’s not where God provides the peace and comfort that surpass all understanding.
Don’t fall prey to the false roads, detours, counterfeit dead ends and destinations Satan and your old self want you to steer toward. You have free will. It is all about the decisions you make. That means it is your responsibility to control the steering wheel. God then does all the rest. As you are challenged, so shall you be strengthened. Amazing!
Today when you struggle and don’t sense His power, check your steering. The power is always there; He never sleeps, slacks off, or goes on vacation. You are probably steering in the wrong direction. Know that a simple glance and then movement, decision, in the right direction, made in faith, to follow your Lord, is enough to connect you to the ultimate source of guidance, power…and traction control. Your decision, choose well. WITHIN REACH is designed to help your decision-making so you will be steering in the right direction and can maximize His power in your life, and not squander it. Check it out.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I look to You, Father, with faith and thankfulness. Today my strength seems so insufficient for the demands I am facing. I look to You, Lord, for the strength sufficient to handle the challenges of this day. Thank You for Your traction control every minute, especially when the day gets slippery or windy and I am losing control. Give me eyes that see the truth and can find Your beacon calling to me, directing me back to You. I also ask for wisdom as I steer. Give me courage and patience to see and follow Your direction and avoid the traps set before me. Thank You, Lord. All glory be to You! In the name of the one whose death gives me power over death, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; As your days, so shall your strength be.
Deuteronomy 33:25
Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore!
Psalm 105:4
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9,10
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Stepping Stones: A Powerful Prayer, But Be Careful!
Transformational Thought
There are a few prayers that I know God answers fast, that He always seems to say “yes” to. In fact, one particular prayer should actually come with a warning label that goes something like this; “Don’t pray this unless you are ready for instantaneous results.” The prayer is simple; “Please Lord, make me an instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for you.” In other words, please use me to help someone in need.
We are called to be salt and light in this world, to be a Good Samaritan to the least of these that others ignore, to always be prepared to give an answer for our joy and hope. This answer could be through action or verbal or both. Amazingly though, after you say this prayer, someone in need will practically show up on your life’s doorstep! Why does God answer this prayer so quickly? Because it facilitates God’s whole plan of salvation…to save others by using us. You see, if He didn’t want to use us, He would take us to heaven as soon as we are saved. Many people are in need, and we are called to go and spread the good news, which is the Great Commission.
I believe when we ask God to use us as an instrument to solve other people’s problems, another phenomenal process immediately happens. He begins in earnest to help us with our issues. The natural outcome of helping others is that we get to share in the benefits ourselves… sometimes to an even greater extent than those we help. In many ways it’s the “what goes around comes around” dynamic in reverse. Many people realize that helping someone in need, either the person they help, or the experience, or both, actually helped them more than the help they extended to the ‘needy’ person.
Our natural bent is to be looking out for #1, ourselves. Our focus is activities that help us. “What’s in it for me?” mentality. God knows the amazing experience that is in it for me whenever we humble ourselves to be used by Him to impact others. The resultant blessings and growth we reap are powerful motivators to continue praying this prayer and be missional in our everyday activities!
Today, instead of being so focused on you, ask God to use you as His instrument to help another person. Then expectantly watch with amazement at how quickly he answers your prayer. Be alert to how He will act on you for your growth so you can better help these other people He will raise your antennae for. Then be alert for the person He brings into your life for your help. In fact, it might be someone who’s already in your life waiting for you to be bold in your next step of love. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that You will use me as Your instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for You. I know, Father, that if You are going to use me as Your instrument, You will begin to fashion and shape me to be the best possible instrument I can be for the specific role You have created. Thank You, Lord. Help me, Lord, to be a good listener and not a judge as you send those in need my way. Work on my heart so I have Your lenses to be Your mouthpiece, hands, and feet in this missional opportunity You provide. I present these requests in the name of the one who is pure love and always said yes to minister to others, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13
He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:15,16
There are a few prayers that I know God answers fast, that He always seems to say “yes” to. In fact, one particular prayer should actually come with a warning label that goes something like this; “Don’t pray this unless you are ready for instantaneous results.” The prayer is simple; “Please Lord, make me an instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for you.” In other words, please use me to help someone in need.
We are called to be salt and light in this world, to be a Good Samaritan to the least of these that others ignore, to always be prepared to give an answer for our joy and hope. This answer could be through action or verbal or both. Amazingly though, after you say this prayer, someone in need will practically show up on your life’s doorstep! Why does God answer this prayer so quickly? Because it facilitates God’s whole plan of salvation…to save others by using us. You see, if He didn’t want to use us, He would take us to heaven as soon as we are saved. Many people are in need, and we are called to go and spread the good news, which is the Great Commission.
I believe when we ask God to use us as an instrument to solve other people’s problems, another phenomenal process immediately happens. He begins in earnest to help us with our issues. The natural outcome of helping others is that we get to share in the benefits ourselves… sometimes to an even greater extent than those we help. In many ways it’s the “what goes around comes around” dynamic in reverse. Many people realize that helping someone in need, either the person they help, or the experience, or both, actually helped them more than the help they extended to the ‘needy’ person.
Our natural bent is to be looking out for #1, ourselves. Our focus is activities that help us. “What’s in it for me?” mentality. God knows the amazing experience that is in it for me whenever we humble ourselves to be used by Him to impact others. The resultant blessings and growth we reap are powerful motivators to continue praying this prayer and be missional in our everyday activities!
Today, instead of being so focused on you, ask God to use you as His instrument to help another person. Then expectantly watch with amazement at how quickly he answers your prayer. Be alert to how He will act on you for your growth so you can better help these other people He will raise your antennae for. Then be alert for the person He brings into your life for your help. In fact, it might be someone who’s already in your life waiting for you to be bold in your next step of love. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray that You will use me as Your instrument to carry out some important mission of mercy for You. I know, Father, that if You are going to use me as Your instrument, You will begin to fashion and shape me to be the best possible instrument I can be for the specific role You have created. Thank You, Lord. Help me, Lord, to be a good listener and not a judge as you send those in need my way. Work on my heart so I have Your lenses to be Your mouthpiece, hands, and feet in this missional opportunity You provide. I present these requests in the name of the one who is pure love and always said yes to minister to others, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13
He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
Philippians 2:15,16
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Stepping Stones: Fear Sucks Joy From Today
Transformational Thought
As a kid I was blessed to have much success in sports…team championships, great personal performances, lots of cheers from the cheerleaders I had a crush on, and adulation from peers and fans. I was even on local TV a lot! But amazingly, and sadly, I remember very little of any of it. I have a small number of vague, blurred memories with only a few very specific pictures in my head. The rest is memories formed by what people tell me, what I see on video, or read in newspaper clippings.
Why can’t I remember? Here is the reality of my childhood. In my mind, most of my identity was being a gifted and accomplished athlete. I received lots of attention and sports greased the path for many friendships. The downside, I was so anxious and afraid of failure. Failure meant losing the attention from parents and peers, friendships, and my identity. So I was always living in the future…wondering what would happen if I didn’t perform well. “Today’s success is history and I am only as good as my next performance,” was the mentality that drove me to succeed, but robbed me of the joy of reveling in the moment.
I rarely enjoyed the great things that were happening in the moment, and it continued as an adult. I would be at an amusement park with my kids…whipping around on a fun ride. But while I was riding I was thinking about the future…which would be the best ride to get to next, where would the shortest line be, when should we eat lunch to avoid the long lines, what ride could we do next so the kids would have fun? Then the ride I was on would end and I wouldn’t even remember it or have enjoyed it as much as I should have.
If you try to carry tomorrow’s trouble today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat. Focusing on tomorrow’s troubles is not only escapist…it’s irresponsible. Each day of your life is a gift from God. What does it say to God when you squander His gifts? Of course you cannot stop thinking about tomorrow altogether…that, too, would be irresponsible. The real question is: where do you live most of the time – in the present or in the future? Thankfully, I have learned to live more in the present and my memory banks now are full of great experiences. Satan wants you to think you are a future teller and spend your time predicting or managing the future instead of resting in God’s sovereignty and grace.
Today, when you feel stressed, anxious, or angry – STOP. Ask yourself, “Am I living in the future, playing out worst case scenarios…or am I living and enjoying God’s amazing grace in the present?” Freedom comes from accepting His gifts and living them, everyday. Focus on the present and why God has you where you are. Enjoy His blessings, and yes, they are all blessings, and enjoy them now. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I rejoice in You, Father, and Your great gift to me of Your Son, my savior and sovereign Lord. It is through You that I will go to great heights…transcending all the troubles of yesterday and tomorrow. Help me, Father, to keep my focus on today, even though at times this is very difficult for me. I try to focus on tomorrow’s problems to avoid pain or facing today’s problems. I know You see my every thought, Father, so You know how many of them are future-oriented. I pray that You will help me break this deeply ingrained habit. I pray in the name of my savior, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:19
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:34
As a kid I was blessed to have much success in sports…team championships, great personal performances, lots of cheers from the cheerleaders I had a crush on, and adulation from peers and fans. I was even on local TV a lot! But amazingly, and sadly, I remember very little of any of it. I have a small number of vague, blurred memories with only a few very specific pictures in my head. The rest is memories formed by what people tell me, what I see on video, or read in newspaper clippings.
Why can’t I remember? Here is the reality of my childhood. In my mind, most of my identity was being a gifted and accomplished athlete. I received lots of attention and sports greased the path for many friendships. The downside, I was so anxious and afraid of failure. Failure meant losing the attention from parents and peers, friendships, and my identity. So I was always living in the future…wondering what would happen if I didn’t perform well. “Today’s success is history and I am only as good as my next performance,” was the mentality that drove me to succeed, but robbed me of the joy of reveling in the moment.
I rarely enjoyed the great things that were happening in the moment, and it continued as an adult. I would be at an amusement park with my kids…whipping around on a fun ride. But while I was riding I was thinking about the future…which would be the best ride to get to next, where would the shortest line be, when should we eat lunch to avoid the long lines, what ride could we do next so the kids would have fun? Then the ride I was on would end and I wouldn’t even remember it or have enjoyed it as much as I should have.
If you try to carry tomorrow’s trouble today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat. Focusing on tomorrow’s troubles is not only escapist…it’s irresponsible. Each day of your life is a gift from God. What does it say to God when you squander His gifts? Of course you cannot stop thinking about tomorrow altogether…that, too, would be irresponsible. The real question is: where do you live most of the time – in the present or in the future? Thankfully, I have learned to live more in the present and my memory banks now are full of great experiences. Satan wants you to think you are a future teller and spend your time predicting or managing the future instead of resting in God’s sovereignty and grace.
Today, when you feel stressed, anxious, or angry – STOP. Ask yourself, “Am I living in the future, playing out worst case scenarios…or am I living and enjoying God’s amazing grace in the present?” Freedom comes from accepting His gifts and living them, everyday. Focus on the present and why God has you where you are. Enjoy His blessings, and yes, they are all blessings, and enjoy them now. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I rejoice in You, Father, and Your great gift to me of Your Son, my savior and sovereign Lord. It is through You that I will go to great heights…transcending all the troubles of yesterday and tomorrow. Help me, Father, to keep my focus on today, even though at times this is very difficult for me. I try to focus on tomorrow’s problems to avoid pain or facing today’s problems. I know You see my every thought, Father, so You know how many of them are future-oriented. I pray that You will help me break this deeply ingrained habit. I pray in the name of my savior, Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:19
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:34
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Stepping Stones: You Are The Key, Now Find The Lock
Transformational Thought
We hear this line all the time: “every one of us is special.” We’ve been told this by our parents, grandparents, romantic interests, aunts, uncles, Sunday School teachers, youth pastors, pastor and priests at church...and of course by all those self-help books, and gurus like Oprah, Tony Robbins, and Dr. Oz.
Yes, we all have different fingerprints, different DNA, unique brain chemistry, and so on…but does this really make each of us “special”? For most of my life, I was very cynical about spiritual clichés like this. As I began to dig in and understand Christianity a bit better, I realized that, yes, we are special as individuals. We are unique. Every one of us has extraordinary dignity simply because we are a child of God, made in His image and likeness, and redeemed by God’s Son.
Another way to envision it is by thinking we are not just human beings, rather we are wonderfully designed keys…keys that God has individually crafted to fit certain locks. You are special because the lock you are called to open will accept only one key – a key that looks distinctive and acts differently; one that has different emotions, passions, skills and shortcomings from any other key. Because of these differences, the individual lock is also a unique, wonderful, and specially designed life crafted by God and available to only one key, YOU!
Remember, in the entire world there has only been one key that has the ability to open this one particular lock…and you are that key. The lock could be anything…something big or something small…something quiet or something loud. It could be that your son or daughter is destined to do something spectacular; something they could never have done without your influence. Whatever the lock may be, one thing is sure: it will be profoundly important to God and this world, and immensely fulfilling to you personally.
Unfortunately, we waste much of our life and time on trying to fit into many counterfeit locks Satan tries to trick us with. I know I tried to live lives that weren’t designed for me, but I thought would make me more popular, accepted, in control, in charge, loved, secure, better off, and the list goes on. Trying those locks hurt, because I was trying to jam my specific key into the wrong lock. It never fit. Once I found my real fit in Christ and followed His leading, my life is so much more comfortable, because it is a perfect fit.
Today, go find the lock God designed for you. Start by taking inventory of experiences, talents, interests, contacts, and passions that stand out for you personally. You, like me, might have past wounds or mistakes that God allowed for a special purpose. Start to prayerfully mix them together as you confide in others to see what special locks God is crafting for you to magically and perfectly slide your key into and open up. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for saying yes to my existence. I took me so long to figure out what my lock looked like. I am glad I am looking through Your eyed more often as it makes finding my lock so much easier. I do believe, Lord, that You made me as a key. Help me continue to find the locks that You created for me to open. Help me find a way to communicate to others just how special they are simply because they are Your children. I pray in the name of the Ultimate Key to the multiverse, Jesus; and all God’s children say – Amen!
The Truth
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
Psalm 139:13
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Matthew 25:21
We hear this line all the time: “every one of us is special.” We’ve been told this by our parents, grandparents, romantic interests, aunts, uncles, Sunday School teachers, youth pastors, pastor and priests at church...and of course by all those self-help books, and gurus like Oprah, Tony Robbins, and Dr. Oz.
Yes, we all have different fingerprints, different DNA, unique brain chemistry, and so on…but does this really make each of us “special”? For most of my life, I was very cynical about spiritual clichés like this. As I began to dig in and understand Christianity a bit better, I realized that, yes, we are special as individuals. We are unique. Every one of us has extraordinary dignity simply because we are a child of God, made in His image and likeness, and redeemed by God’s Son.
Another way to envision it is by thinking we are not just human beings, rather we are wonderfully designed keys…keys that God has individually crafted to fit certain locks. You are special because the lock you are called to open will accept only one key – a key that looks distinctive and acts differently; one that has different emotions, passions, skills and shortcomings from any other key. Because of these differences, the individual lock is also a unique, wonderful, and specially designed life crafted by God and available to only one key, YOU!
Remember, in the entire world there has only been one key that has the ability to open this one particular lock…and you are that key. The lock could be anything…something big or something small…something quiet or something loud. It could be that your son or daughter is destined to do something spectacular; something they could never have done without your influence. Whatever the lock may be, one thing is sure: it will be profoundly important to God and this world, and immensely fulfilling to you personally.
Unfortunately, we waste much of our life and time on trying to fit into many counterfeit locks Satan tries to trick us with. I know I tried to live lives that weren’t designed for me, but I thought would make me more popular, accepted, in control, in charge, loved, secure, better off, and the list goes on. Trying those locks hurt, because I was trying to jam my specific key into the wrong lock. It never fit. Once I found my real fit in Christ and followed His leading, my life is so much more comfortable, because it is a perfect fit.
Today, go find the lock God designed for you. Start by taking inventory of experiences, talents, interests, contacts, and passions that stand out for you personally. You, like me, might have past wounds or mistakes that God allowed for a special purpose. Start to prayerfully mix them together as you confide in others to see what special locks God is crafting for you to magically and perfectly slide your key into and open up. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I thank You, Father, for saying yes to my existence. I took me so long to figure out what my lock looked like. I am glad I am looking through Your eyed more often as it makes finding my lock so much easier. I do believe, Lord, that You made me as a key. Help me continue to find the locks that You created for me to open. Help me find a way to communicate to others just how special they are simply because they are Your children. I pray in the name of the Ultimate Key to the multiverse, Jesus; and all God’s children say – Amen!
The Truth
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
Psalm 139:13
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Matthew 25:21
Monday, October 17, 2011
Stepping Stones: What Obstacle Holds You Back?
Transformational Thought
Goals are powerful. Goals motivate us to accomplish tasks that don’t thrill us and we wouldn’t try if the task stood on it’s own. Earning money to pay our bills and support our family motivates us to show up at that job we aren’t wild about. Thinking about our date on Friday motivates us to be diligent during the workweek. Admission to our favorite college motivates us to study in high school. The joy of victory in athletics or applause after a performance motivates us to put forth our best effort during a boring practice session.
In today's scripture offering, Paul says that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ...and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This goal took all of Paul's energies. The beautiful thing about Paul’s goal, and it is the same for us…the goal is awesome, but the tasks that bring us to the goal are also awesome, powerfully engaging, and uniquely enjoyable.
The problem we all face is that Satan has infiltrated our wiring, brainwashing us early in life, and deceiving us into believing that the tasks necessary to develop the mind of Christ are dangerous, boring, costly, harmful, or unnecessary. These are some of the many roadblocks Satan uses to prevent us from relating with and becoming like Christ. I think Paul’s message is a helpful example for us as we all strive to move closer to Christ...to know Christ, actually develop the Mind of Christ that is already in us.
Remember the faith formula: (Believe > Receive > Become). Knowing Christ is the "become" part of the formula. WITHIN REACH, our unique workshop, helps you understand and identify obstacles that impede your progress, teaches you the hidden motivating benefits on all 3 spheres when you make good decisions, shows what is holding you back, and helps you achieve the life that God has just within reach for you.
Today, identify the benefits of living life God’s way, of pursuing Him, and not doing things Satan’s way. This will keep you more focused and motivated to really pursue the mind of Christ. Strive to put aside anything harmful that may distract you from being the Christian God wants you to be. Easier said than done, I know. Maybe a good start would be to ask yourself the question..."What is holding me back, why do I still do it anyway, and do I have a strategy to do life differently?” Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel I am so far from being a perfect Christian and 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, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on winning the prize for 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 perfect progress. Help me, today, my God, to act on the guidance that You have already given me through Your Holy Spirit. I pray this prayer and all prayers with the authority of and in the name of Jesus; and all God’s people 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
“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:16
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus
Philippians 2:4-5
Goals are powerful. Goals motivate us to accomplish tasks that don’t thrill us and we wouldn’t try if the task stood on it’s own. Earning money to pay our bills and support our family motivates us to show up at that job we aren’t wild about. Thinking about our date on Friday motivates us to be diligent during the workweek. Admission to our favorite college motivates us to study in high school. The joy of victory in athletics or applause after a performance motivates us to put forth our best effort during a boring practice session.
In today's scripture offering, Paul says that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ...and to be all Christ had in mind for him. This goal took all of Paul's energies. The beautiful thing about Paul’s goal, and it is the same for us…the goal is awesome, but the tasks that bring us to the goal are also awesome, powerfully engaging, and uniquely enjoyable.
The problem we all face is that Satan has infiltrated our wiring, brainwashing us early in life, and deceiving us into believing that the tasks necessary to develop the mind of Christ are dangerous, boring, costly, harmful, or unnecessary. These are some of the many roadblocks Satan uses to prevent us from relating with and becoming like Christ. I think Paul’s message is a helpful example for us as we all strive to move closer to Christ...to know Christ, actually develop the Mind of Christ that is already in us.
Remember the faith formula: (Believe > Receive > Become). Knowing Christ is the "become" part of the formula. WITHIN REACH, our unique workshop, helps you understand and identify obstacles that impede your progress, teaches you the hidden motivating benefits on all 3 spheres when you make good decisions, shows what is holding you back, and helps you achieve the life that God has just within reach for you.
Today, identify the benefits of living life God’s way, of pursuing Him, and not doing things Satan’s way. This will keep you more focused and motivated to really pursue the mind of Christ. Strive to put aside anything harmful that may distract you from being the Christian God wants you to be. Easier said than done, I know. Maybe a good start would be to ask yourself the question..."What is holding me back, why do I still do it anyway, and do I have a strategy to do life differently?” Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel I am so far from being a perfect Christian and 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, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on winning the prize for 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 perfect progress. Help me, today, my God, to act on the guidance that You have already given me through Your Holy Spirit. I pray this prayer and all prayers with the authority of and in the name of Jesus; and all God’s people 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
“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:16
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus
Philippians 2:4-5
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Stepping Stones: Relationship or Obedience, What Do You Communicate?
Transformational Thought
Yesterday we discussed God’s utmost desire and concern for us … to be in eternal and daily relationship with Him. Don’t get me wrong, He certainly wants our obedience as well, but if he had to choose between relationship and obedience, relationship is much more important to Him.
A major piece of my transformation occurred when God sent my beautiful wife, Martine, into my life. To me she perfectly embodied the principle of relationship trumping the importance of obedience. She loved me and loved relating to me, even with all my flaws, she never let my shortcomings interfere with her love for me. She was able to forgive, and continually tell me it was ok. Connecting with me and relating to was important to her and those were the messages she consistently sent to me. She really does love me unconditionally.
This revelation dramatically changed my life: the pursuit of relationship with each other was more valuable to her than my doing all the activities just right. She didn’t simply say it. Instead, she really believed it and she still lives it out daily in almost every way she interacts with me and towards me. You see, that was different from the take-home message I got from the family in which I grew up, and what the world of sports taught me.
Fortunately, it dawned on me, (well, I guess it could have come from my wife’s or kid’s frustration with me, or the Holy Spirit convicting me), that I was trapped in a distorted pattern with those close to me. I was definitely communicating that their obedience was more important than their relationship to me. I was acting like Straight-A Jane from yesterday’s devotional instead of Absent-minded Mindy.
Unfortunately, the message that I conveyed at times was that I expected them to be perfect before I could be happy with, accept, or relate to them. It was never my intention. It wasn’t what I truly wanted from those close to me. Talk about false pride … for me it’s a battle that I fight each day, and some days are better than others.
Today, think about and examine the subtle communication you give to those close to you … your spouse, kids, parents, siblings, friends. Are you showing them they are valuable to you just for being themselves? Or do you only have time for them when it fits your agenda, only interested in them when it meets your needs? Do you make efforts to serve them or do you communicate that they need to “serve” you first by doing everything just to your liking? It’s a look into our hearts that is difficult to do, but necessary for us to really identify our idols and grow. Obedience or relationship, which do you prioritize? Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O Father, You are so amazing. Thanks for Your love and thanks for sending Martine, to be Your example to me to open my eyes and show me Your ultimate desire for relationship with me. I pray for wisdom, courage, and humility as I try to embody Your desire to those around me, so I will be less judgmental and more loving and accepting. I pray these things in the name of the one who is pure love, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' 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 15:18-24
Yesterday we discussed God’s utmost desire and concern for us … to be in eternal and daily relationship with Him. Don’t get me wrong, He certainly wants our obedience as well, but if he had to choose between relationship and obedience, relationship is much more important to Him.
A major piece of my transformation occurred when God sent my beautiful wife, Martine, into my life. To me she perfectly embodied the principle of relationship trumping the importance of obedience. She loved me and loved relating to me, even with all my flaws, she never let my shortcomings interfere with her love for me. She was able to forgive, and continually tell me it was ok. Connecting with me and relating to was important to her and those were the messages she consistently sent to me. She really does love me unconditionally.
This revelation dramatically changed my life: the pursuit of relationship with each other was more valuable to her than my doing all the activities just right. She didn’t simply say it. Instead, she really believed it and she still lives it out daily in almost every way she interacts with me and towards me. You see, that was different from the take-home message I got from the family in which I grew up, and what the world of sports taught me.
Fortunately, it dawned on me, (well, I guess it could have come from my wife’s or kid’s frustration with me, or the Holy Spirit convicting me), that I was trapped in a distorted pattern with those close to me. I was definitely communicating that their obedience was more important than their relationship to me. I was acting like Straight-A Jane from yesterday’s devotional instead of Absent-minded Mindy.
Unfortunately, the message that I conveyed at times was that I expected them to be perfect before I could be happy with, accept, or relate to them. It was never my intention. It wasn’t what I truly wanted from those close to me. Talk about false pride … for me it’s a battle that I fight each day, and some days are better than others.
Today, think about and examine the subtle communication you give to those close to you … your spouse, kids, parents, siblings, friends. Are you showing them they are valuable to you just for being themselves? Or do you only have time for them when it fits your agenda, only interested in them when it meets your needs? Do you make efforts to serve them or do you communicate that they need to “serve” you first by doing everything just to your liking? It’s a look into our hearts that is difficult to do, but necessary for us to really identify our idols and grow. Obedience or relationship, which do you prioritize? Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O Father, You are so amazing. Thanks for Your love and thanks for sending Martine, to be Your example to me to open my eyes and show me Your ultimate desire for relationship with me. I pray for wisdom, courage, and humility as I try to embody Your desire to those around me, so I will be less judgmental and more loving and accepting. I pray these things in the name of the one who is pure love, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' 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 15:18-24
Friday, October 14, 2011
Stepping Stones: God’s Desire: Relationship or Obedience?
Transformational Thought
Yesterday we discussed what God desires from us. Today I want to be more specific. Say you have a choice between the following 2 kids … which would you choose? “Straight-A Jane” does everything right, chores all perfect, homework on time, straight A’s, never breaks curfew, courteous, polite, follows all the rules … BUT, she doesn’t really like you, it doesn’t matter to her if you feel down, she isn’t interested in spending time with you or finding out more about you and can’t wait to leave home when she turns 18.
Your other daughter, “Absent-Minded Mindy”, on the contrary, is rough around the edges, needs reminding for chores and homework, grades range from D’s to B’s, is forgetful, and ill-mannered at times … BUT, she loves you and cares about you, she celebrates when you’re happy and is sad when you hurt, she wants to spend time with you, is interested in how you tick, what you are interested in, and what you dream about, and enjoys going on errands with you.
No-brainer, right? Well, sometimes we get caught up thinking God is more interested in our obedience to Him rather than our relationship with Him. Sure, He wants both. But if He could only have one, He would yearn for our relationship with Him. Easy example: just think of the criminal on the cross, who had a minimal track record of obedience but believed in Christ, and how God rewarded him eternally. Or think of Mary and Martha: Jesus praised Mary’s pursuit of relationship and corrected Martha’s obedient pursuit of chores.
Satan’s system, our flesh, and our baggage are always pushing us into this work-based system for approval first. Then once we won God’s approval, He would want to have relationship with us. But the truth is really the other way around. Regardless of our long track record of disobedience, He pursues us like the father of the prodigal son, because He so loved the world that he sacrificed His only Son.
Today, take a look at how much of your day is spent in dutiful obedience, and how much is spent building and growing a relationship with your Heavenly Father. When you shift the scales so that pursuit of relationship far outweighs obedience, you will realize that you actually become obedient to God and His instruction. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O God, thanks for desiring relationship with me even before I learn how to be obedient to You. If it were the other way around, and I needed to be cleaned up before I was worthy enough for You, I would be eternally damned. Help me not to fall into our world’s mentality of pursuing your approval instead of pursuing You. Once I learn to be close to You, the rest will take care of itself. In the name of the one who binds me to You in relationship, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:39-42
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Luke 23:39-43
Yesterday we discussed what God desires from us. Today I want to be more specific. Say you have a choice between the following 2 kids … which would you choose? “Straight-A Jane” does everything right, chores all perfect, homework on time, straight A’s, never breaks curfew, courteous, polite, follows all the rules … BUT, she doesn’t really like you, it doesn’t matter to her if you feel down, she isn’t interested in spending time with you or finding out more about you and can’t wait to leave home when she turns 18.
Your other daughter, “Absent-Minded Mindy”, on the contrary, is rough around the edges, needs reminding for chores and homework, grades range from D’s to B’s, is forgetful, and ill-mannered at times … BUT, she loves you and cares about you, she celebrates when you’re happy and is sad when you hurt, she wants to spend time with you, is interested in how you tick, what you are interested in, and what you dream about, and enjoys going on errands with you.
No-brainer, right? Well, sometimes we get caught up thinking God is more interested in our obedience to Him rather than our relationship with Him. Sure, He wants both. But if He could only have one, He would yearn for our relationship with Him. Easy example: just think of the criminal on the cross, who had a minimal track record of obedience but believed in Christ, and how God rewarded him eternally. Or think of Mary and Martha: Jesus praised Mary’s pursuit of relationship and corrected Martha’s obedient pursuit of chores.
Satan’s system, our flesh, and our baggage are always pushing us into this work-based system for approval first. Then once we won God’s approval, He would want to have relationship with us. But the truth is really the other way around. Regardless of our long track record of disobedience, He pursues us like the father of the prodigal son, because He so loved the world that he sacrificed His only Son.
Today, take a look at how much of your day is spent in dutiful obedience, and how much is spent building and growing a relationship with your Heavenly Father. When you shift the scales so that pursuit of relationship far outweighs obedience, you will realize that you actually become obedient to God and His instruction. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O God, thanks for desiring relationship with me even before I learn how to be obedient to You. If it were the other way around, and I needed to be cleaned up before I was worthy enough for You, I would be eternally damned. Help me not to fall into our world’s mentality of pursuing your approval instead of pursuing You. Once I learn to be close to You, the rest will take care of itself. In the name of the one who binds me to You in relationship, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:39-42
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Luke 23:39-43
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Stepping Stones: Can You Read God’s Mind?
Transformational Thought
When I look back at my childhood, I recognize a big disconnect that dramatically affected me through my teen and early adult years … and I battle its subsequent ripples even now. The disconnect … what my parents actually wanted from me as a kid was different from what I thought they wanted. There were lots of reasons for this, but I wish I had known then what I know now about my parents’ hearts. So many mistakes and the resulting heartache, suffering, and regret could have been avoided.
In a similar fashion, a lot of my spiritual problems, which then led to psychological and relational problems, was the result of another disconnect … between what God really wanted from me and what I thought He wanted from me. God doesn’t need our plans and ideas; He wants our attention. He doesn’t need our obedience; He wants our adoration. He does not need us to spend hours thinking up things for Him to do and bless; He wants us to spread His Word and further His Kingdom here on earth.
I am so grateful that we serve a God who is not dependent on my strength, my time, and my money. What a mess that would be! I believe that He wants us in a place where we know He is leading. He is our shield. And a shield works best in the front, not behind us. Our question must be, “What is it You want me to do, Lord?” Most of us don’t even know our own hearts. Our ways are not His ways.
Today, take a piece of paper and draw 2 lines down the page dividing it into 3 equal parts. First, without thinking, write down the things that immediately come to mind about what God desires of you. Then, in the middle section write what the Bible says God wants of, from, and for you. Lastly, in the section on the right write down what others would write about you based on what they observe from your daily behavior and if they could see into your thoughts (who you really are). Hopefully, this will help show you some of the disconnects that interfere with abundant living. The first step to change is self-reflection and self-assessment. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O God, thank You so much for loving me as I am. I want to know Your desires and plans for me. At times I have glimpses of them and actually live them. But then the world’s clutter and my old tapes start playing and I lose sight of Your real desires for me. Thanks for persevering with Your plans for me even though I take the long way to get to Your goal. Thank You for the trials You allow that cause me to increase my trust in You. Help me give praise to You during the really tough storms in life. I know You are working all things out for your Glory. In the name of my connector to the Father, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose
Romans 8:28
And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'They are my people'; and they will say, 'The LORD is my God.
Zechariah 13:9
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Deuteronomy 6:5
The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy; but I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
When I look back at my childhood, I recognize a big disconnect that dramatically affected me through my teen and early adult years … and I battle its subsequent ripples even now. The disconnect … what my parents actually wanted from me as a kid was different from what I thought they wanted. There were lots of reasons for this, but I wish I had known then what I know now about my parents’ hearts. So many mistakes and the resulting heartache, suffering, and regret could have been avoided.
In a similar fashion, a lot of my spiritual problems, which then led to psychological and relational problems, was the result of another disconnect … between what God really wanted from me and what I thought He wanted from me. God doesn’t need our plans and ideas; He wants our attention. He doesn’t need our obedience; He wants our adoration. He does not need us to spend hours thinking up things for Him to do and bless; He wants us to spread His Word and further His Kingdom here on earth.
I am so grateful that we serve a God who is not dependent on my strength, my time, and my money. What a mess that would be! I believe that He wants us in a place where we know He is leading. He is our shield. And a shield works best in the front, not behind us. Our question must be, “What is it You want me to do, Lord?” Most of us don’t even know our own hearts. Our ways are not His ways.
Today, take a piece of paper and draw 2 lines down the page dividing it into 3 equal parts. First, without thinking, write down the things that immediately come to mind about what God desires of you. Then, in the middle section write what the Bible says God wants of, from, and for you. Lastly, in the section on the right write down what others would write about you based on what they observe from your daily behavior and if they could see into your thoughts (who you really are). Hopefully, this will help show you some of the disconnects that interfere with abundant living. The first step to change is self-reflection and self-assessment. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
O God, thank You so much for loving me as I am. I want to know Your desires and plans for me. At times I have glimpses of them and actually live them. But then the world’s clutter and my old tapes start playing and I lose sight of Your real desires for me. Thanks for persevering with Your plans for me even though I take the long way to get to Your goal. Thank You for the trials You allow that cause me to increase my trust in You. Help me give praise to You during the really tough storms in life. I know You are working all things out for your Glory. In the name of my connector to the Father, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose
Romans 8:28
And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'They are my people'; and they will say, 'The LORD is my God.
Zechariah 13:9
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Deuteronomy 6:5
The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy; but I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Stepping Stones: Who’s Stronger, A Tiger or Man?
Transformational Thought
Got a quick quiz for you. In a battle between a tiger and a man, who is stronger? You know, actually physically stronger? Correct, a tiger. Now, who is locked up in a cage, a tiger or a man? Tiger, correct again. Well, if a tiger is physically stronger than a man, why is the tiger the one who is locked up in the cage? Here is a hint … what does the man have that the tiger doesn’t? Gun, trap, and tranquilizers, and basically, some kind of strategy. You see, all the things the man brings to the fight come from his brain, his intelligence. If the man uses his intelligence, he can control the tiger. If he doesn’t use his intelligence, the tiger will devour him. The same goes for any sport or for actual war.
The tiger can represent our emotions. If we utilize our intelligence, thinking and strategizing our way through potentially harmful situations, we will control our emotions. But if we don’t use our intelligence, our emotions, the tiger, will devour us.
Emotions can get you in trouble by distorting your view of the situation, leading to knee-jerk reactions, impairing your judgment, raising your blood pressure, giving you heartburn, or interfering with your awareness of God and the ability to apply His instruction in a troubling situation. Left unchecked or unsupervised, your emotions will ultimately destroy you. That’s why this pearl of wisdom has been passed on through the ages, “Think before you react.”
On the flip side, we don’t want to annihilate or ignore our emotions. Just as we lock up the tiger for entertainment, education, edification, or admiration, we want to keep our emotions around because they do have a significant purpose. Emotions are a tremendous gift from God, even the “negative” feelings … but that’s a devotional for another day. Satan wants to push our emotional buttons so it is easier to hunt and devour us. Alcohol and drugs, even caffeine, bring emotions to the surface making them harder to control. This is one psychological reason that they are so dangerous and lead to many disastrous decisions.
Today, when you are experiencing a negative feeling, stop and think. Thinking before reacting is always helpful. Ask yourself, “Are my feelings controlling my thinking, or is my thinking helping me control my feelings?” Take a deep breath and consider the real problem and an actual solution, not just a knee-jerk quick fix. When you are able to think through your emotional states, your level of success during adversity will improve dramatically. WITHIN REACH will help you understand how to manage your feelings better.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thanks so much for giving me my intelligence and my emotions. I confess that I don’t think sometimes and I let my feelings devour my brains. Wow, the damage to You, to others and myself is so embarrassing to face sometimes. Thank You for the forgiveness You extend as I learn to apply Your instruction to my everyday living and trials. Help me control my feelings better, and improve my ability to take “every thought captive.” I pray in the name of the perfect role model, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:5
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
Proverbs 14:29,30
Got a quick quiz for you. In a battle between a tiger and a man, who is stronger? You know, actually physically stronger? Correct, a tiger. Now, who is locked up in a cage, a tiger or a man? Tiger, correct again. Well, if a tiger is physically stronger than a man, why is the tiger the one who is locked up in the cage? Here is a hint … what does the man have that the tiger doesn’t? Gun, trap, and tranquilizers, and basically, some kind of strategy. You see, all the things the man brings to the fight come from his brain, his intelligence. If the man uses his intelligence, he can control the tiger. If he doesn’t use his intelligence, the tiger will devour him. The same goes for any sport or for actual war.
The tiger can represent our emotions. If we utilize our intelligence, thinking and strategizing our way through potentially harmful situations, we will control our emotions. But if we don’t use our intelligence, our emotions, the tiger, will devour us.
Emotions can get you in trouble by distorting your view of the situation, leading to knee-jerk reactions, impairing your judgment, raising your blood pressure, giving you heartburn, or interfering with your awareness of God and the ability to apply His instruction in a troubling situation. Left unchecked or unsupervised, your emotions will ultimately destroy you. That’s why this pearl of wisdom has been passed on through the ages, “Think before you react.”
On the flip side, we don’t want to annihilate or ignore our emotions. Just as we lock up the tiger for entertainment, education, edification, or admiration, we want to keep our emotions around because they do have a significant purpose. Emotions are a tremendous gift from God, even the “negative” feelings … but that’s a devotional for another day. Satan wants to push our emotional buttons so it is easier to hunt and devour us. Alcohol and drugs, even caffeine, bring emotions to the surface making them harder to control. This is one psychological reason that they are so dangerous and lead to many disastrous decisions.
Today, when you are experiencing a negative feeling, stop and think. Thinking before reacting is always helpful. Ask yourself, “Are my feelings controlling my thinking, or is my thinking helping me control my feelings?” Take a deep breath and consider the real problem and an actual solution, not just a knee-jerk quick fix. When you are able to think through your emotional states, your level of success during adversity will improve dramatically. WITHIN REACH will help you understand how to manage your feelings better.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thanks so much for giving me my intelligence and my emotions. I confess that I don’t think sometimes and I let my feelings devour my brains. Wow, the damage to You, to others and myself is so embarrassing to face sometimes. Thank You for the forgiveness You extend as I learn to apply Your instruction to my everyday living and trials. Help me control my feelings better, and improve my ability to take “every thought captive.” I pray in the name of the perfect role model, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
2 Corinthians 10:5
Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
Proverbs 14:29,30
Monday, October 10, 2011
Stepping Stones: Don’t Become Firewood
Transformational Thought
In my younger days I enjoyed cutting and splitting my own firewood. I would whip that sledge, honing my baseball swing, splitting and stacking all summer, and then enjoy the warmth of the fireplace during the winter. If you’ve ever split wood, you know how important and effective the “wedge” is to maximize your effort.
The wedge is a heavy chunk of metal with a sharp edge on one end and a flat surface on the other. Green wood is very difficult to split. To separate the round log into more easily burnable pieces of wood, the wedge is a necessity. It is slowly pounded into the log with a sledgehammer, and as it goes in, it pushes the wood apart, separating the fibers … weakening them to the point of failure. The harder the wood the more times you have to hit the wedge.
You see, this is similar to the enemy’s single-minded focus … separating us from our Father. His swings of the hammer are like the neglect we feel as he uses a wedge of deceit. “See, no one cares. You’re on your own.” He uses a sudden hurt, betrayal, or loss of innocence to tell us, “See, this is a dangerous world, and you’re all alone. You’ve been abandoned.” He uses assaults and abuses to scream at us, “See, this is all you are good for. You’re a reject.”
By constantly striking the wedge he weakens us. The details are different and unique for each of us, but the effect is always the same … an injury to the soul, and with it, separation from our Father. It may sound dramatic, but it’s true … the enemy wants to split us from God and put us in the fire!
But God is not willing to simply let that be the end of the story … so here’s the good news. Remember what Jesus taught us about our Father’s heart in the parable of the lost son. Filled with compassion, our Father God will come like a loving Father, take the wedge out, and pull us as close to His heart as we’ll let Him. He’ll take us back to heal the injuries, and finish things that didn’t get finished. He will come for you, no matter how long you were away or how far from Him you feel. He makes you his dearly loved daughter or son.
Today, identify the wedge. What one lie or deception is Satan using to separate you from God’s love and abundant life today? When you feel uncomfortable, look at some of the data for that situation. Some of that data or your conclusions are false. That is Satan’s wedge. Replacing that with God’s truth will draw you closer to Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My deepest desire is to trust You with my whole being. But this trust does not come easily for me, Father. I know that if I learn to trust You … really trust You … nothing can separate me from Your peace. I will endure the pounding of the wedge and will use each strike to train myself to trust You. I will ruin the enemy’s plan by growing in grace through the very adversity he uses to try and harm me. I pray in the name of the reason for my trust, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him
Luke 15:20
Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Ephesians 6:16
In my younger days I enjoyed cutting and splitting my own firewood. I would whip that sledge, honing my baseball swing, splitting and stacking all summer, and then enjoy the warmth of the fireplace during the winter. If you’ve ever split wood, you know how important and effective the “wedge” is to maximize your effort.
The wedge is a heavy chunk of metal with a sharp edge on one end and a flat surface on the other. Green wood is very difficult to split. To separate the round log into more easily burnable pieces of wood, the wedge is a necessity. It is slowly pounded into the log with a sledgehammer, and as it goes in, it pushes the wood apart, separating the fibers … weakening them to the point of failure. The harder the wood the more times you have to hit the wedge.
You see, this is similar to the enemy’s single-minded focus … separating us from our Father. His swings of the hammer are like the neglect we feel as he uses a wedge of deceit. “See, no one cares. You’re on your own.” He uses a sudden hurt, betrayal, or loss of innocence to tell us, “See, this is a dangerous world, and you’re all alone. You’ve been abandoned.” He uses assaults and abuses to scream at us, “See, this is all you are good for. You’re a reject.”
By constantly striking the wedge he weakens us. The details are different and unique for each of us, but the effect is always the same … an injury to the soul, and with it, separation from our Father. It may sound dramatic, but it’s true … the enemy wants to split us from God and put us in the fire!
But God is not willing to simply let that be the end of the story … so here’s the good news. Remember what Jesus taught us about our Father’s heart in the parable of the lost son. Filled with compassion, our Father God will come like a loving Father, take the wedge out, and pull us as close to His heart as we’ll let Him. He’ll take us back to heal the injuries, and finish things that didn’t get finished. He will come for you, no matter how long you were away or how far from Him you feel. He makes you his dearly loved daughter or son.
Today, identify the wedge. What one lie or deception is Satan using to separate you from God’s love and abundant life today? When you feel uncomfortable, look at some of the data for that situation. Some of that data or your conclusions are false. That is Satan’s wedge. Replacing that with God’s truth will draw you closer to Him. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My deepest desire is to trust You with my whole being. But this trust does not come easily for me, Father. I know that if I learn to trust You … really trust You … nothing can separate me from Your peace. I will endure the pounding of the wedge and will use each strike to train myself to trust You. I will ruin the enemy’s plan by growing in grace through the very adversity he uses to try and harm me. I pray in the name of the reason for my trust, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him
Luke 15:20
Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Ephesians 6:16
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Stepping Stones: Do You Have Childlike Trust?
Transformational Thought
When my girls were really small, I used to throw them way up in the air. Oh, how they loved it. They got really excited when we were in a house with a 2-story entrance so I could throw them really high. I delighted in the trust they unquestioningly had in me, even though I really didn’t have to do much other than be a decent father. I certainly wasn’t perfect. Our kids show us their unconditional trust, and at times, extreme gullibility, in many ways…running to our room when they have a nightmare, believing when we tell them about Santa, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny, or thinking we can make all their boo-boos magically go away.
God created us to trust easily, so we would trust Him, just like a child trusts their parents. HE knows trust and faith are two essential components of our walk with Him. But Satan realizes this and has devised a system to lead us away from God by taking advantage of our desire to trust.
Satan gets in our head, he magnifies both the natural inadequacies that we have as parents as well as the times we really do let our kids down, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Due to these hurts we experience as kids, we become jaded and cautious about trusting others. Trusting anything other than ourselves becomes hard for us, even under normal circumstances, let alone more potentially hurtful situations.
But you see, mistrust breeds loneliness, isolation, and a feeling that no one truly understands me and my path. I feel no one else is on my team, then self-reliance becomes my main coping strategy. Self-reliance is the opposite of what God wants in His relationship with us. The Holy Spirit within us can be our resident tutor, helping us untwist those past hurts so we can start to trust again. I’m talking about real 100% unconditional trust and wide-eyed belief, just like a small child, ready to trust all God’s promises and instructions and fall into His open arms.
Today, when no one else seems to understand you, simply draw closer to Your Lord and God. Rejoice in Him, the One who understands you and loves you perfectly. Trust His promises and instruction for living life. Apply His principles to a trouble area today and continue to apply it regularly to that area. Give the principle a chance to affect your life and don’t judge the results to prematurely. You’ve given your plan time to implode, give His plan time to succeed. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You for understanding because You know me far better than I know myself. I know, Father, that You comprehend me in all my complexity…no detail of my life is hidden from You. Help me understand my hurts more, forgive those who hurt me, and learn to trust You and Your promises. Give me the trust of a child when it comes to all that has to do with You. I pray in the name of the rock of my trust, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Psalm 131:1,2
Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:3
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5,6
When my girls were really small, I used to throw them way up in the air. Oh, how they loved it. They got really excited when we were in a house with a 2-story entrance so I could throw them really high. I delighted in the trust they unquestioningly had in me, even though I really didn’t have to do much other than be a decent father. I certainly wasn’t perfect. Our kids show us their unconditional trust, and at times, extreme gullibility, in many ways…running to our room when they have a nightmare, believing when we tell them about Santa, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny, or thinking we can make all their boo-boos magically go away.
God created us to trust easily, so we would trust Him, just like a child trusts their parents. HE knows trust and faith are two essential components of our walk with Him. But Satan realizes this and has devised a system to lead us away from God by taking advantage of our desire to trust.
Satan gets in our head, he magnifies both the natural inadequacies that we have as parents as well as the times we really do let our kids down, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Due to these hurts we experience as kids, we become jaded and cautious about trusting others. Trusting anything other than ourselves becomes hard for us, even under normal circumstances, let alone more potentially hurtful situations.
But you see, mistrust breeds loneliness, isolation, and a feeling that no one truly understands me and my path. I feel no one else is on my team, then self-reliance becomes my main coping strategy. Self-reliance is the opposite of what God wants in His relationship with us. The Holy Spirit within us can be our resident tutor, helping us untwist those past hurts so we can start to trust again. I’m talking about real 100% unconditional trust and wide-eyed belief, just like a small child, ready to trust all God’s promises and instructions and fall into His open arms.
Today, when no one else seems to understand you, simply draw closer to Your Lord and God. Rejoice in Him, the One who understands you and loves you perfectly. Trust His promises and instruction for living life. Apply His principles to a trouble area today and continue to apply it regularly to that area. Give the principle a chance to affect your life and don’t judge the results to prematurely. You’ve given your plan time to implode, give His plan time to succeed. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I come to You for understanding because You know me far better than I know myself. I know, Father, that You comprehend me in all my complexity…no detail of my life is hidden from You. Help me understand my hurts more, forgive those who hurt me, and learn to trust You and Your promises. Give me the trust of a child when it comes to all that has to do with You. I pray in the name of the rock of my trust, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Psalm 131:1,2
Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:3
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5,6
Friday, October 7, 2011
Stepping Stones: At A Detour, Who Is Your Navigator?
Transformational Thought
We have been hit with a lot of rain the last couple of months, and especially, by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Because of the flooding and downed trees, many were without power and a number of roads were out, especially around creeks and small bridges. So I have run into so many ‘road closed’ signs and ‘rerouting’ messages from my GPS.
As my daughter drives around, she isn’t used to being diverted from her planned course and then trying to find alternative routes. These ‘lesser’ routes seem to be such a nuisance and give her great uncertainty whether she will find and achieve her desired destination. She starts to get anxious and frustrated with each new wrinkle to her original plan and agenda.
As an engineer, God gave me an ability to visualize space and shapes and I am great with finding places and directions. It actually is a cool game when detours hit. As my daughter rides with me, she is completely relaxed. Due to her confident assuredness of getting to our destination, because of her faith in my ability to see the big picture map and ability to easily get us there, she is able to continue in gleeful teenage conversation with me as if this is the way it was supposed to be and nothing wrong had ever happened.
How do you respond when life gives you a twist and your plan is interrupted? Do you react with a nervous and frightened, agitated and frustrated, or angry and overwhelmed demeanor and attitude? Or do you have a confident assurance that the map, the course for your journey, has been laid out by the Master of the Universe?
How would you live if you believed, really believed, that your future is perfectly planned out and your final destination secured? Think of the freedom this knowledge and belief would provide. Think about how you would live and feel if you truly believed that no power, no detour, could take away the promise of your inheritance in heaven. How would you travel through life if you knew you had the ultimate navigator and navigation system showing you where to go everyday? You do in God and the Bible.
You see, Satan wants you to think you know exactly what you need, that you can predict the future, and you can figure out the perfect strategy to transform your own mind and life. Or he gets you to realize you don’t have the answers, but the world has everything you need, so you end up letting our crazy culture and word system guide you.
Today, instead of approaching the day uncertain of your destination and whether you will make it or not, know He has real answers for each fork in your road. When something unplanned by you happens, know God put it there on purpose for your growth and to help you in some way. Put on lenses and an attitude to accept that detour and make the most of it. This is easier said than done – a deep level of trust is required. A trust that is based on knowledge that His way is the perfect way. When you are at a fork in the road today, pray, then choose His way, and go with it. You will be surprised at the peace and satisfaction you will have by taking His detours from the world’s destructive route we are often on. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are so amazing. I commit myself to You, Father. I am Yours for all time, beyond time…into eternity. I know now that no power can deny me my inheritance in heaven. I know You want me to feel secure. I know, Father, that even when I falter as I journey through life that You will never let go of my hand. Help me to stay on Your course in this lifetime. I know You have awesome opportunities for me to see and experience along my way to Christ-likeness. I pray in the name of the grandest gift, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
Psalm 18:30
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
We have been hit with a lot of rain the last couple of months, and especially, by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Because of the flooding and downed trees, many were without power and a number of roads were out, especially around creeks and small bridges. So I have run into so many ‘road closed’ signs and ‘rerouting’ messages from my GPS.
As my daughter drives around, she isn’t used to being diverted from her planned course and then trying to find alternative routes. These ‘lesser’ routes seem to be such a nuisance and give her great uncertainty whether she will find and achieve her desired destination. She starts to get anxious and frustrated with each new wrinkle to her original plan and agenda.
As an engineer, God gave me an ability to visualize space and shapes and I am great with finding places and directions. It actually is a cool game when detours hit. As my daughter rides with me, she is completely relaxed. Due to her confident assuredness of getting to our destination, because of her faith in my ability to see the big picture map and ability to easily get us there, she is able to continue in gleeful teenage conversation with me as if this is the way it was supposed to be and nothing wrong had ever happened.
How do you respond when life gives you a twist and your plan is interrupted? Do you react with a nervous and frightened, agitated and frustrated, or angry and overwhelmed demeanor and attitude? Or do you have a confident assurance that the map, the course for your journey, has been laid out by the Master of the Universe?
How would you live if you believed, really believed, that your future is perfectly planned out and your final destination secured? Think of the freedom this knowledge and belief would provide. Think about how you would live and feel if you truly believed that no power, no detour, could take away the promise of your inheritance in heaven. How would you travel through life if you knew you had the ultimate navigator and navigation system showing you where to go everyday? You do in God and the Bible.
You see, Satan wants you to think you know exactly what you need, that you can predict the future, and you can figure out the perfect strategy to transform your own mind and life. Or he gets you to realize you don’t have the answers, but the world has everything you need, so you end up letting our crazy culture and word system guide you.
Today, instead of approaching the day uncertain of your destination and whether you will make it or not, know He has real answers for each fork in your road. When something unplanned by you happens, know God put it there on purpose for your growth and to help you in some way. Put on lenses and an attitude to accept that detour and make the most of it. This is easier said than done – a deep level of trust is required. A trust that is based on knowledge that His way is the perfect way. When you are at a fork in the road today, pray, then choose His way, and go with it. You will be surprised at the peace and satisfaction you will have by taking His detours from the world’s destructive route we are often on. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, You are so amazing. I commit myself to You, Father. I am Yours for all time, beyond time…into eternity. I know now that no power can deny me my inheritance in heaven. I know You want me to feel secure. I know, Father, that even when I falter as I journey through life that You will never let go of my hand. Help me to stay on Your course in this lifetime. I know You have awesome opportunities for me to see and experience along my way to Christ-likeness. I pray in the name of the grandest gift, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Psalm 37:23-24
As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
Psalm 18:30
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Stepping Stones: Reckless Words
Transformational Thought
Thank you…yes ma’am…you’re beautiful…I love you. Words can be so powerful; they can bless, soothe, and empower. Get away…you’re fired…shut up…I hate you. Words can also isolate, devastate, and demoralize.
Words are fine tools, helping awesome relationships and connections to flourish. Words can also be heat-seeking weapons, deftly defending our psyche and attacking those who threaten our me-first kingdom. The world has come to applaud and exalt quick-witted retorts. My own need to be in control, to be the expert, to show my competence, or to cover my vulnerability pushed my mastery of the quick, sarcastic, sharp, verbal attack.
I came to realize that when I used words to damage others…I was actually damaging myself as well. Some important elements of who I am, like self-respect, self-esteem, honor, dignity, relationships, brain chemistry, connection to God…all injured and damaged. Again, we see this all too common phenomena, when we use words reflexively as self-protective maneuvers like really self-destructive word grenades.
Another downside of resorting to this counter-offensive using verbal attacks, it interferes with my opportunity to learn, practice, and hone much healthier skills and methods to deal with the perceived attacks. You see, God has other ways rather than my knee-jerk word grenades and I will never get a chance to develop them if I keep resorting to my old poor ones.
The Word of God gives us different instruction about our words, and where to start in developing new and healthier skills: what comes out of our mouths is really the reflection of what is going on in our hearts. In order to modify our word usage, we need to work on our hearts. God has worked on my heart over the years. My swearing is gone and my verbal attacks are markedly decreased. I still have work to do, but as I let God in more, the temptation is less and the need to protect myself by hurling word grenades is minimized as I rest in His defense of me.
Today, let your speech come under the control of the Holy Spirit. Say split second prayers before you respond. Think before you speak, not as you speak. Use your words today to lift someone up, to heal instead of hurt. As your positive speech patterns replace your negative ones, the increase in joy and peace in your relationships will simply amaze you. Maybe forward this devotional to someone who has given you grace with his or her words to thank them. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for the awesome gift of speech. I confess, Father that I have misused this gift…I confess, Father, that I have used my mouth and mind to hurt others. Forgive me, Father. I pray that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may have the discipline to think before I speak. Help me pray before answering the phone and before responding to others in conversation. Let others see You in me by the words I speak. I pray these words in the name of the living Word, Jesus Christ; and all God’s people say - AMEN!
The Truth
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
James 1:19
Thank you…yes ma’am…you’re beautiful…I love you. Words can be so powerful; they can bless, soothe, and empower. Get away…you’re fired…shut up…I hate you. Words can also isolate, devastate, and demoralize.
Words are fine tools, helping awesome relationships and connections to flourish. Words can also be heat-seeking weapons, deftly defending our psyche and attacking those who threaten our me-first kingdom. The world has come to applaud and exalt quick-witted retorts. My own need to be in control, to be the expert, to show my competence, or to cover my vulnerability pushed my mastery of the quick, sarcastic, sharp, verbal attack.
I came to realize that when I used words to damage others…I was actually damaging myself as well. Some important elements of who I am, like self-respect, self-esteem, honor, dignity, relationships, brain chemistry, connection to God…all injured and damaged. Again, we see this all too common phenomena, when we use words reflexively as self-protective maneuvers like really self-destructive word grenades.
Another downside of resorting to this counter-offensive using verbal attacks, it interferes with my opportunity to learn, practice, and hone much healthier skills and methods to deal with the perceived attacks. You see, God has other ways rather than my knee-jerk word grenades and I will never get a chance to develop them if I keep resorting to my old poor ones.
The Word of God gives us different instruction about our words, and where to start in developing new and healthier skills: what comes out of our mouths is really the reflection of what is going on in our hearts. In order to modify our word usage, we need to work on our hearts. God has worked on my heart over the years. My swearing is gone and my verbal attacks are markedly decreased. I still have work to do, but as I let God in more, the temptation is less and the need to protect myself by hurling word grenades is minimized as I rest in His defense of me.
Today, let your speech come under the control of the Holy Spirit. Say split second prayers before you respond. Think before you speak, not as you speak. Use your words today to lift someone up, to heal instead of hurt. As your positive speech patterns replace your negative ones, the increase in joy and peace in your relationships will simply amaze you. Maybe forward this devotional to someone who has given you grace with his or her words to thank them. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for the awesome gift of speech. I confess, Father that I have misused this gift…I confess, Father, that I have used my mouth and mind to hurt others. Forgive me, Father. I pray that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may have the discipline to think before I speak. Help me pray before answering the phone and before responding to others in conversation. Let others see You in me by the words I speak. I pray these words in the name of the living Word, Jesus Christ; and all God’s people say - AMEN!
The Truth
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
James 1:19
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Stepping Stones: Beauty Deposits from God
Transformational Thought
Last evening I glanced out my window and noticed the most unusual, eye-catching color in the sky. The setting sun created a light and shading scheme that spectacularly dazzled my eyes. After a minute of soaking it in, I walked away. Then something brought me back to that window for a much longer gaze. The realization struck me then and there that the displays of beauty must have been designed to declare their existence of His Holy Being. I realized only God Himself could create such day-halting beauty.
My daughter’s smile, a bright autumn day in New England, that glorious sunset, oceanic splendor, the Grand Canyon, Hawaii’s volcanoes, the Highlands of Scotland, the Kenyan Serengeti, the Northern Lights, my wife’s look. All these beautiful and wondrous sights are meant to proclaim his Presence in the world.
Can you imagine what the Garden of Eden was like? Because it was even better than what we see now. The amazing part…these are just beauty deposits of the real beauty promised to and waiting for us in heaven. Doesn’t it whet your appetite?
Amazing, divine splendor, untainted by the decay and sin of this world. Heaven will be like an endless museum of masterpieces, leading to the ultimate perfect Master, God. Everything else will pale and become insignificant after we see Him. Just as time seems to stand still when we gaze at a sunset, time will stand still infinitely in His divine, awe-inspiring, magnificent presence.
The problem, Satan’s plan is to, 1) get us to worship the beautiful art and forget about the Perfect Artist. Chalk it up to the Big Bang Theory. Or, 2) keep us so busy and jaded that we don’t appreciate God or the beauty deposits He graciously blesses us with as appetizers to the real banquet we will enjoy, someday soon.
Today, do not rush past these proclamations, these beauty deposits, without enjoying and giving thanks for them. Think about what they point to: our eternal place gazing at Him and being with Him. Hopefully this assurance, hope, and reality will overshadow the darkness, ugliness, and problems you are encountering today. The lenses you use are your choice, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I worship You, in the beauty of Your Holiness. Thank You for giving me glimpses of Your ultimate beauty. Help me, Father, to not rush by the beauty deposits that You have provided. Your beauty is a gift. Thank You, Father. Help me remember that I, too, am a beauty deposit, and carry a responsibility myself…to declare Your glorious being to the world just as Your beauty deposits declare your beauty to me. I pray these words in the name of ultimate beauty, Jesus Christ; and all God’s people say - AMEN!
The Truth
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Psalm 19:1
And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
Isaiah 6:3
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Romans 1:19-20
Last evening I glanced out my window and noticed the most unusual, eye-catching color in the sky. The setting sun created a light and shading scheme that spectacularly dazzled my eyes. After a minute of soaking it in, I walked away. Then something brought me back to that window for a much longer gaze. The realization struck me then and there that the displays of beauty must have been designed to declare their existence of His Holy Being. I realized only God Himself could create such day-halting beauty.
My daughter’s smile, a bright autumn day in New England, that glorious sunset, oceanic splendor, the Grand Canyon, Hawaii’s volcanoes, the Highlands of Scotland, the Kenyan Serengeti, the Northern Lights, my wife’s look. All these beautiful and wondrous sights are meant to proclaim his Presence in the world.
Can you imagine what the Garden of Eden was like? Because it was even better than what we see now. The amazing part…these are just beauty deposits of the real beauty promised to and waiting for us in heaven. Doesn’t it whet your appetite?
Amazing, divine splendor, untainted by the decay and sin of this world. Heaven will be like an endless museum of masterpieces, leading to the ultimate perfect Master, God. Everything else will pale and become insignificant after we see Him. Just as time seems to stand still when we gaze at a sunset, time will stand still infinitely in His divine, awe-inspiring, magnificent presence.
The problem, Satan’s plan is to, 1) get us to worship the beautiful art and forget about the Perfect Artist. Chalk it up to the Big Bang Theory. Or, 2) keep us so busy and jaded that we don’t appreciate God or the beauty deposits He graciously blesses us with as appetizers to the real banquet we will enjoy, someday soon.
Today, do not rush past these proclamations, these beauty deposits, without enjoying and giving thanks for them. Think about what they point to: our eternal place gazing at Him and being with Him. Hopefully this assurance, hope, and reality will overshadow the darkness, ugliness, and problems you are encountering today. The lenses you use are your choice, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I worship You, in the beauty of Your Holiness. Thank You for giving me glimpses of Your ultimate beauty. Help me, Father, to not rush by the beauty deposits that You have provided. Your beauty is a gift. Thank You, Father. Help me remember that I, too, am a beauty deposit, and carry a responsibility myself…to declare Your glorious being to the world just as Your beauty deposits declare your beauty to me. I pray these words in the name of ultimate beauty, Jesus Christ; and all God’s people say - AMEN!
The Truth
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Psalm 19:1
And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
Isaiah 6:3
For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Romans 1:19-20
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Stepping Stones: Be Free By Being Controlled
Transformational Thought
Jumbo shrimp. Military Intelligence. Harmless crime. Non-fat ice cream. Even Christian psychiatrist. These are all oxymorons, figures of speech where seemingly contradictory words appear side by side to describe a concept. I know today’s Stepping Stones will sound like a contradiction as well, but here it is: “Be free by being controlled.”
At first glance, this instruction, “Be free by being controlled,” sounds impossible. You are probably thinking, isn’t the definition of freedom: ability to self-rule, no restrictions or controls, release from captivity or slavery. Freedom is the absence of control, so how do we get freedom by being controlled?
But this is a lesson we see and learn clearly and frequently throughout life. Obey the rules, or controls, of the land, and you get to be free from the confines of prison. Submitting to your teacher’s control, instruction, learning principles, and strategy allows greater freedom to choose the vocation you want. Submitting to your coach’s control provides you more freedom from anxiety, pressure, and fear when you face a difficult opponent. Submitting to a theatre director or music teacher produces great freedom to explore the art, maximize your expressiveness, and freely become the art form.
The same is true spiritually. As you submit to the Holy Spirit, stop fighting the way of God, put on the daily armor (more on Armor of God), and let the Holy Spirit control your mind and actions, you become free from the world and are supernaturally empowered by God. You become increasingly released from the condemnation of sin and free to become the one He created you to be.
Unfortunately, this law of life runs contrary to the world’s misguided system. That’s why the concept seems like an oxymoron. Satan is trying to trick you into thinking you are smart and independent enough, and thus, do not need to submit to any controls in order to live free. Observing the examples above is easy, but submitting our inner thought world and our entire being to an intangible person often seems beyond our me-centered agenda and vision. If you don’t choose God’s controls, by default, you will be using your own near-sighted ones, or Satan’s destructive ones.
Today, look at the controls in your life that allow you freedom. Also look at areas in your life that aren’t working out well. You most likely need some stronger controls or guidance in those areas. When you sin confess it, immediately. This gets you back into unimpeded fellowship with God, and places the Holy Spirit back on the throne of your life. In an important decision today, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you, and really submit to His guidance, observing and experiencing how it plays out. Let Him live in the depths of your spirit. His work can liberate you to be completely who God intended you to be, and live the life that is WITHIN REACH. Your decision, choose your controls well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My desire to be in control is constantly getting in the way…by doing things my way, I am continually sabotaging myself. I know that when Your Holy Spirit is controlling my thinking and behavior, I feel more alive…more real. I am freer to live how You want and designed me to live. I pray for humility to allow the Holy Spirit to think for me, live through me, and love on me. I pray this in the freeing name my savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s people say – AMEN!
The Truth
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be controlled by the Spirit is life and
peace.
Romans 8:6
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Jumbo shrimp. Military Intelligence. Harmless crime. Non-fat ice cream. Even Christian psychiatrist. These are all oxymorons, figures of speech where seemingly contradictory words appear side by side to describe a concept. I know today’s Stepping Stones will sound like a contradiction as well, but here it is: “Be free by being controlled.”
At first glance, this instruction, “Be free by being controlled,” sounds impossible. You are probably thinking, isn’t the definition of freedom: ability to self-rule, no restrictions or controls, release from captivity or slavery. Freedom is the absence of control, so how do we get freedom by being controlled?
But this is a lesson we see and learn clearly and frequently throughout life. Obey the rules, or controls, of the land, and you get to be free from the confines of prison. Submitting to your teacher’s control, instruction, learning principles, and strategy allows greater freedom to choose the vocation you want. Submitting to your coach’s control provides you more freedom from anxiety, pressure, and fear when you face a difficult opponent. Submitting to a theatre director or music teacher produces great freedom to explore the art, maximize your expressiveness, and freely become the art form.
The same is true spiritually. As you submit to the Holy Spirit, stop fighting the way of God, put on the daily armor (more on Armor of God), and let the Holy Spirit control your mind and actions, you become free from the world and are supernaturally empowered by God. You become increasingly released from the condemnation of sin and free to become the one He created you to be.
Unfortunately, this law of life runs contrary to the world’s misguided system. That’s why the concept seems like an oxymoron. Satan is trying to trick you into thinking you are smart and independent enough, and thus, do not need to submit to any controls in order to live free. Observing the examples above is easy, but submitting our inner thought world and our entire being to an intangible person often seems beyond our me-centered agenda and vision. If you don’t choose God’s controls, by default, you will be using your own near-sighted ones, or Satan’s destructive ones.
Today, look at the controls in your life that allow you freedom. Also look at areas in your life that aren’t working out well. You most likely need some stronger controls or guidance in those areas. When you sin confess it, immediately. This gets you back into unimpeded fellowship with God, and places the Holy Spirit back on the throne of your life. In an important decision today, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you, and really submit to His guidance, observing and experiencing how it plays out. Let Him live in the depths of your spirit. His work can liberate you to be completely who God intended you to be, and live the life that is WITHIN REACH. Your decision, choose your controls well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, My desire to be in control is constantly getting in the way…by doing things my way, I am continually sabotaging myself. I know that when Your Holy Spirit is controlling my thinking and behavior, I feel more alive…more real. I am freer to live how You want and designed me to live. I pray for humility to allow the Holy Spirit to think for me, live through me, and love on me. I pray this in the freeing name my savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s people say – AMEN!
The Truth
For to be carnally minded is death, but to be controlled by the Spirit is life and
peace.
Romans 8:6
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Monday, October 3, 2011
Stepping Stones: I Need…..God
Transformational Thought
We just finished sweet 16 birthday parties for my middle daughter, Nicole. She even gets us to celebrate her half-birthday in April. She was blessed with nice gifts from friends and a good chunk of gift money, so we asked her if she had anything in mind to buy. She started, “Dad, I need a …” then stopped as she saw that reflexive look on my face when I hear, “I need…” And so she restated, “Dad, I would like to get an iPod touch so baldy.”
I need a ride. I need some love. I need some sleep. I need an answer. I need some money. I need a man. I need a drink. I need that part. I need my Starbucks. I need to scream. I need to take charge. I need to put my spouse/kid down. I need a job. I need a break. I need help. I need a touchdown. We were all needy…in fact, we were born very needy. We all need a ….SAVIOR. However, there are two types of people; those who are needy and recognize their real insufficiencies, and those who are needy but are totally unaware of their real inadequacies, and think they need many superficial things.
Recognizing the extent of your need for God is a blessing. Even though Satan tries to distract us from recognizing our need for God, we know we can’t meet all our needs by ourselves or through the trappings of this world. We do know, deep inside, the breadth and depth of our need. But, recognition is only half the battle. The other half is turning to Him rather than to idolatrous substitutes to fill our emptiness, to give us purpose or identity, or to soothe our hurts.
Turning to our Lord with daily intentionality will always be a challenge for us…will always be the toughest part of the battle. Why? For the first 10-20 years of our life, we were conditioned to take care of ourselves, to become independent. As adults, we are constantly bombarded and influenced by the heaviness of this fallen world. We choose immediate comfort over real and lasting sustenance. While on this earth you will have to contend with this spiritual-emotional “gravity” pulling you away from Him.
Today, when you face an “I need” moment, stop and ask God to show you whether it is a need or a want. If you are honest, the answer should be fairly clear. Next, exert some self-control over your initial comfort-driven impulse, and try to really address the underlying issue. Then look to His instruction manual to find what He has promised and provided for you. Remember, immediate answers aren’t necessary and you really can handle waiting if you will recognize His power and sovereignty. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, With each passing day, I recognize how desperately I need You. I do want You to be the center of my life…and I am trying to keep You there. But You know, Father, how easily I get distracted…how my thoughts wander away from You. I grope for You, Father; I need Your help, all the time. Help me understand those distractions as idols and help me learn how to close my ears to their falsely soothing coos. I pray these words in the name of the One who died for all my needs, Jesus Christ; and all God’s people say - AMEN!
The Truth
But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'
Matthew 4:4
So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
Acts 17:27
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes; for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life.
Proverbs 6:23-26
We just finished sweet 16 birthday parties for my middle daughter, Nicole. She even gets us to celebrate her half-birthday in April. She was blessed with nice gifts from friends and a good chunk of gift money, so we asked her if she had anything in mind to buy. She started, “Dad, I need a …” then stopped as she saw that reflexive look on my face when I hear, “I need…” And so she restated, “Dad, I would like to get an iPod touch so baldy.”
I need a ride. I need some love. I need some sleep. I need an answer. I need some money. I need a man. I need a drink. I need that part. I need my Starbucks. I need to scream. I need to take charge. I need to put my spouse/kid down. I need a job. I need a break. I need help. I need a touchdown. We were all needy…in fact, we were born very needy. We all need a ….SAVIOR. However, there are two types of people; those who are needy and recognize their real insufficiencies, and those who are needy but are totally unaware of their real inadequacies, and think they need many superficial things.
Recognizing the extent of your need for God is a blessing. Even though Satan tries to distract us from recognizing our need for God, we know we can’t meet all our needs by ourselves or through the trappings of this world. We do know, deep inside, the breadth and depth of our need. But, recognition is only half the battle. The other half is turning to Him rather than to idolatrous substitutes to fill our emptiness, to give us purpose or identity, or to soothe our hurts.
Turning to our Lord with daily intentionality will always be a challenge for us…will always be the toughest part of the battle. Why? For the first 10-20 years of our life, we were conditioned to take care of ourselves, to become independent. As adults, we are constantly bombarded and influenced by the heaviness of this fallen world. We choose immediate comfort over real and lasting sustenance. While on this earth you will have to contend with this spiritual-emotional “gravity” pulling you away from Him.
Today, when you face an “I need” moment, stop and ask God to show you whether it is a need or a want. If you are honest, the answer should be fairly clear. Next, exert some self-control over your initial comfort-driven impulse, and try to really address the underlying issue. Then look to His instruction manual to find what He has promised and provided for you. Remember, immediate answers aren’t necessary and you really can handle waiting if you will recognize His power and sovereignty. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, With each passing day, I recognize how desperately I need You. I do want You to be the center of my life…and I am trying to keep You there. But You know, Father, how easily I get distracted…how my thoughts wander away from You. I grope for You, Father; I need Your help, all the time. Help me understand those distractions as idols and help me learn how to close my ears to their falsely soothing coos. I pray these words in the name of the One who died for all my needs, Jesus Christ; and all God’s people say - AMEN!
The Truth
But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'
Matthew 4:4
So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
Acts 17:27
For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes; for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life.
Proverbs 6:23-26
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Stepping Stones: Wanted: Supporting Actor in a Glorious Drama!
Transformational Thought
My mother is a great piano player, and she taught many others and me while I was growing up. She also loved musicals, so I reluctantly got a fair dose of those as a kid as well. My oldest daughter, who’s now in college, was always interested in music and drama too, so I have seen many plays and musicals. Seems like more of the same from childhood, but actually, watching the shows now is quite different than when I was a kid.
You see, as a kid watching the shows, I fell into the trap of thinking the actors were just being themselves and not really playing parts. Watching my daughter up on stage with her friends, I was now able to appreciate they were not being themselves. They were actually acting out something totally different, something the writer and the director envisioned for and coached out of them.
As Christians, whether we like it or not, our lives are all individual stages on which others might observe the performance of Christ. Despite our imperfections, we have been chosen to act out and reflect His Glory for others to see so they can become aware of His presence and power. Don’t worry about your stage being unworthy of Him. No matter how much you fix it up, no matter how polished you may become…you will never be good enough for the display of His radiant holiness.
However, our weakness is the ideal stage for the exhibition of His power. And for this glorious process to happen, we must submit to Him as the great Director. Really trust His instruction and purpose for us. Step into and revel in the awesome roles He designed for us. If you feel uncomfortable with God as your director, your other options are evil-intentioned Satan or your very nearsighted and incompetent self.
Today, play your rightful part in this Glorious Drama. To maximize this opportunity and experience, look inward and find what is distracting and hindering you from keeping your eyes constantly on Him, following His direction. Grab a pencil and paper and journal a few minutes. Then work on that distraction…see how He can ease the pain this distraction brings to you. Then you will be able to keep your gaze fixed on Him and His awesome splendor. Forget about your unworthiness. Watch the Glorious Drama unfold as He performs great things for you and through you. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to be Your stage. I want to be available to be a stage from which You can display Your power and Glory. But Father, I am not a ready-to-use stage. I feel more like a splintery, unfinished platform. I feel I may not even be safe enough…I feel like my boards are not yet nailed down properly. Help me, Father, to look away from myself and to look at You. Use my tired, broken stage in any way You choose. I am encouraged and thankful as I read Your Holy Word telling me that Your power is made perfect in my weakness. Thank You, Father. I pray through the love and work of Christ Jesus for us, and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:18
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10
My mother is a great piano player, and she taught many others and me while I was growing up. She also loved musicals, so I reluctantly got a fair dose of those as a kid as well. My oldest daughter, who’s now in college, was always interested in music and drama too, so I have seen many plays and musicals. Seems like more of the same from childhood, but actually, watching the shows now is quite different than when I was a kid.
You see, as a kid watching the shows, I fell into the trap of thinking the actors were just being themselves and not really playing parts. Watching my daughter up on stage with her friends, I was now able to appreciate they were not being themselves. They were actually acting out something totally different, something the writer and the director envisioned for and coached out of them.
As Christians, whether we like it or not, our lives are all individual stages on which others might observe the performance of Christ. Despite our imperfections, we have been chosen to act out and reflect His Glory for others to see so they can become aware of His presence and power. Don’t worry about your stage being unworthy of Him. No matter how much you fix it up, no matter how polished you may become…you will never be good enough for the display of His radiant holiness.
However, our weakness is the ideal stage for the exhibition of His power. And for this glorious process to happen, we must submit to Him as the great Director. Really trust His instruction and purpose for us. Step into and revel in the awesome roles He designed for us. If you feel uncomfortable with God as your director, your other options are evil-intentioned Satan or your very nearsighted and incompetent self.
Today, play your rightful part in this Glorious Drama. To maximize this opportunity and experience, look inward and find what is distracting and hindering you from keeping your eyes constantly on Him, following His direction. Grab a pencil and paper and journal a few minutes. Then work on that distraction…see how He can ease the pain this distraction brings to you. Then you will be able to keep your gaze fixed on Him and His awesome splendor. Forget about your unworthiness. Watch the Glorious Drama unfold as He performs great things for you and through you. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I want to be Your stage. I want to be available to be a stage from which You can display Your power and Glory. But Father, I am not a ready-to-use stage. I feel more like a splintery, unfinished platform. I feel I may not even be safe enough…I feel like my boards are not yet nailed down properly. Help me, Father, to look away from myself and to look at You. Use my tired, broken stage in any way You choose. I am encouraged and thankful as I read Your Holy Word telling me that Your power is made perfect in my weakness. Thank You, Father. I pray through the love and work of Christ Jesus for us, and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:18
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10
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