Transformational Thought
Few things give me goose bumps like when my kids are involved in plays, recitals or sports, and I am privileged to see all their effort pay off in an amazing performance. Seeing the joy, pride, and self-confidence oozing from their faces and bodies, I will often even cry. I am always amazed at how well these youngsters perform out there in front of the big crowd with all the pressure. And they do it mostly on their own, often with minimal or no adult involvement in the final performance. How is this possible?
The answer: They are instructed in the fundamentals of the task, then practice them over and over, in safe, non-threatening situations, ‘til the task becomes second nature. Then, after all those investments … time, effort, embarrassment, humility, trust in the coach, self-discipline, delayed gratification, dealing with mistakes, perseverance … the big night comes with pressure, potential adversity, judgment, and a lot on the line. The more deposits that were made during the preparation phase, the grander the reward when it’s showtime. That is success, with interest. In these difficult economic times, there’s no safe place to put your savings that also pays interest.
You see, you can prepare for tough days by practicing some skills during the quiet days. In the mundane, everyday situations, practice seeing God at work in your life. Practice reflecting on and trusting in His character and promises. Memorize verses or stories from the Bible that reinforce these truths. See how He is meeting your needs and caring for you every day.
Communicate with Him regularly each day. Remember, communication is praying and also listening. Then when your storms come (and they will), your trust-balance will be sufficient to see you through. In fact, you will shine brightly, like the star in a play. You will also go to Him more easily in time of need, because you’ve been regularly practicing going to Him.
Today, try making a deposit in His treasury. Pray. Listen to God. Look for Him in your daily activities. Spend time in His instruction manual, thanking Him for what you have, or describing the effects of His character on how you see and navigate your day. The list can be endless. Each time you affirm your trust in Him, it is like putting a coin into His treasury. In doing so, you build up equity you can draw against it during stormy days. He will keep safely in His heart all investments in Him … with interest compounded continually. The more you trust God, the more He will enable you to do so, and the easier it will be to trust Him during the storms. Your decision, choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that the only safe investment is in You. I have tried saving money in my own bank for my security but have lost it all. Help me, Father, turn to trusting You. I see now how my faith and trust in You can grow exponentially. I have seen firsthand that the more I trust You, the more You enable me to trust You even more. Thank You for this Upward-Spiral. You have given us so much revelation of who You are. Help me dig into it during the calm days, so this ‘practice’ will pay off during the stormy days. I pray with trust and confidence through my savior Jesus Christ; and all God’s people say – Amen!
The Truth
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:20
Showing posts with label Action. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Action. Show all posts
Friday, September 9, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Stepping Stones: Be Exhausted For the Right Reason
Transformational Thought
You may be physically exhausted from “doing.” Going to work, cleaning the house, chauffeuring the kids, attending services, participating in small groups, volunteering on committees…doing stuff in the name of service. But a deeper and more dangerous form of exhaustion is the spiritual type. This type of exhaustion comes from giving, and not so much from doing.
Jesus said to Peter - "Feed My sheep," but He gave Peter nothing to feed them with. We are all called to go feed His sheep. The process of being made “broken bread” and “poured out wine” means that you will be the nourishment for other’s souls until they learn to feed on God. Before they learn to draw on the life of the Lord Jesus directly, they have to draw on it through you. This is how God uses us to minister to others. We are called to serve, but this process has the potential to deplete and exhaust us.
We shouldn’t be exhausted, rather we should feel emptied…we need not remain emptied, for we can always return to the Source of all energy to refuel. God’s Word promises you strength and power, and the Holy Spirit is the energy source that we can tap into directly for refueling in order to service others some more. We get exhausted when we try to do all these activities on our own or for our gain. When we leave God out, (forgetting to be in prayer, focus on His will, or go to Him first), exhaustion becomes our companion.
Today, ask yourself the question, “Am I exhausted for the right reasons?” Be emptied because you are giving, not because you are forgetting to refuel through the Holy Spirit, His Word, and His Armor. Remember, your supply comes from Him and His fuel pump is endless, while your own supply is shallow and runs dry quickly. You know that, so turn to Him for replenishment. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am exhausted, but for the wrong reasons. I am spinning my wheels, turning in circles, making no headway. I want to experience a different form of exhaustion; I want to be emptied from furthering Your kingdom here on earth. Use me, Father, to save souls and to spiritually nourish the starving until they learn to feed directly from You. I pray this in the name of the One you sent to be our broken bread and poured out wine, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:28-29
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to Him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."
John 21:17
You may be physically exhausted from “doing.” Going to work, cleaning the house, chauffeuring the kids, attending services, participating in small groups, volunteering on committees…doing stuff in the name of service. But a deeper and more dangerous form of exhaustion is the spiritual type. This type of exhaustion comes from giving, and not so much from doing.
Jesus said to Peter - "Feed My sheep," but He gave Peter nothing to feed them with. We are all called to go feed His sheep. The process of being made “broken bread” and “poured out wine” means that you will be the nourishment for other’s souls until they learn to feed on God. Before they learn to draw on the life of the Lord Jesus directly, they have to draw on it through you. This is how God uses us to minister to others. We are called to serve, but this process has the potential to deplete and exhaust us.
We shouldn’t be exhausted, rather we should feel emptied…we need not remain emptied, for we can always return to the Source of all energy to refuel. God’s Word promises you strength and power, and the Holy Spirit is the energy source that we can tap into directly for refueling in order to service others some more. We get exhausted when we try to do all these activities on our own or for our gain. When we leave God out, (forgetting to be in prayer, focus on His will, or go to Him first), exhaustion becomes our companion.
Today, ask yourself the question, “Am I exhausted for the right reasons?” Be emptied because you are giving, not because you are forgetting to refuel through the Holy Spirit, His Word, and His Armor. Remember, your supply comes from Him and His fuel pump is endless, while your own supply is shallow and runs dry quickly. You know that, so turn to Him for replenishment. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I am exhausted, but for the wrong reasons. I am spinning my wheels, turning in circles, making no headway. I want to experience a different form of exhaustion; I want to be emptied from furthering Your kingdom here on earth. Use me, Father, to save souls and to spiritually nourish the starving until they learn to feed directly from You. I pray this in the name of the One you sent to be our broken bread and poured out wine, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:28-29
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to Him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep."
John 21:17
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Stepping Stones: Out On A Limb
Transformational Thought
As a young boy, I always had a fascination with climbing trees; especially apple trees. I’d climb up, pick the apples, and then throw them down to my brothers. However, I couldn’t get the really good apples, for they always seemed to be hanging out on a limb. I would never go out on a limb…always played it safe. Fear of falling stole my chance to grab the really choice apples out on the edge of the limb.
I think sometimes God asks us to go out on that limb. Just like on the apple tree, the juiciest rewards in life are on the end of the limb. Playing it “safe,” not going out on a limb, is sometimes how Satan wants you to engage with life. 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 also may 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 without Abraham following God out to the very edge of the limb.
Today, when doing the right thing feels risky or uncomfortable, envision the scenario you just read, and 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.
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 said - 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, and then throw them down to my brothers. However, I couldn’t get the really good apples, for they always seemed to be hanging out on a limb. I would never go out on a limb…always played it safe. Fear of falling stole my chance to grab the really choice apples out on the edge of the limb.
I think sometimes God asks us to go out on that limb. Just like on the apple tree, the juiciest rewards in life are on the end of the limb. Playing it “safe,” not going out on a limb, is sometimes how Satan wants you to engage with life. 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 also may 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 without Abraham following God out to the very edge of the limb.
Today, when doing the right thing feels risky or uncomfortable, envision the scenario you just read, and 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.
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 said - 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
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Stepping Stones: Joyous Duty
Transformational Tip
Your greatest calling and duty is devotion to God. This duty is such a luxury that it should feel like a "Joyous Duty." The world is working hard to squeeze you into it's mold and to crowd out any time devoted to God. The merry-go-round of life just goes faster and faster...rarely slowing down... never stopping. This world wants you to feel guilty about spending time with God. Do not let that happen! God wants to spend time with you, and wants you to spend time with Him. When we spend time with Him, it excites Him and also does wonders for our state of mind, well-being, and understanding of life. It's good for us, and He knows that, that's one of the reasons why He commands us to worship Him only. When you pick other distractions to spend your time and mental currency on, God might have to do something to those distractions to refocus your eyes and devotion on Him. Don't wait for God to take action to redirect you, take action now.
Today, push back the boundaries of your life to make time alone with your Lord and focus on what it means to be the child of the everlasting King. Rejoice, the King always has a special invitation to spend time, one on one, just with you.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I confess that the ways of the world have warped my conscience...this world tries to punish me for doing the very things that please You the most. Let me hear Your voice Lord...let me hear Your voice above the clamor of voices trying to distract me. I know that You work in perfect Harmony with Your Holy Spirit; I pray that Your Holy Spirit helps calm my mind. Help me be still and attentive in Your presence, for I know I am on holy ground.
The Truth
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
Romans 8:15-16
"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."
Exodus 3:5
Your greatest calling and duty is devotion to God. This duty is such a luxury that it should feel like a "Joyous Duty." The world is working hard to squeeze you into it's mold and to crowd out any time devoted to God. The merry-go-round of life just goes faster and faster...rarely slowing down... never stopping. This world wants you to feel guilty about spending time with God. Do not let that happen! God wants to spend time with you, and wants you to spend time with Him. When we spend time with Him, it excites Him and also does wonders for our state of mind, well-being, and understanding of life. It's good for us, and He knows that, that's one of the reasons why He commands us to worship Him only. When you pick other distractions to spend your time and mental currency on, God might have to do something to those distractions to refocus your eyes and devotion on Him. Don't wait for God to take action to redirect you, take action now.
Today, push back the boundaries of your life to make time alone with your Lord and focus on what it means to be the child of the everlasting King. Rejoice, the King always has a special invitation to spend time, one on one, just with you.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I confess that the ways of the world have warped my conscience...this world tries to punish me for doing the very things that please You the most. Let me hear Your voice Lord...let me hear Your voice above the clamor of voices trying to distract me. I know that You work in perfect Harmony with Your Holy Spirit; I pray that Your Holy Spirit helps calm my mind. Help me be still and attentive in Your presence, for I know I am on holy ground.
The Truth
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
Romans 8:15-16
"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."
Exodus 3:5
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