Stepping Stones: Untie from Your Addiction, Be Tied Together to God

January 30, 2012

Transformational Thought

According to the latest statistics, tens of millions of people in the U.S. are tormented by compulsive addictions. An addict’s primary relationship is with a drug or a behavior, not with himself or anyone else. That drug or behavior is their path to the supposed relief they so desire. Our society, in large part, denies the addiction problem as treatment centers and state hospitals close, program funding is cut, and insurance reimbursement for treatment decreases. The walking wounded are therefore usually on their own to get help for themselves and their families.

Physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological disabilities brought on by addictions are rampant. The drug environment and the impurities associated with it, namely secondary infections, also cause major damage - especially with illegal drugs. Regardless of the type of addiction, this lifestyle causes a person to be only a shadow of what God intended.
There. That’s the bad news. Now the good news. Have you ever noticed what a bad rap the word ”religion” has gotten? It’s no longer regarded as the original word suggests. The Latin root of the word is “ligio,” meaning to tie or bind together. An example is a woman having her tubes tied, or a tubal ligation. To “re-ligio” means that something that was once tied became untied, and it is now re-tied or bound together again. There is no better example than the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve disobeyed God, causing the tie of perfect fellowship with God to become untied. God’s plan of salvation, through Christ’s sacrifice once and for all, re-tied us back together into relationship with God for eternity, by His grace alone. He does the work. We just need to accept His payment for our debt.

Addiction is synonymous with idolatry. When we strongly desire something as much as or more than we desire God, we have given ourselves to a false god, a weak imitation. We have become unbound from God because of our addiction. What we give our time, money, and energy to does become our god. We then become like our object of worship, a cheap imitation of what we were really meant to be. I am always amazed at what I used to pursue, and sometimes even now pursue, to soothe my discomfort. I have endured dire spiritual consequences for the sake of momentary thrills or escapes.
Today, God stands ready and willing to forgive and restore those who have been carried away by addictions. If you have an overt addiction let Him in and trust His ways, not yours. Becoming untied causes us to disintegrate, but receiving God’s gift of healing allows us to re-integrate, restoring us to what God intended us to be in the first place! If you don’t have an overt addiction, examine what you go to when you are uncomfortable. If it is God’s word and prayer, awesome. If it is anything else, then you have an addiction and need to wrestle with that. Start to look at why you turn to those other items before God. Don’t be embarrassed, just be honest. Your journey closer to God and the Mind of Christ depends on it. Life is your decision, so choose well!

Prayer

Father God, You are our source and our strength, and a very present help in time of trouble. Deliver us out of the claws of addictions and addictive behaviors. We need Your supernatural strength to overcome the self-destructive effects of mood-altering chemicals and mind injuring behaviors. Heal and restore us in body, mind, and spirit to what You intended us to be. We ask this in the powerful, comforting, and re-tying name of Jesus; and all God’s children say – AMEN!

The Truth
“Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
2 Corinthians 7:1

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of a sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.”
Galatians 5:16-17

Stepping Stones: Check Up from the Neck Up. Do You Have Spiritual Schizophrenia?

January 28-29, 2012

Transformational Thought

What’s the one major problem that gives believers in Christ the most trouble, today, in the twenty-first century? Probably the same problem that dates back thousands of years: being double-minded. James 1:8 tells us that a “double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” But what does it really mean to be double-minded? At times I know what I should do, but later that day, I may find myself doing the exact opposite, making a poor decision. Does that ever happen to you? Do you suffer from Spiritual Schizophrenia?

The Bible is filled with many examples of Biblical studs being double-minded. Adam and Eve when they ate the apple. Abraham when he lied that Sarah was his sister and when he slept with Hagar. David, when he took Bathsheba, then killed off Uriah. Jonah when he went the opposite direction of Nineveh. Peter when he denied Christ even after being forewarned!

As believers, we are instructed by Paul, in Philippians, to have the mind of Christ. Our love, affection, and devotion are to be for our Lord first and foremost. Whenever we are Christ-centered in our beliefs, thoughts, and actions, living for Him is our single purpose. James 1:14 tells us that we are tempted when we are drawn away, or carried away by our own lust. The word lust is the strongest word we have for desire, and James warns this desire blinds us to be enticed to pursue the object of our lust to relieve or fill an emotional, psychological, and ultimately, a spiritual, need. Our minds and hearts become divided in directions other than Christ, creating a schism or split within us. Thinking we are serving God, but really serving ourselves.

Often, we find ourselves immersed in behaviors we really know are wrong. Some refer to this as cognitive dissonance, or a disharmony within that feels like a splitting or tearing inside. We develop physical or emotional symptoms of agitation, anxiety, panic, and depression. We can become derailed in our thinking and motivation. Ultimately, as James reminds us, when sin is finished, it brings forth death and separation … from God, others, and ourselves. So much for the advantages of being double-minded.

You see, double-mindedness comes from the brainwashing and deception of Satan. He wants to distort your lenses, as perception is the most important of the 6 components in every decision you make, everyday. We have to be diligent in all our decisions, slowing our mind down, taking every thought captive, and maintaining focus on reality and the truth. Then single-mindedness becomes rather simple, I am serious.

Today, submit to a checkup. Examine whether you are trying to serve 2 masters, God and yourself. Thankfully, God has provided the remedy through his Son, Jesus. As Oswald Chambers frequently taught, God has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. He saves, justifies, sanctifies, and empowers us with His Spirit to live for Him. But God will never do for us what we can do for ourselves, namely, build our character by making our choices for us. In choosing to live Godly, we must have Christ’s mind and purpose. Life is your decision, so choose well. WITHIN REACH is a workshop to help you apply the power of the Holy Spirit as you exercise your free will in making these daily decisions.

Prayer
Father God, thank You that you voluntarily assumed human nature and took on the limitations as a man; yet, You remained one hundred percent Divine. You lived a sinless life knowing that we could not, but counted us as righteous if we would trust and believe You died and rose again for us. Help us to live today for You, so we prevent the condition of being double-minded. We ask this in the strong name of Jesus. And all God’s children say – AMEN!

The Truth
“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:5

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
I Peter 1:3

Stepping Stones: The Ultimate Alchemist

Transformational Thought

My little granny turned 90 years old last January. Good thing she doesn’t get the Internet or she would be angry with me sharing this embarrassing information. One thing I love about her is she still gets to the Russian Orthodox Church (where I was baptized as an infant), twice a month to crank out 6000 perogies with her gnarled hands, rheumatoid mis-shaped hands. You see, deep fried perogies is my most favorite food … followed closely by homemade ice cream.

My granny is the dough master. For you non-cooks, the dough master has the most physically grueling task when making perogies. Granny keeps waiting for some young buck to learn her secret before she dies, but none of the younger women have the stamina to do what 90 year old granny cranks out. Perogies are a classic example of the final product being way better than the sum of the ingredients, and it is because of the talent of the cook. Think about alchemy, the ancient practice of combining common, cheap substances and transforming them into something of value. One who practices Alchemy is called an Alchemist.

So many of us suffer from the belief that we have nothing of value to share with others … or with our God. We feel we are a waste. But nothing is wasted when you share it with Your Lord. He can bring beauty out of the ashes of broken or lost dreams. He can turn the darkness of your worst failures into bright beauty and hope. He can glean joy out of sorrow … peace out of adversity. Your God, the Master Chef, delights in blending His love, grace and forgiveness with our pride, sin and failures. He transforms His children from sinful wretches into wonderful disciples.

Today, bring your sorrow, sadness and brokenness to God. Release them into his care and keeping. He will not only heal your brokenness … He will give you a new dream – one that is in perfect harmony with His plans for you. To do this, give up one of your “needs” and instead, depend on His promises. As you begin to work with Him bringing this fresh new dream to reality, you will find yourself becoming more and more content, and increasingly aware of His beautiful presence seeping into all the nooks and crannies of your life. Only your best friend, the King of Kings, could accomplish this Divine Alchemy.

Prayer
Dear Father, I am so blessed to call You my friend. I pray to You, Father, that You help me share more and more of my life with You. I believe that You, and only You, can bring beauty out of my lost dreams … out of my sorrow. I confess, Father, that as I try to bring my junk to You for transformation I get stuck in self-pity … in my brokenness and in my struggles. Help me bring all these things to You so that You can place on me a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I know You are the Divine Alchemist. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who needed no alchemy to shine His glory, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
He has sent me to bind the brokenhearted … and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:2-3

Jesus looked at them and said; “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26

Stepping Stones: Do You Recognize The Darkness?

Transformational Thought

What is darkness? You know, gloom and doom? We all have really bright and shiny days when everything goes great and we feel on top of the world. But those darker days, they are a lot tougher to describe and identify. You might be thinking, “What is he talking about? I know the dark days and can identify them pretty easily.”

Well, dark days can also be ones that are “neutral”, as these are often the seeds for future dark days. Nothing great or earth-shattering, nothing memorable. Satan starts to play with our head, getting us to think or believe we are nothing special, that God doesn’t really love us … that God isn’t interested in our wellbeing … that God is sitting on His throne with a scorecard, keeping track of our mistakes.

Why do we fall for Satan’s tricks? It’s because, at our core we are insecure. We feel inadequate and have a constant need for approval. We need to be important in this world or to someone. We want to be noticed. To make our mark on each day. Neutral days highlight these fears, accelerating the negative-thought-merry-go-round we willingly jump on.

Growing in God’s grace is all about trusting Him above all else, especially when we find ourselves in the darkness. Always trust God, whether it’s a for-all-the-marbles darkness, or the neutral days that set you up on the slippery slope for a bigger darkness. When you are in the dark, reach for His hand with confidence. Turn to Him. Resist hollow earthly solutions and addictions. Reaching for His hand in the dark is a display of magnificent trust and greatly weakens the spiritual forces of evil, the very forces that have tricked you to pursue the dark solutions.

When your world is dark and you trust God, His light will shine brightly through you for all to see … for His light shines brightest in the darkness.

Today, if you are in the dark and feel on the brink of giving up, cry out for His assistance and pray: “Help me, Holy Spirit.” Really look for the hand that is reaching out for you ... it is there. This brief prayer is a beautiful display of trust and a simple way to tap into His vast power. Learn to recognize the lies that take you from a neutral day to a dark day. Resist them and counter the lies with the truth and hope of God’s love, power, and sovereignty. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father, I am completely in the dark today – scared and disoriented – I don’t know which way to turn. Help me, God. Help me, Holy Spirit. You have designed me to seek light. I crave all kind of light – sunlight and even artificial light … but especially the light of Your holy presence. I want to walk in Your light, Father. It is easy for me to trust You when there is plenty of light in my world. But trusting You in my darkness is another matter. I am desperate, Lord. I am reaching for You in the dark. I know, Lord, that Your light shines brightest in the dark. I pray that even in times when I cannot see the illumination of Your light, that Your light shining through me is visible to those around me. I pray in need through Your Son Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin
1 John 1:7

Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139:10

Stepping Stones: How Do You Fill Your Vessel?

Transformational Thought

This banner ad came across my screen yesterday as I was on the Internet: “10 ways to be happier in 2 minutes or less.” Wow, what a deal! I would even splurge and give 10 minutes. Be honest with yourself, would you have clicked on the link? I would really like to know how many people clicked in search of quick-hit happiness. I’m even more curious to see how many Christians clicked.

Why is happiness, true lasting happiness, regardless of circumstances, so hard to “find”? And when we do find happiness … why does it leave us so quickly? Scripture tells us that God created us as earthen vessels, but I believe I am such a leaky container that I can never really get filled and stay filled. Our fleshly lenses are so me-oriented. We want more to soothe us; we focus on our discomforts and what we don’t have. It makes happiness so elusive. Our selfish need to have more makes happiness very short-lived.

I need my vessel to be filled over and over because I get empty so quickly. But while we are earthen vessels, God designed us to be filled with heavenly content that can’t leak out … to fill our vessels with Him and His wisdom. Whether we choose to use this full vessel, or just pour it out and replace it with other stuff that easily leaks out, is the million-dollar decision that is up to us.

So where do you go to “fill-up?” What do you put in your vessel? When you put the right God-gifts in your vessel, do you use and re-use them and enjoy the happiness they bring? Or do you pour them out and replace them with a cheap substitute? Do you go to the dollar store to grab items that break easily, causing you to revisit frequently without ever being satisfied? Go to the quality store where the valuable items that take more commitment to “buy” and patiently pursue quality that lasts.

Today, remain in the presence of Your God. He is excited and proud to fill you with His Glory-gifts. But this takes time … do not rush the process. Examine some truths you already know and see if you can apply them to a couple more small areas of your life over and over, instead of applying cheap imitations from the world or your past. This is how you use and re-use the Glory-gifts in your vessel. Where you look for happiness is your decision. Choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, Without You my emptiness is profound. I know that I am an earthen vessel … and a leaky one at that. I need to be filled and refilled with You, my Father. Please fill me with Your love, joy and peace. Because Your gifts leak out of me, I need your continual presence … I need You endlessly for renewal. I have been empty for so long, Father … for as long as I can remember. I always knew that I was a leaky vessel. I saw myself as a defect … a mistake. But I rejoice in the awareness that I am not a mistake … that You made me to allow the world’s stuff to leak out and to hold in your glory-gifts. This keeps me looking at You and coming to You for renewal. Thank You, Father. All praise and glory be to You. I also pray, Father, that You fill me with Your Holy Spirit … the most precious treasure of all. Fill me with Your holy scripture. And as You fill me with Your gifts, let Your beautiful light shine through me like a Lighthouse into other people’s lives. Let me do Your work today, Lord, in ways that I don’t even understand. I pray in need of and through the perfect filling for my vessel, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
However, we possess this precious treasure (the divine light of the Gospel) in (frail, human) vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:7

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven
Matthew 5:16

Stepping Stones: Grandma’s Vision Ain’t So Good

Transformational Thought

Dominique, my oldest daughter is moving into a house just off campus at University of Pittsburgh. She’s already had enough of dorm partying and is moving in with two Christian girls. She and Martine are leaving tonight to take some furniture and clean up. They will stay with my cousin, Chuckie. Pitt is 45 minutes from where my parents and I were born. I haven’t lived there in almost 40 years, but I still have many relatives there. It has been great staying with my cousin Chuckie and catching up with some other relatives that I see sporadically over the years.

One stop is always to my little Granny Guzy’s house. Wow! So many memories as I ride up the hill to her house above the Monongahela River. She pinches my cheeks, calls me junior, (ever since I can remember she never called me Karl), makes me 2 huge sandwiches or perogies, and buys me sugar pops for breakfast. She sees me like I am still 8 years old. And it’s very hard to see myself accurately - as a 48 y.o. adult, a professional, a husband and father - when I’m being perceived through lenses that portray me as an 8 y.o.

So, how do you see yourself? If you are looking through your own eyes, chances are you will not like what you see. Satan, the Great Deceiver, wants us to see ourselves as alone, unloved, unwanted, unable to tolerate pain, and needing his quick fix for our problems. Sometimes our fleshly lenses skew our self-evaluation to the other end of the spectrum and we see ourselves as King of our world, much better than we really are, entitled to way more than we really deserve. You know the mentality, “My kingdom come, My will be done.”

Try seeing yourself through the clearest, most accurate lenses of all, the eyes of God … see yourself as someone who is deeply loved and valued. Healing, comfort, protection, and peace are abundantly provided, but we need to seek them and steward them well. Immerse yourself in God’s Holy Bible, a tremendous story about God’s love for you. Read and see just how much He loves you. He offers you more love, peace, wisdom, and protection than you could ever get from Satan’s world system.

Today, look in the mirror and evaluate your base, knee-jerk view of yourself. Then, perhaps while in the bathroom, read Luke 1:26 – 2:21 (the Christmas Story) and John 18, 19 & 20 (the Easter story). Don’t say, “I know these stories, I can skip the reading” … READ THEM. They are short. Use this time to see yourself thru God’s lenses. You will clear your eyes and head quickly. Your decision, your lenses or God’s. Choose well!

Prayer
Dear Father, You are the peak of all my desires and all my hopes. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last: who is, and was, and is to come. You have brought so many pleasures and blessings into my life. Thank You, Jesus. I receive Your gifts with open arms, but help me, my God, to not cling to these gifts. At times I cling to the gifts and am fearful that I might lose them. But what a peaceful thought to know that the only thing I absolutely need is the one thing I can never lose: Your presence in me. Thank You, Jesus. Today, I try to see myself through Your eyes. Through Your eyes I see myself as someone who is deeply loved and protected by Your presence, which shields me from all evil. I pray in Jesus’ never-ending name; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
Revelation 1:8

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5-8

Stepping Stones: What If You Could Change the Past?

Transformational Thought

I was a Star Trek maniac as a kid and still am as an adult … just the original though, with Kirk and Spock. To me, they were the best dynamic duo, hero and sidekick, ever created. In every episode they would take on challenges and enemies from around the multiverse as well as demons from within themselves. Kirk and Spock would beat them in less than 60 minutes, every time!

I especially loved the episodes where Kirk and Spock went back in time and did something (usually something good) that would significantly affect the future, which was Spock and Kirk’s present before they went back in time. The ripples of their actions usually messed up their “present time” lives and often threw everything off balance, wrecking the whole world. Then they had to figure out how to go back in the past, undo what they thought was a good deed, so their present and future would be OK.

Our own selfish desires, limited knowledge, and continuous need to avoid pain and discomfort can lead us into the same trap as Kirk and Spock. We can spend lots of time thinking about what we would like to change from our past so life could be better now. Of course, none of us can go back. Even if you could, you don’t know how much damage that would create. So, forget what is behind you and focus on what you need to do now.

God forgave you when you accepted Christ’s death for your mistakes and sins. Walk your personal stepping-stones, one at a time, toward the prize that has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, every step toward a Christ-like life is awesome progress in God’s eyes.

Today, when a derogatory thought, generated by your past, comes to your mind, grab the remote control for your brain and switch to the channel broadcasting Jesus’ victory over sin and death, and the freedom His resurrection brings you. Do you know where the remote control for your brain is? Your remote control is your decision-making skills. That’s why we focus so much on the spiritual discipline of decision-making. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear God, my Father, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it can leave me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged, I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today, Lord, to remember that You paid the price for my sinfulness. Remind me to be immune to the destruction of what is behind me and to focus on grabbing the prize that’s within reach, the life to which You have called me. I know that I am not a perfect Christian. But I also know that any progress I make to get closer to You is amazing progress. Help me today, my God, to act on the guidance that You have already given me through the Holy Spirit. In the name of the one with the perfect brain, Jesus’ victorious name, I pray; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14

The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.
Proverbs 15:24

Stepping Stones: God’s Wakeup Call: Will You Answer or Hit Snooze?

Transformational Thought

We love our children. Nothing in this world is more precious. As a parent, I really get excited when my kids pursue me. The best is when they do it even though they don’t need anything ... but because they simply love me and want to hang out with me. What they don’t realize is, I have been pursuing them all along, whether they liked it or not, whether they wanted me or not, and I pursued them even before they were born! If you are a parent, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

You see, we all come to a life-changing and eternity-determining fork in the road on our life journey. Whether it is trying to figure out where we came from, what happens when we die, what our purpose is or life path will be, or whether we can do it all on our own, these kinds of questions and ponderings bring us to the all important fork. At that junction, you have two options, whether you will answer these questions by pursuing God, or ignore God and make yourself the center of these important answers.

Some arrive at the fork at age 4, others as a teen, and some when as an adult. Even if we take the wrong path, we get to circle back many times in life. But when we choose the correct path, setting out to know our God more intimately, He certainly rejoices, but He is not surprised. If you are waking up and finally starting to pursue Him harder, it’s because He has been pursuing you and you are finally realizing your need to acknowledge that call and respond.

While this longing for Him burns brightly in your heart, remember it originates from Him. Know, just like parents do, God has been pursuing you long before your quest for Him began. If you think your spiritual discipline keeps you close to God, you are at risk. If you are depending solely on your own efforts to stay close to God, you will surely find times where you are distant from Him. But if you put His love and pursuit of you as the first step, you will understand the bigger story of His love, sovereignty and sacrifice, your need for all He has, and your responsibility to steward your free will faithfully. To me, this is reassuring and freeing in many powerful ways.

Today, thank your Lord for awakening in your heart the strong desire for Him. Even before you were born, He loved, planned, and pursued you. Take 2 separate breaks today and search your heart, looking for what God is asking you cut back on, so you can answer His wake-up call and not hit the snooze button again. Carrying less will actually ease the burden you carry. It’s your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for awakening me and placing in my heart this strong desire for You. Before I realized Your consistent effort to wake me up, I took the wrong fork to find answers in so many different places. I tried so hard to fill the void – and many times I filled it in sinful ways. Forgive me, Lord. I realize now that I have thirsted for You as far back in time as I can remember. I know now that my desire for a closer walk with You grew out of all the work You have done in me. I know You have initiated this longing I have for You … and I know my response now pleases You. Help me, Lord, set aside time and use the remote control for my mind each day to engage with You, my living God. In Jesus’ ultimate awakening; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Psalm 42:2

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

Stepping Stones: Are You More Spoiled Than You Think?

Transformational Thought

Spoiled brats! I don’t hear people today using that phrase as much as I did back in the 70’s and 80’s. Today, the term is more likely to be used when referring to Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan or others with plenty of money who make self-destructive decisions.

We often think a spoiled brat refers to children or teens who have a sense of entitlement. They believe that anything they want is theirs without having to wait, that all good things will happen to them, that nothing painful will happen or will be quickly removed and all made better.

But notice today how many times others or even you yourself act entitled. This includes people who think they and their loved ones should have good health, more money than necessary, an easy job, everyone to like them, a smooth daily plan, an agenda that works out perfectly with extra time to spare, and no one around them making mistakes. Do you see some of yourself in these entitled examples?

We live in an age of entitlement. Everyone thinks they deserve more good stuff. This mindset has led to zillion dollar national debt, loads of foreclosures, and personal debt at record highs. You must constantly counteract the barrage of propaganda telling you that you need more … deserve more. A good way of fighting against the lie of deserving more is by learning to see everything from God’s perspective. Let this world become your classroom. Notice all the blessings you take for granted each day. Let His Word become a lamp to your feet and a light for your path.

It’s almost impossible to have a thankful heart when you constantly demand more. A way to reverse this is to saturate your mind with Scripture: read it, think about it, and memorize portions of it. This will allow you to see things from God’s perspective.

Today, make a list of all the blessings you do have in your life. To help spur thought, think of those that are disabled, people in third world situations, the oppressed, those who have gone through serious events and losses. Then list why you deserve ... I mean actually deserve... your positive blessings. Give thanks for your blessings, regardless of how small they are. Allow His word to cut deep into your entitlement. Remember that His word is sharper than any double-edged sword. Let Him use it to do spiritual surgery on the thoughts and attitudes of your mind and soul.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I ask that You set me free from the prison of ingratitude that I created for myself. Release me from this prison so that I may enjoy the pleasures of a thankful heart. You allowed Your Son to enter this world as an infant…knowing the price He would have to pay. Thank You, Father. I understand why You sent Your Son Jesus to us…You sent Him “to open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” Open my eyes, Lord. I pray that Your Holy Spirit fill me with the gift to understand and spread You Holy Word. Give me a perspective-lift today; help me to see things from Your perspective. I pray to You with confidence in the name of the One who can provide my every need; Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
To open the eyes of the blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness
Isaiah 42:7

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path
Psalm 119:105

For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

Stepping Stones: Do You Really Have Determined Purpose?

Transformational Thought

As a kid, I was determined to be a pro baseball player and a psychiatrist. Never really had any other long lasting goals I would commit to. As a teen, I became committed to attending Duke University and having 5 sons to play basketball around the country against other teams. My determination to get to Duke and become a psychiatrist was significant. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as determined to be a pro baseball player although I did play at Duke. My downfall was not staying focused in my mind and being intentional and disciplined with my activities. Other self-centered needs leading to distracting activities intruded on my dreams.

In Philippians 1:20 Paul seems to be saying; “My determined purpose is to be my best for His glory.…whether by life or death”, Paul was determined to let nothing stand in his way from doing exactly what God wanted.

What will it take to for you to choose to follow God’s will? We all start off our days with the idea, resolve, and attitude that we will do the right thing. Regardless of the temptations, we will make the right decision. But somewhere during the day, we get sidetracked, our determination gets undermined. Petty and self-centered needs and agenda items start to outrank our calling and our choices become faulty. We stray from following God’s will.

I believe that many times a crisis must develop in our lives before we make the decision to have determined purpose to follow God’s will. This is often how He gets our attention to help us focus on Him more acutely. We need these crises because we are so unresponsive to God’s numerous gentle nudges. Once we arrive at that place where He asks us to be the best for His glory and our maximal fulfillment, the debate within us begins. And when the crisis hits we must decide…for or against? For there is no middle ground. That moment, the moment of deciding for or against, is the greatest crossroads we face in our daily walk.

Today, when adversity comes into your life…on any front…surrender your will to God and you will find peace and freedom. This happens by asking, “what need of mine is out-trumping or competing with God’s instruction, will, promises, or character?” Then make a willful decision to follow His will and put yours on hold. This glorifies Him, and is the actually the best for you as you will actually renew your mind spiritually, psychologically, and even physiologically when you make this Godly decision. Believe it or not, your brain chemistry actually gets stronger.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray to You that Your Holy Spirit reveal Your message to me in a way that I understand and can live out daily. I feel very much ashamed that I have not yielded those areas of my life that You have asked me to. I want to live a life so that in no way will I be ashamed. Help me, Lord, shut out everything that keeps me from doing my very best for Your glory. I actually find my limitations liberating when my strongest desire is to do my best for Your glory. Thank You, Lord, for the freedom this provides, for Your word tells me that where Your Spirit is, there is freedom. In Christ’s determined name; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Philippians 1:20

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Peter 3:18

Stepping Stones: Where Are You Looking For Your Confidence?

Transformational Thought

We are all looking for something, whether we realize it or not. Those “things” come in different shapes and sizes, but there are common themes for all of our pursuits. Me, I was looking for identity, connection, attention, wanting to be wanted for who I was. As an adult, I pursued purpose, meaning, my unique calling, security for me and my family, and being loved and accepted. Our Creator builds these yearnings and desires into us. So what are you looking for?

Actually, the more important question really is, “Where are you looking?” You will only find what you are truly looking for by looking to, at, and with God. God’s message, sent through His prophet Isaiah, is so simple yet so profound; “Look to me and be saved.” This certainly applies to our eternal need…but it also applies to every other need, suffering, and wayward path we need saved from.

We grow up and are pushed to learn how to take care of ourselves. From learning to hold our bottle, walking to get our toy, feeding ourselves, doing our homework, taking the SAT’s, going off to college or work… so many milestones to mark the journey of becoming an independent functioning adult.

The downside of this developmental model is we develop a habit of putting our confidence in ourselves, or sometimes others opinions of how we are doing, rather than putting and getting our confidence from GOD. Looking to God, His character, His promises, His instruction. That’s what gives us confidence to pursue the right things…to make the Godly decisions that are sometimes hard.

When our confidence is in ourselves or other’s opinions, this is a shallow and very limited bucket. We have minimal power to overcome our fleshly needs, desires, distortions, and hurts or pains. That’s when patterns of struggle, dysfunction, even addictions are born and fed.

Today, as you make decisions, especially when you make a mistake, ask yourself, “where am I getting the confidence, instruction, or power to make that decision or soothe my pain? Is my confidence coming from my skills, insights, intellect, attributes, or power? Or from God?” Confidence, centered in Him, generated from Him, will save you in today’s battles and discomfort. Where do you get your confidence? Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, You are indeed an awesome God. Who but You could be all places at all times? It amazes me to think that One as great as You actually cares about the many details of my life…but You really do. When I think about these glorious truths…and when I turn to you, I feel safe in knowing I will never be alone again. Help me, Lord, to look at You, to keep You before me always, and to really get my confidence from my ultimate bodyguard. Otherwise, I fall back into my default mode, getting my confidence from myself, of straining so much because all outcomes seem totally up to me, then rest on my skills and what I can muster. For the little things, that seems to work, but for the big things in life, I am doomed without You. All these I ask in the confidence of Christ’s name; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
"Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”
Isaiah 45:22

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
1 Peter 1:15-16

which he will display at the proper time--he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
1 Timothy 6:15-17

Stepping Stones: Look Up to Look Inside

Transformational Thought

As Christians, one of our goals must be to be fully utilized by God. To be fully utilized, we must be able to really understand who we are and why we do things we do every day. This understanding will equip us to avoid messing up God’s plans to use us in powerful ways that really fulfill our needs, wiring, and desires. You see, He is always trying to use us, setting up situations and people in our life for great things to happen, but instead of following that path, we choose a different course.

To really do some thorough and deep self-assessment, we have to allow God to show us the deep, hidden and faulty areas of our own character. Looking inward really requires lots courage. We are so quick to diagnose and judge others, what if we take that energy and time to examine ourselves.

It’s astounding how ignorant we are about who we truly are. We rarely recognize the distortions, laziness, envy, many weaknesses, and pride held within us. We must dump the idea that we understand ourselves just because we live our life…the only one who truly understands and knows us is God. He wants to show us who we are, equip, and ultimately transform us to become Christ-like by developing the Mind of Christ.

To look inwardly we need alone time with God. Then only through God’s lenses and using the perfect mirror that is The Holy Bible, can we see our misguided desires and affections. These lead to all those false idols and substitute fixes that keep us from Him. This is how we change our foundation from sand to solid rock, allowing us to become a strong, solid Lighthouse shining God’s glory.

Take some time to ask yourself, “what outranked God?…what was more important to me than pleasing God? Another way to think about it, “What fleshly desire or fear was more weighty in my decisions today than keeping the Holy Spirit on the throne of my life?”

Today, examine an area of temptation or a wrong decision you made recently. Really doing some heart diagnostics can be painful, but courageously being honest with yourself will open the door to reaping the fruit of the spirit and growing the mind of Christ. As usual, it really is your decision about how honest you will be and how much you will use God in the examination process. So choose well. WITHIN REACH was designed for this very process.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I am so thankful that You are God with us – constantly and eternally. This fact alone is sufficient to fill my days and nights with joy…thank You, my Lord. Sadly though, my mind slips out of focus and I begin looking outwardly at the broken world around me. I know by Your Word that I learn and grow in You best when I am alone with You. I desire this time alone with You, Lord; please help me push away all the distractions that keep me from being alone with You. When we are alone, I ask that You give me the courage to look deeply inside myself; let me be honest with myself so that I may be honest and open with You. Give me your lenses to see my core accurately. I pray to You in the name of the one who gives me courage; Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
…when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
Mark 4:34

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Psalm 139:23-24

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:22-23

Stepping Stones: “Future Gazing” on Your Personal Red Carpet

Transformational Thought

Imagine seeing a beautiful red carpet being unrolled in front of an honored person as she excitedly walks forward with pride and jubilant expectation. An extravagant hairdo, head held high, all made up, and in her fanciest dress. The red carpet is her defined, honored, special, unique, and precious path … only for her ... to honor her ... and it’s designed for her maximum benefit and enjoyment.

Don’t we all want to walk our own personal red carpet? We do and we are. You see, your future is safely in the hands of your Lord and He has a path … a plan … your own personal red carpet specifically and specially designed for YOU. Sounds awesome, but there is one catch … even though you get to see the end point, you don’t get to see more than just one step ahead as He reveals it, your life, moment by moment.

Our natural me-centered tendency is to look farther ahead, anticipating and wishing for future moments, neglecting the special “now” moments He designed especially for us. Unrealistic expectations lead to letdowns, worries, hurts, confusion, frustration, and impatience. They clutter the red carpet path. Instead, we should be able to rest in God’s customized and loving path, the carpet designed perfectly for us, allowing us to enjoy each moment to its fullest.

God’s wonder and joy are only accessible in the present moment. Instead of gazing into the unknown future, live each moment in the joyful awareness of His presence. Enjoying the now acknowledges that God doesn’t make mistakes, really loves you, and meets your every need. Attaining this freedom isn’t easy, because our minds often wander to “Future Gazing” at will.

Today, when you find yourself engaging in “Future Gazing,” remind yourself that you are truly roaming in a fantasy land that is filled with potholes of self-destruction not self-preservation. This will help you return to the present where you will find Him waiting for you … rolling out your honored red carpet, designed specifically and especially for you.

Prayer
Dear Lord and Savior, What a comforting thought, knowing that You are unfolding my life to me exactly as You planned it. Teach me, Lord, how to spend more time in the present with You. I know that You hold my future far ahead of me and that when I “Future Gaze”, all I am really doing is exercising my imagination. It is impossible for me to know and anticipate what my future on Earth will hold for me. Help me walk forward on Your red carpet, never setting foot on anything but the present. I step forward today with confidence. I pray this in the name the One who died for the perfect ending point of my red carpet, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!

The Truth
For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?
Ecclesiastes 8:7

Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike? Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship! They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble. Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,'
Isaiah 46:3-10

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8

Stepping Stones: What Is Your Return On Investment?

Transformational Thought

Few things give me goosebumps like when my kids are involved in plays, recitals, or sports, and I see all their effort pay off in that amazing performance. With 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. How is this possible?

The answer: They are instructed in the fundamentals of the task, then practice them over and over, in safe, nonthreatening situations, till the task becomes second nature. Then, after all those investments…of 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.

Practice trusting in Your Lord during the quiet days. In the mundane, everyday situations, see God at work, trust in His character and promises, see how He is meeting your needs and caring for you, and communicate with Him regularly. Remember, communication is praying and 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.

Today, try making a deposit in His treasury. Praying, listening to God, looking for Him in your daily activities, spending time in His instruction manual, thanking Him for what you have, or describing His character and how those attributes affect 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 to be able to draw against it stormy days. He will keep safely in His heart all investments in Him…with interest compounded continuously. The more you trust in God, the more He will enable you to do so, and the easier it will be to trust Him during the storms.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I know that the only safe investment is in You. I have tried saving money for 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. I pray with trust and confidence through my savior Jesus Christ, and all God’s people said – 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

Stepping Stones: The Ultimate Alchemist

Transformational Thought

My little granny is coming up on 90 years old in January. Good thing she doesn’t get the Internet or she would be so angry with me telling people her age. She still gets to the Russian Orthodox Church, twice a month, to crank out 6000 perogies with her gnarled hands.

You see, my granny is the dough master, the most physically grueling task when making perogies, and she keeps waiting for some young buck to learn her secret before she dies. Perogies, deep-fried, are my favorite food, but perogies are a classic example of the final product being way better than the sum of the ingredients, because of the talent of the cook.

Alchemy is an ancient practice of combining common, cheap substances and transforming them into something of value. One who practices Alchemy is called an Alchemist. So many of us suffer from the belief that we have nothing of value to share with others…or with our God. We feel we are a waste.

Nothing is wasted when it is shared with Your Lord. He can bring beauty out of the ashes of broken or lost dreams. He can glean joy out of sorrow…peace out of adversity. Your God delights in transforming His Children.

Today, bring your sorrow, sadness and brokenness to God. Release them into his care and keeping. He will not only heal your brokenness…He will give you a new dream – one that is in perfect harmony with His plans for you. To do this, give up one of your needs and instead, turn to depend on His promises. As you begin to work with Him to bring this fresh new dream to reality, you will find yourself becoming more and more content and increasingly aware of His beautiful presence.

Only your best friend and the King of Kings could accomplish this Divine Alchemy.

Prayer
Dear Father, I am so blessed to call you my friend. I pray to You, Father, that You help me share more and more of my life with You. I believe You and only You can bring beauty out of my lost dreams…out of my sorrow. I confess, Father, that as I try and bring my junk to you for transformation – I get stuck in my self-pity; my brokenness and my struggles. Help me bring all these things to You so that You place on me a crown of beauty instead of ashes. I know You are the Divine Alchemist. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One who needed no alchemy to shine His glory, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!


The Truth
He has sent me to bind the brokenhearted…and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:2-3

Jesus looked at them and said; “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26

Stepping Stones: Do You Recognize The Darkness?

Transformational Thought

What is darkness? We all have really bright and shiny days when everything goes great and we feel on top of the world. But darker days, those are a lot tougher to describe and identify. You might be thinking, “what is he talking about, I know the dark days and can identify them pretty easily.”

Dark days can also be days that are “neutral” days. Nothing great, nothing earth-shattering, nothing memorable. Those are the days that Satan starts to play with our head, getting us to think or believe we are nothing special, that God doesn’t really love us, that God inst interested in our wellbeing, that God is really just witting up there with a scorecard, keeping track of out mistakes.

Why do we fall for Satan’s tricks? Because, at our core, we are insecure, feel inadequate, and have a consistent and constant need for approval and to be important to someone. Noticed. To be making our mark on each day.

Growing in God’s grace is all about trusting Him above all else, particularly in the darkness, whether it is a for-all-the-marbles darkness, or those neutral days that set us up on the slippery slope for a big darkness. When you are in the dark, reach for His hand with confidence. Turn to Him. Resist the hollow earthly solutions and addictions. Reaching for His hand in the dark is a display of magnificent trust and greatly weakens the spiritual forces of evil, the very forces that have tricked you to pursue the darkness as a solution.

When your world is dark and you trust God, His light will shine brightly through you for all to see…for His light shines brightest in the darkness.

Today, if you are in the dark and feel on the brink of giving up, cry out for His assistance and pray: “Help me Holy Spirit.” Really look for the hand that is reaching out for you….it is there. This brief prayer is a beautiful display of trust and a simple way to tap into His vast power. Learn to recognize the lies that take you from a neutral day to a dark day.

Prayer
Dear Father, I am completely in the dark today – scared, disoriented – don’t know which way to turn. Help me, God, help me, Holy Spirit. You have designed me to seek light…I crave all kind of light; sunlight, even artificial light…but especially the light of Your holy presence. I want to walk in Your light, Father. It is easy for me to trust You when there is plenty of light in my world. But trusting You in my darkness is another matter. But I am desperate, Lord, I am reaching for You in the dark. I know, Lord, that Your light shines brightest in the dark. I pray that even in times when I cannot see the illumination of Your light, that Your light shining through me is visible to those around me. I pray in need through Your Son Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin
1 John 1:7

Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
Psalm 139:10

Stepping Stones: What If You Could Change the Past?

Transformational Tip

I was a Star Trek maniac as a kid and still am as an adult. Just the original though, you know, with Kirk and Spock. To me, they were the dynamic duo of the universe. Every episode they would take on all challenges and enemies from around the multiverse as well as from within themselves. And Kirk and Spock would beat them in less than 60 minutes, every time!

I especially loved the episodes where they went back in time and did something (usually something good) that would then significantly affect the future…which was Spock and Kirk’s present. The ripples into the their present usually really messed up their lives and often threw everything off balance, wrecking the whole world. Then they had to figure out how to go back in the past, undo what they thought the good deed they did, and make everything right again so their present and future would be OK.

From our own selfish desires, our limited knowledge, and our continuing need to feel good now, we often fall into the same trap as Kirk and Spock. Spending lots of time thinking about what we could change about our past so our lives would be better now. Forget what is behind you and focus on what you need to do now.

God has forgiven you as you receive Christ’s death for your mistakes and sins. Take your personal stepping-stones, one at a time, toward the prize that has already been won for you. Remember that even in this imperfect world, any progress in moving toward a Christ-like life is awesome progress to God.

Today, when a derogatory thought, generated by your past, comes to your mind, grab the remote control for your brain and switch to the channel broadcasting Jesus’ victory over sin and death, and the freedom His resurrection brings you now and in the future. Do you know where the remote control for your brain is? Your remote is your decision-making skills, and that is why we focus so much on the spiritual discipline of decision-making.

Prayer
Dear God, my Father, Trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves me drained and discouraged. I feel that I am so far from being a perfect Christian that I will never be able to please You with my life. During these times when I feel discouraged, I am so thankful for Your message to me through Paul as he spoke to the Philippians. Help me today, Lord, to remember that You paid the price for my sinfulness, and remind me to forget what is behind me and to focus on grabbing the prize that’s within reach 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 amazing progress. Help me today, my God, to act on the guidance that you have already given me through the Holy Spirit. In the name of the one with the perfect brain, Jesus’ victorious name, I pray; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14

The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.
Proverbs 15:24

Stepping Stones: God’s Wakeup Call: Answer or Hit Snooze?

Transformational Thought

We love our children, as nothing in this world is more precious. As a parent, I really get excited when my kids really pursue me. Especially when they pursue me when they don’t need anything, they just love me and want to hang out with me. What they sometimes don’t realize, I have been pursuing them all along whether they liked it or not, whether they wanted me or not, even before they were born! If you are a parent, you know exactly what I mean.

When you set out to know our God more intimately, He rejoices, but He is not surprised. If you are waking up and starting to pursue Him harder, it’s because He has been pursuing you and you are finally realizing your need to acknowledge that call and respond.

While this longing burns brightly in your heart, remember it originated in Him. Know that God has been pursuing you long before your quest began. If you think it is only your spiritual discipline that keeps you close to God, you are at risk. If you are depending solely on your own efforts to stay close to God, you will for sure find times where you are distant from Him. But if you put His love and pursuit of you as the first step, then His love for you will be always be pursuing and forever assuring.

Today, thank your Lord for awakening in your heart the strong desire for Him, even before you were born He loved, planned, and pursued you. Take 2 separate breaks today and search your heart, looking for what God is asking you to loosen your grip on, so you can grab the hand He extends to you. The weight on your shoulders will actually lighten. It’s your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for awakening me and placing in my heart this strong desire for You. Before I realized your consistent effort to wake me up, I tried to find life in so many different places. I tried so hard to fill the void – and many times I filled it in sinful ways. Forgive me, Lord. I realize now that I have thirsted for You as far back in time as I can remember. I know now that my desire for a closer walk with You grew out of all the work You have done in me. I know You have initiated this longing I have for You…and I know my response now pleases You. Help me, Lord, set aside time and use the remote control for my mind each day to engage with You, my living God. In Jesus’ ultimate awakening; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
My soul thirst for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Psalm 42:2

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

Stepping Stones: Do You Avoid God’s Will Because It Hurts?

Transformational Thought

I was in a situation recently where as a close friend revealed some information to me that was quite surprising. After absorbing it, I knew what God wanted me to do. But the Godly response from me was uncomfortable for me to deliver, and I know it was going to be really uncomfortable for my friend to hear. Actually, I was, and still am concerned, that if I said what I know God put on my heart to say, the friendship might end. Wwll I said it, and I know we are both better because I said it. Have you ever been in that kind of situation?

This incident pushed me to examine myself, and I had to admit that at times, I actually fear the will of God. I have a fear that totally aligning my life with the will of God will actually cause me pain. And then I realized my mistake; my fear response was an emotional response. Emotions are great warning signs of potential trouble or danger, but God never intended our emotions o be our decision-making system.

One of Satan's greatest lies is getting us to believe God's way is costly and Satan's way or our fleshly way is on sale, cheaper, less costly than God’s way. Satan's ways will always and immediately result in spiritual, psychological, and physiological (actual brain and heart) damage as well as having longer term damage in these 3 spheres of spirit, mind, and body.

The Word of God continually calls us to transcend living...to go beyond what is natural to what is supernatural. God's will is so much deeper than our understanding. And though His will may entail sacrifice and pain, remember that His will not only does what is good for us...it does what is best for us. Following God's will He will accomplish what is best for you.

Today, practice submission to authority. Stop at every stop sign, don't go over the speed limit, pass up that cookie or extra serving, go to bed at the right time, don't look at the cleavage, hold your tongue, look to serve your spouse, and write a thank you letter to the King of the Universe who is giving you and your life special attention, guidance, and instruction. Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in Him. Live by faith...not by sight.

Prayer
Dear Father, I confess, Father, that while I pray for Your Will to be done, I am often afraid at what this will actually entail. I know that at times Your Will includes pain. When I am hurting; physically, emotionally, spiritually – I search for ways to relieve or escape my pain. The escape becomes my focus as I obsess about how I will solve my problems. I pray to You, Father, to help me really believe that Your way is perfect. I pray in the name of the One who always followed Your will, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
As for God, his way is perfect…He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.
2 Samuel 22:31

We live by faith, not by sight
2 Corinthians 5:7

Stepping Stones: Do You Really Have Determined Purpose?

Transformational Thought

In Philippians 1:20 Paul seems to be saying; “My determined purpose is to be my best for His glory.…whether by life or death”, Paul was determined to let nothing stand in his way from doing exactly what God wanted.

What will it take to for you to choose to follow God’s will? We all start off our days with the idea, resolve, and attitude that we will do the right thing. Regardless of the temptations, we will make the right decision. But somewhere during the day, we get sidetracked, our determination gets undermined. Our choices become faulty. We stray from following God’s will.

I believe that many times a crisis must develop in our lives before we make the decision to have determined purpose to follow God’s will. This is often how He gets our attention to help us focus on Him more acutely. This happens because we are so unresponsive to God’s gentle nudges. Once we arrive at that place where He asks us to be the best for His glory, the debate within us begins. And when the crisis hits we must decide…for or against? For there is no middle ground. That moment, the moment of deciding for or against, is the greatest crossroads we face in our daily battles.

Today, when adversity comes into your life…on any front…surrender your will to God and you will find peace and freedom. This happens by asking, “what need of mine is out-trumping or competing with God’s instruction, will, promises, or character?” Then make a willful decision to follow His will and put yours on hold. This glorifies Him, and is the actually the best for you as you will actually renew your mind spiritually, psychologically, and even physiologically when you make a Godly decision. Believe it or not, your brain chemistry actually gets stronger.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I pray to You that Your Holy Spirit reveal Your message to me in a way that I understand and can live out daily. I feel very much ashamed that I have not yielded those areas of my life that You have asked me to. I want to live a life so that in no way I am ashamed. Help me, Lord, shut out everything that keeps me from doing my very best for Your glory. I actually find my limitations liberating when my strongest desire is to do my best for Your glory. Thank You, Lord, for the freedom this provides, for Your word tells me that where Your Spirit is, there is freedom. In Christ’s determined name; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Philippians 1:20

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
Peter 3:18