December 22, 2011
Transformational Thought
Our family was blessed with a new baby girl this year. As her grandmother, I began to dream (as we all do) about her life and the wonderful possibilities that would be available to her as she grows up through the different stages of life. Wow, I realized, she was born to live!
Then it made me think of the One whose purpose in life was being born to die! But as Eternal God, He could not die. So on that first Christmas over 2,000 years ago, He became the unique God-man when He entered human history as a babe in a manger. He knew when he left the splendors of Heaven to come down to earth, becoming once and forever a member of the human race, that He was born to die! Our Heavenly Father gives us a glimpse of that truth through Jesus’ physical birth in that humble stable in Bethlehem. This powerful reality was made so evident through the simple “swaddling clothes” in which He was wrapped - clothes set apart for burial of the dead!
The overwhelming truth of this is that He was willing to die. He was not forced or coerced. Scripture tells us that …”who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man.” (Philippians 2:6-7)
It’s Christmas again, and for me that means Jesus, simply Jesus! And despite man’s attempt to distort and destroy it in ever way possible, the old, old story has never changed. The simple truth is that man was lost in sin, separated from God, without hope … without eternal life, and then JESUS CAME! Imagine that! Into this troubled world came an event that changed everything! God entered human history. God became a man!
Jesus left heaven for one reason, to die on a cross at Calvary to reconcile to God everyone who would believe in Him. The sinless, spotless Lamb of God gave Himself so that we might have eternal life. Born to die! What love! What sacrifice! Darkness pierced with light! Never has there been a greater need for the Savior of the world! In this dark hour of history, Jesus shines more brightly than ever as the “Light of the World!” It was in the “fullness of time” that He came and when the time is right He will fulfill His promise to return and take us home. That is the Christmas message! That is our assured hope!
Today, think of your destiny. What would you die for? Would you have chosen to be born if your knew your main role was to die a violent, premature death? For the Christian, everyday is Christmas! But in this season that we set apart to commemorate the unique event of the Incarnation of our Lord, Satan will use everything he can to take our eyes off of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas … that He was BORN TO DIE! FOR YOU! May you make your Christmas one that will fill your heart with this truth. Your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I can never begin to thank You enough for sending our Lord Jesus to die for my sins and every sin ever committed in the human race. Thank You for His willingness to fulfill Your plan to reconcile man back to You. I can never begin to understand such love. I am humbled and overwhelmed when I think that Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, left Heaven to identify himself with the filth of this world of sin. Oh Father, purify my life so that I may be obedient to You, live the life that is pleasing to You, and bring honor and glory to Him. I pray this in the name of the One who was born to die, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Showing posts with label Death. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Death. Show all posts
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Monday, September 14, 2009
Stepping Stones: Missed the Mark
Transformational Tip
About three years ago I lost my brother Allen to cancer. Long before his illness Allen worked daily to achieve the mind of Christ. Directly following his diagnosis a massive prayer effort developed. A daily prayer with relevant scripture was sent via email to thousands…this internet prayer movement was the forerunner to the current Stepping Stones Daily devotional.
When a loved one falls gravely ill, it’s a natural response to pray for their healing…at times I almost demanded his healing from God, citing scripture about Jesus the healer…about ask and you shall receive. For the entire 22 months he battled this awful disease, Allen and his family believed he would be healed. We were pounding prayers to heaven requesting Allen’s healing.
I know we missed the mark with our prayers for Allen.
How presumptuous we were. We actually believed we could change God’s mind/plan for Allen. I believe now, based on my learning, growth, and the perspective of other Christians, we should have been praying to align ourselves with the will of God. To pray for God’s wisdom and peace for Allen and his family…and for ourselves. To pray that we lessen our grip on Allen and strengthen our grip on our Lord…to release Allen into God’s care and keeping.
While Allen agonized over leaving his wife and 5 children here on earth, in the end Allen was excited about meeting his Lord and God…if not ready, he certainly was as prepared as anyone could be to meet his Father, the Creator.
The prayer movement took on a life of it’s own. Bringing prayer and the Word of God to so many who had never prayed, truly changed lives. People actually came to accept Christ as a result of the daily prayers. Allen would love to read the responses that came in from the prayer group. Allen said before he died; “If somehow my illness delivers even one soul to God…it’s all worth it. And it was. Click here to share with us your experience or struggles in praying for someone who is/was seriously ill or injured.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I pray today for all the sick and injured loved ones and friends of this Stepping Stones prayer community. I pray that you infuse the sick with Your Holy Spirit to give them hope and strength. I pray Father that they seek to understand and align their thoughts and prayers with Your Will and Your timing…for Your timing is perfect Father. I pray that You will reveal to those suffering, as well as their caregivers, the meaning and purpose of these trials. I pray Father that You guide the minds and hands of all the medical professionals so that they do Your work as they apply their skills to the sick and injured. Help those who are terminally ill to understand that Your healing for them may in fact be delivered on the other side of this temporal life. Help them and all of us believe in You so that we will see Your glory. I pray this in the name of our healing savior Jesus Christ, and all God’s people said, – AMEN!
The Truth
Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
John 11:40
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
About three years ago I lost my brother Allen to cancer. Long before his illness Allen worked daily to achieve the mind of Christ. Directly following his diagnosis a massive prayer effort developed. A daily prayer with relevant scripture was sent via email to thousands…this internet prayer movement was the forerunner to the current Stepping Stones Daily devotional.
When a loved one falls gravely ill, it’s a natural response to pray for their healing…at times I almost demanded his healing from God, citing scripture about Jesus the healer…about ask and you shall receive. For the entire 22 months he battled this awful disease, Allen and his family believed he would be healed. We were pounding prayers to heaven requesting Allen’s healing.
I know we missed the mark with our prayers for Allen.
How presumptuous we were. We actually believed we could change God’s mind/plan for Allen. I believe now, based on my learning, growth, and the perspective of other Christians, we should have been praying to align ourselves with the will of God. To pray for God’s wisdom and peace for Allen and his family…and for ourselves. To pray that we lessen our grip on Allen and strengthen our grip on our Lord…to release Allen into God’s care and keeping.
While Allen agonized over leaving his wife and 5 children here on earth, in the end Allen was excited about meeting his Lord and God…if not ready, he certainly was as prepared as anyone could be to meet his Father, the Creator.
The prayer movement took on a life of it’s own. Bringing prayer and the Word of God to so many who had never prayed, truly changed lives. People actually came to accept Christ as a result of the daily prayers. Allen would love to read the responses that came in from the prayer group. Allen said before he died; “If somehow my illness delivers even one soul to God…it’s all worth it. And it was. Click here to share with us your experience or struggles in praying for someone who is/was seriously ill or injured.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I pray today for all the sick and injured loved ones and friends of this Stepping Stones prayer community. I pray that you infuse the sick with Your Holy Spirit to give them hope and strength. I pray Father that they seek to understand and align their thoughts and prayers with Your Will and Your timing…for Your timing is perfect Father. I pray that You will reveal to those suffering, as well as their caregivers, the meaning and purpose of these trials. I pray Father that You guide the minds and hands of all the medical professionals so that they do Your work as they apply their skills to the sick and injured. Help those who are terminally ill to understand that Your healing for them may in fact be delivered on the other side of this temporal life. Help them and all of us believe in You so that we will see Your glory. I pray this in the name of our healing savior Jesus Christ, and all God’s people said, – AMEN!
The Truth
Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
John 11:40
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
Friday, August 21, 2009
Stepping Stones: Eternity 101
Transformational Tip
A few years ago I lost my brother and best friend to cancer. Thankfully he had dedicated his life to following Christ years before his illness. Just before his death he looked at me as if he were looking right into my soul and asked me a very simple question: Have you ever really thought about eternity? I've been thinking about it ever since.
Many times we will hear Christians talk about life on earth compared to eternity; they would say "A blink of an eye." While our time on earth is certainly short and fast compared to eternity, how we spend that time determines how we will spend our eternity. Yes, our time on earth is very important and is our introduction into eternity.
When we don't know Jesus, we make choices as if this life is all we have. In reality, this life is just the introduction to eternity. And how we live this brief span will actually determine our eternal state. What we accumulate in this life (material things) has no value in purchasing eternal life.
Today, begin viewing all that happens from an eternal perspective, you will find both your values and your decisions changing. If you aren't a believer in Jesus as your Savior, you got a life altering decision to make that affects where you spend eternity. If you do believe in Christ, you will be in heaven for eternity...awesome. But is how your living helping others realize the ultimate eternity determining decision they need to make. Sure, you might be a good person, but are your daily activities just making this earthly life more comfortable for you....or are you out there, in action and word, sharing the good news with others to affect eternal things. This is what we are called to do, and God has put people in your life, today, to build deeper relationship, ask them more personal questions, and today or soon, help them know their eternal options rest in Jesus. Be a Lighthouse to others.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I come to You to praise You and give You glory. I come to You confessing that I do not have the eternal perspective that I want to have...should have. I thank you for my salvation and those who spoke to me about eternal things. I know Your Holy Spirit changes hearts and opens eyes, but I know You want to use me and I have a role to play in securing eternity in Your presence for others. Lord please help me let go of all those things I cling to in this temporal world. As I release my grasp on those "things", it frees my hand to reach out and take hold of Your hand as You guide me to help others understand the eternal home You have promised me and all believers. I pray Father that as I experience suffering and as I experience the storms of this temporal world, that You help me shift my focus to eternity...my ultimate destination. I pray this in the name of my savior, Jesus Christ - AMEN!
The Truth
What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matthew 16:26
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:15-16
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light."
Luke 11:34-36
A few years ago I lost my brother and best friend to cancer. Thankfully he had dedicated his life to following Christ years before his illness. Just before his death he looked at me as if he were looking right into my soul and asked me a very simple question: Have you ever really thought about eternity? I've been thinking about it ever since.
Many times we will hear Christians talk about life on earth compared to eternity; they would say "A blink of an eye." While our time on earth is certainly short and fast compared to eternity, how we spend that time determines how we will spend our eternity. Yes, our time on earth is very important and is our introduction into eternity.
When we don't know Jesus, we make choices as if this life is all we have. In reality, this life is just the introduction to eternity. And how we live this brief span will actually determine our eternal state. What we accumulate in this life (material things) has no value in purchasing eternal life.
Today, begin viewing all that happens from an eternal perspective, you will find both your values and your decisions changing. If you aren't a believer in Jesus as your Savior, you got a life altering decision to make that affects where you spend eternity. If you do believe in Christ, you will be in heaven for eternity...awesome. But is how your living helping others realize the ultimate eternity determining decision they need to make. Sure, you might be a good person, but are your daily activities just making this earthly life more comfortable for you....or are you out there, in action and word, sharing the good news with others to affect eternal things. This is what we are called to do, and God has put people in your life, today, to build deeper relationship, ask them more personal questions, and today or soon, help them know their eternal options rest in Jesus. Be a Lighthouse to others.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
I come to You to praise You and give You glory. I come to You confessing that I do not have the eternal perspective that I want to have...should have. I thank you for my salvation and those who spoke to me about eternal things. I know Your Holy Spirit changes hearts and opens eyes, but I know You want to use me and I have a role to play in securing eternity in Your presence for others. Lord please help me let go of all those things I cling to in this temporal world. As I release my grasp on those "things", it frees my hand to reach out and take hold of Your hand as You guide me to help others understand the eternal home You have promised me and all believers. I pray Father that as I experience suffering and as I experience the storms of this temporal world, that You help me shift my focus to eternity...my ultimate destination. I pray this in the name of my savior, Jesus Christ - AMEN!
The Truth
What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Matthew 16:26
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:15-16
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light."
Luke 11:34-36
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Stepping Stones: Can You Be A Bible?
Transformational Tip
Today is a sad day. A dear person died this past week and I am speaking at the funeral. I've known this person for about 18 months. She is only 24 years old and she recently put her faith in Christ. She was to be baptized tomorrow to proclaim her faith publicly, but instead got the ultimate baptism straight to Jesus' and God's eternal presence.
Even though God's purpose for taking her so young, as she had so much to offer, is a mystery, I do know all her suffering (and she was suffering) is now incredibly healed. She can truly rejoice! I also know that God wants us to go out to proclaim His Gospel and Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for our sin. We have to spread this good news to all, because we don't know the future for those to whom we preach. I am happy I discussed the gospel with her when I did, because I had no idea her death would come so suddenly.
We are all called to be disciples. When Jesus gave the Great Commission to the 12 disciples as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 he was also speaking to each of us. Of course we are not all evangelists...but once we have "believed and received" Christ, we all receive special gifts, allowing us to do our part to fulfill the Great Commission. Whether you go across the street or to another country, go spread the good news. It's not an option; it is a command for all of us who call Jesus our Lord.
Today, identify several people God has brought into your life so that you could share His good news. Also, prepare yourself for people God will, in the next couple days, bring into your life. If you are looking for a way to take that sometimes difficult first step of overt discussion of God and Jesus, a simple and easy way to begin would be to send the Stepping Stones Devotional to someone who you would want to hear the word of God on a daily basis. Tell them that Stepping Stones is a beneficial message that helps you move closer to the person you want to be and might help them as well and you are interested in their thoughts about it. Encourage them to subscribe and to read the link on Spiritual Basics, especially the one on Salvation. Follow up with them to see what your next role of assistance to them can be.
Remember today as you come in contact with others that you may be the only Bible those folks will ever read. Can you be a Bible?
Prayer
Dear Father God,
As I go forth today, help me further Your Kingdom even in ways that I don't know or understand. I'm not a preacher or a minister, but I do want to help spread Your Holy Word. Dear Lord, use me as Your disciple; fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may have the strength and the words to witness for You. I pray, Father, that You let Your light shine brightly through me. Help me be a beautiful example of Your love. Let Your light shine through me so that I may be a Lighthouse for those who need light while in the midst of a storm. Help move me, whether it be across the street or across the globe, to exactly where I need to be to serve You. In the saving name of Jesus - AMEN!
The Truth
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:7-8
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20
Today is a sad day. A dear person died this past week and I am speaking at the funeral. I've known this person for about 18 months. She is only 24 years old and she recently put her faith in Christ. She was to be baptized tomorrow to proclaim her faith publicly, but instead got the ultimate baptism straight to Jesus' and God's eternal presence.
Even though God's purpose for taking her so young, as she had so much to offer, is a mystery, I do know all her suffering (and she was suffering) is now incredibly healed. She can truly rejoice! I also know that God wants us to go out to proclaim His Gospel and Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for our sin. We have to spread this good news to all, because we don't know the future for those to whom we preach. I am happy I discussed the gospel with her when I did, because I had no idea her death would come so suddenly.
We are all called to be disciples. When Jesus gave the Great Commission to the 12 disciples as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 he was also speaking to each of us. Of course we are not all evangelists...but once we have "believed and received" Christ, we all receive special gifts, allowing us to do our part to fulfill the Great Commission. Whether you go across the street or to another country, go spread the good news. It's not an option; it is a command for all of us who call Jesus our Lord.
Today, identify several people God has brought into your life so that you could share His good news. Also, prepare yourself for people God will, in the next couple days, bring into your life. If you are looking for a way to take that sometimes difficult first step of overt discussion of God and Jesus, a simple and easy way to begin would be to send the Stepping Stones Devotional to someone who you would want to hear the word of God on a daily basis. Tell them that Stepping Stones is a beneficial message that helps you move closer to the person you want to be and might help them as well and you are interested in their thoughts about it. Encourage them to subscribe and to read the link on Spiritual Basics, especially the one on Salvation. Follow up with them to see what your next role of assistance to them can be.
Remember today as you come in contact with others that you may be the only Bible those folks will ever read. Can you be a Bible?
Prayer
Dear Father God,
As I go forth today, help me further Your Kingdom even in ways that I don't know or understand. I'm not a preacher or a minister, but I do want to help spread Your Holy Word. Dear Lord, use me as Your disciple; fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may have the strength and the words to witness for You. I pray, Father, that You let Your light shine brightly through me. Help me be a beautiful example of Your love. Let Your light shine through me so that I may be a Lighthouse for those who need light while in the midst of a storm. Help move me, whether it be across the street or across the globe, to exactly where I need to be to serve You. In the saving name of Jesus - AMEN!
The Truth
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:7-8
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:19-20
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Stepping Stones: Are You Going To Heaven?
Transformational Tip
A good friend just died a few days ago. She knew she was going to heaven because of what the Bible promises. Can you say for certain that when you die you will go to Heaven? A lot of people have the misconception that being "good" and believing there is a God is enough. Being good? Who is without sin? The Bible says no one. Believing that God exists will not get you to Heaven either. Even Satan is certain there is a God. You must be born again. There is a certain man in the Bible (Nicodemus) who loves the Lord and is confused by God's Words so he asks "How can I be born again when I am already born of my mother?" The answer is you must be born in Spirit also. Jesus is the only bridge that will get us to The Father. You must admit you are a sinner. The bible says even a bad thought is sin. You must ask forgiveness and have a personal relationship with the Lord. You can't earn it, you can't buy it and you will never be good enough to get to Heaven on your own. So it is up to each of us to choose. Heaven or hell? (For more, see the Spiritual Basics link below then click "Salvation" at the top of the next page.)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my prayer is for my family, my friends, people I have yet to meet and even my enemy's to all go to Heaven one day. I feel a quickening in my heart to pray salvation for everyone. As Your Word says, You are not a respecter of persons. I want and pray that whoever is reading this knows God is especially fond of you. I know in my heart it is true. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross so that we may have the choice of Heaven or hell. God bless You Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen...
The Truth
The son of man came to find lost people and save them.
Luke 19: 10
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3: 16
A good friend just died a few days ago. She knew she was going to heaven because of what the Bible promises. Can you say for certain that when you die you will go to Heaven? A lot of people have the misconception that being "good" and believing there is a God is enough. Being good? Who is without sin? The Bible says no one. Believing that God exists will not get you to Heaven either. Even Satan is certain there is a God. You must be born again. There is a certain man in the Bible (Nicodemus) who loves the Lord and is confused by God's Words so he asks "How can I be born again when I am already born of my mother?" The answer is you must be born in Spirit also. Jesus is the only bridge that will get us to The Father. You must admit you are a sinner. The bible says even a bad thought is sin. You must ask forgiveness and have a personal relationship with the Lord. You can't earn it, you can't buy it and you will never be good enough to get to Heaven on your own. So it is up to each of us to choose. Heaven or hell? (For more, see the Spiritual Basics link below then click "Salvation" at the top of the next page.)
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my prayer is for my family, my friends, people I have yet to meet and even my enemy's to all go to Heaven one day. I feel a quickening in my heart to pray salvation for everyone. As Your Word says, You are not a respecter of persons. I want and pray that whoever is reading this knows God is especially fond of you. I know in my heart it is true. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross so that we may have the choice of Heaven or hell. God bless You Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen...
The Truth
The son of man came to find lost people and save them.
Luke 19: 10
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3: 16
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